From the President's Desk: June 2026

Celebrating the Class of 2026

Convocation is one of my favourite times of year.

Across our campuses, we recently celebrated the achievements of the Lakeland College Class of 2026. Watching graduates cross the stage is always a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. Behind every credential is a story of hard work, perseverance, growth and determination.

This year, we welcomed 1,024 graduates into Lakeland’s alumni family. Among them were 23 students following in the footsteps of parents or grandparents who also attended Lakeland, a testament to the lasting impact our institution has had across generations.

While every graduate’s journey is unique, they share something important in common: their learning extended far beyond the classroom.

Over the past several years, our graduates have developed the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to thrive in their chosen fields. They learned to solve problems, adapt to challenges and work collaboratively with others. They gained practical experience, built professional relationships and discovered strengths they may not have known they possessed.

Convocation is a celebration of academic achievement, but it is also a celebration of personal growth. The credential our graduates receive represents much more than completed coursework. It reflects the person they have become through their experiences at Lakeland.

This year’s ceremonies also provided an opportunity to recognize outstanding members of our college community. We honoured distinguished alumnus Leroy Fontaine, Class of 2013, and awarded an honorary Bachelor of Agricultural Technology degree to Doug Stewart in recognition of his significant contributions to agriculture and our community. We celebrated student achievement through the presentation of the President’s Medal and Governor General’s Academic Medal. Congratulations to this year’s President’s Medal winners, Kylie Field and Emry Marchand, and this year’s Governor General award recipient Cort Egeland. Our second winner will be announced later this summer, after their practicum is complete.

As our graduates begin the next chapter of their journeys, they join a network of more than 80,000 Lakeland alumni making a difference across Alberta, Canada and beyond. Whether they are entering the workforce, continuing their education or pursuing new opportunities, they carry with them the skills, experiences and connections they built during their time here.

To the Class of 2026: congratulations. We are proud of your accomplishments, grateful that you chose Lakeland College and excited to see where your future takes you.

On behalf of the entire Lakeland community, thank you for allowing us to be part of your story.

Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart
President and CEO, Lakeland College