BEST VET TECH
IN THE WEST
By Melissa Barr
Lindsey Fenez was born knowing what she wanted to be when she grew up.
She spent her childhood on a grain farm outside Pennant, Sask., surrounded by every small animal species she could imagine. There were cats, dogs, birds, bunnies, lizards -- a little bit of everything. Animal care was always her passion, and it only made sense to pursue a career working in veterinary medicine.
The Class of 1998 animal health technology* alumna started her studies early, volunteering at veterinary clinics in the Swift Current, Sask., area. When it came time to choose a post-secondary institution to study at, Lakeland College was her first choice.
“The animal health technology program was very hands-on,” she recalls. “The college has its own clinic and its own farm. I knew I was going to get a lot of hands-on experience and I absolutely loved it.”
From the hands-on opportunities in the clinic to spending nights on lambing rotations bonding with her classmates, Fenez took those memories with her after she graduated.
After leaving Lakeland, Fenez spent some time as a registered veterinary technologist (RVT) at a zoo in B.C., fondly recalling the baby camels and cougars she got to work with. She worked at small animal clinics in Burnaby, Calgary and Canmore. Eventually, she returned home to Saskatchewan to pursue a dream of working at the University of Saskatchewan. There, she started as an RVT in the pharmacy before moving on to the ICU in the veterinary emergency department. She moved to the anesthesia department, eventually being promoted to supervisor and then manager, the position she holds
They get to know those patients and can see if there are changes. The RVTs are the nurses for the animals. They speak for the animals.”
According to Fenez, a good RVT has compassion, critical-thinking skills and the ability to multitask. They also manage the difficult parts inherent in veterinary medicine.
“I think every tech will agree that the challenging part is when you have to say goodbye to your patients. We can’t save them all, even though we want to. We just have to know that we’re doing our absolute best and that we are giving them the comfort that they need.”
labs and rotations for RVT students from Saskatchewan Polytechnic and other RVT schools across Canada.”
"The new onsite clinic, the animals there - it gives that handson, individual experience for the students."
Fenez was awarded the 2024 Technologist of the Year award from the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association, an honour she claims she was shocked to receive.
“It was an incredible feeling,” she says. “I was honoured just to be nominated and to actually receive the award was an achievement that I will always cherish.”
In her time as an RVT, Fenez says she has watched the role of the vet tech expand and evolve in the veterinary setting, and she’s proud to have been a part of that.
As for her on-going connection to Lakeland, Fenez returns as often as she can.
“Lakeland will always be a special place in my heart,” she says. “The new on-site clinic, the animals there - it gives that hands-on, individual experience for the students. I still go back there for the job fairs because I think the graduates that come from Lakeland College are some of the best that are out there.”
*The animal health technology program is now called the veterinary technology program
“I’m the manager of health services at the University of Saskatchewan Veterinary Medicine Centre,” Fenez explains. “I support the RVTs and focus on maintaining the gold standard teaching hospital for our doctor of veterinary medicine program. I also organize a lot of the practicum
“We work as a big team in the practice,” she says. “The RVTs form a connection between the animals and the doctors of veterinary medicine (DVMs), and ensure they receive the care and attention they need,” she explains. “The DVMs need to move from patient to patient, and it’s the RVTs that stay with the patients on an hourly, minute-by-minute timeframe.
Hello everyone, this is Kayleigh Schmid, alumni engagement for Lakeland. Over the past while, we've spent time exploring how we connect with our alumni and how they prefer to stay in touch with Lakeland. What we learned also confirmed something we already knew — our alumni community is proud, connected and eager to give back in meaningful ways. As a result, we're adjusting how we approach alumni engagement. A diversified model for alumni engagement will be introduced, aiming to offer more involvement and flexible opportunities for our alumni to continue to be connected to Lakeland. Things won't be changing drastically — we still look forward to seeing you at familiar events, such as Alumni Weekend and continuing the tradition and the legacy we all value. We're excited for what’s ahead and remain committed to celebrating and supporting you, our alumni family. I am always available for a chat or coffee. Please feel free to connect with me. My cell phone number is 780.872.0245.
Kayleigh Schmid
Alumni Engagement & Career Services Specialist Class of 2011
FAREWELL TO THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Another successful Alumni Weekend has come and gone. This year saw a change to our Friday evening program with Gord Court, a provincial specialist in endangered species, giving a very interesting presentation on the return in Western Canada from near extinction, the Peregrine Falcon. He brought his pet falcon Vinnie to show off to the delight of the crowd. We then went to the Copper Cork for a bit of an after-party and in good college tradition, closed the bar.
Saturday morning, during our annual meeting, we had established a quorum and dealt with some major changes to our provincially registered association.
The college told us that it would make things a lot easier for them, with all the provincial regulations they have to follow, if we transitioned to a club, like the Rodeo Club. We would come under the umbrella and control of the college rather than remaining as we were. After a lot of discussion, including whether we should wait a year, a vote was taken to dissolve the association. Following our constitution, we voted that our funds be donated to the college. As per the motion, the association’s funds are designated for alumni engagement and archival projects.
