Community Report: A Year in Review

New Beginnings. Endless Possibilities.

Community ReporT 2016 A Ye a r i n R e v i e w

Daniel Vandermeulen Board Chair

Northern Lakes College

Our Message.

Our Committment.

Ann Everatt President and CEO

Northern Lakes College has seen a number of changes over the last decade but two things remain the same: our commitment to our students and our grass roots philosophy. Living in the north means you need to ‘do things differently’ and we have done that for over 45 years. Providing education using distance technology allows our students to remain in their communities while completing their post-secondary education. Northern Lakes College works closely with community partners to determine what programs are relevant and needed. It is important that NLC provides educational programs so students can get not only a good job but also build a career. You Students don’t need to move to the city to get a good education. Northern Lakes College has been delivering quality education for years.

Two upcoming projects important to the college and the communities are the new consolidated High Prairie Campus and the expansion of the Trades Centre in Slave Lake. These capital projects are important for the growth of both communities as well as providing access to residents in the region. We look forward to working with our business and industry partners, the municipalities, school divisions and communities to push these projects forward. The upcoming year looks promising and I’m glad to be a part of it.

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Front cover photo credit: Pat Potvin

Your College.

Your Community.

WE ARE DISTRIBUTED-SUPPORTIVE LEARNING. We use technology to serve over 50 communities across the province.

WE ARE COMMUNITY. We’re proud to provide post-secondary education to 15 First Nations and four Métis Settlements within our service region. 68% of our students are Indigenous.

WE ARE CONNECTED. A distinct Community Education Committee (CEC) represents each of the communities we serve on the Council of Community Education Committees (CCEC), the principal advisory body of the College.

WE ARE RESPONSIVE. Northern Lakes College engages with business, industry, and communities to ensure our programs meet their needs.

WE ARE INNOVATIVE. Using blended delivery and mobile training facilities, we bring quality post-secondary education to the student’s community.

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Friend of Northern Lakes College Award Known by her colleagues, family and friends for demonstrating that “actions are much louder than words”, Lilian Beland has played a key role in the education of thousands of students during the course of her career.

Her love of teaching not only encompassed a span of 37 years within a formal teaching environment, but also has continued on year after year through the help she provides to adult students, who continue to seek her out, even in her retirement. Lilian has taught in the communities of Falher, Fort Kent, and Donnelly. She has provided leadership for 25 of her teaching years in the role of Assistant Principle at Georges P. Vanier School.

In addition to teaching fulltime, while raising four children, Lilian volunteered her time assisting with multiple community organizations. Even, in her “retirement years”, Lilian continued to be an active member within her community including 27 years as

a member of the Smoky River Community Education Committee, including membership on the larger Council of Community Education Committees. Lilian continues to share her love of teaching and has truly demonstrated that “actions are much louder than words!”

Lilian has been the recipient of numerous awards including: • Community Service Award for “Volunteer of the Year” in the community of McLennan and the • Diamond Jubilee Medal for Community Service.

We were honoured to present Lilian with the 2016 “Friend of Northern Lakes College Award” in recognition of her outstanding contribution and leadership provided to the Smoky River Community Education Committee, Council of Community Education Committees, and Northern Lakes College.

Community Engagement Northern Lakes College is committed to community-based education and we maintain Community Education Committees in every community we serve. These committees form the Council of Community Education Committees, the principal advisory body to the College, with representatives spanning the service region. These committees ensure that local residents have access to education and training suitable to their needs and goals.

Keeping connected to our communities is a key focus area for Northern Lakes College.

We strive to create opportunities for supported learning in all of our programs and work directly with our communities. Committee and council members also promote and share college programs and news. Together, we are able to meet the needs of northern learners.

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Want to support education in your community?

Become a CEC member!

For more information contact: Randy Anderson Phone: 780.751.3270 Email: andersonr@northernlakescollege.ca Melanie Bekevich-Joos Phone: 780.624.5176 Email: joosm@northernlakescollege.ca

The Courage to Grow A NLC Student Story Candice Seweryn is a success story years in the making. After leaving high school as a teenage mother, Candice returned to her studies years later through NLC’s Academic Upgrading program, where she was able to balance caring for her three children while learning. Upon program completion, she enrolled in NLC’s Practical Nurse program to plant the foundation of a career in health care.

