2025-26 Donor Impact Report:
THANK YOU FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE
A Message from the President
At Lakeland College, student success starts with opportunity. This opportunity grows through the generosity of people like you. Every gift, partnership and act of support helps create meaningful learning experiences that prepare students to thrive in their careers and communities.
This year has been one of meaningful momentum for Lakeland and your impact can be seen across our campuses every day. You champion learner success by opening doors. You inspire excellence by giving students the tools to reach higher. You build community by showing what it means to care for one another. You model integrity through your belief in the power of education to change lives.
Our students are gaining confidence through immersive learning, exploring new technologies, building industry connections and developing the skills they need to launch their career now. These experiences are possible because donors believe in the value of hands-on, career-focused education.
That belief continues to grow. Since last April, donor support has surpassed $4 million – a significant milestone for Lakeland and a reflection of the strong community that stands behind our students. Your generosity is helping us strengthen programs, enhance facilities and invest in opportunities that will benefit students for years to come.
As we look ahead, we remain focused on evolving with the needs of our students, industry and community. Your support allows us to think boldly, innovate with purpose and continue delivering the hands-on learning Lakeland is known for.
On behalf of our students and the entire Lakeland community, thank you for believing in our mission and investing in the future of our college. We are truly grateful to have you as part of the Lakeland story.
Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart PRESIDENT AND CEO LAKELAND COLLEGE
A legacy of excellence
Emma Bunz’s expertise and creativity in her field are marking 20 years of winning for Lakeland students on the international stage.
This interior design technology (ITD) alum won first place out of over 230 entries in the bathroom category of the 2025 National Kitchen and Bath Association’s (NKBA) prestigious student design competition.
Bunz, who entered the contest as a Lakeland student and has since graduated and begun her career at Encora Developments in Regina, Sask., says the win has helped her have confidence in her career as a designer.
“Now, if I have any doubts about if I’m supposed to be doing this, I’ll know that I am,” says Bunz, Class of 2025.
This win continued Lakeland’s tradition of excellence in interior design technology. In 2025, Rochelle Horne, IDT program head, received NKBA’s first Educator of the Year award, which honours educators who significantly contribute to the industry through teaching, curriculum development and inspiring future generations of industry leaders.
Lakeland also received the 2026 NKBA Excellence in Education Award, recognizing the college’s continued success in preparing students for careers in interior design.
Achievements like these are made possible through the generosity of donors who invest in student success. From mentorship and industry-connected learning to access to innovative learning environments, donor generosity helps students like Bunz turn their passion into meaningful careers and continue Lakeland’s tradition of excellence.
National gold finish
Lakeland apprentice Braden Kereliuk won a gold medal in the steamfitterpipefitter category at the 2026 Skills Canada National Competition.
After earning provincial gold in Alberta, Kereliuk advanced to nationals, where he competed against the country’s top apprentices.
“Braden’s achievement on the national stage is a testament to his dedication, technical expertise and commitment to excellence in his trade,” says Dave King, dean of Lakeland’s School of Trades and Technology.
Lakeland will also be represented on the world stage this fall in Shanghai, when apprentice carpenter Logan Peters competes for Team Canada at the World Skills Competition.
2025-26
BY THE NUMBERS
2 NKBA College of the Year Awards
1ST
Canadian Institution to be NKBA Accredited
20 NKBA Student Competition Wins 11 NKBA Excellence in Education Awards
SKILLS CANADA BY THE
NUMBERS 19
Alberta Provincial Skills Canada Competition Medals in the Last 8 Years
6
National Skills Canada Competition Medals in the Last 8 Years
Setting roots for storytelling, empathy and giving back
Living in harmony with the land and learning from it are key lessons that Charlene Bonnar hopes to teach in her Indigenous Storytelling course. This past year, those lessons spilled out of the classroom and took root when she and her students planted the first seeds in what would become their community garden.
Funding for the community garden project came from donor support of Feast on the Farm, which continues to invest in student-led initiatives and experiences. Donor support creates opportunities not only to learn by doing, but also to lead, manage and collaborate on projects that create meaningful impact across campus and beyond.
It was a natural extension of what they were learning in the classroom, says Bonnar, as well as a way to create a sense of community among the students and the college.
