Limitless 2012

June 2012

Limitless A Celebration of Research and Innovation at Lakeland College

100 Years of Living the Learning p.5 Centre for Sustainable Innovation p.12 Renewable Energy Learning Centre: First of its Kind p.14

College isn’t all fun and games (but a portion of it is) Lakeland College has basketball, cross country running, curling, futsal, soccer and volleyball teams in the ACAC. Lakeland also has strong rodeo and rowing teams that compete in intercollegiate competitions.

Learn more at

www.gorustlers.ca

Campuses in Vermilion & Lloydminster

Client: Diane Harms Department: Research Code: 12_5469_LakelandCommunications Size: 8” x 5”, half page, process colour

mmunications.indd 1

When we opened our doors as the Vermilion School of Agriculture in 1913, our first class had 34 students.

Today we offer more than 60 programs and serve about 8,000 students each year.

Celebrating the past. Transforming the future.

Learn more about Lakeland and our plans for 2013 at www.lakelandcollege.ca/centennial 2

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TA B L E O F CO N TE N TS

Publication Information Limitless is published by Lakeland College Applied Research and Innovation. Special thanks to all Lakeland College employees and partners who contributed information and photographs for this publication.

Project Manager: Diane Harms Contributors: Noelle Chorney, Cathy McKenzie, Colleen Symes Editor: Noelle Chorney Design: Reach Communications

Vermilion Campus 5707 College Drive Vermilion AB T9X 1K5 1 780 853 8400 Lloydminster Campus 2602 59 Avenue, Bag 6600 Lloydminster SK S9V 1Z3 1 780 871 5700 www.lakelandcollege.ca

Limitless LEARNING 4 President’s Message 5 Introduction to Research Foundations 6 Student Managed Farm — Powered by New Holland 8 Fire and Emergency Training Centre Facilities 9 One Small Cabin, Many Learning Opportunities

L i m i t l e s s PA R T N E R S H I P S 10 Power Engineering & Heavy Oil 11 Key Partnerships

L i m i t l e s s P OTE N TI A L 12 Centre for Sustainable Innovation 14 Renewable Energy Learning Centre 16 Awards

L i m i t l e s s O P P O R T U N IT Y 18 Clubs: Opportunities for Socializing and Even More Learning 20 Connecting to Partners 22 International Collaborations 24 Programs

Our Mission: To inspire our learners to realize their individual potential Our Vision: To achieve educational excellence in a people-centred environment Our Values: Respect, Safety, Trust, Pride, Ethics, Quality and Accountability A Celebration of Research and Innovation at Lakeland College

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Limitless LEARNING Message from the President Applied research is not a new venture for Lakeland College. In fact, our college exists because of applied research.

In 1911, a demonstration farm was created near Vermilion. The farm consisted of a half a section of land plus dairy and beef cows, hogs, sheep and poultry.

The purpose of the demonstration farm — one of seven in Alberta — was to showcase the advantages of mixed farming. There was even a train tour available so people throughout Alberta could visit the farms and learn about the “science” of mixed farming.

The demonstration farm was a success and it led to the development of the Vermilion School of Agriculture which officially opened on Nov. 17, 1913.

Glenn Charlesworth President & CEO

A century later we still serve as a test site for the development of emerging industries and technologies but have branched out

into many other programming areas of excellence. Today we do applied research in agriculture, energy and entrepreneurship, sustainable environments and buildings, and fire and emergency medicine.

Right now we are developing technologies specific to renewable energies. We are assessing feed efficiencies in livestock to determine superior genetics and ultimately help producers increase profits. And this summer we will produce biochar and plan field trials to assess its ability to improve soil quality, crop yield and support land reclamation.

Working side-by-side with students, industry, regional associates and funding partners, we will continue to develop, test and showcase new technologies and products that have the potential to transform the future.

Message from the Vice President of Academic Who will this research benefit?

That’s the most important question we ask when considering applied research projects.

If the project aligns with our programming and the process and results are important to our students, community members and/or industry in Western Canada, then Lakeland College wants to be involved.

Already many people and organizations are benefitting from the research and innovation at Lakeland College.

Alice Wainwright-Stewart Vice President Academic, Research & Innovation

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Students are gaining research skills while learning new information as they apply what they learn in the classroom to research projects; companies are using the data collected to help make informed business decisions and improve products and profitability; entrepreneurs are getting the help they need to develop and commercialize their products; and organizations and communities are using

the expertise of Lakeland to support their economic and green goals.

We at Lakeland have always believed we have a large role to play in the economic viability of the communities we serve. We’re now able to enhance that role by helping communities identify what technologies make sense for them both economically and functionally.

Of course none of this would be possible without the support of our many partners including Alberta Enterprise and Advanced Education, eCampusAlberta, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Western Economic Diversification Canada, Alberta Innovates Technology Futures, Alberta Rural Development Network, Alberta Association of Colleges and Technical Institutes, other colleges across Canada, and many corporations.

Together the possibilities are limitless.

Introduction to Research Foundations As a college with a hands-on focus, Lakeland students are guaranteed to “live the learning.”

Everyone wins Students: Potential learning and graduate employment opportunities are limitless!

But learning by experience at Lakeland goes much deeper than hands-on classes. The college is also committed to pursuing applied research and innovation opportunities that enhance both teaching and learning.

Industry: with opportunities to partner with an institution and solve industry-related problems.

Lakeland College has a unique complement of mutually-supporting programs for applied research projects. With manufacturing infrastructure, instructors with industry experience interested in innovation, and students eager to learn and try their hand at real-life problem solving, Lakeland College has everything it needs to pursue applied research and innovation projects.

Students in the Heavy Oil Operations Technician program take advantage of Lakeland College’s Emergency Training Centre facilities to add firefighting to their list of skills.

Faculty from many aspects of trades (automotive/ heavy duty, electrical, instrumentation, carpentry, and welding) contributed to the design and construction of the systems at the Renewable Energy Learning Centre.

Faculty: working with industry partners to connect students with industry and keep their skills current.

Industry: by hiring Lakeland graduates with practical experience directly related to their field of interest.

