FIRST CLASS
AGRICULTURE SCIENCES GRAD
NAMED FIRST LETHBRIDGE POLYTECHNIC VALEDICTORIAN 2
{ A PUBLICATION OF LETHBRIDGE POLYTECHNIC } PARA-ATHLETE
{ VOL. 18 | ISSUE 3 | SPRING 2025 }
Wider Horizons is Lethbridge Polytechnic’s community and alumni magazine, which is dedicated to educating, engaging and delighting our readers through compelling stories and images about our people, places, ideas and experiences.
Wider Horizons is mailed to alumni and friends of the institution, distributed in the community and available on campus.
Readers who would like to receive an e-version of the magazine, comment on a story, change their address or remove their name from our mailing list should email the editor at WHMagazine@lethpolytech.ca.
Alumni looking to connect with the polytechnic can email alumni@lethpolytech.ca.
Lethbridge Polytechnic’s vision: PREPARING LEARNERS. SHAPING COMMUNITIES.
Publisher: Dr. Brad Donaldson
Editor: Tina Karst
Art director/designer: Dana Woodward
Cover photo: Rob Olson
Photographers: Stacey Andrews, Cathie Archbould, Lexi Barclay, Tanner Fletcher, Curtis Huisman, Spencer Nelson, Rob Olson, Shawn Salberg
Illustrator: Eric Dyck
Writers: Stacey Andrews, Melanie Fast, Randy Jensen, Sam Sasse
Proofreader: Jennifer Yanish
Distribution: Amy Taylor
Polytechnic employee contributors: Taylor Bourret, Kristy Clark, Leeanne Conrad, Ryan Hammell, James Harrison, Melissa Johnson, Greg Kruyssen, Lawrence Krysak, Rheanna Mirus, Lanae Morris, Ron Ostepchuk, Derek Rischke, Stephanie Savage, Dawn Sugimoto
Located on the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Lethbridge Polytechnic is committed to honouring the land from a place of knowing.
We invite you to watch our territorial land acknowledgement online at lethpolytech.ca/indigenous
I’ve been a Lethbridge Polytechnic employee for three and a half years, and in that short amount of time, I’ve discovered a lot of things – about the campus community, our academic programs, student services and the sheer number of amazing learning tools and opportunities offered here.
What I didn’t know much about, until now, is how utilized the campus is after hours – and not just by students but by members of our broader community.
When I was a Communication Arts – Broadcast Journalism student two decades ago, my evenings were spent on the third floor of the Technologies Building trying my best to edit that week’s news story before deadline, occasionally operating a camera in the gym for Kodiaks volleyball, or (let’s be honest) in The Barn for Tequila Tuesday or any number of theme nights happening there. I certainly was not in tune with all the other activities going on around me.
But, in the spirit of “better late than never,” I can honestly say, my eyes are open. Doing research for this issue’s Polytech After Dark photo essay (p. 12) led me to so many interesting groups that visit campus after most folks have gone home for the night. Of course, there are always late-night studiers, the polytechnic’s wonderful Caretaking team hard at work, and Kodiaks practices and games, but there are also quilters, writers, people learning chess and playing disc golf, a UFO club, a cinema club, occasionally a Mixed Martial Arts event, and plenty more. Our photographers could only capture so many happenings for the feature, but trust me when I tell you, the list is long and diverse.
Looking back, I wish I had taken the time to step outside of my comfort zone and explore more of what campus had to offer 20 years ago, when I first had the opportunity, or in the years that followed.
Seeing these groups in action, and hearing about plenty of others, also has me thinking differently about the polytechnic I thought I had gotten to know over the past few years. At the end of the day, this collection of buildings is a hub for learning of all kinds, not just by students in traditional programs working toward a credential. It’s a place where people of all ages and backgrounds come to explore their interests, build skills and connect with others.
So, whether you’re a student, an alum, an employee or a community member, I encourage you to consider the space and opportunity Lethbridge Polytechnic provides. There might just be a new skill to learn, a group to join or a hidden corner of this campus you’ve never explored – after hours or otherwise.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy this issue. If you have any stories of after-hours clubs, activities or events you’d like to share, feel free to email me at WHMagazine@lethpolytech.ca.
Tina Karst Editor
SEEN ON CAMPUS
Black History Month celebrations at Lethbridge Polytechnic included a student-led braiding workshop Feb. 26. Cynthia (Neche) Okudo (right) volunteered to have her hair braided by Abidemi Aina.
A photo journey through the quiet – and not-so-quiet –corners of campus at night.
Practice Makes Perfect Simulation Hub bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-word health care
Photo by Stacey Andrews
AGRICULTURE SCIENCES GRAD NAMED FIRST LETHBRIDGE POLYTECHNIC VALEDICTORIAN
LEADING THE WAY
BEING NAMED THE FIRST VALEDICTORIAN OF LETHBRIDGE
POLYTECHNIC IS
AN HONOUR ABIGAYLE (ABBY) TERRILL SAYS SHE NEVER COULD HAVE IMAGINED.
“It’s surreal that I achieved something so big, and I am very proud of my accomplishment,” says the Agriculture Sciences –Agronomy student.
On May 23, Terrill will take centre stage in the Val Matteotti Gymnasium, leading the procession of graduates and delivering a speech at the afternoon ceremony. The opportunity is especially significant as the post-secondary institution celebrates its first graduating class since transitioning from a college to a polytechnic in the summer of 2024.
Raised on a ranch near Cardston, Terrill developed a natural interest in agriculture early on. After graduating from Cardston High School, she followed her passion for animals to then-Lethbridge College and enrolled in the Agriculture Sciences program. She completed her first diploma, with a major in Animal Science, last spring.
“I love working with cows – it’s my favourite thing –so Animal Science was a reasonable program,” she says. “Then I thought, what’s one extra year to get an Agronomy diploma? Plus, it’s valuable information.”
Terrill says she built important connections with her peers and within the agriculture industry during her time on campus, and she credits her instructors for a memorable three years filled with field trips, conferences and hands-on learning.
One of the highlights, she recalls, was attending the Alberta Beef Industry Conference in March 2024 in Calgary – one of Canada’s largest beef conventions and trade shows.
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to network with important people in the industry,” Terrill says.
While dedicated to academic success, Terrill also believes in a balanced approach to campus life. She spent two years as a member of the student-run Aggie Club and suggests her journey at Lethbridge Polytechnic has been shaped not just by her studies, but also by the friendships she’s formed.
“I love the memories I have made with my classmates,” she says.
As for what’s next, Terrill says she’s weighing her options.
“Eventually, I’ll go home and run the ranch with my mom,” she says, confidently. “But I also might go to veterinary school.”
In the meantime, Terrill wants to explore new hobbies and hands-on experiences, saying she is always ready to embrace opportunities to learn and grow. It’s the same mindset she encourages in future polytechnic students. “Always do your best in everything you do, but don’t strive for perfection,” she says.
This grounded approach, along with her academic success, dedication and enthusiasm, all support Terrill’s appointment as spring 2025 valedictorian.
“Abby is a perfect choice,” says Agriculture Sciences instructor Clair Fitzpatrick. “She is an exceptional student and representative of this institution and the agriculture industry. More importantly, beyond dedication and success in her studies, Abby is an even better person. Our program was lucky to have her.”
Lethbridge Polytechnic will celebrate Terrill and all spring 2025 graduates with two convocation ceremonies, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., on Friday, May 23. Both ceremonies will be streamed online at lethpolytech.ca/convocation.
Story by Tina Karst | Photo by Rob Olson
“IT WAS A ONCE-IN-ALIFETIME OPPORTUNITY TO NETWORK WITH IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN THE INDUSTRY.”
ABIGAYLE (ABBY) TERRILL
Abigayle (Abby) Terrill (Agriculture Sciences –Agronomy 2025) was named Lethbridge Polytechnic’s spring 2025 valedictorian, the first under the institution’s new name.
TOP TEN
FROM THE DEN
Wider Horizons turned to the people who know the ins and outs of campus best – Lethbridge Polytechnic employees – to pick the top news stories from the past four months. Here’s what they had to say.
FARM MANAGER REAPS REWARDS OF LIFE IN AGRICULTURE
For 22 years, Mike Ellefson has loved harvest season at the polytechnic’s Research Demonstration Farm. Recently promoted to farm manager, he shares how he initially had plans for a career in education, but a summer job sparked his passion for agriculture. Now leading the farm, Ellefson says he values research, industry partnerships and mentoring students, many of whom are new to farming.
Rural category. The centre was also a finalist in the Digital Innovation and Alberta-Wide Champion/Special Award categories of the Technology Alberta event, which brings together industry, academia, government and entrepreneurs to reward excellence and inspire innovation in the province.
POLYTECHNIC PARTNERS TO HOST 2025 IRRIGATED CROP PRODUCTION UPDATE
In January, Lethbridge Polytechnic joined industry members, farmers, academic partners and government representatives from across Western Canada to host the 2025 Irrigated Crop Production Update. Presentation topics included water management, future trends and patterns for water availability in the Rocky Mountains and Canadian Prairies, irrigation scheduling and strategies, and pests and disease management for irrigated crops.
BACHELOR OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM RESEARCH
Nearly 60 fourth-year students in the polytechnic’s Bachelor of Criminal Justice program tackled a variety of research projects in their final two semesters. Students were matched with volunteer project mentors, most of whom are community and industry partners — including alumni, collaborators with the polytechnic’s Centre for Public Safety Applied Research, and public safety professionals looking to give back. Students shared their finished work at the Criminal Justice Student Research Symposium on March 29.
AWARD RECOGNIZES INNOVATIVE WORK HAPPENING AT START CENTRE
The polytechnic’s Spatial Technologies Applied Research and Training (START) Centre was a finalist in three different categories at the ASTech Awards gala in November and came away with an award in the Regional Innovation -
ENHANCING OPPORTUNITIES FOR POLICE OFFICERS, CADETS IN TRAINING Lethbridge Polytechnic has taken steps to strengthen education and training opportunities with a new prior learning credit agreement with seven police services across Western Canada. The agreement – with the Blood Tribe, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Taber, Canadian National Railway, Canadian Pacific Kansas City and Manitoba First Nations police services – allows police cadet program graduates retroactive to 2017 to receive 42 credits toward a Criminal Justice - Policing diploma. The remaining courses required for the diploma can be completed online.
