From the President's Desk: June 2025

Convocation, what an exciting event!  

Lakeland College welcomed its first class of 34 students in the fall of 1913. Through challenges such as wartime closures, the Great Depression, a flu epidemic and COVID-19, the institution has persevered and grown. Today, Lakeland serves approximately 6,000 students annually across both credit and non-credit programs. This year, Lakeland College recognizes 1,024 graduates, plus 166 apprenticeship graduates. I’m so proud of our students!   

 

Governor General Academic Medal 

The Governor General’s Academic Medal was established in 1873 and is awarded to two students who graduate with the highest academic standing in a diploma-level post-secondary program. These medals are numbered and engraved with the Crest of the Royal Arms of Canada. The recipients are registered with the Chancellery of Canadian Orders and Decoration at Rideau Hall, Ottawa. Students receiving this award have demonstrated excellence in academic studies and leadership activities.  

I would like to congratulate Lloydminster campus recipient, a graduate of the business administration, accounting program.  In addition to her studies, Frances has been a peer tutor, a volunteer and a member of the Lakeland team for the Alberta Deans of Business Case Competition.   

The Vermilion Campus medal recipient, Hazel Flesher, graduated from the School of Environmental Sciences with a wildlife and fisheries conservation diploma. Hazel has been a peer tutor and was active in two student clubs, Environment and Outdoor Recreation, as well as a member of the Range Team.  

 

 President’s Medal 

The President’s Medal, the most prestigious award given by Lakeland College, is awarded to students who display excellence inside and outside the classroom. Each medal is uniquely numbered and proudly embossed with the Lakeland College crest, a lasting symbol of excellence and commitment. 

I would like to congratulate Alana Olson as the Lloydminster campus recipient. Alana Olson has truly left her mark at Lakeland College, excelling both in leadership and academically.  During her time at the college, she was involved in the Students’ Association, locally as well as in both provinces, Academic Council, and the Board of Governors. Her dedication to youth and college sports shows a deep commitment to her community, not to mention captaining the women’s basketball team and earning numerous athletic accolades — an inspiring individual!   

Stephanie Ullrich is the Vermilion campus recipient, graduating with an animal science technology, livestock major diploma. Stephanie Ullrich has made a lasting impact both academically and in leadership. Her dedication to sustainable agriculture, mentoring youth, and collaborating with industry and research demonstrates a commitment to innovation and community growth.   

Lakeland College is fortunate to have students like Alana and Stephanie. Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey, and congratulations.  

 

Distinguished citizen 

This year’s Honorary Credential was awarded to Mr. Darrel Howell. Darrel is a strong advocate for lifelong learning, something he not only supports through his community involvement but also pursues personally as a student himself. He brings over four decades of experience in the energy sector, having held senior leadership roles and developed expertise across strategic planning and engineering, communications and financial management.  

Over the years, he has contributed to companies such as Tartan Canada, Klinger’s Oilfield Services, Flint Energy, Husky Energy and Syncrude Canada. Darrel holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Alberta.  Since moving to Lloydminster in 1988, Darrel has been deeply engaged in the community, including two terms on the Lakeland College Board of Governors, with his most recent term ending in 2018 after serving three years as Board Chair. He has also been a generous supporter of college initiatives such as Rustlers Athletics, the Friends of Bob Mottram award, the President’s Gala and the Rustlers Golf Tournament. Beyond the college, his community service includes roles with the University of Calgary Senate, the Alberta Chamber of Resources, the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, the Construction Owners Association of Alberta, the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation and Grace United Church.  

He’s also part of the Grace United Church Community Choir and the Meridian Ukuleles, as well as a golf group. Darrel is currently a part-time student at Lakeland College, working toward a Bachelor of General Studies. It is with deep respect and admiration that we recognize Mr. Darrel Howell as Lakeland College’s 2025 Distinguished Citizen and proudly award him an honorary bachelor of applied business degree.    

 

Distinguished alumni 

This year’s distinguished alumnus is Mr. Bill Bocock. A pioneer in sustainable farming and a dedicated community supporter, Bill Bocock has exemplified leadership, generosity and environmental stewardship throughout his life and career.  

After graduating from Lakeland College’s Agriculture 2-in-1 program in 1952, Bill Bocock devoted his life to dairy farming and operated a successful family farm. Well before it was widely adopted, Bill Bocock’s lifelong commitment to sustainability was evident in his approach to land and animal care. His forward-thinking methods not only preserved the integrity of the Bocock farm but also served as a model for responsible agriculture. In 2016, Bill and his family were honoured with Alberta Milk’s Dairy Industry Achievement Award.  

Bill Bocock’s philanthropy mirrors his values. In 2019, the Bococks received the St. Albert Philanthropy Award in recognition of their local and global impact. Lakeland College has benefited from Bill Bocock’s generosity through his support of Indigenous student supports, environmental sciences projects and events, and student awards. His dedication to the community extends beyond philanthropy. He has volunteered with numerous organizations, including the United Farmers of Alberta Cooperative, Alberta Surface Rights, Northern Alberta Dairy Pool, and the Clean Air Strategic Alliance. Bill Bocock’s life is a testament to the belief that change begins with action, and that sustainable, generous living can help shape a better world.  

It is with great honour that Lakeland College inducts Bill Bocock, Class of 1952, to the Alumni Wall of Distinction. 

 

On June 13 and 14, it was an honour to welcome back generations of alumni for our annual Alumni Weekend celebration. Since the 1930s, this event has been known as Homecoming.  

Congratulations to Interior design technology program instructor, Rochelle Horne.  Rochelle was honoured with the Educator of the Year Honourable Mention award from the National Kitchen and Bath Association. This award honours educators who significantly contribute to the industry through teaching, curriculum development, and inspiring future generations of industry leaders.  

To our graduating students, congratulations and good luck in your future endeavors.  Welcome to Lakeland College’s alumni family, Class of 2025.  

Until next time,  

Alice 

Photos: 1. Frances Yu accepts the Lloydminster Campus' Governor General Academic Medal. 2. Hazel Flesher with her diploma. 3. Alana Olsen accepts the Lloydminster Campus' President's Medal. 4. Stephanie Ullrich with her diploma. 5. Darrel Howell at the Lloydminster campus. 6. Bill Bocock. 7. Rochelle Horne holds her NKBA Educator of the Year recognition.