For Aaron Lyons, pharmacy isn’t just a profession – it’s a calling driven by compassion, curiosity and a desire to make a difference in his community.

His path to becoming a pharmacist began right at home in Lloydminster and found early momentum through Lakeland College’s university transfer (UT) program. After high school, Lyons chose Lakeland for his first year of post-secondary education. Drawn by the small class sizes, supportive instructors and the chance to stay close to family, the decision was as practical as it was personal. “It was a no-brainer,” he says. “It gave me the time to focus on my goals while staying grounded in the community I love.”

That focus paid off. With clear intent to pursue a degree in pharmacy at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), Lyons used Lakeland as a strategic launchpad. The UT program not only gave him the academic foundation he needed, but also connected him with academic advisors who helped map out his path and select courses tailored to his destination university.

The transition to USask was seamless. “I was concerned at first, like many students are,” Lyons admits. “But Lakeland made that process easier. Their team helped me find the right courses and gave me the confidence to move forward.”

Now more than a decade into his career, Lyons is a pharmacist at Shoppers Drug Mart in Lloydminster – a role he’s proudly held for 14 years. His love of science, his knack for numbers and his passion for helping others all converged in a job that allows him to support his hometown every single day.

But his connection to Lakeland hasn’t ended. He recently participated in a UT alumni panel, where he shared his journey with current students and reconnected with fellow grads. “It was incredible to see how the program has evolved and how each student’s path is unique. I even had a current pharmacy student with me on placement who was also a UT grad, he joined the panel too.”

A strong advocate for Lakeland’s UT program, Lyons says the college’s supportive  environment aids students who know they want a university degree but aren’t quite sure where to begin.

“Lakeland offers an environment where students can ask questions, explore options and build real confidence. It’s a smart start with real return – real skills, real success.”

His advice to future students is simple: “Open the door. Make the call. Ask the questions. There’s so much Lakeland can offer once you take that first step.”