SPEAKER SERIES WITH DAVID USHER
The Lethbridge Polytechnic speaker series returned in March, featuring Juno Award-winning musician, bestselling author and founder of Reimagine AI, David Usher. Students, employees and community members were invited to attend the fireside chat on Artificial Intelligence and the Power of Creative Thinking March 12 on campus. The series’ return is thanks to a generous financial gift from long-time Lethbridge businessperson Bruce McKillop.
LPSA AND MASSAGE THERAPY PROGRAM
FEED HUNGRY STUDENTS
The Lethbridge Polytechnic Students’ Association (LPSA) and Massage Therapy program partnered in November and February to support students’ food needs. The LPSA sought assistance in the form of grocery and restaurant gift cards in $25 denominations. Students and employees in the Massage Therapy program pledged their support for the campaign by offering significantly discounted massages for clients who donated grocery and/or restaurant gift cards to the food bank. In all, 171 gift cards were handed out to students.
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BLACK HISTORY MONTH FEATURES CULTURAL EVENTS, FILM SERIES AND CHEF-INSPIRED MEAL KITS FOR STUDENTS
Lethbridge Polytechnic recognized Black History Month in February with events highlighting Afro-Caribbean culture. Opening celebrations featured food, speakers and trivia. Black artists’ work was displayed in the Buchanan Library, while students contributed to a communal art piece. A film series, in partnership with the Lethbridge Public Library, also offered free screenings. The month concluded with a cultural dressup day, a student-led fashion show and a catered lunch featuring jerk chicken, curry, rice and peas.
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RESEARCH LOOKS TO NATIVE PLANTS TO FIGHT BACTERIA AFFECTING POULTRY INDUSTRY
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POLYTECHNIC, SOUTHERN ALBERTA COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE HOST CAREER EXPLORATION EVENT FOR YOUNG WOMEN
In November, nearly 80 girls in grades 7 through 9 had a chance to explore the variety of potential careers in the agriculture sector when they attended Harvesting Ambitions: Young Women in Agriculture at Lethbridge Polytechnic. The student-centred career showcase, organized by the Southern Alberta Collegiate Institute, was an interactive, full-day session that included women working in agriculture presenting the many different career paths available.
A Lethbridge Polytechnic microbiologist is building on previous work to identify antibiotic properties in native southern Alberta plants in hopes of finding a natural feed additive for the poultry industry. Dr. Sophie Kernéis-Golsteyn is the principal investigator for research examining the effectiveness of natural phytobiotics, plant-based alternatives to antibiotics, to protect chickens against avian pathogenic E. coli bacteria. The 2.5-year, $80,000 project, which will be carried out in the polytechnic’s Microbial Research Laboratory, is funded by the Egg Farmers of Canada.
You can read all of these stories and more at lethpolytech.ca/news.
Thanks to our polytechnic colleagues who helped shape this list!
Photo by Stacey Andrews
The President’s View
by Dr. Brad Donaldson
At Lethbridge Polytechnic, achieving our vision is clear: to equip graduates with the skills, competencies and knowledge that meet the hiring needs of today’s employers.
As a polytechnic, we are uniquely positioned to do this through dynamic, forward-thinking programs that evolve to reflect the changing demands of the workforce.
This commitment to workforce alignment is not just theoretical for me; it’s deeply personal. Before stepping into my role as president, I spent many years leading manufacturing organizations, hiring and developing talent. I experienced firsthand the profound difference it makes when post-secondary institutions truly deliver graduates ready to contribute from
day one. Conversely, I’ve also seen the challenges when the system falls short, leaving both employers and graduates struggling to bridge the gap between education and workforce needs.
As president, I see it as our obligation to ensure Lethbridge Polytechnic is a solution to this challenge. We do this by maintaining and strengthening our partnership with employers. This is not a one-time conversation but an ongoing, collaborative process. We engage to gain insight into their current needs and, just as importantly, to understand the skills and competencies they will require in the future.
Beyond individual employers, we also work closely with associations and councils to gain insights into the signals and trends shaping future hiring needs. These organizations provide a broader perspective on workforce shifts, helping us anticipate changes and
proactively adapt our programs to meet emerging demands.
Our advisory councils, comprised of workforce leaders, guide program development and provide critical feedback. This ensures our graduates don’t just meet today’s demands but are also prepared to thrive in the evolving workplace of tomorrow. It’s a dynamic relationship – one where we learn from experts in the field, adapt our programs, and, in turn, provide the talent that drives Alberta’s economy forward.
In this partnership, everyone wins. Employers gain skilled talent ready to hit the ground running. Students gain an education that translates into meaningful careers. And together, we build a stronger, more resilient community.
Interested in joining the conversation? Email community.engagement@lethpolytech.ca to explore partnership opportunities.
Dr. Brad Donaldson chats with a student at the polytechnic’s career fair on Jan. 30. Donaldson says it’s an obligation of the post-secondary institution to bridge education and the workforce.
Lethbridge Polytechnic golf tournament returns
After a six-year hiatus, the Lethbridge Polytechnic golf tournament is returning this summer. One of the community’s most popular golf tournaments will take place Aug. 28 at the Lethbridge Country Club and will raise funds for studentathlete scholarships. The tournament, which has a longstanding tradition of connecting Lethbridge-area business, industry and community leaders, has raised nearly $1 million over its history.
“We would like to give a huge thanks to Lethbridge-based KB Heating, Plumbing and Air Conditioning for being our tournament’s title sponsor,” says Todd Caughlin, Athletics and Recreation Services director. “Their generous support directly helps our student-athletes achieve their goals not just on the court, track or pitch, but those in the classroom as they work toward their future careers.”
Polytechnic signs transfer agreement with COTR Lethbridge Polytechnic and College of the Rockies (COTR) signed a transfer agreement early in the new year to formalize a long-standing relationship and collaboration between their respective justice programs. The agreement paves the way for graduates of the COTR criminal and social justice diploma to ladder into the third year of the polytechnic’s Bachelor of Criminal Justice. “This is a great opportunity for our students to complete a bachelor’s degree in closer proximity, or online,” said Stephanie Wells, dean, University Arts and Science, COTR in the Jan. 13 news release. “The Criminal Justice degree at Lethbridge Polytechnic is well regarded and the institution has a strong history of policing and justice studies.”
Congratulations to the following Lethbridge Polytechnic community members for making a difference in their work and communities:
Todd Caughlin, Athletics and Recreation Services director, presented at Lethbridge Sport Council’s Southern Alberta Sport Leadership Conference in November. He spoke to high school and postsecondary students about volunteering and giving back to their sporting communities.
Greg Gibos, Liberal Arts instructor and Kodiaks men’s volleyball coach, was named Professor of the Year by the Prairie Baseball Academy. The studentnominated award celebrates Greg’s dedication to helping student-athletes succeed.
Dr. Everett Hanna, Environmental Sciences instructor and scientific lead of the Wildlife Analytics Lab, participated in the Professional Designations in Environmental Sciences event at the University of Lethbridge. The event highlighted the value of registered professional designations in environmental science, geography, biology and agriculture.
Lori Harasem, health promotion co-ordinator, Wellness Services, was chosen to volunteer at the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver, B.C. “So often I say that my current volunteer experience was incredible, but I can’t think of many that are lifechanging, and this totally was,” says Harasem.
Lethbridge Polytechnic Faculty Association/ Students’ Association award winners recognized: Nichole Fox, Environmental Sciences instructor, won the Teaching Excellence Award, and Rylan Spenrath, instructor, General Arts and Science, was named Rookie of the Year. There were 198 nominations submitted by students this year.
Taylor Quan, (Massage Therapy 2011) Health Sciences instructor, was selected to be part of the Active Release Technique (ART) treatment team at the 2024 Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. Taylor worked alongside 15 other ART providers to treat athletes from all over the world in the week leading up to the race.
CAMPUS KUDOS
CAMPUS NEWS
Stone Pipe Days celebrates Niitsitapi community at Lethbridge Polytechnic
Lethbridge Polytechnic came alive with the sights, sounds and traditions of the Niitsitapi community during Stone Pipe Days March 24 to 28.
The annual event encourages students, employees and the broader community to come together to celebrate the Siksikaitsitapi, the Blackfoot people, along with their culture and heritage. This year’s celebration carried the theme of “coming together in a holistic way.”
“The Stone Pipe, or Ohkotoki’aahkkoiyiiniimaan, is commonly used in sacred ceremonies of the Niitsitapi people to promote
land-based learning,” says Jordan Head, Indigenous cultural advisor at Lethbridge Polytechnic. “The polytechnic is here to share knowledge and promote growth. We want to benefit future generations, and that journey starts here.”
The week’s main events included a Stone Pipe Days powwow and a healing-focused round dance. Speakers from various backgrounds presented stories and topics related to Blackfoot culture, and an Indigenous film series highlighted Indigenous stories, voices and perspectives.
“Lethbridge Polytechnic is also known as Ohkotoki’aahkkoiyiiniimaan, Stone Pipe, for our place in sharing knowledge for the betterment of people,” says Dr. Brad Donaldson, president and CEO.
“Our campus is situated on lands that the Blackfoot people have traditionally inhabited. As a polytechnic community, we strive to honour this land by fostering a sense of connection, Kakyosin. This celebration is our opportunity to deepen our understanding of, and fully acknowledge, the significance of being on Blackfoot Territory.”
“AS A POLYTECHNIC COMMUNITY, WE STRIVE TO HONOUR THIS LAND BY FOSTERING A SENSE OF CONNECTION, KAKYOSIN.”
Powwow participants and polytechnic community members take part in a round dance March 25 in the Val Matteotti Gymnasium. The powwow was part of Stone Pipe Days, an annual event to celebrate Blackfoot people, culture and heritage. Photo by Rob Olson
Conservation lab named for Alberta Professional Outfitters Society
Lethbridge Polytechnic, in recognition of significant contributions made by the Alberta Professional Outfitters Society (APOS), has officially named its wildlife teaching lab the Alberta Professional Outfitters Society Wildlife Conservation Lab.
