Synergy Credit Union invests in the modernization of WHT Mead Building

Synergy Credit Union has contributed $150,000 to the rejuvenation of the WHT Mead Building at Lakeland College’s Vermilion campus.

This gift reinforces Synergy’s long-term commitment to Lakeland College and the region and ensures students and future leaders of collaborative spaces they need to learn, lead, and manage.

Synergy’s donation contributes to the modernization and expansion of the WHT Mead Building and supports Lakeland programs and applied research efforts. The building is home to more than 600 agricultural sciences students with more growth expected. Enrolment in agriculture programming has increased 200 per cent in the last 12 years.

“Our friends at Synergy Credit Union are investing in our students and the future of our region. Their gift ensures that Lakeland students learn in a modernized environment that encourages innovation and excellence. We appreciate Synergy’s continued support of Lakeland and our students and alumni,” says Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College.

In recognition of Synergy’s gift, a lecture hall in the WHT Mead Building has been named the Synergy Credit Union Lecture Theatre.

“Attracting and retaining a talented workforce is a key driver of economic development. Lakeland College plays an integral role in educating and developing leaders of the future to aide in the long-term sustainability of the communities Synergy serves,” says Glenn Stang, Synergy CEO.  "We are honored to support Lakeland College."

Every year since 1993, Synergy has generously contributed to Lakeland initiatives and events. Capital projects, student awards, and events such as Feast on the Farm and Rustlers Golf Tournament have all received support from Synergy. Since 2015, Synergy has sponsored Synergy Speakers’ Corner, an activity for students to sharpen their public speaking and leadership skills. Synergy is also supporting the Two-Fold Films project about Lakeland Rustlers Women’s Basketball team and the impact of not competing at the 2021 national championships due to COVID-19.

Synergy also hires Lakeland graduates, and Synergy representatives serve as guest speakers and program advisory committee members at the college.

A milestone in campus renewal, the WHT Mead Building is an academic hub infused with a blend of technological sophistication and agricultural tradition to support in-person and virtual learning. Students are able to perfect the practical skills Lakeland is known for and industry wants.

About Synergy Credit Union

Synergy is a member-owned financial institution serving more than 29,000 voting and non-voting members from 10 communities within northwestern Saskatchewan. Synergy is the fourth largest credit union in the province of Saskatchewan and is one of the leading credit unions in Canada with $1.81 billion in on- and off-balance sheet assets. Synergy provides core banking services through our traditional branch network, the Canada-wide ‘ding free’ AccuLink ATM network, MemberDirect® online banking, Live Chat, mobile web, and app banking, as well as through calling our Member Contact Centre. More complex and advanced services, such as financial advice and analysis, are delivered by specialists who may be in select branches or available to meet in a location of the member’s choice, by request.

Photos: (Top) Agribusiness student Pieter van Zyl, Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, Lakeland President & CEO, Glenn Stang, Synergy Credit Union CEO, Agribusiness student Avery Bayda and Brent Baier, vice chair of Synergy Credit Union’s Board of Directors outside the WHT Mead Building's Synergy Credit Union Lecture Theatre on the Vermilion campus. (Bottom) WHT Mead Building officially opened at Lakeland College's Vermilion campus on Sept. 28, 2022.