I have been elected to help with the transition. During the year, we will work to develop a plan for the future that will invigorate our group and increase your participation. We hope to present a whole new club at our next annual weekend club update and need you there to help shape our future.
A side note: at the end of July, I was invited to a weekend get together for the Class of 1966. What an active group of more than 30 attending. Great fellowship. The good old days were very good to us all. If your class has an event, social, coffee club, golf tournament etc., please let us know. If you are trying to get something going, contact our alumni office to get a current phone list for your class.
James McLaughlin Alumni Association President
(former)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Alumni Spotlight
Excel is published by Lakeland College’s Department of Donor and Alumni Relations
Excel is also available on Lakeland College’s website at lakelandcollege.ca/excel
The department distributes mailings, invitations and class lists. Anyone wishing to be excluded from certain mailings should call Kayleigh at 780.871.5526.
Editor: Melissa Barr
Writers: Melissa Barr, Katie Ryan
Creative Design: Chelsey Schlosser
Cover Photo: Melissa Barr
Contributions:
Special thanks to all alumni who contributed to this edition of Excel. Letters, photographs and news are welcome. If you’re celebrating a personal or professional milestone, or have other news to share, please let us know! We’d be happy to include your news in the Class Notes section. We reserve the right to edit contributions. Submitted photographs must have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi. Please send all correspondence to Kayleigh Schmid at kayleigh.schmid@lakelandcollege.ca
Publications mail agreement No. 40009099
Return undeliverable addresses to: Lakeland College Donor and Alumni Relations 5707 College Drive Vermilion, Alberta, Canada T9X 1K5 lakelandcollege.ca/alumni-update
Catching up at ALUMNI SOCIALS
Throughout this past year, we’ve enjoyed connecting with alumni all over Alberta and Saskatchewan.
We always start off the year with our annual University Transfer alumni social in March. This year we featured the sciences, with an alumni panel featuring a pharmacist, dentist and veterinarian.
In July we hit the road to Ag in Motion where we again connected with lots of alumni!
We connected with even more alumni at our first alumni social at the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton in October.
In November, we will be at Canadian Western Agribition in Regina.
Don’t forget to keep your contact information up-to-date, so we can let you know our social schedule! We'd love to see you. Update your info at lakelandcollege.ca/alumni-update.
Alumni EVENTS
AGRIBITION ALUMNI SOCIAL
Wednesday, Nov. 26
ALUMNI WEEKEND
June 12-13, 2026
AG IN MOTION ALUMNI SOCIAL
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Reminiscing at ALUMNI WEEKEND
In June, Lakeland College welcomed back generations of proud alumni for a weekend filled with laughter, nostalgia and celebration. Since 1913, Lakeland has been a place where lifelong friendships are forged — and Alumni Weekend at the Vermilion campus was a beautiful reminder of that legacy.
This year, we celebrated with classes 1953 to 1995 at Alumni Weekend, honouring the Class of 1975 as they celebrated their 50th anniversary. Their stories, smiles and spirited memories brought warmth and inspiration to the entire campus. There were also tours of our Emergency Training Centre and our bison herd.
The highlight of the weekend? The ever-enchanting Rose Ball. With warmth, fun and music, it was a magical evening where old friends reconnected and new friendships blossomed.
Whether you were reminiscing over coffee, strolling through campus, or spinning on the dance floor, Alumni Weekend was a joyful celebration of the past, present and future of Lakeland College.
Here’s to the memories we made —and the ones still to come!
Thank you to Tami Klatt who volunteered her time to take photos at Alumni Weekend.
We'll be at Booth 125 in the International Trade Centre in Regina, Sask.
Meet Scott Guenthner, alumnus, rodeo star and CFR and Calgary Stampede steer wrestling champion, on Nov. 28. He will be onsite between 1 and 3 p.m.
Class of 1975: Russel Manary, Kevin Walker, Ray Yaworski, Gary Hunter, Lyle Desmond, Suzan Yaworski, Myrna Melin and Velma Hudson
LEARNING GIVING BACK A legacy of
By Katie Ryan
"I see this as an opportunity to help individual students further their studies. "
Dr. Franklin Foster’s connection to Lakeland College is both deeply personal and profoundly impactful. As a retired professor and dedicated donor, his legacy reflects a lifelong commitment to education, community service and helping students find their path.
Born in Lloydminster on July 17, 1945, Dr. Foster was raised on a small farm southwest of the city. He began his education in a one-room schoolhouse – Golden Valley School – and was part of the first class to attend the new junior high school in Lloydminster in 1959. After a year-long hospital stay, he was left with a significant physical
disability but returned to complete high school and went on to earn multiple degrees, including a doctorate in history from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont.
