Lakeland College is pleased to celebrate graduates from the class of 2020 and 2021 during a series of virtual convocation ceremonies.

Approximately 1,700 candidates for graduation from the classes of 2020 and 2021 from degree, diploma and certificate programs at the Lloydminster campus, Vermilion campus and online programs will be recognized during the celebrations. The Class of 2020 ceremonies were postponed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On May 27, three ceremonies will be livestreamed for the Lloydminster campus schools of business, energy, health and wellness, and university transfer. 

From June 3 to 4, six ceremonies will be livestreamed to celebrate graduates from Vermilion campus programs, including agricultural sciences, environmental sciences human services, interior design technology, trades and technology.

“On behalf of Lakeland College, I'd like to congratulate all of our graduates for reaching this significant milestone,” says Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College. “At a time when we cannot hold our traditional ceremonies, it's more important than ever to commemorate achievements like this. Our graduates have not only managed to complete their studies while faced the extraordinary circumstances of this challenging time - they've managed to thrive. I thank all of our graduates for choosing Lakeland and trusting us with their education. Welcome to our alumni family. We know your Lakeland experience will serve you well.”

A total of 16 alumni generation graduates will be recognized. Graduates with parents, grandparents and/or great-grandparents who attended Vermilion School of Agriculture, Vermilion Agriculture & Vocational College, Vermilion College or Lakeland College are encouraged to apply for their alumni generation pin. To apply, visit our convocation page for details. 

Distinguished citizens

Honorary credentials will be presented to Lakeland's distinguished citizens: Robin Acton and Dr. Richard Starke.

As the Lloydminster campus' distinguished citizen, Acton will receive an honorary bachelor of applied business. Among her many accomplishments, Acton's dedication and leadership have helped Lloydminster become a more welcoming, supportive and inclusive community.

As a leader in the disability community volunteer sector for more than 30 years, Acton has led Inclusion Alberta to become Canada's most recognized provincial family advocacy organization. She has served as the vice president of the Canadian Association for Community Living, leading its Revitalization Task Force on a mission to strengthen inclusion across the country. She has also left her mark on Lakeland College - inclusive post-secondary education exists at our college because of her advocacy. In addition to this, she's serving as a past president of the Lloydminster Rotary Club and the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce, Ladies Golf Club, and supporting the family business, Acton's Lower Shannon Farms.

As the Vermilion campus' distinguished citizen, Dr. Starke will also receive an honorary bachelor of applied business for his commitment to lifelong learning, advocating for post-secondary education and his dedication to helping others. He became an owner of the Lloydminster Animal Hospital in 1985 and opened a second practice, Companion Animal Care Centre, in 2008.

Dr. Starke's significant community contributions include serving as the youngest councilor ever elected to Lloydminster City Council, and representing the Vermilion-Lloydminster constituency as MLA. He served as the minister of tourism, parks and recreation and chair of the Rural Health Services Review Committee.

President's Medal recipients

Each year Lakeland presents President's Medals to one student from each campus. They are presented to a graduating student who has demonstrated excellence in academics and leadership in student activities.

This year's Lloydminster campus recipient is Jeru Lopez, who's graduating from the business administration diploma program (accounting major). During his two years at Lakeland, Lopez showed great leadership and involvement as a student enrolment assistant, Students' Association president and peer tutor. He also competed with the business case competition team and participated in Synergy Speakers' Corner and the Finding U in Business workshops.

This year's Vermilion campus recipient is Caylee Dorval, a graduate of the animal science technology diploma program (beef major). Dorval competed with the rodeo team, was a member and treasurer of the Stockmen's Club and helped students as a peer tutor. She was also the nutrition coordinator for the Student-Managed Farm - Powered by New Holland's (SMF) purebred unit and was involved with the feed management committee for the SMF.

Additional trades and technology and fire and emergency services ceremonies are held at other times during the academic year.