2021 Donor Impact Report - Leading. Learning. The Lakeland Campaign

Thank you for leading the way.

LEADING. LEARNING. THE LAKELAND CAMPAIGN. Lakeland College � 1

More than $13 million raised as campaign reaches finish line Your support of Leading. Learning. The Lakeland Campaign. has made it the most successful campaign in Lakeland’s history.

In 2016, the campaign was launched with an initial goal of raising $10 million to support three priorities: expanding student success, empowering the next leaders in agriculture, and growing resultsoriented research.

Thanks to your enthusiastic support, the goal was soon increased to $11 million.

The campaign successfully concluded on June 30, 2021.

The final numbers are impressive: 1,131 donors contributed a total of 3,077 gifts. Collectively, you raised $13,374,066.

Your gifts have already fueled changes and advancements in programs, facilities and research. You’ve grown and strengthened the line-up of services available to students.

And the impact of your gifts is already being felt.

Results-oriented research has grown, and the outcomes are enhancing commercial agriculture.

Students are participating in more hands-on learning and leadership projects. They’re developing new skills sought by industry because the labs and facilities are equipped with modern technology. Because of access to more donor-supported awards, scholarships and bursaries, they are graduating with less debt.

Helping students engage in high-quality education at Lakeland makes it possible for them to go on to bright futures and be differencemakers in the workforce and their communities.

As we enter a new generation of learning and leading, Lakeland is ready to offer even more opportunities for student to excel and for research to thrive. Your support has helped create a promising future.

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POWER NEW H

RED BY HOLLAND

New Holland Agriculture and Lakeland recently renewed their partnership, ensuring New Holland will remain the college’s exclusive agricultural and utility equipment supplier until 2031.

In recognition of this tremendous support, the student-managed farm will remain named the Student-Managed Farm – Powered

by New Holland. New Holland also announced a $450,000 contribution to further agriculture technology programs and initiatives at Lakeland.

Our partnership with New Holland Agriculture allows us to coach our students in real-life scenarios, outlining the decision-making process and allowing them the opportunity to develop industry relationships. We are so fortunate to have New Holland Agriculture and Webb’s Machinery, our local dealer, as active partners in educating students on the latest advancements in equipment and technology.

Geoff Brown Dean of Lakeland’s School of Agricultural Sciences

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It’s hard to truly put into words how much your help means to me. When I think of the financial support you’ve provided me, the first thing that comes to my mind are my three daughters. They are the reason I do everything, why I am working towards building a world where they can thrive.

Your gift allows me to continue my studies in Lakeland’s Renewable Energy and Conservation program, which grants me a greater opportunity to make a better world for them. Thank you for being part of that hope because that is what your bursary provides – hope that I can create a world they will be proud of.

YOU ARE EXPANDIN STUDENT S

Edwin Laarz Bursary recipient Edwin graduated with distinction this year from the Renewable Energy and Conservation diploma program. The program was recently renamed Sustainable Energy Technology.

Where our donors live: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Oregon

4 � Lakeland College

Lakeland students are exceptional, hardworking and passionate. They come to Lakeland eager to learn.

For students to thrive at Lakeland, being active and involved outside of class is important.

And with the many challenges and pressures that attending college comes with, access to mental health, wellness and academic services are critical.

Your investments in life-shaping services and supports create experiences students draw on while at Lakeland and throughout their lives.

You help students realize their dreams of a better future.

NG SUCCESS $13,374,066

1,131

3,077

Total funds raised

# of Donors

# of Gifts

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E X PA N D I N G S T U D E N T S U C C E S S

Indigenous support services Indigenous students are taking the lead in creating meaningful awareness events and support programs at Lakeland. The Indigenous Student Advisory Committee initiated many advancements such as raising Treaty 6 and Métis Nation flags at both campuses, developing an Indigenous Student Lounge that’s open to all students, and organizing events to increase awareness and appreciation of Indigenous culture. Thanks for your support.

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O Canada!

Combatting financial impacts of COVID-19 The impact of COVID-19 hit students in multiple ways. One of the most immediate challenges was fewer summer jobs for incoming and returning students. We reached out to donors for help. You delivered in spades, helping fund the Support Our Students Enhanced Bursary, assisting students in dire financial need.