Dr. Foster’s early career saw him teaching across Alberta, including Dewberry, Marwayne and Cold Lake, and becoming actively involved in promoting post-secondary education in the region and eventually teaching at Lakeland College in Lloydminster.
“It was (kind of neat,) as we used to say, to teach university-level courses in my hometown,” says Dr. Foster, who began teaching history for the School of University Transfer in 1989.
His first classes were held in the old Meridian School building while the Lloydminster campus was under construction. He would go on to teach at Lakeland for 21 years, becoming a respected figure among students and faculty alike.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Foster immersed himself in the community. He served on the Public Library Board, was an active member and later president of the Rotary Club of Lloydminster, and contributed to local history initiatives, including Lloydminster’s Centennial celebration and the development of an interpretive centre for the heavy oil industry.
A cherished tradition during his years at Lakeland was the involvement of his wife, Dorothy, who baked cookies and squares for his students each term. “A student once called her ‘my human side,’ which was very accurate,” says Dr. Foster. Now retired, Dr. Foster continues to support the college through student scholarships focused on history. “I see this as an opportunity to help individual students further their studies. Some take a while to realize their potential and I hope to support them in making that decision,” he explains. His giving is guided by a simple desire: “to help others, especially students who might share some aspects of my background.”
TEN YEARS
OF TRANSFORMATION
The Energy Centre officially opened at Lakeland’s Lloydminster campus, providing power engineering students with the most advanced training lab among Canadian postsecondaries. Lakeland opened the modernized G.N. Sweet Livestock Research Facility - with support from donor Judy Sweet – which features state-of-the-art technology for livestock research and development.
The college's 46,600 sq. ft. Dairy Learning Centre opened. It features a robotic and traditional milk parlour, a robotic feeder, among other new technologies.
Energy Park Site officially opened west of Lloydminster through the generosity of an anonymous donor. This three-acre industrial site is home to truck driver and vehicle restoration programs.
The new Animal Health Clinic opened, reflecting an operational veterinary clinic with state-of-theart technology and allowing Lakeland to increase enrolment.
The Trades Centre repair project was completed.
Phase 1 of the Vermilion Campus Revitalization plan was completed with renovations done in Alumni Hall's Student Services, Learning Commons and Information Technology areas, as well as Academic Link student labs.
Generous support from alum Roy
enabled Lakeland to expand the campus farm with 309 acres of quality cropland.
PROGRESS IN ACTION
Lakeland continues to invest in campus renewal and student success.
Progress is more than a principle; it’s a promise at Lakeland College.
A promise to provide students with the dynamic spaces they need to thrive, lead and innovate in an ever-evolving world. Rooted in a proud tradition of hands-on learning and industry-driven education since 1913, Lakeland continues to open new chapters of momentum and growth in campus development.
Kubica and donor Judy Sweet
The new hairstyling salon opened at Lloydminster campus.
The announcement of a historic gift from Armin and Rita Mueller allowed Lakeland to further expand the campus farm and establish a bison herd.
Lakeland officially opened the Agriculture Technology Centre, which is home to Canada's first degree in agriculture technology. Home to more than 700 agricultural sciences students, the transformed WHT Mead Building opened featuring collaboration spaces, labs, classrooms and faculty offices.
Renovations on residence began in 2022.
Modernization of the Bentley Building began in 2023 and will be opened in fall of 2026.
Today, Lakeland’s Bentley Building is transforming and taking shape as progress continues with its construction. Slated to open fall 2026, the modernized building will feature learning spaces designed to enable students to excel with immersive learning opportunities, including a state-of-the-art interior design studio, child development centre with observation labs and access to an outdoor natural playscape. It will also be home to the Vermilion campus Indigenous student lounge and an Indigenous garden. The completion of the Bentley Building will represent another big step in Lakeland’s campus revitalization plan.
With every square foot built or renovated, Lakeland’s mission comes to life through strategic investments in infrastructure that support student success and respond to the needs of today’s learners – while anticipating those of tomorrow.
More than infrastructure, these campus developments represent an investment in people, potential and community.
HANDS-ON LEARNING. REAL-WORLD IMPACT.
HELP US BUILD THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE
The Student-Managed FarmPowered by New Holland is Lakeland College's largest learning lab. More than 700 students are enrolled in Lakeland’s agricultural programs this fall, an increase of 165 per cent in 15 years.
For each of these students, the farm is a real-world education model that replicates a modern commercial agriculture operation. To continue to align with industry best practice, Lakeland needs to upgrade and expand the commercial beef yard, the purebred beef yard, and the equine pens.
This revitalization is key to long-term operational efficiency and will enhance safety and enrich hands-onlearning experiences. It’s critical to advancing Lakeland’s commitment to excellence in agricultural education and applied learning.
Time is of the essence. We’re calling on our community, alumni and industry partners to help us raise the funds needed to bring this vision to life. Every dollar brings us closer to a future where Lakeland students continue to lead, innovate and thrive.
