With much regret, Lakeland College has decided to cancel the 2020 President's Gala that was scheduled for March 26.

While sponsorship support for the event was strong, ticket sales were not. This resulted in the difficult decision to cancel the gala. 

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the event, we appreciate your support.

The following is the news release that initially announced the event.

 

With support from Attain Solutions as this year's President's Gala presenting sponsor, Lakeland College will continue to break down financial barriers to student success on March 26. 

President's Gala graphic, presented by Attain Solutions“I am pleased that Attain Solutions has signed on to beour presenting sponsor for the 2020 President's Gala. We're thankful for their continued support for our students. Their investment shines a light on the support our students need and the barriers they face pursuing their post-secondary education,” says Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, Lakeland's president and CEO.

Students, like Janelle Youst, struggle to fund their post-secondary education costs. Proceeds from the President's Gala help grow the Support Our Students (SOS) Enhanced Bursary Fund, which assists students based on financial need. This academic year, 25 students received a $4,000 bursary from this fund.

As a recipient, Youst says the bursary lifted a significant weight off her shoulders since an injury prevented her from working last summer.

“I tore ligaments around my ankle in a farming accident, which took about four months to heal. The amount of money I projected to save to come back to school was not even close to the amount I did save because of the work I missed. It was nerve-wracking to figure out what I was going to do for the upcoming school year. To say I was shocked about being a recipient is an understatement,” the agribusiness student says. Youst is earning a double diploma after graduating from Lakeland's animal science technology: beef science major in 2019.

The honour roll student says the bursary helped shift her focus from finances to maintaining her grades, participating in her peers' success as a notetaker, and working for Branded Western Wear. Youst adds she already has a job lined up with Branded after graduation as a feed salesperson.

“I can't put into words how truly thankful I am for all of the people who contributed to this bursary. It made for a heartwarming year. I recognize how life-changing this bursary is to so many students,” Youst explains.

The student-focused President's Gala is at the Lloydminster campus, and features great food, a luxury raffle and entertainment from Canadian country music artist Garrett Gregory. Tickets are $125 each.

Gregory released an EP with the band Chillbilly which had a single on the radio called “Hot with Her Hair Down,” along with a music video. It ranked on the DMDS top 5 indie downloads and has been played across Canada on hundreds of stations. Along with this, Gregory has branched out on his own, writing and recording a solo album. Gregory's powerhouse voice packs a strong right hook; even so, his real talent lies in his high energy, his theatrical and captivating shows, and his natural ability to completely move a crowd.