Over the last two years, APOS has donated nearly $350,000 to the polytechnic in the shared pursuit of enhancing Canadian wildlife conservation. The on-campus instructional lab is located on the first floor of the Cousins Science Centre and is used primarily by Environmental Sciences students for research and training experiences.
Funding from APOS has contributed to the development and expansion of the polytechnic’s Wildlife Analytics Lab (WAL), located on the second floor of the Cousins Science Centre. Polytechnic employees and student researchers analyze cementum from wildlife teeth, primarily to estimate age, contributing directly to wildlife research and conservation.
Corey Jarvis, president of APOS, says the society is “very proud of the work the Wildlife Analytics Lab has already done
to date to support wildlife conservation within Alberta and beyond our borders. We were pleased to support the recent efforts for increasing the efficiency of the lab using our Wildlife Management Fund and are honoured to have a place on campus bearing our name.”
Auto Dealers Association gives $113,600 for student awards
The Lethbridge Auto Dealers Association (LADA) is continuing its longtime support of Lethbridge Polytechnic by donating $113,600 toward student awards. The gift is part of the Board of Governors Matching Endowment initiative, which matches donations of $25,000 to $100,000. The endowment fund has $500,000 available for matching.
LADA’s latest donation and matching funds – $213,600 in all –will benefit an existing endowment created by the association in 1997 that provides annual awards for automotive students and apprentices.
LADA also donates $10,000 annually toward the purchase of new equipment for teaching purposes.
Employee Excellence Award Winners Announced
The polytechnic celebrated its Employee Excellence Award recipients in February for their exceptional service this past year. The event was also a chance to recognize 2024 retirees.
SERVICE AND INNOVATION
• Karla Dinesen, instructor, Practical Nurse, Centre for Health and Wellness
• Primary Care Paramedic program, Centre for Health and Wellness
• Marketing, Communications, Alumni and Engagement and Information Technology Services
LEADERSHIP AND CREATING COMMUNITY
• Dana Woodward, manager, brand and media design, Marketing, Communications, Alumni and Engagement
• Jeannie Persin, support specialist, Simulation Hub, Centre for Health and Wellness
• Ryan Robinson, production technologist, Audio Visual, Information Technology Services
• Black History Month Committee
LIFELONG LEARNING
• Donna McLaughlin, learning experience designer, Centre for Teaching, Learning and Innovation
• Robyn Marriott, chair and instructor, Primary Care Paramedic program, Centre for Health and Wellness
CONGRATULATIONS RETIREES
The polytechnic community offers a heartfelt thank you to the following retirees: Stephen Deppisch, Edith Olson, Doug Overes, Lorelei Parker, Tony Rideout, Brent Seeley and Sheila Wiebe.
Hunter Graves breaking barriers
While he may not admit it, Hunter Graves (second year, General Arts and Science, Raymond) has been a pioneer for the Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks indoor track team. He joined the Kodiaks last season as the first para-athlete to compete in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC).
“I was born with spina bifida, so I have been in either a chair or actually mostly on forearm crutches for my entire life,” says Graves. “I started using crutches when I was about three. Before then I had a walker that I would use. I use a wheelchair a little bit more now.”
The decision to become involved in track didn’t come on a whim for Graves. He’s been more active in various athletics
than most able-bodied people since he was young.
“I’ve been involved in athletics, I would say, for a lot of my life,” says Graves, who comes from a very sports-oriented family. “When I was in elementary school, I was always the kid doing the Terry Fox Run and triathlons. I didn’t really care if I was first or last, and often I was last.
“In Grade 9 I found wheelchair basketball with the Lethbridge Steamers and I’ve been going to tournaments with them for largely the past decade. I started in track in my senior year in high school with the Raymond Comets and went to the provincial level. I was actually pulled aside by an Alberta coach for the Canada Summer Games, so I got to represent Team Alberta for the 2017 Games in Winnipeg.”
KODIAKS SOCCER COACH SEAN CAREY RETIRES
Kodiaks soccer and futsal coach Sean Carey announced his retirement in March. The winningest coach in team history, Carey notched 91 regular season soccer wins and 37 in futsal, earning two ACAC and one Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association men’s coach of the year honours along the way. “I’ve had the privilege to coach some amazing athletes who left it all out on the field for me,” says Carey. “I’ve generated some excellent relationships…that I will treasure moving forward.”
The Kodiaks will host the ACAC Soccer Championships Oct. 23 to 26.
Photo by Simon Hallberg
One hope Graves had for this season was being able to race against another para-athlete. He remains the lone wolf on the track, but he’s hopeful that will change in the future.
“There’s been interest, but the majority of the athletes that I’ve heard from are younger athletes so far,” he says. “I think it might be a slow burn, but I would say it’s starting to pique some interest, and in a few years, we may be seeing more para-athletes competing in the ACAC.”
Being a solo competitor, it’s Graves racing against the clock at every meet.
“It’s not the thing I want to be doing most, which is competing against other athletes, but it’s been a great honour to be able to compete at all, to represent people with disabilities, to represent the Kodiaks.”
Running with a legacy: Kodiaks cross-country success
Following in the footsteps of a legendary collegiate coach may be daunting for some people. But, like his cross-country runners, Simon Schaerz has taken it in stride.
Schaerz took over the reins of the Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks cross-country team in 2018 from Bertil Johansson, and in his seven years has won a Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA) women’s team title in 2019 and has been named Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) coach of the year four times. His honours include twice as cross-country coach of the year, including this season, and twice as indoor track coach of the year.
Schaerz joined the Kodiaks as an assistant coach with Johansson in 2014 before assuming a co-coaching role where he focused on the women’s team, helping them become nationally competitive, winning a national championship in 2019 after Johansson retired.
“Bertil has instilled a huge legacy, and we have recognition even across the CCAA; everybody knows who Lethbridge is,” says Schaerz. “They look out for us because we want to do quite well. That was really nice to be part of that, to kind of learn what it takes to succeed at that level.”
Schaerz has also amassed a quality coaching staff which he says has been key to the success of the Kodiaks crosscountry and indoor track programs. “Their dedication and efforts have been instrumental in advancing the indoor track program to its current success,” he says.
The men’s and women’s cross-country teams earned silver medals at the ACAC Championships this past season, as did the men’s indoor track team. The women’s indoor track team took home bronze.
Men’s volleyball team takes silver at ACAC championships
The Kodiaks men’s volleyball team took home the silver medal from the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Championships in February. The Kodiaks breezed through the quarterfinal round – winning three straight sets over the NAIT Ooks – before playing in the match of the tournament with a reverse sweep of Keyano College in the semifinals. Despite a strong effort in the final, the Kodiaks fell 3-1 to the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings, who would go on to win the national title.
Three Kodiaks student-athletes were recognized for their outstanding play with tournament all-star awards: Nolan Moes (fifth year, Natural Resource Compliance, Barrhead, Alta.), Ben Dyck (second year, Agriculture Sciences, Lethbridge), and Ethan Nashim (fifth year, Open Studies, Lac La Biche, Alta.). Photo by Sierrah Bennett Media
A PHOTO JOURNEY THROUGH THE QUIET – AND NOT-SOQUIET – CORNERS OF CAMPUS AT NIGHT.
OPOLY TECH
AFTER DARK POLY TECH AFTER DARK
n a typical weekday in the academic year, the halls of Lethbridge Polytechnic – like any other post-secondary institution – are bustling with activity as students shuffle between classes, catch up with friends and congregate in any number of social and study areas. But you might be surprised to learn just how busy campus can be after most students and employees have gone home for the night.
From Kodiaks practices, community fitness classes, karaoke nights and student club meetings to late-night welding tutorials, chess matches and disc golf showdowns, the buzz at Lethbridge Polytechnic is alive and well, long after the sun goes down.
Curious about what happens after hours? Wider Horizons asked a handful of polytechnic employees – who are also talented photographers – to capture the action over a few nights in the winter semester. What they discovered is a great reminder that learning and connection aren’t limited to classrooms or daylight hours; these pursuits thrive in every corner of campus, even after dark.
Story by Tina Karst | Photos by Lexi Barclay, Carly Blackmore, Tanner Fletcher, Perry Le Bao, Spencer Nelson and Shawn Salberg
The squeak of shoes on hardwood is a familiar soundtrack to evenings at the polytechnic as Kodiaks games and practices occupy the Val Matteotti Gymnasium most nights. Adding to the action are second-year Digital Communications and Media students who take the lead on broadcasting select volleyball and basketball home games. Students work behind the scenes operating cameras, switching and directing, and step in front of the cameras for play-by-play and colour commentary. Whether you’re a die-hard Kodiaks fan or just looking for a fun night out, experiencing the energy of live sports is always a great time.
If you stop by the polytechnic on a typical weeknight, you’ll also find Be Fit for Life classes in full swing on the second floor of the Physical Education Building. Regular offerings include Zumba, lift, Pilates, power yoga, and country and western dancing. The fitness centre on the main floor, and the squash and racquetball courts on the lower level, are also well-loved. These spaces are open until 10 p.m. Monday through Friday for anyone wanting to squeeze in a workout. And, if you need relief from a strenuous session, the campus Massage Therapy Clinic is open 5 to 9 p.m. weeknights during the academic year.
Top: Game days in the Val Matteotti Gymnasium are full of energy, focus and fun – on and off the court.
Middle: Kodiaks student-athletes celebrate their academic and athletic achievements at the KODI awards each spring.
Bottom: An after-hours racquetball clinic takes place on the lower level of the fitness centre while community fitness classes get underway upstairs.
The Cave is often pulsing with life, making it one of the busiest spots on campus. By day, it’s a hub for studying and socializing, but as the evening settles in, the vibe shifts into something more energetic. Table tennis draws a crowd, and laughter surrounds the pool tables as players take their turns, sinking shots or scratching. The Lethbridge Polytechnic Students’ Association (LPSA) brings the fun to new heights with karaoke, paint nights, sexy bingo, poker tournaments and plenty of other after-hours events. Whether it’s a casual hangout or a celebration, community members can also rent the venue by reaching out to the LPSA.