Community: with a rural community focus to directly serve the surrounding area, Lakeland College offers opportunities for improving the quality of rural life, and aiding local business successes.

Agriculture students are increasingly applying information management tools such as GIS/GPS crop management, and research tools such as the newly installed residual feed intake research system, to accelerate their learning.

Students and faculty from the Interior Design program helped brainstorm ideas for the initial design of the Renewable Energy Learning Centre through in-class projects.

100 Years of Living the Learning What began in 1913 as the Vermilion School of Agriculture has evolved over the last century into Canada’s only inter-provincial college, with campuses in Vermilion and Lloydminster.

Today, Lakeland College is attended by almost 8,000 students and offers more than 65 certificate, diploma, and post-diploma applied degree, apprenticeship and transfer programs in several sectors, including agriculture, fire and emergency services, heavy oil operations, business, environmental sciences, health and wellness, human services, trades and technology, interior design technology, and university transfer.

Welcome to Lakeland College This is the first edition of Limitless, a showcase of all the amazing, innovative and exciting applied research and learning projects, both past and present, at Lakeland College.

We hope you enjoy it. Let us know!

@LC_Research

Diane Harms Director, Applied Research and Innovation A Celebration of Research and Innovation at Lakeland College

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Limitless LEARNING Student Managed Farm—Powered by New Holland There’s a reason Lakeland College’s Student Managed Farm feels more like a working farm than a classroom: it’s both!

Students completing agricultural programs at Lakeland College will have a comprehensive understanding of modern agribusiness—the information and confidence they need to make good decisions that take into account the complexities of today’s food industry, from competitive crop selections, to high-tech tools to help maximize production, to turning a profit in an international market.

Lakeland’s Student Managed Farm is the largest student managed farm in Western Canada, and one of the largest in North America.

Facilities include: • A sheep herd, including Dorset and Arcott breeds

Students on a New Holland Combine

• A mixed dairy herd • A beef herd including purebred Black Angus cattle • Riding arena, equine centre and stables for students’ horses • Planting plots and test plots—last year students harvested 900 acres of canola, flax, peas, wheat and barley, and made a record profit for the farm.

Students studying Crop Technology are placed in charge of all management decisions: what seed to plant; which inputs to purchase; when to harvest; and, where to market and sell the grain once it’s off the field.

Students studying Animal Science Technology manage all livestock units: they purchase feed and balance rations; they make breeding choices; they consider decisions on herd health; and, they undertake financial management and planning.

Instructors offer guidance and mentoring, helping students to develop their skills to implement a plan to successfully operate the College farm lab.

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A beef herd including purebred Black Angus cattle

Riding arena, equine centre and stables for students’ horses

Canadian Sheep Genetics Get a Leg Up at Lakeland College For Canadian sheep producers, it’s a struggle to compete in world markets.

Improving the quality of lambs is one way to gain an edge. However, carcass research from other countries doesn’t account for the breeds used in Canada. Sheep producers want to know which genes and which rams produce the best offspring from existing ewes. In 2005, instructors and students with Lakeland College’s sheep program partnered with Sunterra Meats, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, the Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board,

and the Alberta Lamb Producers to test the quality of lamb carcasses bred from certain rams.

Students participated in the study, including data collection, lambing out the ewes, herd health and shipping the weaned lambs. Susan Hosford, Sheep Industry Specialist at Alberta Agriculture, says, “By providing a facility for collaborative applied research, Lakeland College has been able to contribute to a growing lamb industry in Alberta.”

New Feed Intake Research Helps Beef Cattle “GrowSafe” Cattle producers have always paid attention to the finished weight of their beef cattle, and how long it takes them to reach those weights. But until recently, they couldn’t tell exactly how much their animals were eating to reach those weights.

GrowSafe technology tags individual animals and measures how much they eat by weight, as well as how often they feed, which means the beef industry can now tell how efficiently animals convert their food into marketable weight.

Lakeland instructor Geoff Brown notes the importance of this kind of research for producers, particularly when the cost of livestock feed is on the rise. “This kind of technology and information really helps us understand the dynamics behind what drives feed intake and performance in cattle,” he says. “This is a necessary step for the beef industry to increase efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of beef production.”

Lakeland College Beef Unit students are involved in a test project for the GrowSafe technology. They recently beta-tested equipment, using it to finish 45 head of

feeder calves. The animals have since been processed; students will be further reviewing carcass information and GrowSafe data to determine results.

Students managed not only equipment testing, but also purchase of the animals, cash flow projections, and risk management for the project, on which they did very well adds Brown, locking in at premium prices just before the market dropped.

Some cross-referencing of genetic makeup of the animals in the study will provide additional information to producers. Steers were tested for a specific gene that affects metabolism in fattening cattle. The results of the GrowSafe study will be compared with this genetic information to determine whether certain breeds or genetic makeups fatten more efficiently and cost-effectively.

GrowSafe equipment was funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

Alberta Rural Development Network provided funding to network with industry regarding the best applications for GrowSafe research.

“I enjoy how our instructors are people who care to know your name—they don’t treat you as a number. They have all left industry jobs to come and teach the younger generations. They all have great passion for what they have done in industry which allows you as students to also develop passion as well as great industry contacts.”

Brook Lowes, Animal Science

“One-Stop Shop” for Crop Research Demonstrations It’s a win-win-win situation for students, crop science companies and farmers— Lakeland College could become the ultimate farm tour stop. At one centralized location, from year to year, farmers have been able to see multiple research plots, highlighting such test plots as Bayer CropScience’s new hybrid canola varieties, or Pioneer’s corn silage trials.

“Conducting our trials with the College adds a level of credibility to our work,” says Leighton Blashko, market development agronomy specialist with Bayer. “It also

gives us a third-party, neutral, local location to showcase our products and demonstrate the results. This helps growers see how it will work on land similar to their own.”

Farm tours hosted by the United Farmers of Alberta and other agricultural associations, can stop at Lakeland College’s recently expanded acreage and take in annual demonstrations by companies such as DuPont, Dow, Bayer, Canterra, Pioneer and Monsanto, all in one place.