Our Rustlers student-athletes are driven to succeed in key areas that we call the three Cs – classroom, competition and community. Your support helps with exhibition expenses, team gear and more.

You help offset playoff travel costs, including competing in national championships. Your generosity has ensured there’s been lots to cheer about, including our Rustlers women’s volleyball team winning gold at nationals in 2017 and bronze in 2018.

Class of 1952 alumnus gives back

Real resources for future leaders Your support of the student awards program helps ensure financial difficulty doesn’t make a Lakeland education inaccessible. This past academic year, donors provided 615 awards, scholarships and bursaries to Lakeland students, an increase of 85 since the campaign began. Thanks for helping lighten the financial load!

Indigenous services and supports are stronger, environmental sciences students have new opportunities to lead and learn, and students have access to more awards and bursaries thanks to Bill Bocock’s ongoing support throughout the campaign. “Mr. Bocock’s gifts to the Indigenous Support Services area have created opportunities to support student learning, to have visual cultural representation, and provide access to selfhelp resources,” said Shelly Pewapsconias, Lakeland’s former manager of Indigenous Support Services.

Bill’s generosity helped the School of Environmental Sciences launch its first Conference on Environmental Management in 2019. More than 250 industry professionals, community members, and Lakeland students, faculty and staff attended the first conference, which featured capstone presentations from bachelor of applied science: environmental management students. Due to COVID-19, the conference was held virtually the past two years. It remained a great success.

Eagle Builders backs dairy students Supporting Métis student success The Métis Nation of Alberta and its affiliates, the Rupertsland Institute and the Métis Education Foundation, created a substantial endowment fund to ensure bursaries are available for Lakeland Métis students for years to come.

This collaboration is so valuable for our students.

Eagle Builders created an endowment to fund awards for animal science technology students majoring in dairy. “Our goal is to support our future progressive dairy farmers. We feel this gift will help continue to drive young men and women to succeed in the dairy sector across Canada for generations to come,” said Craig Haan, co-owner of Eagle Builders. The company built the Dairy Learning Centre.

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YOU ARE EMPOWERIN THE NEXT LEADERS AGRICULTURE Having access to a commercial-sized farm and amazing facilities right here at Lakeland is one of the reasons why I chose to attend the college. Not many other post-secondaries can offer the level of hands-on learning that Lakeland provides. I’m now taking the agriculture technology degree program, so I’ll spend a lot of time in the new Agriculture Technology Centre. These facilities really help bring our education to life.

Caylee Dorval Class of 2021, Animal Science Technology Current student, Bachelor of Agriculture Technology Caylee is among more than 500 students currently enrolled in School of Agricultural Sciences programs.

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You gave gifts of cash, land, buildings, equipment, livestock, securities and life insurance.

NG IN

When the campaign began, we asked you to imagine a future where our ag students can dig deeper into all aspects of their studies. We had a vision to modernize our campus farm, provide students with access to new technologies, and integrate even more real-world learning opportunities into their studies.

You helped bring this vision to life.

With more than a century of experience, Lakeland is deeply rooted in agricultural education in Western Canada and the ag industry overall.

Advancements from the campaign will ensure Lakeland stays at the forefront of the ag industry and continues to play a key role in supporting economic growth.

Your support helps ensure current and future generations of Lakeland students and graduates will excel in Canada’s agriculture industry.

Thank you for helping us secure the spaces and places where leading and learning thrive.

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Lakeland alumni gave

current and former Lakeland employees gave

$1,595,026

$141,545

toward the campaign

toward the campaign Lakeland College � 9

E M P O W E R I N G T H E N E X T L E A D E R S I N A G R I C U LT U R E

Dairy Learning Centre Opened August 2017 The Dairy Learning Centre is a state-of-the-art facility with robotic and conventional milking systems, automatic feeding systems and health management software. The program now attracts students from throughout Canada and beyond.

Our thanks to donors and supporters, including Alberta Milk, for their contributions.

