Class of 2016 will ever to excel

Graduates of the Class of 2016 were celebrated during two convocation ceremonies at Vermilion Regional Centre on June 3.

More than 350 of the 497 candidates for graduation from the environmental sciences, fire and emergency services, human services, agricultural sciences, interior design technology and street rod technologies programs sported green and gold as they crossed the stage to receive their credential.

Lloydminster graduates from business, energy and petroleum technology, health and wellness, and university transfer programs donned caps and gowns during their convocation ceremony on May 27. More than 160 of the 206 candidates attended the celebration.

“This is an exciting time for all of you. Before you go, I’d like to remind you of Lakeland’s motto: Ever to Excel,” said Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president of Lakeland College, during the ceremonies.

“Today you have fulfilled one part of the motto – you’ve excelled by graduating – and now wherever you go, whatever you do, I am confident that you will continue to do just that: Excel.”

President’s Medal recipients

The 2016 Lloydminster campus President’s Medal recipient is Don Shaw, a business administration diploma student who shined in and beyond the classroom. From peer tutor to student member of the Board of Governors, Shaw also sat on several councils and committees. He was also a member of the Business Club and was one of five students on the award-winning Alberta Deans of Business Case Competition team. 

While at Lakeland, Jana MacLeod – an animal heath technology student – excelled in her studies and lab work, as well as various extracurricular activities. The 2016 Vermilion campus President’s Medal recipient was the president of the Agility Club, helped fundraise for the Lloydminster & District SPCA, peer tutored first-year AHT students and worked part-time at the Eastalta Co-op.

For their leadership and involvement within the college and community, Shaw and MacLeod were recognized with the 2016 President’s Medal.

Top marks

Being part of the Rustlers Rodeo Team, being able to board her horse on campus and take the lead in labs are the top three highlights of Shelby Robbins’ Lakeland College experience.

This Class of 2016 grad excelled in the animal health technology (AHT) program – so much so, that Robbins is the 2016 Governor General’s Academic Medal recipient – which means she has the highest average at Lakeland College. Robbins is the fifth AHT student to receive the Governor General's Academic Medal.

Distinguished recognition

Members of the Lakeland’s alumni family and the local community were also lauded for their achievements. During the convocation ceremonies, Laryssa Whittaker, Class of ’91, and Edmund Lefsrud, Class of ’65, were recognized as the 2016 Distinguished Alumni; Ross Ulmer and Jean Paré were presented with honorary degrees as the 2016 Distinguished Citizens.

“It’s an honour to have them all as wonderful role models for our graduates,” said Wainwright-Stewart.

Photo albums of the Lloydminster and Vermilion convocation ceremonies are available on the Lakeland College Canada Facebook and on Flickr. Grad photos are also posted on the Lakeland College Alumni Facebook page.

Photos: Convocation ceremonies were held at both the Vermilion and Lloydminster campuses for the Class of 2016 graduates. From the top, Two Vermilion graduates celebrate following the morning convocation ceremony on June 3; Janine Pecoro received a business administration diploma with a real estate appraisal and assessment major on May 27 at the Lloydminster campus; graduates from the sign language interpretation program signed "Lakeland" prior to the morning Vermilion convocation ceremony; graduates proudly toss their caps into the air following the Lloydminster ceremony.