President’s Medal recipient shines beyond the classroom

From peer tutor to student ambassador and student member of the Board of Governors, Shaw immersed himself in activities beyond the classroom. He was a member of the Academic Council, Student Executive Council and Connectivity Committee. Shaw was also a member of the Business Club and was one of five students on the award-winning Alberta Deans of Business Case Competition team.

“It didn’t feel like extra work,” says Shaw, a multiple student awards recipient. “I am grateful for the opportunities I had but I don’t think what I was doing was over and above. Anybody can sign up for a committee; anybody can read notes and share their opinions. The formalities of it might seem challenging, but if I can do it, anyone can do it.”

For his leadership and involvement within the college and the community, Shaw was selected as the 2016 President’s Medal recipient at the Lloydminster campus.

“I worked very hard this year at Lakeland to make it as much of an experience as I could. When I was told that I would be receiving the President’s Medal I was ecstatic,” he says. “I am not sure if I am the most worthy recipient, but thank you to Lakeland for choosing me.”

Shaw was presented with the 2016 Lloydminster campus President’s Medal along with his second credential – business administration diploma, accounting major – from Lakeland on May 27. The previous year he completed the college’s accounting technician certificate program. 

“I wish I could do two more years at Lakeland College, but I don’t think my boss could get along without me,” says Shaw with a laugh. Before he graduated, Shaw was busy in May getting married and working at the St. Paul & District Co-op as the assistant office manager.

“Before I went to school, the Co-op was very generous to me when it came to my education,” says Shaw, who’s been with the Co-op for almost a decade. His long-term goal is to continue working with the Co-op, either on the retail or corporate side, and he’s contemplating running for town council.

“There is a path ahead of me, I just have to choose,” he says. Shaw’s path also includes working on a bachelor of commerce degree, with a focus on accounting, online through Athabasca University in the fall.

Reflecting on his Lakeland experience, Shaw says he’s most proud of being part of the 2015-16 Deans of Business Case competition team. Lakeland’s team competed against 13 other post-secondary institutes and placed second at the provincial competition this year.

“I have never had so much fun in my life as when I did working with my four peers and Brad (Onofrychuk, instructor) at the competition and leading up to it,” he says. “My time on the Board of Governors was also invaluable to me. I will miss that the most and the opportunities that Lakeland presents.”

Photos: Don Shaw was presented with the 2016 President's Medal by Alice Wainwright-Stewart, Lakeland's president, during the Lloydminster campus convocation ceremony on May 27. The Class of 2016 grad is now working on a bachelor of commerce degree.