“We hoped to be able to provide fresh vegetables at no cost to the college community,” says Bonnar, chair of the university transfer department.
Bonnar invited Wes Fine Day, a traditional knowledge keeper from Sweetgrass First Nation, to address the class, sharing stories of community building and learning from nature before joining the students at the garden site, located in the middle of Residence at the Lloydminster campus. He offered a blessing to the land and planting followed later.
“For our first year, we planted fairly low-maintenance vegetables,” says Bonnar, which included potatoes, beets, peppers, corn, tomatoes and carrots. The science lab staff experimented with starting seeds indoors, so the group was able to transplant several seedlings. They also planted fruit-bearing shrubs and trees, as well as herbs and flowers.
After the Indigenous Storytelling students finished last summer, the gardening team recruited more student volunteers to help with the harvest in the fall, including university transfer students and Rustler student-athletes.
Josh Malin, a general business student and member of the men’s soccer team, was one of the volunteers who saw harvesting as an opportunity to bond with his teammates and learn something new.
“It’s always important to give back to the community. My
townhouse residence is 15 feet away from this garden, so having the opportunity to do all that so close to home was really special,” he says.
Vegetables from the garden were shared with students and incorporated into Big Cook events, where students came together to prepare nutritious meals to stock the student pantry. Using the freshly harvested produce, students made tomato sauce with spaghetti, chili, baked potato soup, casseroles, pumpkin and zucchini muffins and more.
The Big Cook project is one of many student-focused initiatives supported through Feast on the Farm funding. Donor generosity also helps sustain projects and experiences such as the Student-Managed Farm – Powered by New Holland, the annual Border Beauty Showcase, new equipment for hands-on learning at the Emergency Training Centre, wellness symposiums coordinated by human services students and international study trips that broaden students’ perspectives and learning opportunities.
At the end of October, the students celebrated the success of their garden by hosting a harvest dinner attended by approximately 50 students and community members.
“Projects like this help build empathy for other people,” says university transfer student Olivia Berry. “It’s important to give back to your community, especially through good food. I’m able to take on a different perspective when I’m working in the garden, when I’m working with other people. I am able to explore different versions of what my career could become.”
“It’s a heartwarming feeling to help people out. Donors are able to support these projects for us, letting us experience something new and also helping us support the people around us,” adds Orrin Edighoffer, who’s studying child and youth care counselling.
More than a garden, the project has become a living classroom — one that teaches students about collaboration, sustainability, leadership and community care. Through opportunities made possible by Feast on the Farm and donor support, students can connect their learning to real experiences, gain leadership skills and discover the impact they can have on others.
Rustlers reign again
LAKELAND TEAMS DELIVER CHAMPIONSHIP YEAR
The Lakeland College Rustlers are champions again. Lakeland student-athletes delivered a banner season, capturing national gold, conference gold and hosting the Conference’s best on home court.
Women’s volleyball: National gold
The Rustlers women’s volleyball team won the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) national gold medal in Niverville, Man., defeating the Lynx d’ÉdouardMontpetit. It marks a record-breaking fourth-consecutive national gold medal for the team. They are the fourth team in CCAA women’s volleyball history to win four back-to-back national titles.
Avery Bates was named tournament MVP with 43 kills and 31 digs in the tournament, with an average killsper-set of 4.3. Lakeland’s Katelyn Mazurkewich led the tournament in assists with 10.5 per set and Raegan Nicol led in blocks per set with 1.3. Mazurkewich and Olivia DeDecker were named first-team all-stars, while Seanna Trumier was named second-team.
Women’s hockey: Conference gold
In front of a full house at the new Cenovus Energy Hub arena, the Rustlers women’s hockey team successfully defended their conference title with a goal in overtime, to secure the 1-0 victory against the Red Deer Queens.
Claudia Lammers scored the series-winning goal on a powerplay 5:07 minutes into second overtime and was named Player of the Game. Keyra Buziak, who had been named Alberta College Athletics Conference (ACAC) regular season Top Scorer and Female Player of the Year across all sports, was named series MVP as well as a first-team all-star. Marly Dumanski was recognized as the Rookie of the Year across all ACAC sports.
This is the second consecutive gold for the team after only joining the ACAC four seasons ago.