Candice excelled in her program, crediting her enthusiastic instructors and supportive family as a constant source of inspiration. Even with effort, intelligence, and determination, Candice struggled with an issue many students face: severe test anxiety.

Upon completing the two-year Practical Nurse program, graduates must earn certification by passing a licensing exam within their third attempt. Candice failed both her first and second try. With only a final attempt possible, her panic had never felt more tangible. This time her persistence and dedication would pay dividends as she succeeded; the final hurdle of a journey years in the making. It’s no surprise though, for Candice wanted to succeed as much for her children as for herself.

Candice Seweryn Alumni 2013 Practice Nurse Program Valleyview Campus

I wanted to succeed for myself and my children.

Today, Candice works as a LPN at her local hospital, and has begun the process of bridging into a Registered Nurse program.

She will soon travel with a group of volunteer nurses to Uganda, Africa, where she will offer her medical skills and inspiring life’s message as part of a clinical team.

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Dual Credit Opportunities Eric Larson

Jonah Tremblay

Power Engineering 4th Class Dual Credit Program Northern Lakes College Shell Canada Power Engineering and Technology Centre

This program gives students such a great opportunity, as does Shell Canada, in offering such a generous bursary. It really makes a difference.

– Eric Larson

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Students Earn Certificates Alongside High School Diplomas

Northern Lakes College students Eric Larson and Jonah Tremblay are celebrating their recent graduation from NLC’s 4th Class Power Engineering Certificate program. The northern Albertan youths earned their credentials alongside their high school diplomas through NLC’s Dual Credit initiative and are ready to jump into the workforce at a time of life in which most are only beginning to explore career options.

Sweetening their accomplishments, both have also been awarded a Shell Canada Dual Credit Bursary, which includes a financial gift of $5,500 and invitation to complete their practical training at Northern Lakes College Shell Canada Power Engineering and Technology Centre in Peace River. Their award application essays were chosen for the academic success, future planning, and trade understanding the young men demonstrated.

While both express gratitude for the monetary assistance that comes with the award, it is the opportunity to complete their lab hours that is most appreciated.

“Now I’ll be able to pursue my career without worry,” Tremblay said of the lab training. “Now I will be able to get all my steam time and save money in the process.”

“I would really like to say thank you to everyone who put the Dual Credit program together,” Larson said, echoing Tremblay’s gratitude. “This program gives students such a great opportunity, as does Shell Canada, in offering such a generous bursary. It really makes a difference.”

Big Picture Thinking A NLC Welding Apprentice Story Northern Lakes College Alumnus Kylar Schamp is a small town guy with big picture thinking. Having started NLC’s Dual Credit Welding program as a teenager, he earned his high school diploma and industrial certification credits simultaneously, logging almost five years of work experience at a time in life when most only begin to enter their chosen fields. The Slave Lake resident is now a Journeyman Welder at a busy welding, machining, and fabrication shop.

“NLC really opened my eyes to where welding could lead you. As a welder, you’re instrumental in designing and building structures that will be around long after you’re gone. Your children and grandchildren will be able to look at these massive structures around their hometown someday and know you had a part in making it, know it’s part of their family history. It’s pretty cool to think about that.”

Already well on his way in a trade, Kylar is committed to pursuing a well-rounded industrial career and plans to enroll in NLC’s other certification programs in the future. “NLC was my number one choice because I was able to save money and my classes didn’t interfere too much with other responsibilities. I really enjoyed the program too - I met lots of great people and made a lot of friends who are now in the industry. I’ll definitely go back to NLC to take other programs.”

Kylar Schamp Alumni, Dual Credit Welding Program Slave Lake Campus

I really enjoyed the program too - I met lots of great people and made a lot of friends who are now in the industry. I’ll definitely go back to NLC to take other programs.

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Modeling Strength A NLC Student Story When Lindsay Goodswimmer’s husband was suddenly killed in 2014, the young mother of three realized she’d need to pursue more education in order to provide for her children without a partner. However, she also realized how important it was to remain in the community that loved and supported her family.

Lindsay Goodswimmer Current Business Administration Student Valleyview Campus

You can overcome anything. Anything.