Join us today. Invest in the future of agriculture. Help us revitalize the farm – because tomorrow’s leaders are learning here today. Visit lakelandcollege.ca/donate or call Stacey Ruller at 780.853.8401.
2022 2025
Civil work on the StudentManaged Farm Lab Revitalization plan began.
IN DESIGN Paving a path
By Melissa Barr
Payton Patterson spent her childhood watching Extreme Makeover: Home Edition on television with her father, dreaming of being a designer when she grew up, and she paved her own path to get there. Now, she’s celebrating owning her own design firm and solidifying her place in the industry as a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s 2024 Top Thirty Under 30.
It's an honour that Patterson has watched other members of Lakeland’s interior design technology Class of 2016 receive in recent years, and when she was informed that she had been chosen this year, she was in shock.
“It was just surreal,” Patterson says. “Last year, two of my classmates made the list. When you see that happen to people you know, you’re so excited for them and you think it’ll never happen to you, and then it did. I was so excited.”
Patterson credits her studies at Lakeland with providing the building blocks that helped her become the designer she is today, though attending Lakeland was a last minute decision. She had originally planned to begin her studies at the University of Vancouver and it was a past alumna of the program who suggested she head to Vermilion first.
“She recommended I try Lakeland’s diploma program because it was so hands-on,” Patterson recalls. “She told me that university is great too and I’d come out with a degree, but it’s way more textbook than hands-on and I might end up enjoying the hands-on aspect more. She also told me Lakeland students win international design competitions, so it was worth considering.”
Patterson is glad she began her design studies at Lakeland, saying, “It’s two years and so intense, but I had such a great experience.”
She credits the program’s instructors, including Rochelle Horne and Greg Plant, for being instrumental in her success, sharing their field experience and personal projects.
“It was really cool to learn from people who actually had experience and success in the field. The problemsolving skills I learned at Lakeland were great building blocks.”
"It was really cool to learn from people who actually had experience and success in the field."
After graduating in 2016, Patterson worked part-time at the interior design firm in Regina where she had completed her practicum, while also working at a flooring and tile showroom. In 2018, she was hired at another design firm in Regina. Then, in 2021, she launched Payton’s Place, her own design firm.
“Honestly,” she says, “I should have just done this sooner. I love working for myself. I’ve completed about 80 renovation projects since starting, ranging from new home builds to basement developments, kitchen or main floor renovations, or even small laundry rooms. It’s so much fun getting to work with people and help them achieve their dream home.”
That’s the approach Patterson takes to her design work.
“The world outside may be chaotic but I believe you should be able to walk into your home, close the door behind you, and feel safe and comfortable, like none of the chaos on the other side of the door matters. It’s been amazing being able to work with people to help them achieve that, and getting to do it for myself and control all aspects of it with my own business has been very rewarding.”
There can be a lack of validation when working for yourself, however, and
Patterson says the acknowledgement from the NKBA helped with that.
“It’s really encouraging to have someone see my work and say, ‘This is quality and she’s killing it.’ That means a lot.”
Patterson was invited to the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas to be honoured as one of the Top Thirty Under 30, but it wasn’t the first time she was able to attend the show. She went as a student in her second year of studies at Lakeland. Her experience this time was vastly different.
“Going as a student, it’s hard to even know what you’re looking at. But going back as a professional who owns my own firm was so different. I was texting my clients during the show to share the new and exciting things that are coming out. It was so much fun to attend nine years later and seeing that growth was so cool.”
By Melissa Barr
Jim Smith comes from a firefighting legacy, following his father’s footsteps into a career as a first responder. Now, in his new role as a wildland urban interface officer (WUI) with the Government of Alberta, he’s helping to shape the future of wildland fire response. He’s drawing on a wealth of experience as a student, teacher, training officer and mentor to help him.
Before embarking on his career as a firefighter, Smith was a heavy duty emergency vehicle mechanic with the Canadian Armed Forces Electrical Mechanical Engineers. He also assisted with the military’s wildfire response.
But he’d always felt called to life as a firefighter. As a volunteer firefighter with the Ardmore Fire Department, Smith enrolled at Lakeland College (then known as the Alberta Fire Training School) in 1994. He became a fulltime instructor at the school in 1998 and was part of the fire school when it became a part of Lakeland College in 2004.
Smith has taught classes on wildland firefighting, dangerous goods, fire investigation and more and is still a casual instructor at Lakeland.
“Lakeland really gave me a great foundation to work from,” Smith says. “It’s helped me understand more of the fire service and prepared me to do those jobs successfully.”
Outside of Lakeland, Smith advanced his career serving as fire prevention officer and then assistant fire chief in Rocky View County. He was the deputy fire chief in Okotoks, fire chief in Foothills County, and most recently, fire chief in Hinton, Alta., during the Jasper wildfire. Smith was also chief of operations during the floods in southern Alberta in 2013.
As Smith advanced his career with these positions, he retained a teaching element in each. It’s part of the job that Smith thrived in, which he credits to his time both as a student and an instructor at Lakeland.