Across Centre Core, the hum of conversation fills the Sunflower Room during gatherings of the Community Integration Through Art – Pissatsinaskssini peer support program. The program brings people together for hands-on
art sessions – like Indigenous beading, painting and rattle making – and casual chats with elders, knowledge keepers and community members. Sessions are open to everyone; all you need is an openness to building friendships.
If chess is more your style, the Lethbridge Chess Club hosts drop-in games for all levels every Friday night in the Richardson Oilseed Community Room. Campus is the meeting place for a variety of community groups including the Modern Quilt Guild, Centennial Quilt Guild and the River Bottom Writers, who were the first to make the room, in the centre of campus, their creative home.
Lethbridge Polytechnic might appear quiet after dark, but step inside and you’ll find it full of creativity, connection and fun as the campus comes alive in new ways. Curious to see for yourself? Come by sometime. Whatever your pace or passion, there’s room for everyone.
Top: Yoga practice, beading classes and chess matches are just some of the after-hours activities on campus.
Middle: The Cave and Buchanan Library are popular spots for socializing and studying.
Bottom: A student-athlete calls it a night, post-KODI awards.
Story by Tina Karst | Photos by Archbould.com
When it comes to her teenage years living in rural Yukon, Aja Mason speaks frankly. “I was bad,” she says. “I was a very young dropout, heavy drug user and deeply involved in the criminal justice system. I left because I was running from the Hells Angels … it scared the crap out of me, and I was like, I’m leaving and never coming back.”
But running wasn’t the end of her story. Twentyfive years later, Mason is back in the Yukon and using her education and life experience to tackle complex challenges by bridging data gaps in rural, remote and northern communities – all while building her own home, quite literally, from the ground up.
From academic upgrading at Lethbridge Polytechnic where she discovered a passion for science, to excelling in neuroscience research, advocating for social change and founding a consultancy to help shape northern policy, Mason’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention and an unshakable commitment to her roots.
“Aja is proof that our origin story doesn’t define us,” says Mason’s long-time friend Shayne Dahl (General Arts and Science 2004), who is now an instructor in the polytechnic’s Centre for Business, Arts and Sciences. “We have unlimited potential when we choose to grow, and Lethbridge Polytechnic is a great place to discover that. Aja’s curiosity led her to excel – and her life unfolded from there.”
“I grew up 40 minutes south of Whitehorse on a huge homestead, very self-sufficient, no running water, no power,” Mason says. “It [was] hard to be a teenager and live very rurally in the early ‘90s.”
She says she tried to leave home several times but it finally “stuck” in 2000 after an emancipation from her parents and a run-in with the Hells Angels. It just wasn’t safe to stay, she decided.
So at 17 years old, Mason left the Yukon and hitchhiked to Lethbridge, making brief stops in central Alberta and the Crowsnest Pass along the way. She got a job working the nightshift at Normerica, a cat litter factory on the north side of the city.
“It was a full-fledged factory,” she recalls. “The train cars came in, there was this conveyer belt to bring the clay in and then there were different assembly lines on the floor of the warehouse for either bagging, jugging or bucketing [the cat litter].”
Aja Mason, on her acreage north of Whitehorse, says she discovered a passion for science as an upgrading student at Lethbridge Polytechnic.
“OUR ORIGIN STORY DOESN’T DEFINE US. WE HAVE UNLIMITED POTENTIAL WHEN WE CHOOSE TO GROW, AND LETHBRIDGE POLYTECHNIC IS A GREAT PLACE TO DISCOVER THAT.”
SHAYNE DAHL
AWARDWINNING ACTIVISM
Mason’s work toward gender justice and equality was recognized in March when she was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
The medal is given to individuals who have made notable contributions to Canada, a specific province, territory, region or community, or who have achieved international distinction that brings recognition to Canada.
Mason was nominated by the Canadian Women’s Foundation for her efforts to promote evidenceinformed decision-making and for her work to develop innovative research and tools on gender-based violence, socioeconomic disparities, and experiences of Indigenous women in mining to address critical rural and northern data gaps.
She was one of 40 Canadian Women’s Foundation recipients honoured during a virtual ceremony March 21.
“This recognition means a lot – not just on a personal level, but because it reflects the kind of work that often happens in under-resourced, remote and politically complex spaces,” Mason says.
She also notes the medal isn’t just about work that’s been done but work that’s yet to come. “We’re entering a moment of global transformation,” she says. “AI, climate crisis, institutional volatility – these are shaping the world faster than policy frameworks can keep up. And we, as gender justice advocates, need to be at the centre of how intelligence, infrastructure and governance are being reimagined.”
Mason’s King Charles III Coronation Medal is displayed in her home. She was nominated by the Canadian Women’s Foundation for her work toward gender justice and equality.
Mason describes that version of herself as “freaking jacked” (think 15 one-armed pullups at a time) but also “super poor and basically a vampire” who rarely saw the sun. “I was totally malnourished and running off piss and vinegar and spite,” she says.
After nearly three years of bagging, jugging and bucketing, Mason realized she needed to go back to school or face a future “dying of lung cancer from silica poisoning,” so she enrolled in the Academic Upgrading program at Lethbridge Polytechnic.
The first semester didn’t go well, she admits, but by the second semester Mason says she had found her groove. She started building community and relationships with instructors and other students, organizing study groups and channelling her competitive nature toward school.
And she did well. Really well.
“I started pulling off, like, 98 per cent,” she says. “And then thinking, oh my god, you mean I didn’t kill my brain with all the horrible things, and dropping out of school doesn’t necessarily equate to 100 per cent guaranteed you’re stupid and illiterate?”
Mason says she was deeply drawn to biology and science, and she credits her instructor and first academic mentor Kelly Oikawa for supporting her and encouraging her to lean into her strengths.
“So many students in upgrading, they were [previously] unsuccessful for whatever reason, so they come in with very little confidence,” says Oikawa, who still teaches biology at Lethbridge Polytechnic. “You watch them grow, learning how they learn, and learning what it takes to do well. Many of our learners have no idea of their potential and what they can achieve. We just provided an opportunity, really, or a platform for her to thrive.”
“SUCH INTENSE EPIPHANIES AROUND … THE LEVEL OF ADVANTAGE AND PRIVILEGE THAT I HAVE, AND THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO ARE SUFFERING … THAT EPIPHANY THAT SOME PEOPLE PROBABLY DON’T EVER HAVE IN THEIR LIVES. IT WAS A BIG ONE FOR ME.”
AJA MASON
Mason also mentions her social studies instructor Tony Rideout, who recently retired from the polytechnic, as being instrumental in her personal growth at the time. Having dropped out of school partway through Grade 8, she says she hadn’t learned much about Canada’s history until she took Rideout’s class.
“There were some pretty big aha moments,” she says. “Such intense epiphanies around … the level of advantage and privilege that I have, and the number of people who are suffering … that epiphany that some people probably don’t ever have in their lives. It was a big one for me.”
It was so big, in fact, that Mason says her best friend, whom she considers a sister, references it often. “She’s like, ‘I remember the exact day, you coming home from class in tears, like, oh my god, this is the world and we have so much freedom and autonomy,’” says Mason. “She was a witness to that.”
The epiphany only helped propel her forward. After nearly two years of upgrading at the polytechnic, Mason was ready to move on. She enrolled in a general major degree program at the University of Lethbridge, signed up for a cognition perception course and quickly caught the attention of the professor, Dr. Matthew Tata.
“One of the first questions he asked the class, was ‘what would this sound like in space’ or something to that effect,” she says. “I’m like, you can’t hear in space. There’s no air. You need air to hear.”
Her ability to think critically (which Mason, in that moment, attributed more to her vast Star Trek knowledge than anything else) earned her an invitation to volunteer in Tata’s electroencephalogram (EEG) lab. She spent six years as a research assistant studying cognition while she completed her bachelor of science in neuroscience. She followed that up with a career researching spinal cord injuries and, later, researching immunological and neurochemical dynamics of malaria at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.
Over the years, Mason also earned a minor degree in philosophy from the University of Victoria and a diploma in northern sciences from Yukon University. She also has an unfinished master of arts in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Saskatchewan.
“She’s just a big picture thinker,” says Dahl, who met Mason in the mid-2000s while attending university. “You can talk about the biggest ideas with Aja, and she’s right at home. You can go into the depths of neuroscience, into astronomy, politics, settler colonialism in Canada – anything is on the table.”
Dahl says the two bonded as “counter-cultural types” and spent a summer tree planting in northern Alberta with only a handful of other people. “We got helicoptered in to very remote areas and if it rained for four days, you just put on your wet clothes and went to work,” he says. “That was my introduction to her world … just living out in the bush. She’s a strong woman – mentally and physically.”
Mason attributes her time in Lethbridge to “growing [her] up,” and despite a teenage vow to never return, she moved back home to the Yukon after 17 years away.
“SO MANY STUDENTS IN UPGRADING, THEY WERE [PREVIOUSLY] UNSUCCESSFUL FOR WHATEVER REASON, SO THEY COME IN WITH VERY LITTLE CONFIDENCE. YOU WATCH THEM GROW, LEARNING HOW THEY LEARN, AND LEARNING WHAT IT TAKES TO DO WELL.”
KELLY OIKAWA
Since then, she has worked as an outreach contractor for the Centre for Human-Wildlife Conflict Solutions, with the Yukon Women’s Transition Home Society and with the Yukon Status of Women Council – first as Yukon Advocate Case Review project lead and later as executive director.
Then, in August 2024, Mason founded Boreal Logic – a consultancy focused on bridging the data and policy gaps that often leave northern, rural and remote communities underrepresented. She specializes in policy analysis, community-based research and AI integration to turn complex challenges into actionable strategies that reflect local realities.
It’s a seed that was planted, she says, during her time in the not-for-profit sector.