If you really want it.

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Fortunately, Lindsay learned of NLC’s Academic Upgrading program and was able to enroll at the Valleyview campus just a short distance from home. Throwing herself into her studies, Lindsay achieved the prerequisite grades demanded of most college or university study programs while maintaining a stable family home for her children.

Lindsay’s efforts weren’t isolated to only her studies and motherhood; familiar with back-to-school anxiety herself, the personable go-getter committed to reaching out to others through her volunteer work on both Student Council and on the Community Education Committee. Her efforts both in community betterment and academia were rewarded significantly; Lindsay won numerous student awards including the Shell Canada Aboriginal Education Award, the Students’ Association Role Model Award, and was named NLC’s 2016’s Convocation Valedictorian. But most meaningful of all, Lindsay modeled an undeniable example of perseverance, healing, and determination for her children.

“You can overcome anything. Anything,” Lindsay asserts, “If you really want it.”

The recent graduate enrolled in Northern Lakes College’s Business Administration Certificate program before earning a diploma in Business Administration & Accounting. She hopes to open her own business in her hometown of Sturgeon Lake, giving back to the community she so loves.

Working Working with with Business Business and and Industry Industry

Northern Lakes College engages with business, industry and communities to ensure our programs meet their needs.

We foster these partnerships so we can best respond to the diverse and evolving community and workforce.

Redefining Reclamation - Using Traditional Ecological Knowledge in Oil & Gas Reclamation Elders, youth, and community leaders from Driftpile First Nation created an opportunity to use Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) while practicing scientific reclamation skills. Everyone worked together to collect and grow traditionally valued species and to plant them on the community’s “tree garden” demonstration site. This Driftpile First Nation project was supported

by Shell Canada, Northern Lakes College, the Boreal Research Institute (BRI), and the Woodland Operations Learning Foundation (WOLF).

The project brought Elders and young people together to share language, knowledge, and tradition while learning the science and regulation of reclamation. Youth, Elders and technical experts worked together through all phases collecting valued native species, treating seed and cuttings (propagules), and growing them with support from the Boreal Research Institute.

To join Driftpile First Nation on this amazing journey and to take the Cree plant quiz, go to www.northernlakescollege.ca/about-us/videos and click on the video icon.

Elders were keen to see the knowledge preserved in a video, to be shared with everyone and passed on to future generations. Throughout the project – video, photographs and notes capture conversations on traditionally valued plants, tobacco offerings, prayers to the Creator, and relationship building moments between one generation to the next.

Shell Aboriginal Awards Northern Lakes College was thrilled to distribute Aboriginal Educational Advancement Awards in April 2016. The award funds were part of a $250,000 Shell Canada donation set up to promote First Nations access to academic upgrading and post-secondary education. The 2016 distribution marks the third year of the awards; in total, $202,000 has been awarded to Northern Lakes College students since 2013.

A small celebration took place at NLC’s Slave Lake Campus. Students from a variety of campuses attended the ceremony and reception alongside Shell Canada Representative Charlene Parker and Ann Everatt, President and CEO of Northern Lakes College. “This was a wonderful opportunity for our students to meet with the award donor and personally tell Shell how much the award made an impact in their ability to attend NLC,” says Ann Everatt. A traditional meal of soup and bannock was enjoyed and Ms. Parker was honored with a handcrafted traditional walking stick.

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Working with Business and Industry

We develop and implement relevant programs and services.

WATER and WASTEWATER Operator Preparation Program - NEW PROGRAM! An important issue facing Canadian communities including First Nation and Métis Settlements is management and stewardship of water and wastewater systems. It is each municipality’s responsibility to ensure the continuous safe operation of its water and wastewater systems. In northern Alberta, communities are continuously searching for qualified individuals to fill the complex roles of water and wastewater treatment plant operators, water distribution system operators, and wastewater collection system operators. Recognizing the need, a collaborative partnership was formed between ATAP Infrastructure Management and NLC to

Northern Lakes College Hosts Youth Employment and Life Skills Camp Northern Lakes College in partnership with Careers Next Generation provided Aboriginal youth a unique opportunity to participate in the Aboriginal Explorers Career Camp. Youth from various communities in northern Alberta came to enjoy the five-week camp at Northern Lakes College’s Slave Lake

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develop a Water and Wastewater Operator program. Supporting this collaboration, Shell Canada and and Lesser Slave Lake Economic Alliance contributed to the curriculum development.