Men’s basketball: Home hosts
The Rustlers men’s basketball team hosted the best in the Conference on their home court for the ACAC Conference championships on the Lloydminster campus, placing fourth. They had posted a 17-3 record in the regular season to place first in the North division before a semi-final loss against the Lethbridge Kodiaks took them out of contention for the gold. The season ended with an 89-80 loss to the SAIT Trojans in a bronze medal game.
Coach Sheray Thomas was named the ACAC Men’s Basketball North Division Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year and guard Taleh Wade was named the ACAC North Player of the Year and CCAA All Canadian.
Men’s futsal: Bronze
After a tough loss in the championship quarter finals, the men’s futsal team battled back with three straight victories to earn ACAC bronze.
Rustlers curling: Bronze
The mixed curling team returned home from the ACAC Championships with a bronze medal after beating the Concordia Thunder 8-3.
Rustlers rowing
In the fall, the rowing team continued to build momentum at various regattas. The novice women’s team dominated at the Bulrush Stakes, winning gold in the 4 km race hosted by the University of Alberta and Edmonton Rowing Club. The novice women’s A quad placed first in their five-boat final.
Rustlers rodeo
Thirty student-athletes qualified for the Canadian College Finals Rodeo, three of them season leaders, and several posting top-five results. We also crowned one Canadian Champion Heeler and several Reserve Canadian College Rodeo champions.
“I am so proud of all of our student-athletes and coaches, but our women’s hockey and women’s volleyball team once again took it to the next level of competitive success,” says Alan Rogan, Lakeland’s athletics director. “It is great to win titles but more importantly, it is done by great people who work together to a common goal supported by fellow Rustler athletes and an entire Rustler Nation.”
151 Student-Athletes
1 CCAA Gold Medal
4th
Consecutive CCAA Gold Medal for Women’s Volleyball Team
2nd Women’s Hockey Conference Championship Win
3 Student-Athletes Named CCAA All Canadians
22 CCAA National Scholar Award Winners
11,000+ Hours of Community Service
Real-world learning. Real-world impact.
At Lakeland College, students don’t just study agricultural sciences — they live it. Donor support plays a transformative role in advancing handson programming, new technology, work-integrated learning opportunities and industry connections that prepare students for the future of agriculture. Their generosity also strengthens sustainable practices and responsible stewardship across the Student-Managed Farm –Powered by New Holland (SMF). By investing in Lakeland students, donors help create an environment where learners are empowered to innovate, lead and launch meaningful careers in agriculture and beyond. This past year, that impact was on full display through the achievements of Lakeland’s SMF teams, including crop technology and animal science technology purebred beef students.
Crop students celebrate a successful harvest
The 2025 harvest season showcased teamwork, innovation and leadership in action for students inaction for students on the SMF crop technology team. Second-year crop technology student Connor Klassen says ideal weather, strong collaboration and a dedicated team helped make the season a success.
“We had about 44 crop tech students involved and everyone was willing to help – whether it was trucking grain, combining or running tests,” says Klassen, the SMF crop unit general manager. “It made a big job feel manageable because everyone pulled their weight.”
Students harvested more than 1,300 acres of crops, including canola, wheat, peas, red lentils and peola, while also supporting other SMF units during silage season. Industry partnerships and crop plot trials added to the hands-on learning experience, while students on the marketing team negotiated contracts with local buyers.
Diversifying genetics and measuring success
From the classroom to the farm to the sales ring, SMF students build connections that matter. During their second year in animal science technology, students had the opportunity to lead one of the SMF units, including the purebred beef operation. Experiences like these are made possible through donor support, which helps sustain the hands-on learning opportunities that define a Lakeland education. By investing in student-led initiatives like the StudentManaged Farm, donors empower students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, build leadership skills and gain confidence managing complex operations.
For Kay Lee Zbudovski and Brooklyn Van Sickle, joining the purebred beef unit meant continuing their family cattle legacies while helping advance herd genetics and industry knowledge.
“On the purebred unit, there are 16 of us working together to run our purebred operation,” says Van Sickle, one of this year’s Round Up Sale and marketing coordinators. “As a collective, we make all decisions impacting the herd together, working together with common goals.