“We’re not using evidence to make the most simple decisions, like funding,” Mason says. “For example, if you’re a local government and you’ve got an organization that you’re giving $50,000 to for operational funding and in turn, that organization is bringing into the economy an extra $850,000, that’s a really obvious return on investment … but when there is so much siloing and not enough cross-talk, it’s hard to connect the dots.”
In response, Mason is using her home-grown perspective and vast experience to build AI apps and develop risk assessment frameworks in multiple domains for the Yukon territory, which pull from a huge swath of biological and socioeconomic data.
While the technology may be new, the concept isn’t. Mason jokes that she first tried to build an ethics framework for one of her upgrading classes at the polytechnic, but she couldn’t fully convey its complexity using the tools she had at the time. “It’s a good idea, I know it is,” she says, “and I’m still trying to do it!”
For Dahl, it’s a perfect example of the impact Lethbridge Polytechnic can have, as students learn and grow and eventually leverage their opportunities and knowledge to make positive change in their communities.
“She’s very deeply embedded in the Yukon,” says Dahl of Mason. “She’s seen a lot, and she knows what’s going on. It’s really inspiring how Aja went on an odyssey and returned home. Now she’s using all the knowledge and insights she’s gained along the way to benefit her people, the people of the Yukon.”
As if her resume wasn’t stacked enough, Mason is also a skilled homebuilder.
“I bought 10 acres [north of Whitehorse] with my mom, and I built this house over COVID,” she says. “I spent four years building and I’m almost done.”
Mason’s home boasts a bright kitchen with plants and open shelving, high ceilings, a wood-burning stove and a ladder leading up to an office in the loft. Her mom’s cabin – a tiny home they built together – is a stone’s throw away.
“The first two seasons were just clearing logs that weren’t even usable for firewood,” she says. “And then I learned how to drive heavy equipment – taught myself how to do that. It was a blessing because it was lock-down, so I just pounded it out over the summer.”
Mason says she was lucky in that she purchased building materials, and stored them in a shipping container, before the COVID supply chain issues really took hold. She also found treasures, including her stylish bathroom sink, at the free store at the dump. “Up here, this DIY (do it yourself) mentality is so alive and well,” she says with a laugh.
Mason notes that traditional gender roles also aren’t as defined in the Yukon as they may be in other parts of the country, adding her mom and dad took turns parenting while the other would be out surveying and living in camps. “My mom is just as good of a carpenter as my dad, so my brother and I, we grew up around that and it normalizes it. You’re like, I probably can’t do it well, but I can probably do it right – that works.”
While Mason still has plans for a greenhouse on the back deck, a lower deck and a sauna, she says she is “so done with building” and is looking forward to simply enjoying her new space.
It’s an impressive feat, and according to Dahl, it’s welldeserved and entirely on brand.
“If there’s anything in her life that captures who she is, it might be the fact that she built her own house,” he says. “Considering where she came from, everything she did, everything she went through … and after all that, she built her own beautiful home in the Yukon?! That, for me, is the essence of Aja.”
Looking to upgrade your education and open doors?
Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Academic Upgrading program offers a direct path to post-secondary studies and career opportunities. With 17 courses available, including biology, chemistry, physics, math and English, students like Aja Mason gain the skills they need to transition into certificate, diploma, degree or apprenticeship programs. Ready to take the next step? Learn more at lethpolytech.ca/upgrading.
“I BOUGHT 10 ACRES WITH MY MOM, AND I BUILT THIS HOUSE OVER COVID. I SPENT FOUR YEARS BUILDING AND I’M ALMOST DONE.”
AJA MASON
Mason, in the company of her three cats, Arlo (pictured), Opal and Onyx, uses her home-grown perspective and vast experience to build AI apps and develop risk assessment frameworks for the Yukon territory.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
SIMULATION HUB BRIDGES THE GAP BETWEEN CLASSROOM LEARNING AND REAL-WORD HEALTH CARE
Simulation Hub volunteers, including more than 32 children, dedicate their time so Lethbridge Polytechnic students can learn through hands-on and immersive situations.
Story by Sam Sasse | Photos by Curtis Huisman and Rob Olson
Heart monitors beeping, phones ringing, elevated voices and anxiety levels through the roof: these are common sounds and feelings found in a hospital or critical care centre. But at Lethbridge Polytechnic, it’s also the status quo for many students learning to become health-care professionals.
The polytechnic’s Centre for Health and Wellness houses the Simulation Hub – comprised of 10 high-tech, simulation-based learning spaces that bridge the gap between classroom learning and clinical placements. These areas simulate a variety of health-care treatment facilities, from seniors’ and acute care centres to emergency rooms, enabling student learning through safe, hands-on and immersive situations.
When used in conjunction with clinical rotations and traditional classroom settings, these simulations help expand students’ learning in preparation for the complex and high-stress situations they can expect to encounter in their fields.
Alessandra Chan, Student Crew member at the Simulation Hub and second-year Practical Nurse student, refers to the Sim Hub as her “home at the polytechnic.”
“It has been one of the greatest experiences of my student life; we can make mistakes in a safe space and learn so much more as opposed to a textbook or practical exams,” she says. “Nothing will prepare you for real life [in health care], but we can try.”
Ateam of passionate health-care professionals oversee the Simulation Hub, many of whom jumped at the opportunity to help teach the next generation of health-care workers. Fred Manaloto and Jerri Schweighardt, both Lethbridge Polytechnic alumni, are two of them.
“My dream job was to work in multimedia, but I found my passion in taking care of people,” says Manaloto.
After graduating from the polytechnic’s Practical Nurse program in 2020, Manaloto was asked to volunteer with the Sim Hub, but he declined the offer because of a work opportunity in the health-care industry. “Months later, they asked me to apply for a simulation specialist position and four years later, here I am,” he says.
Manaloto, who continues to work in long-term care in addition to his responsibilities on campus, says the Simulation Hub is the perfect blend of passion and work despite his initial calling to become a radio DJ.
“I have a sense of importance, and I really enjoy making a difference in students’ lives,” he says.
Schweighardt’s journey to the Sim Hub was more direct than Manaloto’s.
“In 2019, when I was in my Bachelor of Nursing program through the polytechnic and the University of Lethbridge, an instructor asked me to become a simulation volunteer,” she says. “Just weeks later, I was playing a gunshot victim being carried up a narrow flight of stairs strapped to a wooden board. As a former theatre kid, I was hooked!”
Schweighardt, who still works as a registered nurse at Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, pairs her online and in-person learning experiences with her lived experiences to teach unique perspectives to students.
“Simulations cover birth-to-death care and everything in between,” she says. “It can be intense, and we see students sometimes freeze up when they experience particularly triggering simulations and do not even realize it. The Sim Hub is where we want to find those reactions and work to address them as a team rather than on the job.”
Simulation Hub volunteers are a huge part of the group’s success, with 175 students and 50 community members dedicating their time to improving health-care education. Of these 50 community members, 32 are children, giving students access to vital pediatric simulations that may not occur during clinical placements but are an invaluable part of the learning process.
“IT HAS BEEN ONE OF THE GREATEST EXPERIENCES OF MY STUDENT LIFE; WE CAN MAKE MISTAKES IN A SAFE SPACE AND LEARN SO MUCH MORE AS OPPOSED TO A TEXTBOOK OR PRACTICAL EXAMS”
Alessandra Chan
Above: Chan (left), is guided by Manaloto as she interacts with one of the Simulation Hub’s state-of-the-art manikins.
Opposite: Manalato (left) says, for him, the Simulation Hub is a perfect blend of passion and work.
The lab also benefits from the efforts of persons with lived experiences, engaged citizens, health-care professionals and members of the Blackfoot community who contribute to culturally tailored scenarios. In addition to these invaluable human elements, the lab utilizes state-of-the-art manikins. Manikins are specifically created artificial patients that mimic human anatomy and physiology and are often controlled remotely by instructors to challenge students on the fly with changing conditions.
“While sometimes the manikins feel robotic compared to actors, they are as realistic as possible, and I believe we have the perfect blend of the two,” says Manaloto. “That’s a total game changer.”
And these simulations aren’t confined to classrooms. They also include live scenes, sometimes at large scale, where volunteer patients act out intense scenarios that fully immerse students to test their mental, physical and emotional skills.
Last August, a mass casualty simulation occurred on campus that saw students in several health care programs come together in a tense situation involving volunteer actors. They helped create an ultra-realistic and intense atmosphere with low stakes but high-learning opportunities.
Chan recalls another particularly impactful experience that reinforced, for her, the value of hands-on learning in a controlled environment.
“One simulation had us performing a welfare check on someone in a mock motel room,” she says. “When I entered the room, I moved to check on our volunteer patient who then lashed out, to my surprise. Making that crucial safe positioning mistake in a simulation taught me to be better aware of my surroundings. That knowledge from a simulation could save my life in the future.”
“I love that our [simulations] go all out,” Schweighardt adds. “We have the best volunteer actors in the business who effectively convey medical issues that get student buy-in so they can best learn from the scenario.”
“WE MAKE SCENARIOS THAT PEOPLE WON’T SEE OR DEAL WITH DAILY BUT WILL BE READY FOR. HERE, STUDENTS CAN ENGAGE WITHOUT FEAR AND LEARN SOMETHING THAT WILL HELP THEM IN THE FUTURE.”
Jerri Schweighardt
These live simulations were highlighted as a strength by the Society for Simulations in Healthcare (SSH). The organization recently accredited the Simulation Hub, making it one of four post-secondary spaces in Canada to receive such an accolade. Alongside live simulations, SSH recognized the Sim Hub’s instructors for their dedication to students and programs, and the robust interconnections with other academic centres at the polytechnic.
Established in 2004 by professionals using simulation for education, testing and research in health care, SSH serves a global community of practice seeking to improve performance and reduce errors in patient care by using simulations in health-care training. To date, SSH has accredited 180 teaching and/or education simulation facilities globally.
The application for accreditation was no small feat. A team of eight assembled the 1,500-page requisition over two years. The application included checklists, emergency procedures, teaching and learning philosophies, workplace safety and psychological health documents, maps of every room in the Sim Hub, item lists and a curriculum vitae for every instructor.
