President's Column
Hello Lakeland Family,
Convocation, what an important event. We’re celebrating our students and their accomplishments and saying goodbye at the same time. I’m so proud of all the Class of 2023 has accomplished and can’t wait to see what they do next. This year Lakeland College recognizes 938 graduates plus 161 apprenticeship graduates.
The Governor General’s Academic Medal was established in 1873 and is awarded to the student who graduates with the highest academic standing in a diploma-level post-secondary program. This medal is numbered and engraved with the Crest of the Royal Arms of Canada. The recipient will be registered with the Chancellery of Canadian Orders and Decoration at Rideau Hall, Ottawa. I would like to congratulate Dominic Skibba, graduate of Lakeland’s business administration diploma, accounting major, for receiving the Governor General’s Academic Medal for the highest-grade point average at the Lloydminster campus. Students receiving this award have demonstrated excellence in academic studies and leadership activities. The Vermilion medal will be awarded later this summer once student practicums have been completed.
The President’s Medal, the most prestigious award given by Lakeland College, is awarded to students who display excellence inside and outside the classroom. I would like to congratulate Lloydminster campus graduate Raisa Tabusalla, business administration, general business major, and Vermilion campus graduate Nathaniel Hak, environmental sciences diploma, wildlife and fisheries conservation major for receiving this award.
This year’s first Honorary Bachelor of Agriculture Technology degree was awarded to Judy Sweet. Over the years Judy has supported numerous agricultural initiatives at Lakeland College. It is with great respect that Lakeland College recognizes Judy Sweet of Drayton Valley, AB as 2023’s Distinguished Citizen.
The 2023 Distinguished Alumna recipient is Marilyn Young, whose contributions and accomplishments have been instrumental in building the Lloydminster community. It is with great honour that Lakeland College inducts Marilyn Young, business administration class of 1997, to the Alumni Wall of Distinction.
We are also celebrating student accomplishments such as third-year carpenter apprentice Tyler Bendfeld who brought home a GOLD medal after competing in Skills Canada. And kudo’s to our interior design students who won an Excellence in Education award, their eight award, in the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s Student Design Competition.
It was also nice to reconnect with old friends and share college memories and life events at Lakeland’s Alumni Weekend event held on June 9 - 11. Thank you to everyone that took time out of their busy schedules to organize or attend this very worthwhile celebration.
To our graduating students I say heartfelt congratulations and good luck in your future endeavors. Welcome to Lakeland College’s alumni family, class of 2023.
Until next time,
Alice
May 24, 2023
Hello everyone,
Some new and exciting projects are planned in the near the future and I want to share a brief update to keep everyone in the loop.
The Newcombe Bentley building officially opened in 1969 and has been the main home for human services, interior design technology and the Lakeland College daycare over the past 53 years. This building is in urgent need of modernization and was identified as a top capital priority in 2021. A business plan was developed and approved. Detailed project planning is now underway for renovations that will ensure appropriate space is developed for the current and future needs of students and staff.
The Master Farm Plan project has been ongoing over the last few weeks. It is an exciting process that has involved many of our teams providing their input into the vision and collaborating at various stages. We are grateful for the work, participation and feedback of so many. We have had the opportunity to share the identified vision and initial concepts for the farm plan with the Lakeland community. This master farm plan will carry Lakeland forward into the next 20-30 years. We will see that final plan within the next few months.
I would like to thank faculty and staff for another great year full of success stories. I am looking forward to the upcoming convocations to recognize the positive achievements of our students.
Until next time,
Alice
April 19, 2023
Hello everyone,
It’s been a busy academic year, and as this semester comes to an end many students take part in public presentations and student-led events. Participation is beneficial in significant ways. Students learn how to communicate in front of large groups, prepare materials and practice their speaking skills. This requires excellent organizational and time management skills and assists in building confidence. Student-hosted events also offer learning opportunities for industry and the general public.
- The bachelor of applied science: environmental management students culminated their eight-month practicum experience with capstone presentations on March 7. These presentations are the final step in fulfilling the program’s graduation requirements. Thirteen students provided information on a wide variety of topics on environmental management.
