Receiving the President's Medal gave Emry Marchand an opportunity to reflect on the connections, experiences and accomplishments that shaped her time at Lakeland College.

“I feel so incredibly honoured to receive this award,” she says. “When I got the call about the award, I couldn’t stop smiling and just felt so proud of myself.”

Marchand, a university transfer student, is this year’s Lloydminster campus recipient of the President’s Medal. The award recognizes a student who has demonstrated academic achievement.

“Receiving recognition from this award really means a lot to me because it enabled me to take a step back and look at my accomplishments from an outside perspective and really realize all that I have been capable of,” she says.

When choosing a post-secondary institution, Marchand was drawn to Lakeland’s university transfer program and the opportunity to remain connected to her home community.

That sense of connection became a defining part of her college experience.

"I had the honour of being the Circle Director for Lakeland’s Indigenous Student Council and built so many wonderful connections throughout the council," she says.

Marchand also participated in Lakeland’s peer tutoring program, supporting fellow students while strengthening her own learning.

While those formal roles were important, Marchand says many of her most meaningful experiences came through everyday interactions with the people around her.

“The majority of my involvement in the Lakeland community was founded on face-to-face connections, taking the time to have a myriad of conversations with so many different people,” she says.

Those connections extend to the many people who supported her throughout her studies.

Marchand credits her mother’s encouragement as being instrumental to her success. She also found support across campus, from instructors to the staff who helped her navigate academic challenges and achieve her goals.

“My greatest support during my time at Lakeland was, and is, my mother as she is always there for me each step of the way,” she says. “The librarians, learning strategists and accessibility services have truly helped me so much during my time at Lakeland. I don’t think I could have done as much without them.”

Now, as she prepares to leave Lakeland, Marchand is focused on the next step in her educational journey. She plans to complete her degree at the University of Alberta before applying to medical school. Her long-term goal is to become a reconstructive plastic surgeon.

As for advice for future Lakeland students, Marchand encourages them to take advantage of the opportunities and support systems available to them.

“Get involved in the Lakeland community,” she says. “Get to know your peers, your instructors, your TAs and your supports. Lakeland has so much to offer.”