The Water and Wastewater Operator program is offered NLC Live Online™ allowing many northern residents to continue to work while getting their education. This program will help address one of the biggest needs in the industry.

Program developed in partnership with

Curriculum development support by

Campus Student Residences to experience work life and living on their own. The camp began with a course in the responsibilities of young adulthood planning, purchasing food, and cooking all of their meals under the guidance of Resident Advisors. The laddering part of the program provided students with an opportunity for a paid internship with a local company that best suited their career choice. Students earned high school credits, explored potential careers, and developed transferable employability skills. The Aboriginal Explorers Career Camp received remarkable support from local businesses and organizations hosting the students: Slave Lake Regional Housing Authority, Alberta Health Services, Tolko, Alberta Plywood, Alberta Parks, The Slave Lake Inn, Vanderwell Seniors Lodge, the Sawridge First Nation, and Northern Lakes College. “We are really happy with the response from the business community.

Because of this cooperation, we were able to place each student with one of their top three industry picks,”says Brian Panasiuk, Chair of Dual Credit and Recruitment.

Working with Business and Industry

We identify and mitigate the barriers to learning for our students.

Generous Donation will help save Lives

Little Free Library

Northern Lakes College received $200,000 from the Heart and Stroke Foundation through a generous donation from an anonymous donor to provide 20 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and the associated training at 20 campuses throughout the Northern Lakes College service region. Jim Meldrum, Occupational Health and Safety Officer at Northern Lakes College commented that, “In addition to the donation of the actual 20 AED devices, the College also received 10 Trainers and 350 CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) Training Kits.” AEDs are life-saving devices used to restart a person’s heart that has stopped beating; they are safe, easy to use, and can be operated effectively by the public. “Cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, to anyone, at any age,” says Mike Hoffman, Manager of the Foundation’s national AED program, “and the chance for survival depends on fast action that includes CPR and application of an AED within the first few minutes. That’s why this donation and the training that goes along with it is so important.”

Northern Lakes College is excited to announce their official participation in the Little Free Library program. A global initiative aimed at promoting literacy in rural and remote communities, Little Free Library are charming street-side boxes which host books available for lend at no cost.

Readers are welcome to take material or donate books at their convenience. Staged to open a Little Free Library in 18 northern Albertan campuses, Northern Lakes College is now an important steward of the program.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation explains that most cardiac arrests occur in homes and public places, and are witnessed by a family member, co-worker or friend. Performing CPR and using an AED before emergency medical services arrive can double the chance of survival. “Northern Lakes College serves northern communities in Alberta. Having access to life saving equipment in our remote campuses will benefit our students, our staff and the entire community,” says Ann Everatt, President and CEO. “Northern Lakes College is proud to partner with the Heart and Stroke Foundation in a program that benefits so many.”

Access to public libraries is a problem for many remote and rural Albertan communities, a problem in which one Little Free Library, Northern Lakes College, and financial sponsor ATB Business aims to remedy. “As a society, we need to make literacy a priority,” reports NLC Academic Upgrading Coordinator and Instructor Lindy Fors. “This project offers an immediate solution to an issue faced by many northern Albertans.” NLC plans to donate literature covering a range of literary genres, including children’s books, fiction, nonfiction, financial and life skills literature.

Communities at large are highly encouraged to participate in this project. While all residents are welcome to use the Little Free Library, local students are also playing an important role in decorating the boxes as part of a community art initiative.

Organizers are also seeking local authors, including Cree, Dene, and Métis writers, who might be interested in having their books featured in the installments.

Sponsored by

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Culture & Celebrations

Native Cultural Arts Museum Grouard, AB The Museum’s historical and contemporary collections serve to educate the public by depicting Aboriginal lifestyles through exhibits of art, music, hunting, regalia, clothing, and more. Each year the Museum’s outdoor Historical Village is erected in May and June for educational field trips. At the Historical Village, students of all ages can experience life in the late 1800’s through hands-on learning and interpretive tours. Our interpreters in full costume guide students through various activities throughout the Historical Village, which consists of canvas tipis and tents. Students who have visited the Historical Village have had the opportunity to cook bannock over an open fire, play traditional hand games, become traders at the Hudson Bay Company, dress as pioneers, and construct a canvas tipi.