Agriculture Technology Centre Opened September 2021

Agricultural and Environmental Lab Spaces Opened January 2020 Four labs in Academic Link were rejuvenated to create modern, more efficient learning spaces for students. The labs now feature specialized equipment for the study of soils, plants, aquatic organisms and chemistry.

10 � Lakeland College

This modernized building is home to Lakeland’s new Bachelor of Agriculture Technology program and applied research.

The Agriculture Technology Lab – Powered by New Holland is a large open bay for developing, troubleshooting, and demonstrating hardware and equipment. The Lewis Farms Data Lab serves as the central collection hub for all data collected from across the campus farm and college land.

Research initiatives will focus on developing, validating, and commercializing ag technology solutions that will enhance regional productivity and sustainability. Numerous donors supported ag technology initiatives, including New Holland Agriculture, RBC Foundation, MNP and Lewis Farms.

Animal Health Clinic Opened September 2018 With the opening of the Animal Health Clinic, Lakeland expanded student enrolment in its animal health technology and veterinary medical assistant programs. Your generosity ensures students learn and practice clinical skills in a setting that reflects a modern animal hospital. Many of the clinic supporters are passionate about pets. For example, donor Gail McDonald honoured her furry companions by naming both cat wards, and the cat play area for her cats: Harma, Nermi and Meldo. Al and Joanne MacLauchlan are also strong supporters of Lakeland, in this case naming the exam room after their dog. Since opening, hundreds of students have trained in the Hador MacLauchlan Exam Room.

Driving careers forward Thanks to the generosity of Barry and Jackie Anderson, Lakeland now owns three acres of industrial land and two large buildings just west of Lloydminster. The buildings house Lakeland’s driver training programs and vehicle restoration workshops. More than 200 people accessed training at the site in 2020.

Up for the Challenge

G.N. Sweet Livestock Research Facility

During the final month of the campaign, 56 people made gifts to Lakeland through the Great Canadian Giving Challenge. Our goal was to raise $5,000 and your support helped us blow past that goal and raise $6,210! Each dollar donated earned us an entry in the Great Canadian Giving Challenge $20,000 draw. While Lakeland didn’t claim the prize, our students will win big from your support of safe spaces, mental health services and more.

Opened October 2016 Judy Sweet supported the modernization and expansion of the college’s livestock research facility through her family’s Sportaken Holdings and from The Garth Sweet Simmental Foundation. Named in memory of Judy’s husband Garth, the G.N. Sweet Livestock Research Facility is used by students, faculty and research scientists.

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E M P O W E R I N G T H E N E X T L E A D E R S I N A G R I C U LT U R E

Creating leaders on and off the fields On the Student-Managed Farm – Powered by New Holland, Lakeland students have the rare opportunity to manage a working commercial farm.

They lead commercial-scale crop, livestock and ag research enterprises.

We put students in real-world scenarios, challenging them to think critically and learn through tangible experiences.

With enrolment in agricultural sciences programming doubling the last decade, and the demand for ag-based research growing, more crop and pasture land was needed.

Our thanks to our donors for helping us expand our land base.

Sweet expansion As a proud supporter of Lakeland College, Judy Sweet has done much to not only modernize the college farm, but expand its operations.

Thanks to her generosity, Lakeland purchased land west of Vermilion in 2019. It is used for student-led learning and research opportunities.

“This land purchase ties into the G.N. Sweet Livestock Research Facility and supports the students, who are eager and already prepared for the real world when they graduate. They could run their own farm, start a new business, advance ag research or take on something else, and they are prepared to do it.

To advance this, you have to have more land,” said Judy.

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Broadening with bison Armin and Rita Mueller emigrated from Switzerland to Canada in the 1970s. Through hard work and innovation, they succeeded first in the dairy industry and then in the bison industry.

In February 2020, Lakeland announced that the owners of Canadian Rangeland Bison and Elk were donating money and bison to Lakeland to establish a bison operation.

The Muellers consider their gift to Lakeland an investment in the future of the bison industry. Students in the animal science technology program will have the opportunity to learn more about bison and take that knowledge with them throughout their careers.

“I think this will really help strengthen the Canadian bison brand,” said Armin.

