From the President's Desk: April 2024

Hello everyone,

At Lakeland College, we challenge students to go beyond the classroom and be part of student-led and student-managed experiences. Many students participate in public presentations and student-led events and benefit by learning how to prepare and speak in front of large audiences. This requires excellent organizational and time management skills, assists in building their confidence and prepares them for real world challenges. Student-hosted events also offer learning opportunities for industry and the general public. Some of our recent student-led activities are listed here:

• The final step in fulfilling the graduation requirements for the bachelor of applied science: environmental management program is an eight-month practicum experience followed by capstone presentations held on March 13. Twelve students provided information on diverse topics that support environmental management.
• The final presentations for the second-year animal health technology students were held on March 14, and these presentations highlighted activities in the student-led classes. This group of students made Lakeland College history by hosting the first-ever canine blood drive in partnership with the Canadian Animal Blood Bank.
• The second-year students in the crops technology program provided their final presentations on March 22. Reports included production, marketing, promotion and other aspects of their activities.
• The Student-Managed Farm – Powered by New Holland (SMF) purebred beef, SMF commercial beef, SMF extensive grazing and SMF equine units were all involved with the RoundUp Sale held on March 23.
  • The average for the purebred Angus bulls was $5,904.
  • The purebred Angus heifers averaged $3,962.
  • The commercial heifers averaged $3,435.
  • The extensive grazing heifers averaged $3,700.
  • The average for the quarter horses was $14,350.
  • June Bug, a horse donated by Tiana Friesen’s parents, brought $17,500 – this total amount will go towards the Tiana Friesen Memorial Fund in Tiana’s memory.
• For the second year in a row, the bachelor of agriculture technology (BAgTech) program students organized Farm 4.0 – The Future of Agricultural Technology, held on April 4 at the Vermilion Regional Centre. The event is a conference, tradeshow and networking opportunity that brings together students, community, and industry. While this event benefitted current and future students, it also highlighted Lakeland College and provided significant exposure to the BAgTech program. The graduating class of 2024 students presented their practicum reports, highlighting their invaluable experiences and insights.
• The animal science technology SMF diploma students’ final presentations took place on April 12. All team members in the purebred beef, commercial beef, dairy, equine, bison and extensive grazing research units provided reports. The presentations were well-organized and provided excellent information.

Lakeland College’s commitment to high-quality programming provides students with training to enhance their educational and career opportunities and prepare them to be future community leaders. Without dedicated faculty and staff, these real world experiences would not be possible. I want to thank everyone who has devoted countless hours to ensure that our students have the best education possible and are ready to excel in their chosen fields.

Until next time,
Alice