For more information, please visit us at www.northernlakescollege.ca Phone: 1.866.652.3456 or 780.751.3306 Email: museum@northernlakescollege.ca

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Culture & Celebrations

We strengthen relationships.

Northern Lakes College 14th Annual Métis Celebration held in Fort Vermilion On October 29th, 2016, Northern Lakes College was honored to host over 200 participants at their 14th Annual Métis Celebration.

The event was held at Fort Vermilion’s Community Hall and age groups ranging from “Tiny Tots” to Senior Citizens competed in the categories of jigging, fiddling, and singing. The event was organized by Randy Anderson, Northern Lakes College’s Manager of Aboriginal Relations. Local community leader Mr. Cameron Cardinal was invited to perform the role of Master of Ceremonies and additional entertainment was provided by Tamarac, a talented local band.

“The promotion of events such as this acknowledges and celebrates the fact that a large percentage of NLC’s students are Aboriginal,” says Mr. Anderson, “Our Métis Celebrations and Round Dances promote local culture and celebrates our community heritage.”

Northern Lakes College 14th Annual Round Dance in Slave Lake, Alberta Northern Lakes College proudly hosted its 14th Annual Round Dance on March 24th, 2016, at the Slave Lake Campus. A Pipe Ceremony was followed by a meal before traditional drumming, dance, and song filled the night. Prior to the Pipe Ceremony, a free public workshop explained the protocols of Aboriginal culture, including Elder respect and the role of tobacco in ceremony and tradition.

The Round Dance welcomed approximately 350 attendees: many of the attendees included dancers, drummers, and participants.

The Honorable Danielle Larivee, MLA for Lesser Slave Lake, also attended and participated as a dancer, displaying respect for both the tradition and present Elders.

“The Round Dance is an event the college is proud to host,” says Ann Everatt, Northern Lakes College President and CEO. “Our staff volunteer their time to ensure the event is run smoothly and enjoyed by all participants. It is an opportunity for us to continue to strengthen relationships with students and to celebrate Aboriginal heritage.”

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New Facilities

Enhancing Facilities Gift Lake: A Collaborative Build In September 2015, Northern Lakes College in partnership with Northlands School Division No. 61 and the Gift Lake Métis Settlement, were able to proudly mark the Gift Lake Campus project ‘complete’. A jointly built school and post-secondary campus under one roof is a benefit to both educational providers and the community. Beginning with the end in mind, all stakeholders wanted a smart, flexible workspace to maximize opportunities for students to learn and collaborate with each other. The building includes partitioning wall system that makes changing room sizes easy, automatic lighting, and high efficiency window glazing to provide a well-lit space. Northern Lakes College is proud to provide distance-learning students an education with upgraded information technology infrastructure, a fully furnished student lounge and plenty of space for student’s quiet study. The Gift Lake community is proud to call the new building their own.

Fort Vermilion: Growing with the Community With a focus on accessibility and excellence, Northern Lakes College recognized the need to expand the student space in Fort Vermilion in anticipation of the continued growth in student numbers. As NLC embarked on the campus upgrade, the College ensured the planning objectives stayed within the focus of “a purposeful building”. Creating a building with flexibility was necessary, but also within the means of what funds were available. In the Spring of 2016, energy efficient, quality constructed modular units were moved onto the existing grounds. The Campus now encompasses a more suitable space for students in Career Programs and Academic Upgrading with a bright and welcoming building.

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New Facilities

Creating additional pathways for students.

Mobile Trades Lab Northern Lakes College showcased their new Mobile Trades Labs on August 12, 2016. Each 50-foot-long training lab opens out and extends up allowing for 1500 square feet of training space.

Groups of students can work at portable stations with lots of room for equipment and tools. Each Mobile Training Lab has a diesel generator that supplies electrical power and heat, or the unit, can connect to a power supply. Set-up of the Training Lab is completed by Northern Lakes College.

