Convocation 2016

Every graduate's photo was taken after they crossed the stage. They ​are posted on our Alumni Facebook Page and also uploaded to Lakeland's flickr account. There ​is also an assortment of pre and post-ceremony photos.

How to download
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If you want to download a photo:

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2016 Convocation flickr collections. Each collection has several albums from each event:

• Lloydminster Convocation 2016 flickr collection
• Vermilion Convocation 2016 flickr collection

Go directly to the 2016 Vermilion convocation program, or view the e-document below. You can make it full screen and also download/print it.

Use this direct link to the 2016 Lloydminster Convocation program, or view the e-document below.

Lloydminster

Alexandra Unger, Business Administration
Father: Glen Unger , Class of 1987 Mother: Jennifer (Hadlock) Unger,  Class of 1987
Elenee Nolin, Business Administration
Mother: Maria (Kokonas) Nolin, Class of 1990

Vermilion

Alex Antos, Animal Science Technology
Father: Darren Antos, Class of 1987
Ashley Bosch, Crop Technology
Mother: Elizabeth (Schega) Bosch, Class of 1985
Kristine Brown, Bachelor of Applied Science: Enviro Management (centre)
Mother: Darla (Towriss) Brown (right),  Class of 1986 Father: Thomas Brown, Class of 1984 Grandmother: Lenora (Wilkinson) Brown (left), Class of 1962
Larry Buchanan, Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation
Father: Barry Buchanan, Class of 1972
Tyler Chiliak, Crop Technology
Mother: Ramona Chiliak-Louise, Class of 1993
Kaitlyn Davediuk, Environmental Conservation and Reclamation
Mother: Lori (Hallwachs) Davediuk , Class of 1993
Jacquelyn Davidson, Crop Technology
Father: Todd Davidson, Class of 1996
Rachel McLean, Bachelor of Applied Science: Enviro Management
Mother: Heather (Bauer) McLean, Class of 1987 Father: Patrick McLean, Class of 1998
Shawnie Johnson, Agribusiness
Father: Evan Johnson, Class of 1996
Naomi Mason, Interior Design Technology
Mother: Shelley (Hughes) Mason, Class of 1990
Olivia Milne, Early Learning and Child Care
Grandfather: John Milne, Class of 1954 Great Grandfather: Harold Gares, Class of 1917
Tyrell Roeleveld, Environmental Science
Mother: Tracy (Thiessen) Roeleveld, Class of 1990
Edward Schultz, Crop Technology
Grandmother: Natalia (Heibner) Schultz, Class of 1947
Kyla Smith, Early Learning and Child Care (left)
Mother: Valerie (Galareau) Smith (right), Class of 1983

President's Medal recipient built successful skillset

While word of mouth brought Jana MacLeod, Class of 2016, to Lakeland College, career-relevant and cutting-edge learning opportunities helped her to excel

“I heard it was the college vets wanted techs from and I heard that it was a really amazing school from other people who had gone there, so I decided it was for me,” says MacLeod, who completed a bachelor of science degree at the University of Alberta prior to enrolling in Lakeland’s animal health technology (AHT) program.

“I wanted to build more skills and be ready to work in the field, and that’s what I did at Lakeland.”

But that’s not all MacLeod accomplished. For her leadership and involvement within the college and the community, MacLeod was awarded the 2016 President’s Medal (Vermilion) when she graduated on June 3. 

“I honestly didn’t think I deserved it because there are a lot of people who do really great stuff, so it’s very exciting,” she says.

While at Lakeland, MacLeod was busy with her studies and lab work, and various extra-curricular activities. As president of the Agility Club, MacLeod coordinated practices and events, arranged for clinicians and attended leadership meetings.

As a club leader, she helped coordinate volunteers for Band in the Sand and volunteered herself at the student-run event. With the AHT program, she helped fundraise for the Lloydminster & District SPCA. MacLeod also peer tutored first-year AHT students and worked part-time at the Eastalta Co-op. 

“I wanted the full experience and I knew Lakeland had a lot more to offer than just the classroom experience,” she says. “I learned a lot from it all and as a person, I really grew. It was awesome to see how much I could do and how much I could contribute. It definitely helped me to see how much it takes to be a leader.”

Over the course of the two-year diploma program, MacLeod gained real clinical experience that she says made the transition from campus clinic to animal hospital a success.

“The hands-on learning opportunities at Lakeland are incredible. Coming into the work field with this experience was just fantastic because I felt really good about the skillset I developed. Instead of just reading about it, I had done pretty much everything at Lakeland,” says MacLeod, a multiple student awards recipient. “I am really thankful for the amazing instructors Lakeland has. The Town of Vermilion was so welcoming and easy to be in away from family. All in all, it couldn’t have been better.”