- The final presentations for animal health technology students were held on March 16 and these presentations illustrated activities in the student-led classes. Their work integrated learning covers everything from public relations and sales to clinic operations and cleanliness.
- The Student-Managed Farm – Powered by New Holland (SMF) crop unit’s final presentations took place on March 24. The team of 35 crops students faced some challenges this year, but overall, they persevered and were successful. The students were well-prepared and provided an amazing presentation.
- Forty-four commercial beef and equine animal science students held their RoundUp Sale on March 25 at Lakeland’s Equine Centre. Bison SMF and extensive grazing SMF students provided information booths. The event was very successful and helped students develop their skills and establish industry connections. The Angus bulls averaged $5000, purebred heifers averaged $4200, commercial heifers averaged $2300 and horses averaged $11,000.
- The bachelor of agriculture technology (BAgTech) students organized Farm 4.0 – The Future of Agriculture, held on April 13 at the Vermilion Regional Centre. Students organized a tradeshow, provided capstone presentations, tours of the farm, and hosted a panel discussion on the Pan Canadian Smart Farm. While this event was of benefit to both current and future students, it also highlighted Lakeland College and provided significant exposure to the BAgTech program. This event created potential opportunities for student practicum placements and for students to connect with industry with the hopes of future employment.
- Agribusiness students gave their year-end presentations on April 12, showcasing a business idea and how to make it operational.
- The animal science technology diploma students’ final presentations took place on April 14. Reports were provided by team members in the purebred beef, commercial beef, dairy, equine, bison and extensive grazing research SMF units. The presentations were well-received and provided excellent information.
You can watch the final presentations at our YouTube channel.
I would like to thank the dedicated faculty and staff for all the extra hours, time and energy needed to prepare our students for these real-world presentations and events. Thank you for your patience with the students’ learning processes and for your mentorship. The Board of Governors members that attended were very impressed by the quality and caliber of the presentations. Accolades to our Lakeland family for always being sensitive to industry, family and friends that visit these presentations. The Senior Leadership Team is proud and grateful for the time it takes educating students and helping them become successful leaders of the future.
Until next time,
Alice
March 22, 2023
Hello everyone,
Studies indicate when students feel a sense of belonging it may increase educational success, as well as psychological and social development. Clubs, athletics and student support services all play a part in the academic achievement of our students, both inside and outside the classroom.
Many of our students continue to receive awards as you can see by this list of accomplishments:
- Rustlers Women’s Volleyball team wins 2023 CCAA National Championship
- Rustlers Women’s Volleyball team wins ACAC Championship
- Rustlers Mixed Curling Team wins 2023 ACAC Championship
- Rustlers Futsal team wins 2023 ACAC Men’s Futsal Bronze Medal
- Rustlers Women’s Hockey team wins an ACAC Bronze Medal
- Jenay Varga was selected as the top female Volleyball player in the ACAC and one of the top twelve women’s volleyball players in College sport in Canada. She was also voted top player at the National Championships
- Alana Olson was selected as one of the top twelve women’s basketball players in College sport in Canada
- Hailey Carothers was selected as the top female hockey player in the ACAC
- Four student-athletes’ names will be submitted to be recognized as CCAA Academic All Canadians
- Once the second semester marks are finalized, we could have upwards of 40 student-athletes who will be recognized with ACAC Academic Athletic awards, and up to 30 who could be recognized as CCAA National Scholars.
Congratulations! These are all amazing achievements by our student-athletes.
Additionally, staff member Austin Dyer received the ACAC Women’s Volleyball Coach of the Year and was voted Top CCAA Women’s Volleyball Coach in Canada.
It’s not only student athletes winning awards.
- The student Judging Team excelled at their last two competitions and Lakeland College was awarded top collegiate team. Many of the students on the team also received awards.
- Thanks to the generosity of our donors, 1,105 students received $1.29 million in awards, bursaries, and scholarships for the 2022-23 academic year.