Cattle with GrowSafe equipment

Powered By New Holland A ‘ground-breaking’ agreement was reached between New Holland and Lakeland College’s Student Managed Farm last year. In 2011 New Holland became Lakeland’s official agricultural and utility equipment sponsor. The company provides new equipment for use by students in their studies.

The equipment is rotated annually to ensure students have access to the most current technology available. “It puts New Holland equipment into the hands of the future of agriculture in western Canada,” says New Holland Vice President Abe Hughes.

Josie Van Lent, Dean of Agricultural Sciences and Human Services, adds, “Having the most modern equipment to use is really significant in terms of [the students’] learning. A lot of our students come from farms of considerable commercial scale, and they want and need to experience equipment and technology that is leading edge—that’s what they expect from a post-secondary institution. They can carry that experience forward as they leave the college to go into industry or back to their own farms.”

A Celebration of Research and Innovation at Lakeland College

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Limitless LEARNING Fire and Emergency Training Centre Facilities The training field of Lakeland College’s Emergency Training Centre holds a collection of potential fire disasters— vehicle fires, gasoline and propane fires, aircraft fires and industrial fires—all ready to be ignited for student training exercises.

True to Lakeland’s hands-on approach, firefighters and other emergency responder trainees can experience real-life on-the-job challenges in a controlled environment.

Smoke buildings, a fire investigation trailer where students study clues to determine how a fire may have started, and apparatus bays designed as fire halls all add to the practical experience. Other training programs include fire officer, fire investigator, fire inspector, public education, emergency medical programs and emergency management training. A classroom in Camrose also provides training for emergency medical programs, including Emergency Medical Responder, Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic training.

Students in training

Fire and Emergency Services Research Capabilities

Overseas Coursework and Training Programs

Lakeland’s unique fire-training infrastructure and a training program that exceeds National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requirements offers great potential for applied research projects at Lakeland College. “We certainly have the facilities and the number of students,” says Associate Dean of the Emergency Training Centre, Denis Cunninghame. “We have the ability to partner with other organizations in the industry, and look forward to doing so.”

to their areas of expertise. Students choose a topic related to their job, or applicable to their department or perceived community need.

A 2007 research project, in collaboration with the Department of Medicine and the Faculty of Physical Education at the University of Alberta, explored changes in lung function in firefighter trainees.

The study identified small reductions in the function of the firefighters’ airways following smoke exposure. Further study is recommended to determine long-term risks for airway exposure to smoke in firefighters.

“One of the biggest issues I found was that each of our stations is operating very independently of the others. There aren’t any consistent recruitment practices or training processes,” said Sutherley.

Andrew Davis, a student living Queensland, Australia, says, “The Bachelor of Applied Business: Emergency Services is an excellent program that is well supported by experienced emergency managers and I would highly recommend it to anybody in the emergency services field looking to undertake further education.”

As part of his final practicum, he implemented standardized practices for hiring and appraisal, training, and professional development. “Most of our firefighters are interested in ongoing training. They are eager to keep learning and they want to know what career paths are available,” he explains.

While students come to Lakeland from overseas, faculty from the Emergency Training Centre are often called to conduct training exercises in various locations.

Training programs have been conducted at industrial and mine sites in the Northwest Territories, Qatar, Fiji, Egypt, and the Caribbean.

Students pursuing their Bachelor of Applied Business in Emergency Services are required to conduct a research project as part of their practicum. Research projects relate directly 8

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One BAppBus:ES Student, Trevor Sutherley, is a deputy chief of operations for Parkland County Fire Services. He surveyed parttime firefighters and analyzed issues that may affect recruitment and retention of firefighters in his jurisdiction.

Both Canadian and overseas students can pursue a Bachelor of Applied Business: Emergency Services Program—online. In 2008, the program was opened to students in Australia. Currently, four students are participating from overseas.

One Small Cabin, Many Learning Opportunities The Renewable Energy Cabin is an online laboratory for students in the Renewable Energy and Conservation Program. Online students have access to the lab via the internet. The Energy Cabin operates completely off-grid, using solar voltaics, solar thermal and wind energy for heating and electricity.

Once the physical structure of the energy cabin was built, researchers developed a custom-built data acquisition system to provide real-time system information on a live website that can be accessed by renewable energy students and the public.

Instant readings of weather conditions, energy systems performance, building heat loss and energy consumption are all available at the click of a button.

Data collected over many seasons and years can be used to perform an economic analysis of the system. The system was designed to be flexible to allow reconfiguration for future applied research projects.

Rob Baron, instructor in the renewable energy program, says, “While anyone can access the information, and see the changes in energy production between sunny and cloudy days, my students can also use the data for deeper studies, comparing outputs

The Renewable Energy Cabin

to product claims in the renewable energy industry.� Students can test the behavior of the equipment in real-life situations and determine ways to improve efficiency.

Alberta Association of Colleges & Technical Institutes provided funding for constructing and equipping the Renewable eCabin.

Visit: www.lakelandecabin.ca

Research Partnerships: The Sky is the Limit!

The Renewable Energy Cabin is already home to a new data collection device as part of a partnership with Athabasca University.

Dr. Martin Connors, Canada Research Chair in Space Science Instrumentation and Monitoring, installed an all-sky meteor camera and magnetometer at the Renewable eCabin as part of a Western Canada-wide study to aid meteorite recovery and to study aurora effects.

A Celebration of Research and Innovation at Lakeland College

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L i m i t l e s s PA R T N E R S H I P S Power Engineering & Heavy Oil In direct response to industry needs, Lakeland College is expanding their heavy oil operations program to a 2-year heavy oil power engineering diploma. In order to provide the kind of hands-on training required to produce graduates that are ready to walk onto a job site and start working, the college is designing a Heavy Oil Energy Centre, containing heavy oil and power engineering labs.

The college took a unique approach to the project, to ensure that the lab they create meets all the program’s needs and exceeds expectations: they designed the lab first, and are now designing the building around it. Greg Shalay, an instructor at the college, was seconded to be a consultant during the design of the lab and building.

When the Energy Centre is complete, students will be able to simulate complete heavy oil upgrading and steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) processes, from beginning to end, the first program and study opportunity of its kind.