In the end, the document, while submitted electronically, would have weighed almost seven kilograms. It described every single facet and detail about the Simulation Hub –evidence of the sheer dedication and passion the team had in making it the best it could be.
Accreditation is a significant step for the polytechnic, as it sets it apart from other post-secondary institutions vying to train tomorrow’s health-care professionals.
“We make scenarios that people won’t see or deal with daily but will be ready for,” says Schweighardt. “Here, students can engage without fear and learn something that will help them in the future.”
Manaloto sums up the value of the Sim Hub by saying, “Without simulations, most of our students would want to change careers [due to] feeling unprepared. We are helping steer them toward success.”
Above: Schweighardt (centre right) and Simulation Hub volunteer Keith Ramage.
Below: Manalato and Schweighardt, both Lethbridge Polytechnic alumni, are passionate about helping students learn in a safe space.
INGREDIENTS
Chef Josh Sullivan (Cook Apprentice 2012) spends his days planning and preparing delicious meals for residents of Lethbridge’s Garden View Lodge, an independent seniors community operated by the Green Acres Foundation.
“Cooking for seniors can be a challenging task, and it’s completely different from cooking in a restaurant,” says Sullivan. “Over the years, I have truly grown to love being a part of the day-to-day life of the seniors I cook for.”
While he has been working at Garden View Lodge since 2013, Sullivan’s culinary career began with a job interview at Earl’s restaurant back in 2009.
“I mentioned that I was thinking about going to culinary school,” he says. “The [Lethbridge franchise] owner, Richard Daley, highly recommended the Weekly Apprenticeship Training program at Lethbridge Polytechnic. I would have never become a chef without his guidance.”
Sullivan says he’s also grateful to have had many wonderful mentors in his career thus far, including Chef Adam Robinson (Cook Apprentice 2004, Culinary Careers 2001) from his time at Earl’s, and Chef Rosa Castro at Garden View Lodge, who have taught him “so many things about food and life.”
In the spirit of healthier eating (and a life-long dream to be featured in a magazine), Sullivan chose to share with Wider Horizons readers a stir-fry recipe that is versatile and customizable for any palate. “You can substitute your own favourite vegetables or even add cooked protein to make it a complete meal,” he says.
Story by Tina Karst | Photos by Rob Olson
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
2 tbsp. garlic, chopped
1 tbsp. ginger, minced
4 c. broccoli, cut into small florets
397 ml cut baby corn, canned and drained
1 medium carrot, julienne
½ red bell pepper, julienne
4 green onions, finely cut on a bias
1 c. steam fried noodles water for steaming
FOR THE SAUCE
3 tbsp. honey
2 tbsp. Shaoxing wine (can substitute for Sherry or water)
2 tbsp. .........................................................................soya sauce
1 tbsp. oyster sauce
1/3 c. water
1 tbsp. cornstarch
1/2 tsp. chili flakes
A pinch white pepper
sesame seeds for garnish
METHOD
1. Prepare the steam fried noodles according to the directions on the package. Drain and set aside.
2. Whisk together all sauce ingredients until no lumps remain and then set aside.
3. Preheat a wok or large skillet over medium high heat. Add the vegetable oil, then the garlic and ginger. Stir-fry until fragrant but not burnt, about 30 seconds. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for another minute.
4. Add a ¼ cup of water to the pan, cover and steam for four minutes. Stir, add a little more water if no moisture remains and continue to steam covered for another three minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to low, add the sauce and bring to a simmer. Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked noodles and green onions. Toss for another 30 seconds.
6. Transfer to a plate, top with sesame seeds and serve.
To enjoy the creations of Lethbridge Polytechnic chefs, make a reservation at the Garden Court Restaurant by calling 403-320-3230. Bon appétit!
{ Chef Josh Sullivan }
HONEY GARLIC VEGETABLE STIR-FRY
Where are they now?
Makers, Doers and Thinkers
Celebrating the Lethbridge Polytechnic alumni who are building community and making their mark in memorable ways.
FEATURING:
Tarryn Forai Welder Apprentice 2013
Story by Melanie Fast Photos by Rob Olson
SHARING THE SUCCESSES OF OUR ALUMNI
IN THEIR CAREERS AND THROUGHOUT THEIR LIVES
With the Rocky Mountains in her backyard, Tarryn Forai (Welder Apprentice 2013), doesn’t have to look far to find inspiration for her metalworking. She takes notes from the flowers and animals around her to transform cold metal into warm and delicate, three-dimensional designs.
Forai always knew she wanted to make artwork with metal, saying it was her motivation when she began welding at 18-years-old. After her apprenticeship, she gained experience with different types of welding techniques while working in various shops in Lethbridge before moving to Crowsnest Pass, Alta. and branching out into plasma cutting and sculptural work. Forai got involved with the local art gallery there and attends markets to get her name out into the community and, through hard work and word of mouth, she now takes commissions for her larger-than-life projects.
“Usually people have an idea in mind, and I just try to make it come to life as best as I can,” she says. A scroll through her Instagram profile reveals several large octopuses, feathered birds and other handcrafted animals.
Accuracy is key, and when Forai was asked to create pieces for a winery in the Okanagan region in B.C., she studied landscape and fauna to make pieces inspired by the area. Over the years, she’s experimented with various techniques, explaining that her inspiration goes through phases.
“There have been times when it’s just been leaves; I just want leaves of all different shapes and sizes,” says Forai. “But one thing that’s always been constant through everything is trout. I just started making little trout and then, as time went on, they evolved into different shapes and I tried different ways of doing them, like adding more three-dimensional aspects to them.”
And, just like her trout, Forai continues to evolve and learn. She took a graphic design course to better understand design theories to improve her artwork. It gave her the tools she needed to walk through the design process with her clients digitally, allowing her to work with individuals from out of town.
Along with her growth comes plenty to be proud of. A few years ago, a friend of Forai’s commissioned a memorial for his family’s homestead in Iowa – her biggest piece to date.
She designed it to incorporate the landscape of the state, even pouring brass to add life to the corn stalks. Sadly, her friend passed away before the piece was finished, but his brothers made the drive from Iowa to pick it up.
“At first it was kind of overwhelming, but as the process went on, it definitely came to life,” she says of making the piece. “Because he had passed away, it felt like he was there with me. Seeing how happy they were was one of my best moments for sure.”
Forai credits her instructors at Lethbridge Polytechnic for creating a supportive environment saying, “without my apprenticeship, things would be very different and I’m always so grateful I did that.” She jokingly adds she was “sad welding was only three years.”
Although she was the only woman in her class at the time, Forai has seen an increase of women in the male-dominated industry and says that with a diverse range of career opportunities, there’s always room for more women in welding.
“Whatever route they want to go down with their welding, whether it’s arts or working on a pipeline, it’s always awesome to see women taking it on and excelling at it,” she says.
To see more of Forai’s work, visit www.tarrynlouiseart.com or follow her Instagram page @tarrynlouiseart.
ALUMNI UPDATES
We love hearing from Lethbridge Polytechnic alumni! You can find additional updates online at widerhorizons.ca .
To submit your news to share with your classmates and the campus community, drop us a note at WHMagazine@lethpolytech.ca.
2024
Medina Cortez
Agriculture Sciences –Agriculture Business
Medina is working toward a bachelor’s degree in agriculture studies at the University of Lethbridge.
Sarah Foote
Therapeutic Recreation – Gerontology
Sarah tells the Alumni office: “I am working as an activity co-ordinator for a company that supports people with disabilities.”
2023
Emma Ramm
Child and Youth Care
Since graduating from Lethbridge Polytechnic, Emma has been working full time as a program leader at It’s a BLAST. “I provide childcare to many children whom I love and adore, and who are always keeping me on my toes,” she says. “There’s never a dull moment!”
2018
Teagan Holt
Bachelor of Ecosystem Management
Teagan is a senior biologist and lead co-ordinator for field staff and reporting with Green Cat Renewables. She says she is working on some of the biggest wind and solar farms in British Columbia, Alberta, the Maritimes and Saskatchewan.
Kurtis Krizsan
Business Administration – Accounting
After graduating from Lethbridge Polytechnic, Kurtis went on to earn a bachelor of management degree from the University of Lethbridge. He received his Chartered Professional Accountant designation in January 2024 and began working for Lethbridge County as finance manager this past September.
Tayla Scott
Multimedia Production
Tayla tells the Alumni office that “three months after graduating, I started my full-time job as the marketing and graphic design specialist for Avonlea Homes. I have been working here for almost seven years now and absolutely love it! On the side, I do freelance graphic design and painting.”
2017
Kristen Rejuso
Therapeutic Recreation
Kristen has dedicated nearly a decade to enriching the lives of seniors across northern Alberta. Her journey started with a simple conversation with her grandparents, who encouraged her
to work with seniors. That advice led her to Lethbridge Polytechnic, where she earned her diploma in Therapeutic Recreation, followed by a bachelor’s degree from the University of Lethbridge. Today, she supervises recreation therapy across multiple sites in Alberta’s North Zone with Alberta Health Services.
2013
Diana Williams
Practical Nurse
Diana shared this update with the Alumni office: “My journey to Lethbridge Polytechnic began at the age of 34. I was a newly single parent to two daughters and was terrified of continuing my post-secondary education in my 30s. During my first day of orientation to the Practical Nurse program, that fear vanished. This was due to my instructors Shari Strank, Loretta Kroker, the late Karen Mikado and Brad Keim. Twelve years later, they are now colleagues of mine and are the only reason that I am the nurse and clinical instructor that I am today. I wanted to do my best for not only myself while a student at LP, but to also make sure that my instructors would be proud of me. Working for Lethbridge Polytechnic as an alum has been a life-long professional goal and dream come true.”
2012
Erica Perreaux
Multimedia Production
After graduation, Erica attended the University of Lethbridge where she earned a degree in new media. She says she worked a few jobs in print design and marketing within Lethbridge before volunteering with the Lethbridge Hurricanes. Erica has been the team photographer for the past 10 years, and for the past six seasons she has also been the club’s graphic designer. “This past summer, I was hired as an NHL live social contributor based in Vancouver,” she says. “It’s a dream job I have worked a decade to get to!”