“Our government knows the creation of education and career opportunities depends on innovative approaches to training throughout the province. The mobile unit has tremendous flexibility to bring training to students in northern communities, remote locations and provides a true hands-on approach to learning,” said the Honourable Marlin Schmidt, Minister of Advanced Education.

These unique, totally mobile training facilities support the delivery of pre-employment trades programs to northern rural communities. Opportunities are endless when you can deliver training right to your community!

Continuing Education & Corporate Training offers 16 week sessions of the Trades Technical Preparation program that provides classroom training and practical hands-on experience.

The portability of training allows the labs to offer carpentry, welding, electrical and more!

To discuss Customized Training to suit your community’s needs, please contact us 1.866-652-3456 ext. 8623 or email work@ northernlakescollege.ca

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New Facilities

Overcoming Obstacles.

Northern Lakes College Shell Canada Power Engineering & Technology Centre Grand Opening Industry consultation indicates that one of the largest obstacles to training power engineers is the challenge of obtaining the necessary steam time for certification. The Northern Lakes College Shell Canada Power Engineering & Technology Centre in Peace River will provide the necessary steam time for over 80 students a year, as well as dual credit high school students, to become third and fourth class power engineers. The Government of Canada provided $1 million towards the purchase of specialized equipment for the power engineering steam lab.

“Funding educational institutions and initiatives across the country is a key area of focus of our social investment program,” says Ginette MacIsaac, Shell’s Carmon Creek Operations Manager. “As a long-time supporter of Northern Lakes College, we are proud to lend Shell’s name to a facility which will help to meet an important need for power engineers across the province.”

Ann Everatt, President and CEO of Northern Lakes College, said, “This new facility provides access to training for students throughout the Northern Lakes College region. We are extremely grateful to our industry and government partners Shell Canada, Western Economic Diversification, Penn West, The Town of Peace River, and Northern Sunrise County that provided their support to this venture. We could not have done this without their generous support.”

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New Programs

Northern Lakes College welcomed a full class to the first offering of the new Emergency Medical Technologist – Paramedic diploma program in September 2016.

Real Skills.

Emergency Medical Technologist - Paramedic “The Emergency Medical Technologist – Paramedic program reflects Northern Lakes College’s commitment to providing leading skills based training in health careers,” said Kathy Reid-Soucy, Chair Allied Health. “It’s critical to offer ongoing training for individuals to further their careers and fill much needed positions that require advanced education.” Northern Lakes College has a history of emergency medical training, having offered the Emergency Medical Technician program since 2009. Northern Lakes College has also been a leader in developing dynamic training in this field, as they were the first provider of EMR in Alberta to deliver an 8 week program, more than double the previous delivery time. Redesign of this program aimed to give students a stronger foundation of knowledge to better prepare them for successful completion of their provincial licensing exam.

The newly approved Emergency Medical Technologist-Paramedic program, coupled with Northern Lakes College’s graduates from the redesigned EMT program, will ensure emergency personnel in our northern communities are leaders in their field.

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Greater Opportunities.

Graduates of the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program Northern Lakes College has demonstrated active steps towards Canada’s mandate of Truth and Reconciliation through the College’s Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP), in collaboration with the University of Alberta. Since 2004, the program has incorporated traditional wisdom, First Nations history, and state-of-the-art educational resources to empower Indigenous students towards a career in facilitating the education of northern elementary and secondary school children. This year, Northern Lakes College is thrilled to celebrate over 100 ATEP graduates since the program started in 2004.

“NLC is committed to celebrating First Nations’ knowledge, experience, and community,” reports program Chair, Lucinda Jenkins. “We realize the importance of incorporating such elements as Elder wisdom into our programs. Since 2004, we’ve been very proud to see our ATEP students celebrate significant professional achievement: several have gone on to pursue Master’s degrees, several more perform in school administration roles, and many have made significant contributions to their home communities, serving as role models and educational leaders.”

Graduates of the ATEP program are highly sought after by the school boards of their home communities and enjoy significant opportunities for professional advancement throughout their careers.

Practical Nurse Faculty at NLC receive Prestigious Leadership Award Northern Lakes College’s Practical Nurse Faculty has a lot to celebrate – the Faculty recently received a prestigious leadership award and Instructor Ann Noseworthy was also singled out, receiving the David King Education bursary.