Industry partners including Cenovus Energy Inc., Keyera Corp. and Husky Energy Inc. have contributed their expertise, and are actively participating in building the curriculum for the courses. They will be direct beneficiaries of the program, since graduates will be better prepared to be fully productive from their first day on the job.

Kara Johnston, Lakeland’s Director of Energy, Entrepreneurship and Saskatchewan programming, says, “Our partners have told us how much they appreciate our responses

A rendering of the proposed lab/building design for the Lloydminster campus

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to industry needs. We try very hard to listen and respond in a way that helps both our students and the industry where they will be working.”

Johnston also sees potential for industry partners to make use of the labs once they are online. “When it comes to using the labs to their fullest capacity, we expect industry will be able to take part for continuing education and training purposes.”

Key Partnerships Town of Elk Point The Elk Point Visitor Information Ecocentre is powered in part by wind and solar, and serves as a test site for Lakeland College’s NSERC funded research in renewable energy.

“Lakeland College was a phenomenal partner to work with on the project,” says Bob Bezpalko, former Economic Development Coordinator with the Town of Elk Point. “They supported the project by providing resources, man hours, equipment, technical support and exposure. They also added credibility to the project.”

project realized that nighttime lighting of the adjacent hockey rink was a huge energy sink that was limiting the project’s energy production goals. The College is currently exploring energy efficient options to light the outdoor arena. Recommendations will be made to the community on ways to improve efficiencies.

“Locals come to learn just as much as intrigued people coming in from the highway who notice the turbine—normally not seen in northern Alberta.”

A beneficial by-product of the project occurred when students working on the The Elk Point Visitor Information Ecocentre turbine

Solar Tracking Study with DegerEnergie and Viel Solar As part of the research initiatives at Lakeland College, a new centre for sustainable innovation is under development that includes a net-zero research and demonstration training centre, the renewable energy learning centre (see pp.

12-15 of this publication), that showcases a series of renewable energy technologies.

One key component of the solar technology used is the solar tracker purchased with financial and technical support from DEGERenergie and NSERC. Rainer Ott, sales director at DEGERenergie says, “We are delighted to see our technology being increasingly appreciated in research and it goes without saying that it is a matter of course for us to support initiatives like this to the best of our ability. In the end, the objective of all these research projects is to find the best possible path into a safe and environmentally friendly future of energy for humanity.”

Provincial Park Partnerships

Viel Solar worked with Lakeland College to install the renewable energy systems at the Centre for Sustainable Innovation site including the solar photovoltaic systems, the wind turbine, and the solar lighted signage. Viel Solar is a local company that is a supplier of renewable energy systems.

Lakeland students have played a key role in research on the best way to restore a hay meadow at Vermilion Provincial Park.

A meadow with a mix of native and nonnative species, the goal of the project was to test the best methods for reducing the occurrence of non-native smooth brome.

Lakeland College will be the first to evaluate the DEGERtraker at a northern latitude with cold winter climate conditions. The data gained will be used for the applied research projects and by students in the Lakeland College Renewable Energy and Conservation program.

With help from several partners, including cash and in-kind support from Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation, the County of Vermilion River, the Town of Vermilion and Alberta Innovates – Technology Futures (AITF), students conducted a literature review to determine suggested methods of smooth brome control. Test plots were established to compare the effectiveness of the methods.

Combining strong industry partners with cutting-edge training and facilities is essential for students and their research.

Lakeland College is looking forward to working with DEGERenergie to help achieve both training and applied research objectives.

Plots were surveyed monthly over the summer. The control strategies were combined with seeding of native plants using a recommended seed mix from AITF. At the end of two years of study, the students made recommendations on the most effective method of control.

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L i m i t l e s s P OTE N TI A L Centre for Sustainable Innovation In 2010, Lakeland College purchased Barrhill Farms, 10 quarters of land (1,449 acres) and a yard that borders the west side of the Vermilion campus.

“The proximity of this parcel of land is ideal for our college. Much of it is adjacent to our Vermilion campus which ensures we will have the land base to expand the college as needed not only in the near future, but really for the next 100 years,” says President Glenn Charlesworth. Initially the land will be used mainly for student labs related to agricultural and environmental sciences programs. The yard will be the site of numerous applied research and renewable energy projects.

The Barr family and Lakeland College have strong ties dating back to 1913 when the

college opened as the Vermilion School of Agriculture. William Barr, the grandfather of Barrhill Farms owners Dean and Greg Barr, was a student in the college’s first class. Dean and Greg’s parents Jim and Alice met while attending the college in the early 1950s.

Throughout the years the Barrs did custom seeding and silaging for the college, lent equipment as needed and toured hundreds of college students through their dairy barns.

The 900 acres of cultivated land and 500 plus acres of pastureland will be used by many of the college’s 250 agricultural sciences students, says Josie Van Lent, Dean of Agricultural Sciences & Human Services.

Lakeland previously owned only 400 acres

of agricultural land and leased about 650 acres of cropland in the area and also rented pasture in northwestern Saskatchewan.

The oil leases, reclaimed land, native grasslands and 120 acres of wetlands will serve as a lab site for the 220 students in the environmental sciences diploma and applied degree programs, says Mel Mathison, Dean of Environmental Sciences and Applied Research. Students will be able to assess old lease sites, examine the productivity of reclaimed land, evaluate riparian areas, study wetland plants, soil test and much more – all within a 10 minute drive of the Vermilion campus.

Open for Research With the help of $2.3 million in funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s College and Community Innovation program, and support from Alberta Enterprise and Advanced Education, Lakeland College is opening its Centre for Sustainable 12

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Innovation, a unique, multi-disciplinary applied research facility.

Using the Barr family’s farmyard, the college has repurposed existing buildings and made a plan to build new ones, creating a development and demonstration

facility showcasing applied research and training in renewable energy. Wind, solar, geothermal and heat storage systems will be incorporated into the buildings that will house offices and research space.

Congratulations on your NABCEP Rob! Lakeland College’s renewable energy program instructor Rob Baron recently earned the industry’s leading recognition of expertise as a certified installer of solar electric (photovoltaic or PV) systems from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).