Public recognition of awards is also an excellent way to increase the college’s reputation and image. This academic year Lakeland College received the following:
- The Student-Managed Farm - Powered by New Holland (SMF) won the Vermilion and District Chamber of Commerce Agricultural Award
- Alum Jack Lewis was selected for the Agriculture Hall of Fame, a nomination supported by the college
- ASTech awards for SMF and Indigenous student support services
- Top 75 Employer of Alberta nomination and win
- Tribal Chiefs Employment and Training Services Association and IndigiConnect recognized Lakeland during its Partner Recognition and gala
- Board Chair, Adam Waterman and Brent Fischer, Public Board Member were awarded Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medals in recognition of their outstanding community service
- Excel magazine won another award in the fall from CASE
- Applied Research named as a Top 50 Research College in Canada
- Lakeland College was nominated for the Diversity Award at the Lloydminster Chamber awards
As you can see, staff and students alike continue to excel at Lakeland College. I am honoured to be part of this team and want to express my sincere gratitude for everyone’s incredible effort, hard work and dedication to support student success and for another exceptional academic year.
Until next time,
Alice
February 15, 2022
Hello everyone,
On behalf of Lakeland College faculty and staff, I would like to invite everyone to join me in celebrating Black History Month. February has been designated as a time to reflect on the importance of equity, diversity and inclusiveness, qualities that I support and encourage each and every day at Lakeland College. This is a time to celebrate our African Canadian heritage and to learn about the many achievements and contributions that Black Canadians have made to this country.
Lakeland College strives to cultivate an environment of belongingness, challenging discrimination and making students feel welcome. I trust that all students are provided a safe and inclusive learning environment, that includes student supports and encourages student success. These practices are strongly aligned with the Mission, Vision and Values of Lakeland College. Click here for more details on Black History Month events being held at Lakeland.
Lakeland College has been named by Mediacorp Canada Inc. as one of Alberta’s Top 75 Employers for the seventh year in a row. Many factors are considered by the selection committee, and these include physical workplace social and work atmosphere, health, financial and family benefits, vacation and time off, employee communications, performance management, training and skills development, and community involvement. Employers are compared to other organizations in their field to determine which offer the most progressive and forward-thinking programs. Lakeland has 313 full-time employees and the longest serving employee has been with the college for 44 years! This is indeed a milestone to be proud of.
Lakeland has also been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges in 2022, according to information compiled by Research Infosource Inc. Students work in conjunction with our applied research team studying 21 active projects. Our extensive land base and multiple facilities provide students with the tools to perform hands-on scientific study and research that solve practical everyday problems in the agriculture industry.
Lakeland’s programs and activities are focused on providing skills and knowledge that will prepare students for success and where lifelong learning is developed in a hands-on, experiential way. As you can see Lakeland is a great place to work and a great place to study!
Until next time,
Alice
January 25, 2023
Hello everyone,
Welcome to a new year and a new semester filled with optimism and opportunities.
One of our newest opportunities in 2023 is the addition of a bison herd to the Student-Managed Farm - Powered by New Holland. made possible due to a generous donation from Armin and Rita Mueller in 2020.
I am pleased to share that Lakeland College has been able to acquire enough land to provide a new home for Lakeland’s bison herd. Also, this land acquisition, along with the addition of the bison herd, will expand our agricultural sciences programming and provide students more hands-on learning opportunities.
Bison, or buffalo, were essential to survival of the plains Indigenous people and sustained every aspect of their life. As such, the buffalo is an important symbol in the act of Truth and Reconciliation because it symbolizes freedom and self-sufficiency. Bringing the bison home to Lakeland College encourages our students to learn and grow, to foster self-reliance, and to be good stewards to this land. Bringing the bison home will form a base for both ecosystem and culture. According to Elders, education is the new buffalo. Indigenous people, and all people, can find support in post-secondary institutions, like Lakeland College, that will help to ensure a more prosperous future for all, and that will encourage the ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.
I am proud to be a part of this historic occasion, and I would like to thank everyone that helped to make it happen.
Until next time,
Alice
December 14, 2022
Hello everyone,
As a new member of the Board of Directors of Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), I attended my first in-person meeting in Ottawa during the first week of December. There are only two in-person meetings each year and all others are held online.