“It helped me understand the roles and
responsibilities of those that worked with me and around me in the fire service,” Smith explains. “It gave me a good understanding of the firefighting curriculum and prepared me by helping me build relationships with the people I was working with.”
Smith has also found himself in mentorship positions, working alongside students deployed to assist with provincial emergencies, like the wildfire in Jasper, and working with practicum students from Lakeland’s emergency services technology program.
“It’s a great thing to have those students interact with fire departments on these emergencies, to get a little bit of a taste of real life,” Smith says. “It helps them gain a better understanding of the kind of life they’re getting themselves into.”
In his newest role as a WUI officer, Smith will have an even greater influence on future generations of firefighters. Through the WUI program, the provincial government partners with local authorities to help fight wildfires threatening urban areas. He’s assigned to look after the teams in the southern region, including Cypress County, MD of Willow Creek, Crowsnest Pass and everywhere in between.
Helping develop the urban firefighting response to wildfires combines everything Smith loves most about being a first responder.
“I enjoy teaching, I enjoy boots on the ground firefighting, I enjoy building the standard operating procedures, guidelines and criteria,” he says.
“I think it all stems back to what I learned at Lakeland.”
It’s why he stays connected by returning to Lakeland annually to teach.
“It’s awesome to see the school progressing forward, to go back and teach and connect with the new faces, the new curriculum, and the new things they’re doing,” he says. “It’s like the Beach Boys' song, 'Be True To Your School.' I’m excited to see the growth at Lakeland.”
From Curds to Community:
Valerie Roberts expands her cheese horizons
By Melissa Barr
For Valerie Roberts and her family, nothing quite says home like CHEESE.
Roberts is originally from Quebec, but as a child in a military family, she moved around her entire life, eventually settling on an acreage outside of Vermilion. She enrolled in Lakeland College’s animal health technology program, graduating in 2014, and threw herself into her career as a vet tech.
When her father Patrick Dupuis retired from the military, however, a family business was born. Together with her father and two siblings, they were inspired by something they found lacking in their
It’s pretty exciting to see how far I’ve come since attending Lakeland, I am so excited to broaden my cheese horizons.”
Milk components and more
“My Lakeland experience was amazing, it really set me up for success with my company,” she says, noting her siblings also studied at Lakeland. “They stripped down the dairy basics for me and then taught me everything from the ground up, incorporating more and more information as we went. I gained a good understanding of how the industry works, and what the different effects of buttermilk and other components of milk will have on my end product.”
Expanding CHEESE horizons
Roberts is the co-owner of the Old School Cheesery, which moved from the family acreage to downtown Vermilion 2021. There, Roberts manages production, product development, retail, and orders from across Alberta.
“I have absolutely fallen in love with the cheesemaking aspect of my company,” Roberts says.
As her father approaches retirement, Roberts is stepping into a larger leadership role after nearly
Local supporting local
Roberts credits her strong local and regional support network as essential during her transition to sole ownership of The Old School Cheesery.
Built on the principle of local businesses supporting one another, she emphasizes the importance of community connections – especially as a young female entrepreneur.
“I have a lot of local support helping me through the challenges,” she says. “It means a lot.”
This philosophy drives how she operates the Old School Cheesery. Roberts sources local products like honey, wine, and cider, provides whey to local pig farmers free of charge, and partners with restaurants and retailers across the region.
“I try to stay true to our theme—anything that pairs with cheese or belongs on a charcuterie board,” she says. “Supporting local is how we all stay open.”
That deep community connection made winning the 2024 Vermilion and District Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award especially meaningful. “The award is humbling—a real validation of being part of this community.”
Roberts also keeps close ties with Lakeland. The Cheesery sources most of its milk from the college’s Dairy Learning Centre to support current students. “Lakeland is a big part of our story,” she says. “It’s alumni supporting future alumni.”
The future is CHEESY
As she steps into her father’s shoes, Roberts is excited for the future of the Old School Cheesery. She wants to expand the company’s certifications so they can start selling across provincial borders. She wants to expand, to invest in new equipment, and increase the variety of cheeses she can make.
“It’s pretty exciting to see how far I’ve come since attending Lakeland,” Roberts says. “I am so excited to broaden my cheese horizons.”
ROOTED IN COMMUNITY, FUELED BY PURPOSE
By Katie Ryan
For Aaron Lyons, pharmacy isn’t just a profession – it’s a calling driven by compassion, curiosity and a desire to make a difference in his community. His path to becoming a pharmacist began right at home in Lloydminster and found early momentum through Lakeland College’s university transfer (UT) program. After high school, Lyons chose Lakeland for his first year of postsecondary education. Drawn by the small class sizes, supportive instructors and the chance to stay close to family, the decision was as practical as it was personal. “It was a no-brainer,” he says. “It gave me the time to focus on my goals while staying grounded in the community I love.”