To earn his NABCEP certification, Baron was required to demonstrate his competence as a solar PV installer by passing a rigorous exam that covers the multi-craft aspects of being a professional PV installer. He had

to demonstrate knowledge on subjects as diverse as system design, electrical and job safety, electrical code, roofing and construction techniques, system commissioning, and troubleshooting.

“Receiving NABCEP’s Certified Installer status is personally very satisfying,” says Baron. “More importantly, it means I can offer our students the added confidence of knowing their training follows the highest professional standards in the solar industry.”

Rob Baron

Fixed and Tracking Solar Arrays

Future Expansion Plans Current research capabilities will be expanded with the future addition of a bio-energy lab that is intended to provide infrastructure for bio-energy applied research including gasification studies, waste to energy studies, solar thermal storage,

Wheat Straw Residue and Biochar

Wind Speed Testing the use of greenhouse space for building heat collection, and biochar research and processing. Phase 3 will include additional applied research on biomass crops for energy production.

For the past four years, the College’s meteorological tower wind anemometers have measured wind speeds at heights of 20m, 35m and 51m, providing constant information on wind speeds that will identify the wind potential in the nearby region. The college is partnered with Genivar, an engineering firm in Calgary, for analysis.

“This project and the data collected by Lakeland have attracted the attention of companies looking to expand or diversify in the renewable energy field,” says Mel Mathison, Dean of Environmental Sciences and Applied Research at the college.

“We’re recommending that we continue our research as more years of data helps to offset yearly fluctuations in wind patterns that may occur. This long term data is valuable to wind farm developers as it allows for validation of their potential test site relative to a long term evaluation.”

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L i m i t l e s s P OTE N TI A L Renewable Energy Learning Centre “The house is becoming an information centre to showcase renewable energy systems and demonstrate how these systems can work in a typical home.”

Mel Mathison

Renewable Energy Learning Centre

First of its Kind There has never been a house of its kind before. Lakeland College has renovated the former farmhouse on the Barr family’s yard and turned it into a multi-systems research and demonstration site. The Renewable Energy Learning Centre includes offices, labs and a series of learning centres, heated and powered by geothermal heat, solar thermal collection, solar electrical energy from both fixed and tracking systems, and a wind turbine.

renewable energy systems integrated into the Renewable Energy Learning Centre:

A complex control system, which integrates geothermal, solar and wind energy for heating and electricity production, is intended to help ensure the centre is a netzero energy facility. It also allows researchers to control which source of renewable energy is used at any given time, providing potential to measure the efficiency of one source over another, or many combinations.

• fixed and tracking solar arrays are installed, and production is measured separately

There are very few research locations with the capacity to test the number of aspects of

• geothermal bore holes are each uniquely designed to gather data over time for industry on variations of borehole size, grouting, and pipe installation • two geothermal heat pumps, an electric and gas adsorption heat pump, are available for testing along with a conventional boiler installation

• wind energy can be used in conjunction with other systems or separately • solar thermal energy has the potential to be used for building heat, domestic hot water pre-heat, charging the geothermal field, and activating phase change materials.

Last summer, the research team developed software for a single board computer system, several wireless sensors and an operating system to enable energy monitoring of renewable energy systems. These devices form the core of a mobile diagnostic toolkit for installers. This summer the team will expand the sensor network to test a mobile wireless pyrometer and a wireless anemometer and add in system control components.

Research activities funded by NSERC and ARDN.

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Limitless Research Potential Rob Baron, an instructor in the renewable energy program at Lakeland sees some key opportunities for research at the new centre.

“Much of the research on solar arrays has been done in places like California or New Jersey,” he explains. “We plan to get practical information on how these systems work at northern latitudes and sun positions and how the equipment responds to extreme cold.”

Baron is also excited about the potential for analyzing data from multiple systems

at once. “It’s easy to gather data from your wind turbine or solar panel,” he continues, “but it’s rare to be able to monitor combined systems.” Learning from the online program the college developed for the Energy Cabin, they are providing up-to-the-minute web monitoring and visualization for the combined systems.

Visitors to the centre, or to the website, as well as students in the renewable energy courses, will be able to compare how various systems are functioning in real time.

Important Partnerships Vital Engineering Vital Engineering is a contributing partner in the development of the Renewable Energy Learning Centre.

The building envelope upgrades for energy efficiency, and the efficient mechanical systems were designed by Vital. Lakeland College and Vital intend to work together on the systems integration research, thermal storage research and performance testing.

Earthnet Geothermal Earthnet Geothermal installed a unique geothermal borehole field as part of the Renewable Energy Learning Centre. The borehole field has six independent and unique holes that provide the opportunity to evaluate borehole size, grout type, and piping changes.

Geothermal Installation

College Collaboration Many students participated in the design and planning of the Renewable Energy Learning Centre. Interior design students were enlisted to brainstorm workable floor plans that incorporated all of the functions required of the space, including open space for special events, labs, utility rooms, and meeting space.

Faculty from many trades (automotive/ heavy duty, electrical, instrumentation, carpentry, and welding) contributed to the

design and construction of the systems and the equipment to be used at the Renewable Energy Learning Centre. This cooperative effort builds capacity across the college growing experience with installing renewable energy technology.

There is further potential for trades at the college to participate in ongoing training opportunities at the centre with the renewable energy systems and the system integration.

Energy Labs

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L i m i t l e s s P OTE N TI A L Awards Interior Design Program: Drawing in Awards Instructors and students of Lakeland’s interior design technology program have been regularly collecting awards for the quality of their work over the last several years.

Lakeland’s first Excellence in Education Award for the interior design technology program was received in 2008. In 2011, Cindi and Greg Plant, instructors in the interior design technology program, accepted an Excellence in Education Award from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).

2011 was a signature year for the program, and 2012 promises to follow suit. In January last year, five Lakeland students were finalists in a North American student competition hosted by the NKBA. In the bath category, Kelsey Guenter, Lisa Godwin and Jessica Leasak were finalists chosen from a field of 152 entries from 40 schools.