For anyone who isn’t familiar with CICan, it is the national and international voice of Canada’s largest post-secondary education network. It advocates, builds capacity, and drives knowledge to strengthen Canada’s publicly supported colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, and polytechnics.
With more than 95 per cent of Canadians living within 50 km of a member institution, and thanks to its extensive reach around the globe, CICan works to future-proof communities in Canada and abroad. CICan is the institution’s voice to the government, looking for partnered funding opportunities and lobbying the government on how public institutions support social and economic development across the nation.
Prior to the board meeting, we met with staff from the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada. We were scheduled to meet with Minister Sean Fraser, but those plans did not work out. The purpose of this visit was to highlight the institution’s role in supporting Canada’s immigration plan with three keys messages:
- Canada needs talent and colleges are a vital partner in supporting the talent pipeline.
- The integrity of the International Student Program is essential to its continued success and the quality education that public education provides is key to that integrity.
- Colleges support labour market integration for newcomers and international students.
The board meeting was full of exciting activities and information, demonstrating that CICan is moving forward to advance Canada’s agenda of future-proofing the Canadian labour market. If you have time, please take a look at the website to see what CICan is doing for the post-secondary system across the nation.
CICan, in advance of Budget 2023, is recommending to the federal government the following:
- Accelerate business-led research and development by doubling the impact of the Tri-Council College and Community Innovation Program through a new $331 million investment over five years, with a permanent increase of $85 million per year, ongoing.
- Adopt the measures to address systemic labour shortages now and into the future, including investing $25 million over five years to develop career roadmaps for key industries, re-aligning federal training and learning programs to support employment transitions, and creating permanent residency streams for international students studying in programs that support identified labour needs.
- Accelerate the achievement of Canada’s net zero goals by creating a new Green Post-secondary Infrastructure Fund, with a minimum of $500 million a year over five years being dedicated to helping colleges achieve net zero emission campuses.
- Undertake an inventory of critical strategic skills infrastructure to ensure that Canada has the training space available to meet the needs of key economic sectors moving forward.
- Accelerate net zero initiatives in communities by investing $100M over five years in a new network of 50 College Sustainability Centres across Canada to leverage college assets, including campus infrastructure, industry, and community partnerships to meet Canada’s net zero goals.
- Commit to fully supporting Indigenous peoples’ right to post-secondary education by working with national Indigenous organizations, Indigenous institutes, colleges and universities to address ongoing barriers to access and success, and to integrate land-based learning and Indigenous ways of knowing in post-secondary programs.
- Increase support to developing countries to build capacity in their skills development systems, recognizing the critical role education and skills training play in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
We ended the week with CICan on the Hill featuring student-led initiatives involving applied research where students showcase their projects to government officials, moving innovation forward in Canada. Wow, there were many exciting projects that are firsts in the world! This was also a time to sit down with politicians to help them understand how post-secondary education supports Canada to move into the future; preparing the future workforce, listening to the needs of industry and responding, and looking to Canadians to help solve the bigger issues that keep our beautiful Canada sustainable.
It was busy but interesting time for me. What does this all mean for Lakeland? We have our Vision 2030 which focuses on the four goals that provide the contextual backdrop for planning:
- Learner Success
- Relevant programming and applied research
- Connectivity
- Sustainability
This provided an opportunity for me to “thought think” and ensure we are on the right track to be eligible to access grants and understand where Lakeland can support initiatives that align with our mandate. I’m always thinking about where ‘the ball may bounce’ so we can be ready when there is a sustainable opportunity.