Before she finished the program, MacLeod completed a six-week practicum with the Wood Buffalo Small Animal Hospital in Fort McMurray, Alta., and afterwards was hired as a full-time animal health technician. In May she helped to evacuate the hospital due to the wild fires in the area. 

“The clinic is still standing and hopefully we will be returning soon,” says MacLeod. “Once we’re allowed to go home, we can get back to work.”

Photos: Top, Jana MacLeod was named the 2016 Vermilion campus President's Medal recipient. She was presented with the medal at the afternoon convocation ceremony on June 3. Middle, MacLeod had the opportunity to learn both in the college's small animal clinic and on the Student-Managed Farm - Powered by New Holland. She's pictured in the Dairy Learning Centre. Bottom, as the Agility Club president, MacLeod pursued her passion and developed leadership and organization skills, among others.

President's Medal recipient shines beyond the classroom

If he can do it, anyone can. That's the advice Don Shaw, Class of 2015 and 2016, has for future Lakeland College students. And Shaw accomplished a lot during his two years at Lakeland.

From peer tutor to student ambassador and student member of the Board of Governors, Shaw immersed himself in activities beyond the classroom. He was a member of the Academic Council, Student Executive Council and Connectivity Committee. Shaw was also a member of the Business Club and was one of five students on the award-winning Alberta Deans of Business Case Competition team.

“It didn’t feel like extra work,” says Shaw, a multiple student awards recipient. “I am grateful for the opportunities I had but I don’t think what I was doing was over and above. Anybody can sign up for a committee; anybody can read notes and share their opinions. The formalities of it might seem challenging, but if I can do it, anyone can do it.”

For his leadership and involvement within the college and the community, Shaw was selected as the 2016 President’s Medal recipient at the Lloydminster campus.

“I worked very hard this year at Lakeland to make it as much of an experience as I could. When I was told that I would be receiving the President’s Medal I was ecstatic,” he says. “I am not sure if I am the most worthy recipient, but thank you to Lakeland for choosing me.”

Shaw was presented with the 2016 Lloydminster campus President’s Medal along with his second credential – business administration diploma, accounting major – from Lakeland on May 27. The previous year he completed the college’s accounting technician certificate program. 

“I wish I could do two more years at Lakeland College, but I don’t think my boss could get along without me,” says Shaw with a laugh. Before he graduated, Shaw was busy in May getting married and working at the St. Paul & District Co-op as the assistant office manager.

“Before I went to school, the Co-op was very generous to me when it came to my education,” says Shaw, who’s been with the Co-op for almost a decade. His long-term goal is to continue working with the Co-op, either on the retail or corporate side, and he’s contemplating running for town council.

“There is a path ahead of me, I just have to choose,” he says. Shaw’s path also includes working on a bachelor of commerce degree, with a focus on accounting, online through Athabasca University in the fall.

Reflecting on his Lakeland experience, Shaw says he’s most proud of being part of the 2015-16 Deans of Business Case competition team. Lakeland’s team competed against 13 other post-secondary institutes and placed second at the provincial competition this year.

“I have never had so much fun in my life as when I did working with my four peers and Brad (Onofrychuk, instructor) at the competition and leading up to it,” he says. “My time on the Board of Governors was also invaluable to me. I will miss that the most and the opportunities that Lakeland presents.”

Photo: Top- Don Shaw with the 2016 President's Medal. Bottom- Receiving the medal from college president Alice Wainwright-Stewart. The Class of 2016 grad is now working on a bachelor of commerce degree.

AHT student awarded Governor General's Academic Medal

Being part of the Rustlers Rodeo Team, being able to board her horse on campus and being able to take the lead in labs are the top three highlights of Shelby Robbins’ Lakeland College experience.

“Whenever I needed to, I could ride my horse and that was a big deal for me. But so were the labs,” says Robbins, a member of the Class of 2016 who completed the animal health technology (AHT) program.

“I really enjoyed the labs because they were so hands-on. Everything that you learn in class, you actually do in the labs. When I went to apply the skills I learned in school during my practicum, I had that experience already and it was so helpful to have at work.”

Robbins excelled in the AHT program – so much so, that she is the 2016 Governor General’s Academic Medal recipient – which means she has the highest average at Lakeland College. 

“I am very honoured to be recognized with this,” says Robbins, of Daysland, Alta.

From a young age, Robbins wanted to work with animals. Following three semesters at the University of Alberta and some time spent working in a vet clinic, Robbins made her way to Lakeland College to pursue her passion. 

“I went from classes with hundreds of students to smaller ones here. Lakeland instructors took the time to know who we are and I found that they were the best part of this program,” she says. “They were all so supportive and helpful.”