This year is the ninth consecutive year that Lakeland students in the interior design technology program earned top place finishes in two international student design competitions. Julie Arthurs, Rebecca Johnston and Courtney Federspiel, all second-year students, carried on the college tradition of excellence.

The first event resulted in Julie Arthurs and Rebecca Johnston each earning $3,000 and $2,500 scholarships in a charrette competition hosted by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and General Electric.

Arthur’s and Johnston’s entries were selected from a pool of 398 from 31 schools located throughout the United States and Canada.

Arthurs placed third while Johnston placed fourth overall.

In the second event this year, Federspiel placed third in the NKBA bathroom competition, which earned her a $1,000 scholarship, plus an expenses paid trip for two to the International Kitchen and Bath Show held in Chicago at the end of April. Her submission was one of 178 entered by 43 schools (41 of them in the US).

Lakeland Apprentices: Hat Trick at Provincial Awards Lakeland carried on its winning tradition this year at the awards banquet of the Alberta Apprenticeship & Industry Training Branch held in Edmonton on April 13.

Three Lakeland students claimed awards for this year’s top apprentices in the province. Luke Thompson was named the top agricultural equipment technician, Jonathan Crick was named the top carpentry apprentice, and Marc Bennett earned the honour of the top parts technician.

In photo: Lakeland instructor Neil Napora, apprentices Jonathan Crick and Marc Bennett, instructor Randy Hobbis, apprentice Luke Thompson, and instructor Chris Thompson at the 2012 Alberta Apprenticeship & Industry Training Branch awards ceremony held April 13 at Edmonton.

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Each trades award is presented to the student who achieves the highest overall mark in their final period of training and

receives a strong recommendation from their employer.

“These students are excellent representatives of Lakeland College. They show safe work habits and are a pleasure to instruct,” says trades instructor Chris Thompson.

This is the fifth consecutive year that a student who took their apprenticeship technical training at Lakeland received a major award from the provincial apprenticeship training branch. Ivan Cusack, an electrical instructor at Lakeland, was also nominated for a Top Instructor Award.

Business Students “Case” Award In March of this year, Lakeland College’s entry in the Alberta Deans of Business Case Competition placed third in the 11-team competition in Lethbridge. The challenge for the teams in the case competition was to develop a business strategy for Bridge View Custom Cabinets, a fictional cabinet-making company.

After 10 hours in the “war room” on Friday where the students have no contact with faculty advisors or the public, Lakeland’s team of second-year students emerged with a PowerPoint presentation outlining a strategy to solve the company’s marketing and growth issues. One problem was that the company only accepted cash or cheque for payment. Lakeland’s team suggested using Square, an electronic payment service that accepts credit cards through mobile phones.

“The team really stepped out of the box with their solution and their presentation,” says Doreen Der, the team’s faculty advisor.

“Their presentation was excellent and they handled the judges’ questions very well.”

Team member Natasha Zeitz admitted that the competition was stressful but because of their preparation and great teamwork, it didn’t take long to determine a plan of action.

“This was one of the best weekends of my entire school year. Yes, it was nervewracking but it was a great learning experience and it was fun. It allows you to take what you’ve learned in the classroom and apply it to a real-life situation,” she says.

In photo: With faculty advisor Doreen Der (left) are students (clockwise) David Dahl, Jaclyn Paslawski, Jenna Dudding and Natasha Zeitz.

Water Treatment Facility Wins Award

History Instructor Wins Saskatchewan Book Award

Judging Club: Making the Winning Choice

A water treatment facility for Lakeland’s Emergency Training Centre, designed by Associated Engineering Alberta, Ltd, won an environmental award last year from the Consulting Engineers of Alberta annual Showcase Awards.

In his 2011 released book, Happyland – A History of the Dirty Thirties in Saskatchewan, 1914-1937, Curtis McManus examines the devastating impact of the prolonged drought on the people of western and southern Saskatchewan. The book explores all the aspects of the drought crisis, including “ethical, spiritual and social dislocation” that affected the Saskatchewan people, as well as the social programs put in place by provincial governments at that time.

Every year, Lakeland College’s judging club competes in judging competitions.

Invariably, their winning selections make them winners themselves.

Firefighters in training use large amounts of potable water to extinguish fires during training exercises, and that water ends up containing high levels of particles and chemicals. The water must be treated before being re-used through the closed loop water system.

The portable water treatment unit offers both flexibility for the college’s changing needs along with the capability of treating 350,000 L of water per day. The treated water has made vast improvements in the amount of water that can be re-used, as well as reducing the exposure of contaminants to students and instructors.

In the 2011 season, at the Stockman’s Judging Competition, Lakeland judging teams took the top two overall spots, with individuals winning top judging awards as well. At one competition alone, Lakeland club members took home 21 awards.

During the Saskatchewan Book Awards on April 28, McManus received the Nonfiction Award for Happyland.

Members of Lakeland’s Judging Team at Agribition

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L i m i t l e s s O P P O R T U N IT Y Clubs: Opportunities for Socializing and Even More Learning For students with specific interests beyond their classes, student clubs are a great way to meet kindred spirits and have some fun!

Sports clubs are popular, including men’s and women’s hockey, climbing, scuba, rowing and the outdoor recreation club.

Lakeland’s agricultural clubs are widely respected and well-known. The College has a very competitive championship Rodeo Club and Team. The Ranch Horse and Stockdog clubs are also open to students who have their working animals with them at college.

Industry-related clubs, such as the Stockman’s club, the Judging club and the Enviro club and Rotaract are very active in the community, and offer students a chance to develop skills and experience that is directly applicable to their chosen careers.

Rowing Club

Climbing club

Rodeo Club

Ranch Horse and Stockdog club

Travel with a purpose! The Ag Tour club fundraises to take members on agricultural tours in other countries. Most recent trips have been to Belize, Texas, and Brazil.

Students with a creative streak might enjoy the Drama or Yearbook club, or becoming a member of the student chapter of the National Kitchen and Bath Association.

United Farmers of Alberta Support Student Ag Clubs Lakeland College and the United Farmers of Alberta (UFA) have struck a partnership that provides funding to student ag clubs who plan and organize their annual events and submit proposals to UFA. UFA has been a long-standing supporter of Lakeland on many levels. Over the years, it

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has supported several agricultural student clubs with cash and prize donations for events, trips and other club activities.