Faculty in the Practical Nurse program at Northern Lakes College have been awarded the Alberta Nursing Education Administrators (ANEA) Leadership Award. This is the first group to win the award as a team due in part to the high achievement level of Northern Lakes College’s Practical Nurse program, which currently maintains a student national licensing exam pass rate of 98% on the first write. This figure is significantly higher than provincial and national averages, reflecting the innovative and effective efforts of instructional staff.

“The Faculty demonstrate a passion to support student success with outstanding instructional abilities, mentorship capabilities, and advocacy for exceptional patient care through education. The faculty both challenge and nurture students to provide care that is underpinned by the highest ethical standards,” says Joanne Hunter, Chair of the Practical Nurse program.

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Notable Staff

A Life of Mentorship Recognized Northern Lakes College Instructor Martin Engler has made a lifetime of guiding others in his electrical trade career. In May 2016, the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board officially recognized his efforts with the Top Mentor Award, a title awarded to only three others province-wide. Nominated for the award by former students, Martin received the award at an annual dinner and ceremony attended by over 400.

For Martin, the award not only proves the impact he has had on the lives on his students, but also symbolizes a life well made. The son of a man who escaped Soviet occupied East Germany to enhance the lives of his children, Martin’s father disapproved of his son’s choice to enter a trade, believing Martin could make more of a difference in the world by entering into a white collar position. Now, four decades later, a significant award, and countless students later, Martin’s positive effect on the lives of those around him is undeniable.

To read the full media release, please visit our website www.northernlakescollege.ca

Engler brings over 40 years of practical knowledge and experience to the classroom and like his students, he is focused on the future and is appreciative of the opportunity to contribute.

NLC Instructor Selected Conference Board of Canada’s Top Presenter NLC’s Chair of Centre for Teaching and Learning, Michelle Mitchell, has received significant recognition for her presentation, “Supporting Aboriginal Students at Risk – Improving PostSecondary Education Completion Rates.” Originally introduced at the Conference Board of Canada’s Skills and Post-Secondary Education Summit, the topic was ranked Day One’s Best Presentation. From there, the popularity of Mitchell’s talk on breaking educational barriers boomed: Mitchell was invited to take part in the Board’s live, nation-wide webinar series. The keynote has garnered a record-breaking registered audience, introducing the important theme to post-secondary educators throughout Canada.

“It’s an exciting experience,” Mitchell says, of the opportunity, “I’m glad to receive positive feedback regarding this topic. It’s the mission of Northern Lakes College to remove barriers wherever possible, both distance barriers and educational barriers especially for rural northern and Indigenous learners. It’s about being part of a community and empowering students where they live instead of expecting them to have the time, financial means, or opportunity to move to large centers.”

To read the full media release, please visit our website www.northernlakescollege.ca

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Get the Most of Your Education.

Ensuring you

Northern Lakes College Students’ Association Being a student and getting a good education is about more than just going to classes and earning good grades. It’s a lifestyle that’s all about new friends and experiences, personal growth, and facing new challenges. The Northern Lakes College Students’ Association is here to help with all of it. With student clubs, volunteer opportunities, and support services to assist in securing financial support for your journey, the NLCSA represents and supports students across all our campuses.

Students’ Planning Strategically The Students’ Association is focused on pursuing the College’s strategic goals of building community, creating opportunities for leadership, and supporting the retention needs of the student body. Our SA has created the following additional goals for Northern Lakes College students to encourage each student’s ability to reach his/her own potential.

Goal One: Enrich our students’ sense of community by providing relevant gathering space at each campus.

Goal Two: Establish an endowment to support students who need assistance with medical related expenses.

Goal Three: Increase student retention by delivering a peer tutoring program (PTP).

Goal Four: Establish a bi-annual student leadership conference to For more information please visit us at www.nlcsa.ca call 780-843-8343 or email sa@northernlakescollege.ca

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build relationships amongst regional students through the sharing of ideas and resources, and by encouraging positive outcomes for the student’s campus community.

A New Look for Northern Lakes College

Start Here.Go Anywhere.

