Lakeland College celebrates Class of 2022

In a series of three convocation ceremonies, Lakeland College wished the Class of 2022 well as they moved beyond the classroom – and into Lakeland’s alumni family. The ceremonies were the first in-person graduation events to be held since 2019.

“It was such a welcome change to be able to be there, in-person, to mark this important milestone in our graduates’ lives,” says Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, Lakeland College president and CEO. “Convocation is always a highlight of the year for me as our students’ hard work and dedication pays off and they graduate, ready to find their place in the world. It’s bittersweet as well, saying good-bye, but they become part of our amazing alumni family.”

Lakeland celebrated approximately 713 graduates from degree, diploma and certificate programs this year at the Lloydminster campus on May 27and during two ceremonies at the Vermilion Stadium on June 3.

Convocation is also an opportunity to recognize the contributions of Lakeland’s community with the Distinguished Alumni Award. The award recognizes a member of the alumni family who has made significant contributions since graduation. This year’s distinguished alumnus is Roy Kubica, Class of 1966. Kubica’s an active volunteer in the community. The Thorhild Community Association, Thorhild Co-op and Thorhild County Library Board are among the organizations he has served as a volunteer. Kubica is also a champion of work-integrated learning. Among his many contributions, his financial support has allowed Lakeland to expand its land base and purchase a new grain cart. He has also launched the Roy J. Kubica Agriculture Scholarship and the Roy J. Kubica Agriculture Bursary.

Lakeland also presented an honourary bachelor of applied business degree to Armin Mueller – this year’s Distinguished Citizen. Well-known and respected in the bison industry, Mueller received the Myrt Lenton Memorial Award from the Canadian Bison Association in 2019. In 2020, Mueller’s $4 million donation was instrumental in establishing the first post-secondary commercial bison herd at Lakeland.

Lakeland has two annual awards, both presented to two students, one from each campus. The President’s Medal is presented to students who have made significant impacts on the Lakeland community through leadership and other initiatives. This year’s recipients were business administration diploma graduate Maxine Lebo for Lloydminster campus and environmental sciences diploma graduate Amelia Magee from Vermilion. The Governor General Academic award is presented to the student with the highest GPA. Jana Teefy, who graduated with an environmental sciences diploma in wildlife and fisheries conservation, received the Vermilion campus Governor General Academic award. The Lloydminster recipient will be announced later in the summer, after they have finished their practicum.

There were 20 generational graduates recognized.

Trades and technology, foundational learning and additional fire and emergency services ceremonies are held at other times during the academic year.