October 25 2023

Hello everyone,

Another autumn season is upon us. In this edition, I would like to introduce the newest members of the Lakeland College Board of Governors. Board members are responsible for managing the college on behalf of the citizens of Alberta.

Barb Shackel-Hardman – Public Member

Barb Shackel-Hardman joined the Board of Governors effective May 13, 2023.

Wanjiku Kaai – Academic Staff Member

Wanjiku Kaai is a public services librarian with over 35 years of experience with the Lakeland College community. She provides library instruction and reference services to students, faculty and staff and is responsible for developing the library multimedia collection to meet the academic needs of students and faculty. Kaai holds a bachelor of education (B.Ed) from the University of Nairobi, Kenya and a master of library science (MLS) from Northern Illinois University, USA. Kaai resides in Vermilion and is no stranger to the Board of Governors as she previously served several terms.

Trisha Mechor – Non-Academic Staff Member

Trisha Mechor was born and raised in Edmonton, Alta., and completed her human resources management certificate at NAIT. Mechor, her husband and daughter call Vermilion home. Mechor joined Lakeland College in February 2017 at the Emergency Training Centre. In December 2017, she moved into her permanent role at the School of Agricultural Sciences as administrative assistant to the dean.

Mechor has worked in diverse fields such as post-secondary, oilfield, insurance, and the courier business. Her vast experience has had her work in various atmospheres, from working in a Mod Yard to attending meetings at the Alberta Legislature. Mechor enjoys some downtime on the golf course when she isn’t shuttling her daughter to her extra-curricular activities.

Jaydon Winter – Student Member

Jaydon Winter received his general business diploma at Lakeland College in the spring of 2023. He is enrolled in the bachelor of commerce (finance major) through the Athabasca University post-diploma program. Winter achieved the Dean’s Honour Roll in 2022 and 2023, received the Centennial Business Administrative Achievement award in 2023, and was a member of the Alberta Deans Business Case Competition in 2023. Winter, a scaffolder by trade, has worked on many local construction projects. He designed and built broadcasting scaffold for the Lakeland College Rustlers hockey team at the Russ Robertson Arena in Lloydminster.

Holly Arychuk – Student Member

Holly Arychuk received her high school diploma from J.R. Robson in Vermilion and is currently a second-year student in the agricultural sustainability diploma program. Arychuk has extensive volunteer experience working with the Vermilion River 4-H Outdoors Club and the County of Vermilion River ALUS/Ag Service Board Video crew. Arychuk was an honour roll student in high school and received the Citizenship award, the Alberta Rutherford scholarship, the Vermilion 4-H District Scholarship, and holds a basic operations RPAS pilot certificate. She enjoys horseback riding and outdoor activities and is a Lakeland Pipe and Drum band member.

I want to extend a warm welcome to the new (and returning) Board members, and I look forward to working with them and learning from their extensive knowledge and experience.

Until next time,

Alice