Students managed all aspects of the herd, from herd health and calving checks to breeding and genetics. Through artificial insemination and careful sire selection, the team worked to strengthen the red and black Angus genetics offered to commercial producers looking for purebred sires.
“Most of our work revolves around our bulls,” Zbudovski says.
“What makes Lakeland special is that we’re not just learning about farming –we’re managing it. The advisors guide us, but the decisions come from us. It’s real experience, not simulation. Every day you can learn something new – I didn’t realize how much hands-on experience you actually get here,” Klassen says. “I would recommend Lakeland to any young farm kid, or even if you’re not a farm kid, because if you show up every day and you’re willing to put the time in, you’ll get a lot out of this program.”
That experience is already creating opportunities for Klassen, who plans to return to his family’s mixed farm near Crooked Creek, Alberta, after graduation.
“Coming to Lakeland opens up a lot of opportunities.”
The unit’s work culminated at the annual Round Up Sale, where students marketed and sold bulls alongside livestock from other SMF units.
“It was a great experience to try something new and expand our horizons,” says Van Sickle. “We learned how to be involved in a consignment sale and we bonded as a team, working together to make it a success.”
For the students, success extended beyond the sale ring.
“Success is having customers that come back and love our products. It’s meeting our goals as a team. And it’s just everybody learning something new throughout the year,” says Van Sickle.
Through donor generosity, students gain opportunities to lead operations, make decisions with real-world impact and prepare for careers in the agriculture industry. These experiences help students strengthen technical knowledge while developing communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills that will serve them long after graduation.
Thank you
Lakeland students are deeply grateful for the generosity and support of donors who continue to invest in their future. Through visionary contributions, donors like you create opportunities that extend far beyond financial assistance, empowering students to pursue their passions, develop practical skills and prepare for meaningful careers and leadership roles. Your support sends a powerful message – that their potential matters, their goals are worth pursuing and their futures are supported by a community that believes in their success.
“You helped me significantly, which will ensure that I can continue reaching my goals in terms of my education. Thank you for making a difference in my life, I hope I can pay it forward in my future.”
- TAYLA RUSSELL, UNIVERSITY TRANSFER: BACHELOR OF EDUCATION –ELEMENTARY
“I am extremely grateful for the support of Lakeland’s donors. It is really heartwarming to me that there are people who want to see students succeed and are actively helping them do so. It is extremely wholesome and kind, and it does not go unnoticed. Thank you so, so, so much!”
- TRISTAN DUCHERER, UNIVERSITY TRANSFER: BACHELOR OF EDUCATIONSECONDARY
“You truly answered a prayer for my family and me. Your support has become a meaningful part of my journey as I continue to pursue my dreams, not only for myself, but also for my children. I hope to one day pay it forward and honour the community that has been so supportive of my studies. Thank you!”
- JADE VALENTE, EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
“I want to express my sincere gratitude for your generosity. This support means a great deal to me as I continue my education at Lakeland College. Knowing that donors like you believe in my potential is truly motivating. Thank you again for your support and encouragement. I am very grateful.”
- MARLEIGH MANN, UNIVERSITY TRANSFER: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
“Thank you so much! Your support not only helps me continue my studies but also motivates me to work hard and pursue my goal of becoming a certified power engineer. I am sincerely grateful for your generosity. Thank you for investing in students like me and supporting our educational journeys.”
- MATHEW DUMAS, PROCESS AND POWER ENGINEERING
“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks. I sincerely appreciate your investment in students pursuing careers in process and power engineering. Being part of an underrepresented group in this industry motivates me to work harder and continue pushing myself to succeed. Thank you again for your generosity.”
- EMMA BUREAU, PROCESS AND POWER ENGINEERING
“I am deeply grateful for your generosity and belief in my potential. This has boosted my confidence, making me feel supported and valued, which motivates me to strive for excellence and remain committed to my goals. Your generosity has strengthened my confidence and determination. I am committed to honouring your support by working diligently in my studies and, upon graduation, contributing to early childhood education through mentorship and program development, making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families. Thank you once again for your kindness and generosity.”