Until next time,
Alice
| Nov 30, 2022 |
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Hello everyone, As the end of the semester approaches, I’d like to share some of the accolades that Lakeland College has received. The Excel Magazine, published twice each year, features alumni profiles, class notes, events, campus news and fundraising activities. This year, Lakeland College’s Excel Magazine won not one, but two awards -- the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) 2022 Circle of Excellence award, an international award, and the Best of District VIII (The Pacific Northwest and Western Canada district). The Vermilion and District Chamber of Commerce recognized the Student Managed Farm - Powered by New Holland (SMF) at its 2022 Small Business Awards in October. The SMF, won the Vermilion and District Chamber of Commerce Agricultural Award. Technology Alberta hosted the 33rd annual ASTech Awards on November 4, 2022. These awards identify achievements in Science, Technology and Innovation, and Lakeland College received the following:
Lakeland College was recognized by the Tribal Chiefs Employment and Training Services Association and IndigiConnect during its Partner Recognition and Gala Event on Nov. 22, 2022. The college received a Business Partner Recognition award for demonstrating business excellence, genuine partnership, and consistent support for Indigenous economic development. Nominations for awards are also an excellent way to receive recognition. Each year the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce reaches out to the community asking for nominations for business excellence award nominations in various categories. This year Lakeland College was nominated for the Diversity Award. Lakeland also recognizes its staff at the Employee Recognition and Retirement Awards. For many years, long-service awards have been handed out at our yearly function and on Nov. 3, 2022, Lakeland College recognized 47 staff members with ten or more years of service as well as six retirees. Each year the college continues to excel, and I would like to thank all staff and students who have worked tirelessly to help the college gain recognition locally, nationally, and internationally. Until next time, |
| October 26, 2022 |
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Hello everyone, This fall weather has been amazing, and I trust everyone enjoyed a relaxing Thanksgiving holiday. Board members are responsible for managing the college on behalf of the citizens of Alberta, and I look forward to the knowledge and experience of the following new members:
Lakeland recently lost one of its strongest supporters with the passing of Mr. Armin Mueller. Armin was a huge advocate for the bison industry and donated $4 million to Lakeland College to purchase and establish a herd, to purchase land for that herd, and to help create bison education courses. My deepest condolences to his wife Rita and family. Armin will always be remembered for his generous investment in post-secondary education. Until next time, |
| September 29, 2022 |
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Hello, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped make the Grand Opening of the W.H.T. Mead building on September 28 such a huge success. Students will enjoy many years of learning in this renovated, modern facility. It was very nice to see everyone in person again on such a beautiful fall day. Lakeland College welcomed the Honourable Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, associate minister of status of women and MLA Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville, Lora Pillipow, deputy minister of advanced education, and Garth Rowswell, MLA Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright, as well as many industry stakeholders and supporters. I always enjoy showcasing our institution and its amazing people. Those in attendance were impressed with all Lakeland has to offer. Each year the college develops a strategic planning framework, which is the process of documenting and establishing future direction for the college. This framework is supported by the following:
I am optimistic and hopeful that 2022-2023 will be filled with many exciting opportunities for Lakeland College and the community it serves. Until next time, |
| Archive: 2021-22 Academic Year |
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June 15, 2022 Hello Lakeland family, Congratulations to the graduating class of 2022. This privilege feels even more special as I had the opportunity to congratulate students in-person again, and we were able to come together to celebrate this important milestone. During your time at Lakeland College, you have lived the learning, gaining skills that will prepare you to succeed. While these past few years have offered unknown challenges, Lakeland College students have a longstanding legacy of overcoming adversity. Graduates, you didn’t just make the most of your Lakeland experience, you excelled! The college was able to recognize more than 713 graduates plus 180 apprenticeship graduates at convocation ceremonies held in Lloydminster on May 27 and in Vermilion on June 3. We are very proud of our students’ accomplishments. I would like to congratulate Maxine Lebo, graduate of the business administration: small business and entrepreneurship program, and Amelia Magee, graduate of the environmental sciences: wildlife and fisheries conservation program. These students were each awarded the President’s Medal, the most prestigious award given by Lakeland College. Students receiving this award have demonstrated excellence in academic studies, and leadership in student activities. The Governor General’s Academic Medal was established in 1873 and awarded to the student who graduates with the highest academic standing in a diploma-level post-secondary program. This medal is numbered and engraved with the Crest of the Royal Arms of Canada. The recipient will be registered