Their gift provides more student-managed learning opportunities for students in the livestock major and opens doors for Lakeland to participate in bison research projects.

Giving back to his college When Roy Kubica retired from farming, he thought of his alma mater.

The long-time award donor wanted to help students in another way. He chose to support the purchase of land west of Vermilion so students have more hands-on learning and leadership opportunities.

“Lakeland’s agricultural sciences programming is essential for future generations of farmers and other agricultural professionals. I have the opportunity to help a lot of students and I am proud to do so,” said Roy.

Monthly donor helps students with tech and transportation challenges Phones, laptops, internet. We take so many of these technologies for granted. But for some students, all of this tech is beyond their budget.

Thanks to the kindness of an anonymous monthly donor, students got help with internet connectivity, phone chargers, pay and talk cards and more. The donor also funded cab vouchers to help students get to practicum placements and job interviews. These little items make a big difference.

Golf, Galas and Feasts Throughout the campaign you supported our Rustlers Athletics Golf Tournament, President’s Gala and Feast on the Farm. Those special events raised money for bursaries, student leadership initiatives and athletics.

Jennifer Heculuck is one of 100 students to receive the Support Our Students (SOS) Enhanced Bursary.

The $4,000 bursary is supported by proceeds from the President’s Gala plus donations and is awarded based on financial need. During the 2019 gala, Jennifer told attendees that her Lakeland education wouldn’t have been possible without their support. “You took a chance on people – on strangers – who you’ve never met. That to me, is the most amazing thing.”

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Supporting sustainability Sustainable agriculture and sustainable energy programming and research are growing at Lakeland, thanks to a gift from JBC Anderson Foundation at Canada Gives. The funding supports: • sustainable agriculture research • development of courses for Lakeland’s new agricultural sustainability program • rebranding of Lakeland’s online renewable energy and conservation program as sustainable energy (certificate) and sustainable energy technology (diploma) • bursaries for students in the sustainable energy, sustainable energy technology and agricultural sustainability programs

YOU ARE GROW RE ORIENTED

• sustainable/renewable energy research • equipment and technology renewal that enhances sustainable energy programming and research projects.

Precision ranching Mike and Denise Kotelko of Highland Feeders are helping to fund a precision ranching research project.

Their gift has double the impact as Lakeland was able to access matching funds. Mike graduated from Lakeland in 1982 and previously served on our board of governors. He is chair of the Leading. Learning. The Lakeland Campaign. cabinet.

Visit lakelandcollege.ca/limitless to read about the latest research projects

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HELPING ESULTSD RESEARCH Applied research actually came first in Lakeland’s history. Before the Vermilion School of Agriculture opened in 1913, there was a demonstration farm where the “scientific side” of mixed farming was tested.

There’s been significant growth in applied research at Lakeland in recent years, thanks to investments from donors, government, and industry. The new and modernized ag facilities plus increase in land base made expanding research possible.

Our research team is driven to advance agricultural productivity and sustainability in key commercial crop and livestock species and new ag technologies. They’re helping turn today’s ideas into tomorrow’s solutions and providing answers that benefit producers and the agriculture value chain.

Another strength of Lakeland’s research program is providing students with learning opportunities so they can build important skills that will serve them well in the future.

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Active crop research projects underway

Active livestock research projects underway

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Thank you Behind the scenes, volunteers worked with Lakeland staff to ensure Leading. Learning. The Lakeland Campaign. was a success. Our thanks to the following people for generously volunteering their time and talents to help make the campaign a success.

Mike Kotelko

Jack Lewis

Class of 1982 Campaign Chair

Class of 1951 Jack passed away in 2020

Ed Stelmach

Ken Lewis

Honorary Campaign Chair Lakeland’s 2014 Distinguished Citizen

Friend of Lakeland

Georgina Altman

Al MacLauchlan Friend of Lakeland

Vice President External Relations and Infrastructure Lakeland College

Friend of Lakeland

Dianne Harder

Josie Van Lent

Public Member Lakeland College Board of Governors

Dean Agriculture Technology & Applied Research Lakeland College

Jason Holtby Class of 1990

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Page Stuart