Because UFA recognizes the value of these investments, with the new partnership, it hopes to better fund student clubs as a whole instead of making periodic investments throughout the year.

“Student clubs offer great ways to develop long-lasting friendships with like-minded people and delve deeply into collaborative projects. Our Enviro Club students have been passionate leaders of all our projects. Their energy and enthusiasm for making a difference is refreshing!”

Robin Lagroix-Mclean

Sunfuel Biodiesel a Catalyst for Renewable Energy Research A key example of student club research success is Lakeland’s Enviro Club, which began to experiment with making biodiesel using waste oil from the school’s cafeteria.

Students and faculty members involved with the club created a biodiesel processing system compatible with Alberta’s northern climate. The biodiesel the club produced has been used in school farm machinery.

A side project involved making biodiesel directly from canola grown at the college’s Student Managed Farm. “We grew the canola, crushed the canola, made biodiesel from the canola, and then put it back into the machines that grew the canola. It was a great exercise in closed-loop energy cycles,” says Todd Ree, one of the instructors involved in the project.

The club was honoured for their success in this project in 2006, when they received an Emerald Award for the project. Instructors in the biodiesel project also received the Innovation for Teaching Award from the Alberta Colleges and Institutes Faculty Association (ACIFA) for their integration of teaching and research.

Besides the obvious benefits of creating an environmentally sustainable and lower cost fuel that can be used right on campus, the educational benefits of the Sunfuel project have been far-reaching. Aspects of the project have been introduced into Lakeland College’s program curriculums in the agriculture, environmental and business schools.

Several spin-off projects relating to renewable energy had their origins with the Sunfuel project.

Student in field

Green Roof Experiments

Enviro Club

The Enviro Club has continued its momentum in research by undertaking green roof projects. Partnering with the college’s apprenticeship carpentry program for construction advice, the club studied the kind of structure required to support a green roof, and then studied potential soil mixes and growing substrates for the plants

The intent is to eventually build a picnic shelter or outdoor lounge space to be used

by Lakeland students, while showcasing the green roof to students and visitors. Students are currently testing smaller structures to determine the types of plants that will perform best on the roofs, with assistance in sourcing plant materials from Alberta Innovates – Technology Futures (AITF) in Vegreville.

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L i m i t l e s s O P P O R T U N IT Y Connecting to Partners Biochar Research Sparks Partnerships Lakeland College is participating in an important research project, with support from Western Economic Diversification Canada and Alberta Innovates Technology Futures (AITF), on the production and many potential applications of biochar.

Biochar is the carbon-rich residue produced by pyrolysis, a process of burning organic matter such as agricultural and forestry waste in a low oxygen environment.

The substance can be used to improve crop productivity and the soil, as well as accelerate re-vegetation of uncultivable lands.

“This investment and corresponding research partnership with Alberta Innovates Technology Futures is a perfect fit for Lakeland College as it relates to agricultural sciences, energy and environmental sciences - three of our four programming pillars,” said Glenn Charlesworth, President

“Our Government is proud to have supported this project which helps promote the standardization of biochar production and application techniques,” said the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.

“Through initiatives such as this, we are ensuring Western Canada remains globally competitive while creating an environment that promotes business investment and economic growth.”

“This biochar initiative contributes towards the emergence of a strong bio-economy in Alberta,” said Richard Wayken, AITF General Manager, Bio & Industrial Technologies.

“Alberta’s rural-based, small- and mediumsized companies will be able to deploy this green, clean technology to unleash the value in agricultural and forest residues which were once considered waste, and make the most of Alberta’s fibre resources.”

The transportable pilot-scale pyrolysis units will enable Lakeland College’s Centre for Sustainable Innovation (CSI) and industry partners to evaluate the quality of biochar from various feedstocks. Lakeland will also explore field trials to assess the performance of biochar. This initiative is expected to develop and demonstrate technologies that will enable the large scale commercial deployment of biochar applications for the benefit of rural Albertans. Further, this initiative will help to establish new markets for biochar products, while also generating new employment and capital investment opportunities in the region.

Supported by:

Infographic courtesy of Alberta Innovates — Technology Futures

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of Lakeland College. “The funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada enables us to purchase the equipment needed to produce biochar and ultimately help determine the environmental benefits and applications of this product.”

Regional Business Accelerator Helps Local Businesses Lakeland College and 14 other communityminded organizations have worked hard over the past two years to develop and launch the Regional Business Accelerator (RBA), a collaborative business support organization. The RBA is focused on growing the region’s economic diversity and strength one small business at a time.

The goal is to support economic growth that advances the region’s collective social, environmental, and economic well-being.

The business accelerator will help businesses connect with research, education and non-governmental service providers, government agencies, and community members.

businesses, including several technology start-ups. “There are a lot of organizations offering business support in the region, but there was no clear place for entrepreneurs to start and for existing organizations to collaborate to close the gap between our services,” says Ward Read, CEO of Lloydminster Economic Development Corporation.

“Lakeland College has been a key driver of the development of the organization,” says Bob Mottram, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Our region is well known for entrepreneurial and innovative activity.

We believe that business incubation and mentoring will have a tremendous impact on the success of our regional innovators and our ability to retain them in our region’s communities.”

Business owners will have access to education and support systems in the region through collaborative programming.

Aspiring entrepreneurs will receive support in establishing their business, existing business owners can get help with developing partnerships for export development, and entrepreneurs at any stage of their careers can participate in professional development programs that facilitate life-long learning.

Only one month after hiring an Executive Director, the RBA was mentoring eleven local

www.smallbusinessinformation.ca

Focus on Rural Economic Development & Innovation Lakeland College’s experience with the Regional Business Accelerator (RBA) is now being applied to other rural economic regions. In partnership with Portage College and several of the region’s Community Futures organizations, they applied the same criteria and methods used for the creation of the RBA to assess the readiness of other communities for business incubation.