with the Chancellery of Canadian Orders and Decoration at Rideau Hall, Ottawa. This year the Vermilion award was presented to Jana Teefy, a graduate of the environmental sciences: wildlife and fisheries program. The Lloydminster recipient will be announced later this summer upon completion of their student practicum. This year’s honorary bachelor of applied business degree was awarded to Mr. Armin Mueller. Originally from Switzerland, Mr. Mueller is well-recognized in the bison industry in North America and recently donated $4 million to the college to purchase land and establish a bison herd. It is with great respect that Lakeland College recognizes Mr. Armin Mueller as a Distinguished Citizen. The 2022 Distinguished Alum recipient is Mr. Roy Kubica. Mr. Kubica is an active volunteer in his farming community near Thorhild, Alta., and is a champion of work-integrated learning, constantly donating to new opportunities for Lakeland students. It is my pleasure to induct Mr. Roy Kubica, class of 1966, to the Alumni Wall of Distinction. During convocation, we also award a generational pin to graduates who have a parent, grandparent or great-grandparent who also attended Lakeland College. This year, I am pleased to announce that we had 10 graduates who were recognized for being second, third and even the fourth generation students to graduate here! Graduates, I also need to say thanks to each of one of you, the members of the Class of 2022, for choosing Lakeland College. I trust you’re proud of your accomplishments, for overcoming adversity, and excited about your future endeavours. I have confidence that your Lakeland College experience will serve you well in the years ahead. Congratulations and best of luck on your new beginnings. Until next time,
April 26, 2022 Hello Lakeland family, For over 100 years Lakeland College has shown extraordinary commitment to staff and students. So what makes Lakeland stand out?
Many post-secondary institutions promise a hands-on education, but Lakeland College goes far beyond expectations. Lakeland provides truly immersive experiences shaping futures and preparing students for the real world. Lakeland is a key driver in rural sustainability and economic recovery by providing learning opportunities to rural learners and by providing employers with a skilled, well-trained workforce. Our campuses – one in Vermilion and one in Lloydminster - are designed to guide students beyond the classroom, creating tangible environments where they can learn, lead and manage. Thank you to our Lakeland family for their time and dedication to help Lakeland stand out! Take care,
March 23, 2022 Hello everyone, Vice President Recruitment Update
Leaders International will help us review the process, provide a long list followed by a short list of candidates, then assist with approximately eight hours of interviews. This process started earlier in March and hopefully a decision will be made sometime in May. I am committed to ensuring that the successful candidate has the values and best interests of Lakeland College and its students in mind. Welcome New Board Members Congratulations to our Athletic Teams and Coaches
Individual accomplishments include:
A few team members have been nominated for CCAA awards and results will be forthcoming. Until next time,
Feb. 15, 2022 Hello everyone, It’s hard to believe that it’s already February and students will soon be enjoying their Reading Week break. Alberta’s Top 75 Employer Long Service Recognition COVID-19 protocol update
As we all move forward with lifting public health restrictions, we remind everyone of Lakeland’s core values, including community and respect. We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust our operations as required. Keep checking the Lakeland College website for updates. Enjoy the rest of February and hopefully spring is just around the corner. Until next time,
Jan. 26, 2022 Hello everyone, Happy New Year! We are looking forward to 2022 being an innovative and creative year, and hopefully we can resume more in-person experiences, traditional activities and events. COVID-19 UpdateWe continue to monitor public health measures and will adjust our operations as needed to protect the health and safety of the Lakeland community. With cases of the Omicron variant increasing, many classes and labs were moved to online delivery until January 21. School-specific plans were shared with staff, faculty and students over the Christmas break. There are no changes to campus services at this time. Employees should work from home unless they are required to be on campus for operational effectiveness. Lakeland will continue with the Proof of Vaccine Policy Restrictions Program. Individuals coming on campus must provide one of the following:
Through the Government of Alberta’s program, rapid tests will be provided free of charge to staff and students, however the college cannot provide test result documentation for external purposes. Test results only provide participants with access to Lakeland’s campuses. Infrastructure updateAs you know, maintaining facilities and infrastructure in up-to-date and good working condition takes a great Lakeland Team. Here is a brief update of several projects: WHT Mead Animal Science Centre revitalization ERP system upgrade Farm infrastructure update/Student-Managed Farm – Powered by New Holland revitalization Residence revitalization project Capital maintenance and renewal (CMR)
Currently, CMR funding increased slightly for the 2021-22 fiscal year. Major projects completed I would like to thank everyone who has supported Lakeland College in adjusting to our changing environment. The pandemic is one of the greatest challenges we have faced in a many years. Until next time,
Dec. 15, 2021 Hello everyone, With the first semester already behind us, I would like to share some of the successes of 2021. As you all know this past year was filled with extraordinary challenges related to the pandemic and COVID-19.