Northern Lakes College is proud and excited to unveil a new brand identity – a new logo and branding video. The new logo, which has been in the works for a while, was unveiled to 250 staff at the annual June meeting and staff were very excited. The new brand is designed to honor the College’s values – community, respect, accessibility, collaboration excellence, and life-long learning.

In keeping with Northern Lakes College’s traditional values, the eagle is symbolic of strength and wisdom. From great heights, the eagle will soar with wings spread wide expressing the courage and freedom of students to ‘start here and go anywhere’. The soft blue circle represents the beautiful lakes in our communities and the vibrant green signifies the vast forest. The new logo, with its traditional and modern elements embodies excitement, passion and confidence.

“After consultation with students, staff and communities, the new design was recently approved by the Board of Governors. The existing logo was introduced 18 years ago and the College has seen great change in both the needs of the communities and the services we deliver,” said Ann Everatt, President and CEO. “A visual identity is the most important piece of graphic design that any institution will ever commission. We are extremely pleased with the new logo and are very excited about what the future holds for Northern Lakes College.”

The new logo will be rolled out over the next year and the public will likely see both logos in use for several months as current stocks of branded materials are depleted before a full transition to the new look takes place.

Proud of this achievement but committed to future needs, Northern Lakes College understands that students have education choices and students want symbols and brands to be a reflection of their own commitment and success. The new logo, along with two new taglines “Start here. Go anywhere.” and “New Beginnings. Endless Possibilities.” reflect confidence and optimism in the future, aligning the vision of the College, its students and staff.

New Beginnings. Endless Possibilities.

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The Travelling Flag

Northern Lakes College staff are making footprints all around the world!

Many Canadians travel the world with little Canadian flags sewn on their backpacks. Northern Lakes College employees proudly display the NLC flag – we do things in a big way!

Start Here.

Go Anywhere.

Ann-Marie Aubertin Ontario

Eric & Xin Caiping McCutcheon New Brunswick

Linda Brewer Morocco

Rene & Rachel Ouellette Thailand

Kurtis Drefs, Ireland

Valerie Tradewell & Jessica Van Hoek Newfoundland

Linda Brewer Sahara Desert

Tammy Purchase & Doris Caudron Nevada

Glenn Mitchell Newfoundland

Glenn & Michelle Mitchell Arizona

Harrison Applin Abu Dhabi

22 A Year in Review

Thank You to Our 2016 Donors The Board of Governors of Northern Lakes College would like to extend its sincerest thanks to all the individuals, companies, and organizations that have made generous contributions to support our students. The following is a list of Northern Lakes College donors, reflecting the donations made to the college. We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to many anonymous donors.

$200,000 and over

$1,000 - $9,999

Under $999

Chaulk, Paul

Heart & Stroke Foundation

Staples Advantage

Laboucane, Karen

Tomkins, Noreen

Lac La Biche Transport

Athabasca County

Fofonoff, Audrey

$50,000 - $99,999

CCT Controls

Students’ Association

Gionet, Shelley

Shell Canada Limited

Pembina Pipeline Corporation

Saitz, Amanda

Swift, Judy

MyShak Sales and Rentals

Faculty Association of Northern Lakes College

McVey, Madeline

Rasmuson, Tim

Brewer, Linda

Holick, Barb

Anonymous Donors

Dashkewytch, George

Anderson, Randy

Rye, Lorna

$10,000 - $49,999

Jesse Roberts

North West Crane Ltd

Tett, Alex

Lesser Slave Lake Economic Development Corporation

Farrelly, Richard

Municipal District of Big Lakes

Ouellette, Rachel

Alberta Treasury Branch

Prabhakaran, Vari

Giese, Nancy

LeSage, Robert

In 2015/16 $452,581.90 in donations were made.

100% was a direct benefit to students and communities in our service region.

Northern Lakes College Community Report

23

Northern Lakes College celebrated over 900 graduates in the 2015/2016 academic year.

Are you an

Alumni of Northern Lakes College?

Stay in touch by visiting our website www.northernlakescollege.ca/alumni or email externalrelations@northernlakescollege.ca Newsletters will be emailed quarterly to you keeping you informed! Being an NLC Alumni offers PERKS as well! Your name will be automatically entered to win NLC merchandise.