Leaving a legacy

The accounting technician and accounting major alumnus accounted for every dollar when considering the estimated $60,000 he would spend on tuition, books and living expenses by the time he graduated. Not having experienced debt before and looking for various ways to pay off his student debt, the dean’s list student was always searching for awards and scholarships.

“The awards I received while attending Lakeland were very helpful for me. I will always appreciate the support provided by the donors,” says Shaw, who received more than $4,000 in awards and bursaries while attending Lakeland.

Now, there is a new award to be won in Lakeland’s student awards program – The Shaw Legacy Award.

Through the award, Shaw and his wife Chantal (nee Bowen), Class of 2016 esthetician, will not only pay tribute to the support he received but will also commemorate the time and dedication of faculty and peer tutors. Shaw was heavily involved in the peer tutor program during his two years at Lakeland as both a tutor and tutee.

When Shaw first began his studies at Lakeland he was struggling with some of the content. He eventually sought the help of a peer tutor at the suggestion of a classmate. After a few sessions, Shaw was able to understand the basics and much more.

Throughout his first year, Shaw worked closely with Adrienne Robertson, an accessibility advisor, and Carley King, a learner pathways coordinator, alongside other tutors and tutees. The first year went well he says, as for his second year, “the program had a phenomenal amount of activity.

“We want to show our appreciation toward the team involved in the program, plus provide an incentive to incoming students,” says Shaw. “If you’re peer tutoring, it eats away at the opportunity to earn extra income by getting a part-time job, which makes the student awards program so important.”

The Shaw Legacy Award is available to full-time students in their second or subsequent year of studies in any business administration or university transfer program. The award is based on good academic standing and the recipient must also be an actively involved tutor through Lakeland’s Lloydminster campus peer tutor program.

While the award will certainly prove beneficial, it’s the relationships built and personal success that Shaw found to be the most rewarding as a tutor and hopes to see the program continue well into the future.

“Having the opportunity to spend the extra time with my peers in the tutoring program is also what helped me succeed,” says Shaw. “I still speak to many of the students and work with them today.”