That focus paid off. With clear intent to pursue a degree in pharmacy at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), Lyons used Lakeland as a strategic launchpad. The UT program not only gave him the academic foundation he needed, but also connected him with academic advisors who helped map out his path and select courses tailored to his destination university.
Lakeland offers an environment where students can ask questions, explore options and build real confidence.”
The transition to USask was seamless. “I was concerned at first, like many students are,” Lyons admits. “But Lakeland made that process easier. Their team helped me find the right courses and gave me the confidence to move forward.”
Now more than a decade into his career, Lyons is a pharmacist at Shoppers Drug Mart in Lloydminster – a role he’s proudly held for 14 years. His love of science, his knack for numbers and his passion for helping others all converged in a job that allows him to support his hometown every single day.
But his connection to Lakeland hasn’t ended. He recently participated in a UT alumni panel, where he shared his journey with current students and reconnected with fellow grads. “It was incredible to see how the program has evolved and how each student’s path is unique. I even had a current pharmacy student with me on placement who was also a UT grad, he joined the panel too.”
A strong advocate for Lakeland’s UT program, Lyons says the college’s supportive environment aids students who know they want a university degree but aren’t quite sure where to begin.
“Lakeland offers an environment where students can ask questions, explore options and build real confidence. It’s a smart start with real return – real skills, real success.”
His advice to future students is simple: “Open the door. Make the call. Ask the questions. There’s so much Lakeland can offer once you take that first step.”
FROM HYPOTHETICAL TO HANDS-ON
By Melissa Barr
Kevin Malica’s roots run deep on Lakeland College’s Student-Managed Farm – Powered by New Holland (SMF).
He began his studies at Lakeland when the SMF was just beginning to sprout – more of a theoretical idea than anything physical. He and the other students who made up that first SMF cohort worked in the hypotheticals, imagining what they’d do if they were in charge of the farm. They presented those ideas to faculty and staff who took it under advisement.
“It was all theoretical,” he recalls, standing on the campus farmland in April of this year, watching as his crew installed a new 5,000-bushel grain bin, donated by the company he works for, Meridian Manufacturing Inc. It’s the newest landmark on the SMF which has grown exponentially since he graduated in 1992.
“Being in the first year of the SMF gave me real-life experience,” Malica says. “I loved it. It was the best thing I could have done. It showed me what it would be like to run a farm and all the different facets of it – the marketing, accounting, production. It was real life.”
That real-life experience has only grown in the years since his graduation. Now, the SMF experience is all hands-on. Students in Lakeland’s crop technology and animal science technology programs work together in their second year, making real-life decisions that have immediate impacts on the farm. Under the guidance of their instructors, they manage the college’s equine, bison, beef and dairy herds, they decide what to plant
and how to care for the college’s 3,700+ acres of land. They test out new theories and technologies with Lakeland’s applied research team.
The farm’s facilities have evolved with the rest of it as well. Now, agricultural classes are taught in the new WHT Mead Building, which opened in 2022. The farm boasts a state-ofthe-art Dairy Learning Centre (2017), Animal Health Clinic (2018) and G.N Sweet Research Centre (2016). The Agriculture Technology Centre (2021) is home to the college’s bachelor of agriculture technology, the only program of its kind in Canada.
Since graduating, Malica has witnessed that growth in person, visiting the college as his roles in the industry changed.
It’s amazing to see the work that’s actually happening on the farm, led by the students.”
“It’s amazing to see the work that’s actually happening on the farm, led by the students,” Malica says. “Now, the students do everything. I’m so excited to see that growth.”
As the national accounts manager at Meridian Manufacturing Inc., he values the opportunity to be involved with giving back, including overseeing the grain bin gift from Meridian.
“I love my job, I can’t imagine doing anything differently,” says Malica. “When our vice president toured Lakeland a number of years ago and saw the involvement we could have with the college, I just jumped right on board. We are so excited to be part of Lakeland permanently.”
Distinguished Alumni Bill Bocock
Lloydminster campus President’s Circle inductees
CONGRATS
Class of 2025!
Lakeland College welcomed 1,024 new graduates to the alumni family in spring 2025, including 38 second and third generation graduates. They were celebrated at three convocation ceremonies on May 30 and June 6 in Lloydminster and Vermilion.
Every year, a student from each campus is awarded the President’s Medal for their leadership inside and outside of the classroom. This year’s Lloydminster campus award went to Alana Olson, business administration, while Vermilion’s went to Stephanie Ullrich, animal science technology. Each campus’ student with the highest GPA is awarded the Governor General’s Medal, going to Lloydminster’s Frances Eurika Yu, business, and Vermilion’s Hazel Flesher, environmental sciences.
At the ceremonies, Bill Bocock, Class of 1952, was recognized with the Distinguished Alumni award for leadership, generosity and environmental stewardship.
Darrel Howell, former Board of Governors chairperson, community volunteer and energy sector leader, received an honorary degree in recognition of being selected as this year’s Distinguished Citizen, and shared a few words of wisdom with the graduating class.