 Achieving the highest academic standing was not without its challenges for Robbins  given her extra-curricular activities. Beyond the classroom she was a member of the Rustlers Rodeo Team and a member of the Rodeo Club. Robbins was also a member of the Canadian Intercollegiate Rodeo Association and Alberta Barrel Racing Association.

“It was a lot to juggle but I really enjoyed school,” says Robbins. 

Prior to finishing the AHT program, Robbins completed a six-week practicum at Burwash Equine Services. Working with four veterinarians proved to be a valuable learning opportunity. 

 “I really liked it – it didn’t even feel like a practicum,” she says. Now, Robbins is working full-time with Cor Veterinary Services and plans to further her education in equine rehabilitation.

“I gained a lot from Lakeland, not only from class but from being on the rodeo team. I made friends with so many different people and it helped me to gain more experience in everyday life.”

Robbins is the fifth AHT student to receive the Governor General's Academic Medal. 

Photos: Top - Robbins receiving the medal from board chair Darrel Howell. Bottom - barrel racing

Lakeland provided strong foundation for alumnus

Since graduating from the Vermilion Agricultural and Vocational College (now Lakeland College) in 1965, Edmund Lefsrud has been dedicated to the agriculture industry.

Edmund Lefsrud credits his college education and former principal, Bill Baranyk, with providing a strong foundation for a successful career in agriculture.

“I went back to college just after I graduated for some reason and Mr. Baranyk told me he had a job for me,” recalls Lefsrud. “In a roundabout way he put me into the world of the seed business, certainly agriculture. He was the one who pointed me in the right direction and I needed some discipline in my life and that position gave it to me.”

More than 50 years after his own convocation, Lefsrud received the Distinguished Alumni award for the Vermilion campus on June 3 and was inducted onto the college’s Alumni Wall of Distinction.

Lefsrud started his career working as a seed inspector with Agriculture Canada for two years before purchasing the family farm near Viking. For almost 50 years, Lefsrud and his wife Ellen have worked together to expand their farm to 5,000 acres and several companies, including Lefsrud Seed and Processors Ltd., and 6 King Genetics.

As an accredited seed grower, Lefsrud provides clean certified seed to farmers and companies across Alberta, across Canada and even around the world.

For more than 30 years, Lefsrud has dedicated his time to the Alberta and Canadian Seed Growers’ Associations and he has held several roles on these boards including the presidency for both the Alberta Seed Growers’ Association and the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association. For his significant and dedicated service, Lefsrud has received several awards including the Canadian Seed Growers’ Robertson Associate Award, the Long Service Award and the Outstanding Service Award.

“I always wanted to be in farming,” says Lefsrud, who’s also a licensed pilot. “I kind of adored my father and he was pretty good at farming so I just followed in his footsteps somewhat.”

From 4-H to the local Lions Club, Lefsrud is a committed volunteer for numerous organizations. Lefsrud Seed and Processors donates to fundraisers and supports research for the development of a new oilseed pea product and has sponsored youth to attend leadership courses. He’s also a proud member of Lakeland College’s Alumni Association.

In 2003, the Lefsrud family farm became a century farm, with Lefsrud’s son, Kevin, being the fourth generation farmer in the family to work the land. As an active member of the farming community, Lefsrud continues to share and teach the value of agriculture.

“I believe that being a farmer and a seed grower has truly allowed me to contribute to my community. I believe in seeing the next generation of farmers develop and grow into this honourable profession,” says Lefsrud. “That’s what we’re doing – feeding the world with the best knowledge, best education and best product that we can.”

Photo: Top, Georgina Altman, vice president of advancement, presented Edmund Lefsrud with a commemorative plaque in honour of being chosen as the 2016 Distinguished Alumni (Vermilion campus). Lefsrud was inducted onto the college's Alumni Wall of Distinction. In his address to the graduates, Lefsrud said: "What you know is worth a lot; who you know is worth more. Join you alumni family." Bottom, Lefsrud's Class of '65 yearbook photo.

Music inspired success for Distinguished Citizen

For nearly four decades Ross Ulmer has excelled in the business community – a feat he attributes to his family’s philosophy of giving back.

In honour of his achievements, Lakeland College inducted Ulmer to the Wall of Distinguished Citizens during the Lloydminster campus convocation ceremony on May 27. 

Prior to receiving an Honorary Bachelor of Applied Business Degree at the ceremony, Ulmer congratulated the Class of 2016 and shared his “lessons from a trombone player.”

“By getting a degree or diploma, you’re not part of the majority anymore; you have made the decision to excel and you have done what only one in three Canadians does in getting advanced education. Congratulations and well done,” he said.

“When you start working, you are playing a concert every single day of your life. Make sure that you set your standards of performance; make sure you work well with others; make sure you don’t practice on your customers; and with all of your knowledge, personality and your vision to thrill your audience, thrill the customer. The reward is the thrill you give yourself.”