Lethbridge Polytechnic celebrates alumni award recipients
Distinguished Alumni • Theresa Yauck
Theresa Yauck (Interior Design and Merchandising 2002) has always had a deep connection to her surroundings. Born and raised in Lethbridge, she graduated from Lethbridge Polytechnic in 2002 with a diploma in Interior Design and Merchandising. In 2005, Theresa became the first interior designer on staff at FWBA Architects. Today, with more than 20 years of experience, she is their lead interior designer. Throughout her career, Theresa has built a diverse and inspiring portfolio, bringing vibrant energy to schools, senior living communities and civic projects. She remains dedicated to nurturing the next generation of designers, championing holistic project execution and expanding FWBA’s reach through thoughtful business development.
CAREER VIRTUOSO • Dr. Chad Nilson
Dr. Chad Nilson (Criminal Justice – Policing 1999) grew up in the Nisbet Forest near Prince Albert, Sask. He is the founder and lead strategist at the Living Skies Centre for Social Inquiry. Since 2007, he has supported human service organizations, Indigenous communities and various governments by aligning science with practice – resulting in social innovation and capacity for improved community outcomes. Chad has developed evidence-based models in the areas of violence, criminality, extremism, homelessness, gangs and poverty. After graduating from Lethbridge Polytechnic, Chad continued his education and earned a bachelor’s degree in Montana, a master’s degree in Virginia, and a doctoral degree in Louisiana. Chad conducted his field research in Venezuela, the United States, Austria and the Netherlands.
COMMUNITY LEADER • Jordan Schellenberg
Jordan Schellenberg’s (Criminal Justice – Policing 2009) journey into youth work started early, shaped by the example of his parents, who instilled in him a love for serving the community. His passion for working with youth and building preventative, supportive programs only grew when he graduated from Lethbridge Polytechnic. Seeing firsthand the gaps in support for teens facing barriers, he began to dream of a place where all youth, regardless of their circumstances, could find mentorship, practical help and lifechanging support without financial barriers standing in the way. That dream became a reality in 2014 when Jordan founded Youth One, a youth and family centre that has since become a cornerstone of the community – serving nearly 500 youth each week through mentorship-based programs, meals and support services. Completely community funded, Youth One now raises more than $650,000 annually to support families in need.
2011
John Buckmaster
Computer Information Technology
John is a systems analyst for the Chinook Arch Regional Library System. He also presents at conferences on the topics of technology, disability, customer service and intersections thereof.
Tyson Wiebe
General Arts and Science – English
Tyson currently works at Lethbridge Polytechnic as an access services specialist in the Buchanan Library.
2006
Tristan Tuckett
Communication Arts –
Broadcast Journalism
Tristan, who works at Lethbridge Polytechnic as an audio-visual technologist, recently opened a new pizza place in Lethbridge with his business partner, Jody Moench. Punky’s Pizza is the culmination of Tristan’s work in the kitchen from competing and judging barbecue competitions to visiting the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas.
Marianne Virag
Criminal Justice – Policing
Marianne works at the City of Lethbridge’s Helen Schuler Nature Centre and is the proud owner of a small business, Prairie Bird Nest Boxes.
2005
Dean Parker
Computer Information Technology
“I’ve spent the majority of my career in municipal IT [departments],” Dean says. “I’ve been with the Municipal District of Taber for 11 years, with a recent promotion to Information Technology Program manager.”
2003
Kenneth Christopher
James Andrew
Engineering Design Technology
In addition to drafting work, Kenneth is also serving as project management for Purcell Timber Frame Homes based out of Nelson, B.C.
Shauna Cohen
Child and Youth Care
Shauna began her career – just days after graduation – at Wood’s Homes, a non-profit mental health organization, where she helped launch the Emergency Youth Shelter in Lethbridge. Over the years, she helped expand services from a single location to five, with Wood’s Homes now offering a range of innovative programs such as Youth Intensive Case Management, Community Group Care and the Lethbridge Opportunity Hub. Shauna now serves as associate regional director.
Daina Lazzarotto
Communication Arts –
Advertising and Public Relations
Daina tells the Alumni office that after not working in her field for nearly 20 years, she was excited to “land the role I was meant for.” She is currently the manager of Community Relations for Northback Holdings Corporation in Crowsnest Pass, Alta.
2000
Lorien Johansen
Communication Arts –Print Journalism
After graduation, Lorien’s passion for history led her to the Lethbridge Historical Society (LHS). She became LHS director in 2017 and now serves as president. Lorien has also been a driving force as part of the Heart of Our City Committee, including five years as chair. She also co-chaired the Lethbridge Terry Fox Run for six years. One of Lorien’s standout accomplishments is co-authoring the bestselling book Lethbridge: A History in Pictures, which is a stunning tribute to the city’s rich past. She also fulfilled a childhood dream when she got to meet the one and only Fred Penner at the Word on The Street Festival. These days, Lorien channels her talents into her role with the YWCA Lethbridge & District, working in events, marketing and communications.
1998
Amber Hunt
Communication Arts –Print Journalism
Amber shares that she completed her Canadian records certificate from the National Institute of Genealogical Studies in 2023 and is nearing completion of her English records and Scottish records certificates from the International Institute of Genealogical Studies. Amber also launched her own researcher-forhire business: Grounded Connections –Family, Local and Home History Services. She works as an administrator at the Lethbridge branch of TLD Computers.
1996
Lowa Beebe (Natoyi’sokasiim) Information Specialist
Lowa is the owner and director of The Path Forward, which provides corporate education on reconciliation and Indigenous intercultural competence. She is also the Chief Executive Officer of the North American Indigenous Games 2027. On Jan. 11, Lowa was invited to drop the puck at the Calgary Flames’ Indigenous Celebration game. Lowa shared on social media that this year’s theme, Honouring the Land, is a “powerful reminder of our deep connection to the land and responsibility to protect and respect it for future generations.”
Alumni at work – Independent Crop Inputs Inc.
Locally owned and operated since its establishment eight years ago, Independent Crop Inputs Inc. (ICI) is proud to be southern Alberta’s only fullservice, independent agriculture retailer. With locations in Taber and Scandia (and a third site on the way), ICI employees work with producers to supply crop inputs – including chemical, fertilizer and much more – to farmers across the region. Many of those employees are Lethbridge Polytechnic alumni.
Shane Janzen, CCA, PAg. (Agricultural Technology – Plant and Soil Science 2015) is the site manager and crop nutrition lead in Taber. “We have found a lot of value in our summer student program, which has led to the hiring of most of our alumni,” he says. “We find the in-field experience of our summer jobs compliments the education from the polytechnic.”
That hands-on experience is key in an industry where dedication and hard work can lead to long-term success. “Agriculture is full of opportunity for those who are willing to work hard and put in the time,” Shane says.
Business agronomists Adam Kruk (Agriculture Sciences – Agronomy 2023) and Seth Radcliffe (Agriculture Sciences – Agronomy 2022) both credit the polytechnic for instilling in them the importance of relationship building. “My time at Lethbridge Polytechnic cultivated more than just agronomic knowledge,” Adam says, “it fostered connections.” Seth adds, the polytechnic “really helped me connect with the local agriculture industry and build longlasting relationships that have helped me establish and grow my career.”
Lethbridge Polytechnic alumni on the ICI team are (L to R): Abby Peters (Agriculture Sciences – Agronomy 2022), Derrick Fletcher (Civil Engineering Technology 2018), Adam Kruk, Janelle Graham (Criminal Justice – Policing 2018), Seth Radcliffe, Chantal Claassen (Agriculture Sciences - Agronomy 2021, Business Administration - Accounting 2017), Shane Janzen, and Taylor Kopervas (Agriculture Sciences – Plant and Soil Sciences 2016, Agricultural Technology – Animal Science 2013). Photo submitted.
Constables go the distance to support mental health
Lethbridge Police Service Constables Terry Fieguth (Exercise Science 2011) and Christian Olson (Police Cadet Training 2022) raised $7,115 in December to support Legacy Place Society, an organization that provides mental health resources to first responders and their families.
They each committed to completing the Murph Challenge multiple times over a 12-hour period - the typical length of many first responders’ shifts. The Murph Challenge is a gruelling full-body workout that tests both physical and mental fortitude by completing a 1.6-kilometre run, 300 squats, 200 push-ups, 100 pull-ups and a second 1.6 kilometre-run. The workout commemorates the service and sacrifice of U.S. Navy SEAL, Lieutenant Michael Murphy, who was killed in Afghanistan.
Despite an initial goal of 12 Murph rounds in 12 hours, Terry and Christian completed the circuit an impressive 20 times.
“Terry had a smile on his face for 12 hours, which was truly inspiring,” says Christian in a news release issued by Legacy Place Society. “He helped keep everyone motivated, and we knew there was no way we could stop while he was still going strong.”
According to Terry, “Christian was relentless, always encouraging the team to keep pushing forward. He constantly reminded us of the cause we were supporting, which kept us focused and energized.”
Both say they plan to tackle other fitness challenge fundraisers in the future.
Corey Lyons
Business Administration –
Professional Golf Management
Corey was inducted into the Lethbridge Hurricanes Wall of Honour in February. Born and raised in Calgary, Corey spent parts of three seasons with the Hurricanes from 1988 until 1990. In his time with the team, Corey was named co-rookie of the year in the 1988-89 season and was drafted in the third round (63rd overall) by the Calgary Flames in the 1989 National Hockey League Entry Draft. He went on to play 11 professional seasons in the International Hockey League, East Coast Hockey League, West Coast Hockey League and in Europe before retiring from playing in 2004. Photo credit to Erica Perreaux (Multimedia Production 2012), Lethbridge Hurricanes.
Wendy Stander
Recreation Management
Wendy says she used her training in “a lot of different jobs” and worked for the federal government for 27 years. She’s been retired since 2011.
1991
Margo Lee
Law Enforcement
Margo just retired after a 33-year career with Manitoba Justice, saying, “I could have never done it without my time spent at [then] LCC.