- SHALOM IBINABO HARRY, EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
“Thank you for your generous support of my education. It reminds me that others believe in my goals and in the importance of education. Your generosity is helping me move closer to becoming the kind of educator who makes a lasting difference. My goal as a future educator is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of youth by fostering belonging, confidence, and opportunity. I am truly grateful for your investment in my future. Thank you again for your kindness and support.”
- KENNEDY CARTER, UNIVERSITY TRANSFER: BACHELOR OF EDUCATIONELEMENTARY
“I am truly grateful for your support and generosity. You have truly helped my educational journey, and I am so thankful. Thank you for believing in students like me.”
- KAYLA PAULL, EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
“I am incredibly grateful for the support of donors. Your generosity and support mean more than words can express. Knowing that others believe in my goals and potential has given me more motivation to persevere when my studies become more challenging throughout my educational journey. Thank you!”
- KAYLEE NYKOLAISHYN, CHILD AND YOUTH CARE COUNSELLOR
“Thank you so much for your generous gift. I am currently a nursing student, and your support means a lot to me. Knowing that someone believes in my education and my future is very encouraging. Choosing Lakeland College was an important decision for me, and receiving this award has confirmed that Lakeland was the right choice for my nursing education. I feel supported and motivated to continue working hard and caring for others through my future career in nursing. Thank you. Your support has made a positive difference in my life, and I am very grateful.”
CAMILLE DE GUZMAN, UNIVERSITY TRANSFER: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (USASK)
“I am truly grateful for your support. I am studying the health care aide program. I chose this course because I wanted a career change and I wanted to do something meaningful and exciting. Working in health care has always interested me, and I’m happy I finally got the chance to follow this path. My goal is to build a good future in the health care field and to help people in need. Thank you again for your kindness and generosity. It has made a real difference in my life.”
- NIKHESH PURUSHAN, HEALTH CARE AIDE
“I am writing to sincerely thank you for your generous support. As an international student, pursuing my education abroad comes with both exciting opportunities and significant financial responsibilities. Your investment in students like me truly makes a difference. It strengthens our confidence, supports our ambitions, and reminds us that we are not alone in our journey. I am sincerely thankful for your kindness and for believing in my future. I hope to one day be in a position to support students the way you have supported me.”
- EUNICE DAKURAH, BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
“I want to express my deepest appreciation for your generous support through the Indigenous Careers Award. I am a second-year student in the veterinary technologist program at Lakeland College. You have eased the financial pressures that come with advancing in my studies and completing the more intensive parts of my training. Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and belief in students like me. Your support is truly making a difference in my life.”
- KAILEY CINNAMON, VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY
“I chose the environmental sciences program because I see the growing need to restore and protect the land for future generations. You have lifted a tremendous amount of stress from my educational journey. I am able to invest in my studies without the constant worry of financial pressure, giving me the ability to focus on my labs, fieldwork, and handson learning.”
- EVA CHARTRAND, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES: CONSERVATION AND RECLAMATION
$225.7 MILLION
Lakeland isn’t just a place to study — it’s a major economic engine.
Lakeland operations add $58.5 million each year.
Alumni add $162.6 million to the economy each year.
Student spending adds $4.6 million each year.
Lakeland’s activities support nearly 2,400 jobs, 1 in every 28 jobs in our service area.
See the full impact at: lakelandcollege.ca/economic-impact
HERE’S WHAT YOUR DONATIONS SUPPORTED IN 2025-26:
Awards, scholarships and bursaries: $522,719 $135,100 Agricultural Sciences $17,830 Facilities $1,090,000 Trades and Technology $170,700 Emergency Training Centre You are one of 701 donors $423,706 Capital
Together you gave $4,250,175
$561,160
Athletics
$1,017,500 Energy
$4,976
Success & Wellbeing
$143,648
Special Fundraising Events
Endowed gifts:
Generous donations that are invested in perpetuity. The income from the fund creates a lasting gift that provides support for students for years to come.
$17,092,772.11
Value of Lakeland College endowments
4
New endowments in 2025-26
168 Endowments that funded awards
Annual gifts:
Donors who made an annual gift support pressing and immediate needs of students. These gifts create immediate impact.
198
Donors who have supported Lakeland College every year for the past 3 years
$3000 Area of Greatest Need
294 First-time donors
121
Donors who are Lakeland College alumni