Long-time Lakeland College supporter Cenovus Energy today announced a $650,000 donation to support Indigenous student success programs at Lakeland.

Representatives from Cenovus Energy presented Lakeland College with a donation of $650,000 to support Indigenous students at Lakeland. Left to right are Patty Hill, director of the Cenovus Lloydminster Asphalt Refinery, Jon Albert, power engineering student and member of Lakeland's Indigenous Council, Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College, Doreen Cole, Cenovus Senior Vice-President, Downstream Manufacturing, Adam Waterman, chair of the Lakeland College Board of Governors, Brooklyn Gray, business administration student and member of Lakeland's Indigenous Council

The generous investment will assist Indigenous students throughout their college journey, from their transition to Lakeland through to graduating and joining the workforce. 

“We see this as an investment not only in our industry and in the province and its future workforce, but most of all an investment in the students,” says Doreen Cole, Cenovus Senior Vice-President, Downstream Manufacturing. “Cenovus is committed to Indigenous reconciliation and self-sufficiency, especially when it comes to preparing Indigenous youth for the future.”

“Cenovus Energy's gift will help strengthen programming and student success resources to help Indigenous students as they work to achieve their goals,” says Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland. “We strive to ensure that Lakeland is always a supportive, inclusive environment for all of our students. Cenovus shares this commitment to inclusivity with us and have come forward with this amazing gift. We are always appreciative of Cenovus' support.”

These funds will support pathway programs designed to assist Indigenous students as they transition to post-secondary, including program and curriculum development, as well as student orientation. On-campus Indigenous supports funded by this donation will include learner success resourcing, employment skills, alumni mentorship and engagement, Elder-in-residence programs and cultural programming. The donation will also support essential financial aid and student emergency funding.

Lakeland is located in the heart of Treaty 6 Territory and Region 2 of the Métis Nation of Alberta. At Lakeland, Indigenous students are supported through cultural, wellness, academic and financial supports. The Indigenous Student Committee and student lounge provides a place where students can collaborate and create a sense of community. Lakeland also presents Elder-in-residence programs, cultural events, and reconciliation initiatives.

Cenovus is a long-time supporter of Lakeland. The company has supported the student awards program since 2013 and was a major contributor to the college's Lloydminster campus Energy Centre, which includes the Cenovus Energy Lab. For the second year in a row, Cenovus is the title sponsor for Feast on the Farm, a Lakeland fundraiser that supports student-led learning initiatives.

Photo: Representatives from Cenovus Energy presented Lakeland College with a donation of $650,000 to support Indigenous students at Lakeland. Left to right are Patty Hill, director of the Cenovus Lloydminster Asphalt Refinery, Jon Albert, power engineering student and member of Lakeland's Indigenous Council, Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College, Doreen Cole, Cenovus Senior Vice-President, Downstream Manufacturing, Adam Waterman, chair of the Lakeland College Board of Governors, Brooklyn Gray, business administration student and member of Lakeland's Indigenous Council.