Photo supplied: Lethbridge Police Service Constables Christian Olson (left) and Terry Fieguth.
Vernon Oickle
Communication Arts – Print Journalism (Community Leader 2015)
Following his graduation from thenLethbridge Community College, Vernon returned to his hometown of Liverpool, N.S., where he began a distinguished 33year career in community newspapers. He worked at the weekly newspaper, The Advance, for 13 years before becoming the editor of the Bridgewater Bulletin, where he remained for 20 years.
Vernon is an award-winning journalist and editor, and is the author of 39 books, many of which collect and preserve the heritage and culture of Atlantic Canada.
His bestselling books include Ghost Stories of the Maritimes, Ghost Stories of Nova Scotia, More Ghost Stories of Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Outstanding Outhouse Reader, South Shore Facts and Folklore, Strange Nova Scotia, The Bluenosers’ Book of Slang, Forerunners of Nova Scotia, and Grandma’s Home Remedies. He will release his 40th and 41st books in 2025.
He also writes fiction in the popular “Crow” series based on the old Maritime poem “One Crow Sorrow.” In 2024, the seventh book in the series, Seven Crows for a Secret Yet to be Told, won an International Impact Book Award, taking first place in the Historical Mystery/ Thriller category. The ninth book, Nine Crows for a Kiss, will be released in spring 2025.
In addition to his long list of newspaper awards, in 2012 Vernon received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, recognizing his contributions to his community, province and country, and in April 2015 he received the Honouring Excellence Community Leader award from Lethbridge Polytechnic. He was inducted into the Atlantic Journalism Awards Hall of Fame in the spring of 2020.
As a testimony to his outstanding career, in 2014 the South Queens Middle
TELL US WHAT YOU LOVE ABOUT WIDER HORIZONS! Scan the QR code to take our quick survey and share your thoughts for a chance to win a $500 cash prize! Your feedback shapes the stories and campus news we feature in each issue, so don’t miss your chance to have a say. Take the survey before June 23, 2025 to be entered to win!
School in his hometown, Liverpool, announced the creation of the Vernon Oickle Writer’s Award to be given annually to a student who excels in the art of writing, either fiction or non-fiction. Vernon has also shared with the Alumni office that he is interested in reconnecting with his journalism classmates. Email WHMagazine@ lethpolytech.ca to get in touch.
1974
Nick Paladino Drafting Technology
Born and raised in Lethbridge (and “proud of it!”), Nick completed the polytechnic’s Drafting Technology program in 1974. He continued his education at SAIT the following year and earned a diploma in engineering technology. Nick spent seven years with the City of Lethbridge, working as a draftsperson, plan checker and planning technician before accepting a development officer position with Lethbridge County. He retired as manager of Planning and Development in 2013, after 30 years with Lethbridge County. Nick was elected to Lethbridge City Council in 2021. He tells the Alumni office that he also enjoys music, guitars, skiing, tennis and a good magic trick.
The Norman Kyle Legacy Award
Distinguished Alumni award recipient supports future engineering technologists through planned giving
A lifelong leader in civil engineering, Norman Kyle (Civil Engineering 1986, Distinguished Alumni 2014) built a career that spanned Canada and left a lasting impact on its infrastructure. Now, his contributions will continue through the Norman Kyle Legacy Award.
The annual scholarship is designed to support students in Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Civil Engineering Technology, Engineering Design Technology and Computer Information Technology programs.
Norman’s family describes him as a proud Lethbridge Polytechnic graduate who was both highly successful in his field and deeply committed to giving back. His influence stretched from Toronto’s Hurontario Street beautification project to intelligent traffic systems in Grande Prairie, and from major capital projects in Yellowknife to urban enhancements in Regina. Norman was the recipient of numerous industry awards, including his recognition
in 2014 as one of Alberta’s top 200 engineering technologists. He was also a two-term president of the Association of Science & Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta.
In addition to his illustrious career designing sustainable and beautiful infrastructure, Norman was also a mentor dedicated to the next generation of engineering professionals. With his planned gift to Lethbridge Polytechnic, he has ensured that future students can pursue careers in the field he loved.
Norman and his siblings’ generous gift of $50,000 in the fall of 2024 qualified for the Lethbridge Polytechnic Board of Governors Matching Endowment initiative, which matches donations of $25,000 to $100,000. The endowment fund has $500,000 available for matching. Because of this and additional donations, the total contribution to student awards under Norman’s name is $105,250.
The Norman Kyle Legacy Award will assist students who demonstrate financial need, along with a strong commitment to community involvement and volunteerism – qualities that defined Norman’s own professional and personal life.
TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE NORMAN KYLE LEGACY AWARD, VISIT LETHPOLYTECH.CA/GIVE AND CLICK ON THE MEMORIAL AWARDS AND FEATURED FUNDS BANNER.
To learn more about how you can create a lasting impact through legacy giving, contact the Lethbridge Polytechnic Development office at 403-320-3457.
FAMILIES IN FOCUS
The AnkermannS
The Ankermann family, united by a love for baseball, not only shares a passion for the game but for learning and giving back.
Dave Ankermann (Engineering Design and Drafting Technology 1993, Agriculture Technology 1988) grew up on a dairy farm outside of Iron Springs, Alta. After marrying his wife Katie, Dave shifted his focus from agriculture to pursue a passion for drawing.
During his time as an engineering student, Dave and Katie welcomed their eldest son, Mitchell (Civil Engineering Technology 2014, Engineering Design and Drafting Technology 2013). Dave says he vividly remembers the day Mitchell was born, as it was the same day as a trigonometry exam. Running on little to no sleep, he approached his instructor and asked to take the exam another day. Initially, the answer was no, but when Dave explained, his instructor immediately said not to worry. “I still laugh when I talk about that,” Dave says.
After graduation, Dave spent 27 years working for a wellknown Lethbridge architect before starting his own business, Dave Ankermann Drafting Services, in 2021. Dave and Katie also grew their family, welcoming sons Nicholas (Exercise Science 2016) and Lukas.
Growing up, Dave recalls having little time for anything outside of farm work. So as a father, he wanted his sons to be involved in activities that taught gratitude, respect and responsibility. Mitchell started playing baseball at age five and Nicholas and Lukas followed as soon as they could. All three would eventually play for Lethbridge’s Prairie Baseball Academy (PBA).
Inspired by his dad, Mitchell enrolled in the polytechnic’s engineering program. He also played three years for the PBA. “I think all three of us learned valuable lessons at PBA,” Mitchell says. “I wouldn’t say I was even really an athlete until I started playing college baseball. Like, yeah, I was a baseball player, but until you get there you don’t really realize what else goes into sports …the work you have to put in.”
Nicholas also played for the PBA while completing his Exercise Science diploma, before furthering his education –and time on the field – at Eastern New Mexico University.
When their careers as baseball players ended, their time at Lethbridge Polytechnic provided the foundation for what came next. Mitchell is a certified engineering technologist, and Nicholas is a physiotherapy and occupational therapy assistant.
“There’s always the risk of spending thousands [of dollars] to go to post-secondary only to graduate and do something completely different,” says Dave. “But, when something you enjoy is made possible by post-secondary, it makes the journey that much more satisfying.”
The Ankermann family is still very involved in local baseball. Mitchell and Nicholas coach at Catholic Central High School, are members of the PBA Alumni Association Board and continue to do their part to contribute to the PBA’s ongoing success. Nicholas is also head coach of the Lethbridge American Legion Miners baseball team. Lukas has also spent time coaching.
“It’s nice to be able to pay it back,” reflects Nicholas. “All the years of coaching that I’ve had, to pay it back to the kids in high school who are still wanting to learn and develop and who have the same goal that I had of going down to the U.S. to play post-secondary baseball.”
The Ankermanns also created the annual Field of Screams at Spitz Stadium, a haunted house that helps fund player scholarships, as well as the Ankermann Family Scholarship, which supports student-athletes as they pursue their dreams –on and off the field.
Are you a multi-generational Lethbridge Polytechnic family? If at least three members across one or more generations attended Lethbridge Polytechnic , let us know by emailing WHMagazine@lethpolytech.ca . We’d love to profile you.
The Ankermann family: (back row) Katie and Dave, (front row from left) Lukas, Mitchell and Nicholas.
Story by Stacey Andrews | Photo courtesy of the Ankermann family
THE LAST WORD
Illustrated by Eric Dyck
Since its opening in 2019, Lethbridge Polytechnic’s bakery has been more than just a source for sweet treats – it’s been a dynamic learning hub for Baker Apprenticeship students. Boasting state-of-the-art equipment, the commercial bakery offers a space where apprentices can refine their skills in the art of bread making, pastry production and confectionary. Wider Horizons spoke with three alumni about their favourite elements and memories of the space. Here’s what they had to say.
The anticipation of actually getting a baking program, after a 20-year buildup, is one of the most special memories I have. And when students are keen and you see that “light bulb” moment, it makes everything worthwhile. The bakery’s new, modern technology – particularly the big commercial Baxter ovens – is also a highlight. I’m proud to have been part of developing the program and the space.
Chef Doug Overes, CCC
Retired instructor and former chair, School of Culinary Arts (Professional Cooking 1987, Distinguished Alumnus 1992)
The bakery is at the heart of the polytechnic! It is a place where science and creative art meet. I have many memories of instructing and mentoring students in this space – the collaboration, networking and friendships are numerous. I am excited each semester to coach future bakers, pastry chefs and cake artists. One of the bakery highlights is the chocolate lab. This lab enables students to work with chocolate under ideal conditions.
Chef Amanda Kawchuk Instructor, School of Culinary Arts (Culinary Careers 2009, Cook Apprentice 2009)
The practical exams at the bakery were some of my most memorable experiences, as we created multiple products in such a limited time. What made the campus truly special was learning from Chef Doug [Overes], who is an excellent chef and educator. The discount for cooks and bakers in the Food Court was a great perk, but the real highlight was discovering pastry arts through the program. This widened my options when it came to choosing my career path.
Chef Jaeryl Guevarra
Pastry chef, The Glencoe Club (Baker Apprenticeship 2024)
