As official advocates of the college, 24 students from various programs share their Lakeland experience with prospective students, parents, alumni and donors throughout the academic year. 

“Being a Lakeland ambassador has been an amazing ride so far. It's a lot of work but fun. Open House was one of our first events. We operated the registration table, ran the tours and talked to prospective students. I like talking about the program I've taken and the one I'm in now, and sharing all of the exciting things happening at Lakeland,” says Darian Elliott, a double major student. After graduating from thewildlife and fisheries conservation major in 2018, she enrolled in conservation and restoration ecology which she'll complete this year.  

In 2017, Lakeland's ambassador program was rebranded from a volunteer initiative to a professional development opportunity for students to become leaders at the college. They learn skills outside their program, make personal and professional connections, and grow their communication abilities. They also promote the college and their program, and showcase other students in the lead.

As college leaders, they have dynamic roles in numerous events and activities. They tour prospective students and share their Lakeland experience at program information sessions (happening on March 8 at both campuses), and work with the college's advancement department to connect with alumni and support donor relationships. They also create campaigns to help others. For example, this year the ambassadors created the Giving Tree initiative and collected food bank donations and winter clothing for the Olive Tree in Lloydminster.

“Being a Lakeland ambassador has been a great opportunity so far.I became an ambassador because of an experience I had in high school, and I thought it would a good way to meet new people. As an ambassador, I've been able to develop and learn new skills, meet new people and represent Lakeland,” says Adriane Wever, a first-year university transfer student pursuing a bachelor of science-nursing.

Photos: Lakeland ambassadors took an active role during Open House 2018 from touring prospective students to conducting television interviews.