The day before each ceremony, Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, Lakeland’s president and CEO, hosted a tea to celebrate those students selected to join the President’s Circle in recognition of their contributions over the academic year. President’s Circle members are tasked with becoming life-long Lakeland ambassadors. This year, 92 new members were inducted into the circle.
Alana Olson
Frances Yu
Stephanie Ullrich
Hazel Flesher
(Left-right) Gary Moses, Bryan Perkins, Darrel Howell, Scott Webb
Vermilion campus President’s Circle inductees
LAKELAND HEADLINES
National award
The Ministry of Public Safety presented Lakeland College’s Emergency Training Centre with the Federal Emergency management Exemplary Service Award for its decades-long contributions to emergency management in Canada.
First class of nursing grads
At convocation, Lakeland celebrated the first graduating class of University of Saskatchewan nursing students on Lloydminster campus. Lakeland partnered with USask in 2022 to allow university transfer students looking to complete their nursing degree through the university to do so while staying in Lloydminster and close to home.
Educator of the Year
Rochelle Horne, program head for the interior design technology program, was awarded an honourable mention in the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s (NKBA) inaugural Educator of the Year award, recognizing her impact on the future leaders in the interior design industry. The interior design program was also recognized with its 10th NKBA Excellence in Education award, and student Emma Bunz won first place in the NKBA’s 2025 student bathroom design contest.
Expanding pre-employment
Lakeland College has expanded its pre-employment trades training options with the introduction of carpentry. Preemployment programs are geared towards students looking for a career in the trades who do not have previous experience or an apprenticeship lined up. Other pre-employment options at the college include welder, electrician and automotive service technician.
College collaboration
Lakeland College, Portage College, Northwestern Polytechnic, Northern Lakes College and Keyano College have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to broaden educational pathways for students in Alberta’s northernmost communities. The first step of the agreement is to formalize transfer agreements and credential recognition between the institutions so students can stay in the region throughout their educational journeys.
SKILLS: BRINGING HOME THE HARDWARE
Lakeland students stepped onto the provincial and national stages at Skills Alberta and Skills Canada – and were awarded for their efforts.
Logan Peters (carpentry) and Braden Kereliuk (steamfitter-pipefitter) earned
gold at Skills Alberta before moving on to compete nationally, placing second and third respectively.
At Skills Alberta, Lexi Lundquist (hairstyling) earned silver while Mila Jubinville-Morin (hairstyling) placed fourth and was awarded the safety award.
Lakeland had competitors in eight categories at the provincial competition: automobile technology, carpentry, electrical installation, heavy vehicle technology, welding, steamfitterpipefitter, aesthetics and hairstyling.
Since 2007, Lakeland students have now won 37 Skills Canada Alberta Provincial Competition medals and five national medals.
FEAST ON THE FARM
ENHANCING STUDENT-LED EXPERIENCES
Community spirit and student success were on full display at Lakeland College’s 2025 Feast on the Farm, presented by Cenovus Energy. Held outdoors on the Vermilion campus farm on Aug. 14, the sold-out fundraiser raised $89,500 in support of student-led projects, field trips, events and other immersive learning experiences.
Now in its eighth year, Feast on the Farm continues to highlight and support Lakeland’s commitment to student-managed, hands-on learning. The funds raised go directly toward enhancing experiential education across all disciplines, from business and agricultural sciences to human services and trades.
“Our students don’t just study – they design, lead, compete, plan and innovate. Feast on the Farm is a celebration of that spirit, and we are incredibly thankful to everyone who made this year’s event a success,” says Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, Lakeland’s president and CEO.
Guests spent an evening under the prairie sky, complete with live entertainment from Abygale Durie and country-inspired cuisine. A panel of current students and recent graduates from environmental sciences, crop technology StudentManaged Farm – Powered by New Holland team, process and power engineering, and health and wellness shared stories of how student-led initiatives have enriched their education and career readiness.
BENTLEY
made his mark on Lakeland College
Newcombe N. Bentley began his career at the Vermilion School of Agriculture (the VSA, now Lakeland College) as an agricultural science and soils instructor in 1936. Five years into the job, the Second World War saw the college transformed into a training camp for the Canadian Women’s Army Corps. In 1945, the VSA re-opened and this time, Bentley was principal.
After the school was re-established, Bentley had key roles in expanding program offerings for female students beyond home economics. As a result, in 1952, the VSA became the first place where women could take employment-related courses anywhere in Alberta.
On June 23, 1984, the College Building that was built in 1967 was officially renamed the Newcombe N. Bentley Building in his honour. Now, that building is being renovated and recreated for future generations of students!