The economic downturn, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the program changes that took place in 2019-2020 all impacted enrolment levels in 2020-2021, and there was a significant drop in the number of registered students, but the good news is that we have increased our enrolments for 2021-2022 over last year’s numbers. A number of new programs, including the bachelor of agriculture technology, should assist in increasing student numbers going forward.
Lakeland received significant grants from the governments of Canada and Alberta which allowed expansion of the applied research team in 2021 and provided for a three-year agreement that supported the college to take over the pulse agronomy and beef production systems programs in Alberta. Our livestock project was approved by NSERC (Government of Canada) under the ARTP program and this project will begin in January 2022. Additionally, the CAAIN (Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network) approved the proposal that we submitted to them. Please accept my heartfelt thanks to all of our community supporters in helping Lakeland College weather the storm. Take the opportunity to rest up and recharge over the holiday break. Warmest wishes to you and your family for a safe and happy holiday season. Until next time,
Nov. 17, 2021 Hello everyone,
I would like to thank the 1,131 donors who contributed a total of 3,077 gifts that will now further assist students in their path to success and who will benefit from the highest quality education. ENROLMENT UPDATEEnrolment data at Lakeland captures all programs reported to Alberta Advanced Education as well as those designated for Student Finance Board funding. It is a comparison of students registered on a specific day in the fall of a new school year. The Registrar prepares this report after the drop date for each semester. This year the drop date was extended to October 8, 2021 to provide students with additional time to decide on their course of action regarding compliance with COVID-19 vaccination or testing. The economic downturn, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the program changes that took place in 2019-2020 all impacted enrollment levels in 2020-2021, and there was a significant drop in the number of registered students. We have increased our enrolments this year over last year’s numbers and it will continue to be important to support efforts to increase enrolment levels going forward. A number of new programs, including the Bachelor of Agriculture Technology, were rolled out this fall and deans and chairs, along with their teams and advisory councils, continue to offer new and relevant programming. The recruiting and marketing staff have primary responsibility for attracting new students to Lakeland College. The majority of students that withdrew this year attributed their reasons to being health or COVID-related personal decisions. MISSION, VISION, VALUESAt Lakeland, we work hard to cultivate an environment of belongingness and this is defined under Respect in in our Mission, Vision and Values. It is a well-documented fact that staff who feel a sense of belonging are more engaged and help to contribute to the success of the institution. Lakeland promotes a student-centered culture, and a sense of a student’s belongingness helps contribute to learner success. When learners feel cared about, find connection and experience trust, they succeed. Students cite Lakeland’s small class sizes and real-life learning experiences as providing value to their education. Belongingness combined with deeply engaging learning experiences provides the foundation to understanding growth, development and success. Achieving funding and enrollment objectives combined with engaged staff and students are measures of success and I think Lakeland is doing very well in these areas. My thanks to the Lakeland community for their continued support. Until next time,
Oct. 20, 2021 Hello everyone,
Lakeland stands to benefit greatly from Adam’s combined experience and expertise, and I am honoured to welcome him to this position and look forward to working with him as we navigate the college through these challenging times. Adam first joined the Board of Governors last year as a public member. He has worked in the oil and gas industry for 15 years, and currently works in operations management for a mid-sized producer. He is also the current president of the Lloydminster Oilfield Technical Society, among other board positions. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a Master of Business Administration. He is currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Finance program at Georgetown University and the CFA Institute’s Chartered Financial Analyst program. I would also like to welcome the following new members to the Board:
Greg Barr – Academic Staff Member Greg was born in Vermilion and raised on the family dairy farm adjacent to Lakeland College. His grandfather William was among the first graduates of the college and it was also where his father Jim and mother Alice met and graduated. They later settled into a dairying life on the family farm. After graduating from J.R. Robson High School, Greg went on to SAIT (Avionics Diploma) and most recently received his Red Seal certification in Parts Technician from Lakeland College. He is married to Darlene and has two daughters and one grandchild. In 1984 he joined his brother Dean in the ongoing dairy farming enterprise. It was while farming that they continued the relationship with Lakeland College by providing the college farm with custom silaging and seeding services for several years. He retired from farming in 2010. Greg enjoys his role with Lakeland College as a Lab Tech for the Electrical and Welding apprenticeship programs. He has been grateful to serve recently as Town of Vermilion councilor for two terms and previously on the Vermilion Credit Union board, UFA as a delegate, and as a trustee with the East Central Catholic School Board. He has also had roles with 4H, Viper’s swim club, and Vermilion Ag Society serving in various capacities. Greg and Darlene have travelled extensively and share a passion for curling and photography.