Growing up in North Battleford, Sask., Ulmer watched his father Joe work his way from the parts department to dealer at Boyd Brothers, a Chevrolet dealership. His community involvement was an inspiration to Ulmer.

Before working in automotives, Ulmer studied music professionally obtaining a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Following two years with the RCMP Band in Ottawa, Ulmer joined the family business. After working as a service manager at Ulmer Chev, Ulmer became a partner with his brother Doug and father in 1984. By the time they expanded their business to Lloydminster in 1987, they had three dealerships. 

“I’ve learned that being part of someone else’s growth is one of the most exciting activities you can do. My desire to be a part of others’ success has stood our business well. My job became that of producing managers, then producing individuals who can general manage a dealership and then coaching general managers to excel. It’s a big reason why we grew from one dealership to 14,” says Ulmer.

“What has made me succeed from music? Number one, I have high standards. I always want the job to be done better than average. How will you perform? Choose excellence.”

An ardent commitment to customer service and community has garnered Ulmer Auto Group a number of accolades including a CADA Laureate Award, Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year, Mayor’s Award for Sustained Support of the Arts, Motor Dealer Association of Alberta – Rural Dealer of the Year, and four-time winner of the GM Triple Crown award.

However, the accomplishments that are most meaningful to Ulmer include his marriage of close to 40 years and his three incredible daughters, current and former business partners, and his community contributions.
 
Known for his community involvement, Ulmer has been an instrumental supporter of numerous organizations including the Lloydminster Regional Theatre Foundation, local Rotary Clubs, Lloydminster Region Health Foundation, Lakeland College and First Baptist Church, among many others. 

“It’s a paradox of life that I have never figured out, but the more you give, the more you get.”

Photos: President Alice Wainwright-Stewart and Board of Governors Chair Darrel Howell presented Ross Ulmer with an honorary degree during the Lloydminster campus convocation ceremony on May 27.

Honorary degree for top-selling cookbook author

Fifty-three years after her first catering job, Jean Paré was recognized as Lakeland College’s Distinguished Citizen and was presented with an Honorary Bachelor of Applied Business Degree during the Vermilion campus convocation.

“It’s like coming full circle – it all started at the college and here I am returning,” she said at Vermilion ceremonies on June 3.

Even though they’ve finished their studies at Lakeland College, Paré encourages the Class of 2016 to never stop learning.

“Now they are entering the real world and the main thing is to keep learning and to do something that they’ll enjoy,” said Paré. “I know I always enjoyed my work and ended up with a company that was like extended family. It was such a pleasure to work with everybody.”

Well-thumbed, shared by friends and family, and even soiled by recipe ingredients, Company’s Coming cookbooks are fixtures in kitchens throughout Canada and around the world, thanks to Paré.

Born in Irma, Alta., Paré’s career in the kitchen began in the 1960s when she opened a café in her hometown of Vermilion, Alta. She moved on to run a home-based catering service for more than 18 years. 

Her first catering job was in 1963 for 1,000 guests at the 50th anniversary of the Vermilion School of Agriculture, now Lakeland College.

“We had no refrigeration and no heat at the college. It was a challenge alright, but it turned out well. I found that I just enjoyed it so much that I thought I would be a caterer forever. But then as result of all that catering, came the cookbooks. Then I thought I would be doing that forever. However, when I got to 83, I decided to retire,” says Paré, with a laugh.

In 1981, Paré wrote and published her first cookbook – 150 Delicious Squares – focusing on popular treats from her catering events. The first printing of 15,000 copies sold out in less than six weeks. That proved to be the first of many cookbooks in the Company’s Coming series that Paré authored.

Paré’s easy-to-follow recipes using readily available ingredients led to sales of more than 30 million Company’s Coming cookbooks before her retirement in 2010. As one of the top-selling cookbook authors in the world, Paré’s name appears on more than 200 cookbooks.

“Over the years I received letters from many people who learned how to cook through these books. The youngest one who wrote was six years old and the oldest was 94. When I wrote Cooking for Two, there happened to be a Vermilion boy who was heading off to university and his mother gave him that book. He wrote me a letter telling me about how he enjoyed the book but that the odd recipe only served one,” she said, with a laugh.

Paré’s culinary passion led her to amass more than 6,000 cookbooks – an impressive collection that she donated to the Culinary Collections at the University of Guelph in 2011. In 2003, Paré was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee Medal, and in 2004 she was made a Member of the Order of Canada.

Photos: Board of Governors Chair Darrel Howell and President Alice Wainwright-Stewart presented Jean Paré with an honorary degree during the Vermilion campus morning convocation ceremony on June 3.