Stephanie Ullrich believes that stepping outside your comfort zone and being open minded are the keys to growth and success in all aspects of life. She embraced these philosophies deeply during her two years at Lakeland College. These philosophies guided her to excel academically, form meaningful connections with her instructors and peers, step into the spotlight through leadership roles, and win awards – the most recent being the Vermilion campus 2025 President’s Medal.

The new graduate of the animal science technology (AST) diploma program came to Lakeland on the advice of a friend. After recognizing the need for new beginnings, she left her home in Spallumcheen, B.C., moved to Vermilion, and hit the ground running. For two years, she didn’t stop.

“Everything I did at Lakeland was to make the most of my time here and take every opportunity I could to grow, learn, and connect,” Ullrich says. “I wanted to open every door I could.”

During her time at Lakeland, Ullrich was a student ambassador, a member of the Rustlers rowing team, president of the Range Team and tutored her peers. She did it all while maintaining a 3.95 GPA.

“It was honestly the most enlightening and transformative time of my entire life,” Ullrich says. “I have huge respect for this school and will forever be an advocate for Lakeland College. I would say the most incredible part of my experience was the quality of connections I made both in and out of the classroom with teachers, peers and industry role models.”

Ullrich majored in livestock science, and as part of her program, she had the opportunity to complete a practicum, working as a livestock research intern, instead of applying to the Student-Managed Farm – Powered by New Holland (SMF).

“It was amazing getting to work alongside Carien Vandenberg, Dr. Susan Markus, Dr. Obi Durunna, and the rest of the research team.”

There, she supported various research projects related to sustainable agriculture and attended many industry events, including the 2024 Canadian Beef Industry Conference where she participated in the Undergraduate Poster Competition and won first place.

“It was my first public speaking experience and my first research presentation,” she recalls. “I was really hesitant about doing it. But the research team was so reassuring and supportive. It was a great mentorship experience for me.”

Ullrich also attended the Holistic Management Conference in Assiniboia, Sask., where she and five other students were asked to create a children’s program. Those attending the conference could drop their children between the ages of 4 and 14 off to spend their weekend learning about sustainable and regenerative agriculture from Ullrich and her classmates.

“It was the first year they’ve ever done something like this and it was a huge success for everyone involved,” Ullrich says. “It filled my cup up to the brim and I was just overflowing with joy at getting to hang out with these kids and teach them about agriculture all while having so much fun.”

To ensure she could reap the benefits of working in a team dynamic, Ullrich joined the Range Team. She was elected president of the team in the club’s first year of establishment and together, they laid a strong foundation for it.

Ullrich is quick to share the credit for her accomplishments with her friends and instructors.

“I would not be half the person I am today without the people in my court who believe in and supported me,” she says. “It was the friends at my side that picked me up when I fell down and straightened me out when I got sideways. And the instructors at Lakeland are the most phenomenal people I have ever met. They care as much about you and your future as you do. I look to them as mentors and role models.”

Each year, the President’s Medal is given to a student from each of Lakeland’s two campuses who serve as an example of leadership. Ullrich was awarded the honour at Lakeland’s Vermilion Convocation Ceremony on June 6 and sees it as a validation of her efforts.

“To be recognized as deserving of this award is a huge honour. It reassures me that I'm doing the right thing,” Ullrich says. “It’s very surreal, humbling and motivating. It inspires me to just keep going, keep seeking growth, keep seeking discomfort and keep doing what I believe in.”

Next, she plans to attend Montana State University to complete her degree in animal science.