IN MEMORIAM
ARNDT, LEONARD
CLASS OF 1955, AGRICULTURE 2 IN 1
BAZIAN, BILL
CLASS OF 1958, AGRICULTURE
BELAE, GRANT
PREVIOUS STAFF
BETZ, MILDRED
CLASS OF 1970, BUSINESS EDUCATION
BOCOCK, TERRY
CLASS OF 1952, AGRICULTURE 2 IN 1
BRETZER, BRAYDON
CLASS OF 2015, UNIVERSITY TRANSFER
BURROUGHS, ED
CLASS OF 1964, AGRICULTURE
CONNELL, WAYNE
CLASS OF 1959, AGRICULTURE
CRAMTON, HARRY
CLASS OF 1954, AGRICULTURE
ELVES, JOHN
CLASS OF 1973, AGRICULTURE
FEARON, DAVE
CLASS OF 1955, AGRICULTURE 2 IN 1
GOEGLEIN, RON CLASS OF 1951, AGRICULTURE
GOETZ, ALVIN
CLASS OF 1955, AGRICULTURE 2 IN 1
HAGELL, TERRY
PREVIOUS STAFF
HALLER, OTTO
PREVIOUS STAFF
JOHNSON, RHODA
CLASS OF 1994, ACADEMIC UPGRADING
KALLAL, PAT
CLASS OF 1974, GENERAL RENEWABLE RESOURCES
KILLORAN, EDNA
CLASS OF 1957, HOME ECONOMICS
LETTS, BILL
CLASS OF 1958, AGRICULTURE 2 IN 1
MOHR, ALLAN
CLASS OF 1952, AGRICULTURE
MOON, GRANT CLASS OF 1961, AGRICULTURE
PEDERSEN, KURT CLASS OF 2004, LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION
REID, RONALD
CLASS OF 1954, AGRICULTURE 2 IN 2
SANDERSON, DENNIS
CLASS OF 1995, APPR ELECTRICAL
SCHMIDT, AGNES
CLASS OF 1950, HOME ECONOMICS
SEARS, RAY
CLASS OF 1961, AGRICULTURE 2 IN 1
SQUAIR, MORRISON
CLASS OF 1948, AGRICULTURE
STAFFORD, KEN
CLASS OF 1959, AGRICULTURE
STAMBAUGH, ALVIN
CLASS OF 1956, AGRICULTURE 2 IN 1
STAMP, ERIC
CLASS OF 1952, AGRICULTURE
STAMP, GUS
CLASS OF 1952, AGRICULTURE
STICK, CHARMAINE
CLASS OF 2011, UNIVERSITY TRANSFER
TARANKO, RON
CLASS OF 1981, DRAFTING
THOMSON, BILL
CLASS OF 1966, AGRICULTURE
TOULE, JIM
CLASS OF 1961, AGRICULTURE
TRIMBLE, GLEN
CLASS OF 1956, AGRICULTURE
WILSON, DOUG
CLASS OF 1955, AGRICULTURE 2 IN 1
FALL 2025
Class Notes
Catch up with your fellow Lakeland College alumni! Want to be included in our Class Notes? Submit your memories, celebrations and achievements to Kayleigh at kayleigh.schmid@lakelandcollege.ca
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 5 9
Jesse Lawes, Class of 2013, business administration and Casey Lawes, Class of 2011, agribusiness are both Canadian Livestock Auctioneer Champions. They are also 3rd generation auction market operators and auctioneers.
Paige Warner (née Holmquist), Class of 2019 animal science technology and agribusiness, and husband Scott welcomed baby Stetson James Warner on June 27, 2025.
Keiran Walker, Class of 2025, and Nathaniel Hak, Class of 2023, both graduates of the environmental sciences diploma program, were the emcees at Feast on the Farm 2025, presented by Cenovus Energy.
Scott Guenthner, Class of 2011 livestock production, captured his second Calgary Stampede steer wrestling title, stopping the clock at 3.7 seconds. He also won the CFR, winning every round.
Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland, visited Bill Bocock, Class of 1952 agriculture 2 in 1, to present him with the 2025 Distinguished Alumni award.
Sydney Melnyk, Class of 2016 interior design technology, and Brett welcomed baby Walter Logan Peberdy to their family on Nov. 18, 2024.
Payton Patterson (née Ramstead), Class of 2016 interior design technology, and Chad welcomed baby Poppy Elizabeth Patterson on March 26, 2025. Read more about Payton on pages 10 and 11.
Katelyn Vallee (née Ewanus), Class of 2015 university transfer, and Jared Vallee, Class of 2022 heavy equipment technician, welcomed baby Mila Jane Vallee on June 28, 2025.
Quinn Devine (née Hlus), Class of 2020 bachelor of applied science: environmental management, married Noah Devine on June 21, 2025.
Kaylie Lawrence (née Krys), Class of 2019 environmental sciences, married Devin Lawrence, Class of 2021 crop technology, on June 21, 2025.
Brittany Fisher (née Tschirren), Class of 2014 environmental sciences, married Trent Fischer on June 28, 2025. Pictured is Brittany dancing with her grandpa, Donald Fulton, Class of 1950 agriculture.
Warren McAuley, Class of 2010 business, is a published author. His master's research was published in the September edition of the Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environmental Journal.