Mary Janice Novick – Student Member Mary Janice Novick was awarded her diploma in Business Administration in May 2021 and is currently working on her Bachelor of Commerce degree through the Athabasca University and Lakeland College collaboration. She was elected to be a student member on the Lakeland College Board of Governors for 2021-2022. Mary has been involved with multiple extra-curricular activities during her time at the college. She served as the Finance Executive for the Student’s Association of Lakeland College 2020-2021, a director on the Student Executive Council, an active member on the Ad-hoc governance restructure committee, and a team lead on the Students’ Association finance and audit committee. Mary was involved with other extra-curricular activities, including peer-tutor, a volunteer for the student-managed concession, a volunteer for the community income tax program, and competing at the Alberta Deans of Business Case Competition. Mary’s hard work and dedication has been rewarded with multiple leadership and academic awards and scholarships including the Dean’s Honour Roll award for four semesters in a row, President’s Honour Roll for two consecutive years, the Synergy Credit Union Award, Louise McKinney Post-Secondary Scholarship, Laurence Decore Award for Student Leadership, Lakeland College Alumni Association Award, MNP LLP Scholarship, and the President’s Circle Award.
Amelia Magee – Student Member Amelia Magee is currently in her 2nd year of the Environmental Science Diploma at Lakeland College. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Animal Bioscience with the University of Saskatchewan in 2019. While at Lakeland, Amelia has been involved with various clubs and groups. She was the Treasurer of the Wildlife Club, participated in initiatives with the Environmental Club, member of Synergy Speakers' Corner, member of the Outdoor Club, and athlete with the Rustlers Rowing team. Amelia has received awards such as the Alexander Rutherford Scholarship, Lakeland College Centennial Award, and appeared on the Dean’s Honour Roll with Lakeland College. Magee was excited to be voted into the appointment of Student Member with the Board of Governors in April 2021 and is looking forward to representing the students at Lakeland College as a voice on the Board.
Respect in the Workplace Respect is one of Lakeland’s six core values cited in our Mission, Vision and Values. We honour others by demonstrating care and concern for their perspectives and ideas. Guiding behaviours include:
As mentioned above, respect is one of the six core values that guide our day-to-day business, and we want to establish a common language and understanding around what respect in the workplace looks like. Today, more than ever, workplace respect matters. I encourage everyone in our Lakeland family to have one common goal--a healthy, positive, productive workplace. We’re all better at our jobs when we feel valued and we all succeed when our organization succeeds, and the organization succeeds when we’re at our best. Lakeland College should be a place we’re proud to be a part of and a place where bullying, abuse, harassment, and discrimination don’t exist. If we can agree on that and act on that commitment, we’ll continue to thrive in a culture of respect. I would like to thank everyone for their continued commitment to a respectful workplace. Until next time, |
The WHT Mead Animal Science Centre revitalization project is approximately 40 per cent complete. We anticipate that it will be completely closed in by the end of February. Our team continues to ensure that any possible efficiencies in design and construction are realized. They are also experiencing the challenges of dealing with COVID and some resulting procurement issues as they relate to construction projects in today’s world.
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