That assessment has led to a burgeoning partnership amongst Portage College, Lakeland College, Lloydminster Economic Development Corporation, Alberta HUB and Battle River Alliance for Economic Development (BRAED), which is working on the creation of a Regional Innovation Network for East Central Alberta with the aim to help inventors throughout the region.

Regional Innovation Networks focus on six areas, all of which are within Lakeland College’s core areas of expertise: health, energy, environment, bio-industries, manufacturing and information and communication technologies. Services may include business advice on innovation in products and services, technology and market evaluations, business advisory services, business matchmaking and pathfinding, accessing provincial, federal and international programs, connector functions, training programs, productivity assessment and enhancements, product design and performance assessments, technology development advisors, mentor networks and angel investor networks. Additional services can be accessed through all RINs in a province-wide network facilitated by Alberta Innovates - Technology Futures.

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L i m i t l e s s O P P O R T U N IT Y International Collaborations International Collaborations in Education Educators at Lakeland College are sharing their expertise and research capabilities with two post-secondary schools in Tanzania. VETA-Kihonda is an agriculturefocused technical school in Morogoro, and MATI-Uyole is a comprehensive community college in Mbeya that focuses on agricultural sciences.

The Education for Employment project is funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), through the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC). The project involves visits between the institutions, as well as meetings, workshops and training to determine how to transfer knowledge between the partners in a meaningful way.

Mark Butler, Director of International and Distance Learning, explains, “We’re giving them real tools to measure the success of their educational system, and building capacity for them to deliver competency based educational programs. We provide them with templates for training and curriculum development that will work on the ground in Tanzania.”

Representatives from both colleges have visited Lakeland College in the last two years, and have participated in various tours and meetings. Douglas Kipokola of Kihonda College said, “We learned various methods of conducting meetings and saw how decision-making is done here. Here everyone is involved and encouraged to participate in meetings and decisions.

Everyone has a chance to talk.”

Lakeland Students Experience Mexico School System In April, 13 Lakeland University Transfer students traveled to Ensenada, Mexico to work with local teachers and students in private, public and indigenous schools and in migrant worker camp schools.

International Collaborations

Living the Learning in Brazil

“The purpose of the trip is to increase students’ awareness of education systems in other parts of the world and how they function with diverse socioeconomic factors and limited resources,” says instructor Kelly Mutter. “It is also meant to provide an opportunity for personal and professional growth for the participants.”

Each year, Lakeland students in the Ag Tour Club choose a destination to expand their awareness and understanding of global agriculture. Previous trips included visits to Belize, Texas and California.

One of the biggest highlights of the trip to Brazil was a visit to a Case International/ New Holland combine factory and its parts warehouse and distribution centre, located in Sorocaba.

“The students learned a lot about Case IH/ New Holland as a global agricultural partner.

They were also very impressed with its presentations, tours and hospitality,” says Todd Ree, an instructor at the college’s School of Agricultural Science and faculty advisor to the club.

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This is the second year in as many years that Mutter is taking a group of university transfer students to Mexico. He expects this year’s trip to be just as rewarding.

Ag Tour Club in Brazil

“Last year several students said they found the experience in Mexico exhausting yet life-changing,” says Mutter. “I’m confident that after working in the Mexican schools, they will view the world differently and be better teachers.”

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P R O G R A MS Environmental Sciences • Bachelor of Applied Science: Environmental Management • Environmental Science – Conservation & Restoration Ecology Major • Environmental Science – Environmental Conservation Reclamation Major • Environmental Science – Environmental Monitoring & Protection Major • Environmental Science – Wildlife & Fisheries Conservation Major • Renewable Energy & Conservation Certificate & Diploma

Academic Upgrading • Adult Basic Education • College Preparation • High School Equivalency Agricultural Sciences • Agribusiness • Animal Health Technology • Animal Science Technology • Crop Technology • General Agriculture • Veterinary Medical Assistant • Western Ranch & Cow Horse Business • Business Administration – General Business Major • Business Administration – Accounting Major • Business Administration – Appraisal and Assessment Major • Business Administration – Marketing Major • Business Administration – Small Business & Entrepreneurship Major • Accounting Technician • Event Management • Bachelor Degree Completion through Athabasca University in Commerce and Management • Office Administration • Agribusiness • Bachelor of Applied Business: Emergency Services

Fire & Emergency Services • Bachelor of Applied Business: Emergency Services • Emergency Medical Technician • Emergency Services Technologist • Firefighter (NFPA Standard 1001) • Paramedic Health & Wellness • Esthetician • Health Care Aide • Practical Nurse • Pre-employment Hair Stylist Human Services • American Sign Language and Deaf Studies • Child and Youth Care • Early Learning & Child Care • Educational Assistant • Sign Language Interpretation • Transitional Vocational Interior Design • Interior Design Technology

Trades & Technology Apprenticeship • Automotive Service Technician • Carpenter • Electrician • Gas Fitter • Heavy Equipment Technician • Instrument Technician • Parts Technician • Steamfitter/Pipefitter • Welder Trades & Technology • Heavy Oil Operations Technician • Heavy Oil Power Engineering • 3rd and 4th Class Power Engineering • Gas Process Operator • Pre-employment Auto Service & Heavy Equipment Technician • Pre-employment Carpentry • Pre-employment Electrican • Pre-employment Instrument Technician • Pre-employment Steamfitter/Pipefitter • Pre-employment Welding University Transfer Routes • Bachelor of Arts • Bachelor of Commerce • Bachelor of Education (Elementary) • Bachelor of Education (Secondary) • Bachelor of Science • Bachelor of Science (Human Ecology) • Bachelor of Science (Medical Laboratory) • Bachelor of Science (Nursing) • Bachelor of Science (Nutrition/ Food Science) • Bachelor of Social Work • Pre-Dentistry • Pre-Medicine • Pre-Pharmacy • Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Contact Information: Vermilion Campus 5707 College Drive Vermilion AB T9X 1K5 1 780 853 8400 www.lakelandcollege.ca Or call us toll-free at 1 800 661 6490 Printed on 55% total recycled content. Please share me or recycle me.

Lloydminster Campus 2602 59 Avenue, Bag 6600 Lloydminster SK S9V 1Z3 1 780 871 5700