From the president's desk: June 13, 2024

It is with mixed feelings that another academic year ends. It’s difficult to say goodbye to students we’ve come to know as they transition into the next stage of their careers.

Convocation, what an exciting event! I’m so proud of all the graduates and their accomplishments. This year Lakeland College recognizes 991 graduates plus 154 apprenticeship graduates.

The Governor General’s Academic Medal was established in 1873 and is awarded to two students who graduate with the highest academic standing in a diploma-level post-secondary program. These medals are numbered and engraved with the Crest of the Royal Arms of Canada. The recipients will be registered with the Chancellery of Canadian Orders and Decoration at Rideau Hall, Ottawa. Students receiving this award have demonstrated excellence in academic studies and leadership activities. I would like to congratulate Lloydminster campus recipient Mariel Kate Macaya, graduate of the Business Administration diploma in General Business, and Vermilion Campus medal recipient Madeleine Hayes, graduating with a Child and Youth Care Counsellor diploma.

The President’s Medal, the most prestigious award given by Lakeland College, is awarded to students who display excellence inside and outside the classroom. I would like to congratulate Lloydminster campus student Sarah Hogue, graduating with an Associate Diploma in University Transfer, and Vermilion campus student Kyla Krahn, graduating with an Agribusiness diploma, for receiving these awards.

This year’s Honorary Credential was awarded to Leona Carter who received an Honorary Bachelor of Applied Business degree. Leona, a Cree woman from the Onion Lake Cree Nation, is fluent in her language and deeply rooted in her traditional beliefs and practices. With a degree in psychology, she has extensive work experience in recreation, addictions, child welfare, education, and corrections, holding management roles in various government and non-profit agencies. She has presented on Indigenous inclusion initiatives and best practices in addictions treatment at national conferences and serves as the resident Elder for the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary’s Edmonton Campus. Passionate about systemic change and cultural education, her proudest accomplishment remains being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. It is with great respect that Lakeland College recognizes Leona Carter as 2024’s Distinguished Citizen.

This year’s Distinguished Alumnus is Scott Guenthner, a rodeo superstar from Provost, Alberta. He began his rodeo career at Lakeland College in 2009 and quickly rose to prominence, earning numerous accolades including the CPRA Steer Wrestling Champion title multiple times and the 2022 CPRA Cowboy of the Year. Scott has competed internationally, appearing four times at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas and winning the Calgary Stampede Steer Wrestling Championship in 2023. Beyond rodeo, he runs a cow-calf operation and prioritizes spending time with his family, staying closer to home and competing in the Canadian rodeo circuit. It is with great honour that Lakeland College inducts Scott Guenthner, class of 2011, to the Alumni Wall of Distinction.

Congratulations to James Wilson, our 3rd year heavy equipment apprentice who won a GOLD medal at both the Skills Alberta Provincial Competition and Skills Canada Competition.

I would like to remind everyone that on June 14 – 16, Lakeland College will welcome back generations of alumni for the annual Alumni Weekend celebration. This is your opportunity to reconnect with old friends or make new ones. All alumni are invited to attend. 

Congratulations to staff member Gwen Coutts-Radke, for receiving the Professional Leadership in Literacy Award in the recently concluded 2024 Saskatchewan Literacy Awards of Merit hosted by Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty and Donna Mirasty in Government House in Regina on May 14, 2024.

To our graduating students I say heartfelt congratulations and good luck in your future endeavors. Welcome to Lakeland College’s alumni family, class of 2024.

Until next time,
Alice

Photos: Top - students pose with their parchments during the ceremony. Bottom - Student award winners, top left: Sarah Hogue; top right: Mariel Kate Macaya; bottom left: Kyla Krahn; bottom right: Madeleine Hayes. Bottom: James Wilson, Dr. Alice-Wainwright Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College, and Dave King, dean of trades and technology.