Meet our alumni
Alumni
Proudly Lakeland.
Meet our alumni and discover how they’re leading beyond Lakeland. Explore their stories, the milestones that shaped their journeys, and see where their paths have taken them today.
Valerie Roberts is the owner of the Old School Cheesery in Vermilion, AB.
Valerie Roberts
Animal science technology: dairy science, Class of 2016
“My Lakeland experience was amazing... They stripped down the dairy basics for me and then taught me everything from the ground up, incorporating more and more information as we went... I wouldn’t have had an understanding of that at all if I hadn’t taken the program at Lakeland, and it really set me up for success with my company. I have absolutely fallen in love with the cheesemaking aspect of my company. I love my job. I did not realize I would love cheesemaking this much until I got into it.”
Aydon Almberg is the co-owner of Broken Arrow Ranch Quarter Horses.
Aydon Almberg
Agribusiness, Class of 2012
“It wasn’t enough to just be a good stockman and a good steward of your operation. You had to be able to work the books as well. Being exposed to that through agribusiness was a big advantage for me, especially the hands-on scenarios. They helped me actually see in my mind what was happening on paper.”
Lindsey Fenez is the manager of health services at the University of Saskatchewan Veterinary Medicine Centre. She is also Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association’s 2024 Technologist of the Year.
Lindsey Fenez
Animal health technology (now veterinary technology), Class of 1998
“Lakeland will always be a special place in my heart. The new on-site clinic, the animals there - it gives that hands-on, individual experience for the students. I still go back there for the job fairs and because I think the graduates that come from Lakeland College are some of the best that are out there.”
Vanessa Creasy is a real estate assessor.
Vanessa Creasy
Business administration: real estate appraisal and assessment, Class of 2025
“We look at the history of the house, things that have happened to the house over the years that have affected the value, what’s behind the walls and how the house has changed. You get to discover what actually brings value to a house versus what’s just pretty in a picture. I definitely think it’s my forever career.”
Trevor Whelan checks off a bucket list item: Restoring his ’76 Corvette.
Trevor Whelan
Street rod technology microcredentials
“The courses were really good and very informative. They give you a well-rounded overall view of the steps required to complete a project. They’ve got everything at the shop and you get a chance to try all the different tools to see what actually works for you. The instructors have been building cars for years. There’s lots of knowledge there to be shared.”
Talwinder Singh is a shift engineer at Thunder Creek Pork, a processing plant in Moose Jaw, SK.
Talwinder Singh
Heavy oil power engineering (now process and power engineering), Class of 2021
"Lakeland helped me during my studies but they helped me after too. I’m learning new things every day, using my education and what I studied for. Lakeland is always so supportive and help guide me."
Kaylie Lawrence is an instructor for Lakeland's School of Environmental Sciences.
Kaylie Lawrence
Conservation and restoration ecology (now land stewardship and conservation), Class of 2019
"With my environmental sciences background, I really see the importance of precision agriculture beyond the dollar being saved. I see the value of conservation in agriculture, how we can protect and maintain our land as well. Taking care of our soil is just as important as the yields coming out in the long run.”
Jim Smith is a WUI officer with Alberta's Wildland Urban Interface Program.
Jim Smith
Firefighter Training, Class of 1994
“Lakeland really gave me a great foundation to work from. It’s helped me understand more of the fire service and prepared me to do those jobs successfully.”
Tachina Paddy is an administrative assistant at the Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre.
Tachina Paddy
Foundational learning, pre-professional administration, Class of 2025
“Lakeland was a stepping stone to coming here, teaching me the foundation so that when I got here, I could learn so much more on my own and from my co-workers. It’s literally the best job I’ve ever had in my life.”
Khyler Yockey is a Skills Canada bronze medalist and Skills Alberta gold medalist.
Khyler Yockey
Clinical esthetician, Class of 2022
“My instructors inspired me and pushed me to be the best. They are so passionate and genuinely care for the success and well-being of all their students. They helped me find my passion and that is the most valuable thing in the world. I have learned how to push past my comfort zones and have trust in myself. That is something I will never forget.”
Amanda Speight is a childcare director.
Amanda Speight
Early childhood education, Class of 2022
"I love working with children because they're always experiencing something new. They look at things from a different angle that you or I wouldn't because we've already had those experiences. I get to experience things with the children through fresh eyes and it's amazing. It's what draws me in every single time.”
Payton Patterson is the owner of Payton’s Place, a design firm.
Payton Patterson
Interior design technology, Class of 2016
"I love working for myself. I’ve completed about 80 renovation projects since starting, ranging from new home builds to basement developments, kitchen or main floor renovations, or even small laundry rooms. It’s so much fun getting to work with people and help them achieve their dream home.”
Dave King is the dean of Lakeland's School of Trades and Technology. He is also an Alberta Trades Hall of Fame inductee.
Dave King
Heavy duty mechanic, Class of 1989
"I’m honoured to be inducted into the Alberta Trades Hall of Fame. We come to work, we do our job and we hope we’ve changed people’s lives. I enjoy coming to work. I’m still a technician. I still love talking to my students."
Aaron Lyons is a pharmacist.
Aaron Lyons
University transfer, Class of 2006
“Lakeland offers an environment where students can ask questions, explore options and build real confidence. It’s a smart start with real return – real skills, real success.”