Tickets for the seventh annual President's Gala are 50 per cent sold.

On April 4, members of the community, industry leaders and friends of the college will enjoy an intimate evening together in support of Lakeland students.

“We are grateful for the community's support and look forward to sharing how instrumental they are in the lives of students and their success,” says Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College. 

Emceeing the 2019 President's Gala are students Quinn Hlus and Tucker Cochrane. They are both excited to illuminate their Lakeland experience with gala patrons.

“Events like this give Lakeland the opportunity to put the spotlight on students like myself and celebrate education as well as student success,” says Hlus, a bachelor of applied science: environmental management student. In 2018, Hlus graduated from Lakeland's environmental sciences diploma program with a major in environmental conservation and reclamation. Her connection with Lakeland is a family affair, as her two siblings and parents also attended Lakeland.

“I am proud to call Lakeland home. It's where my parents met and it brought my family together,” says Hlus. “Lakeland has a great reputation - it's known for its hands-on learning, small class sizes and strong sense of community. These are all values that I think a lot people can relate to.” 

Hlus' Lakeland experience beyond the classroom includes serving as the vice president of finance with the Vermilion Campus Students' Association and director of the Student Executive Council, competing with the Rodeo Team, sitting on numerous academic councils and volunteering as a student ambassador.

For Cochrane, a bachelor of commerce student and Class of 2017 business administration accounting diploma graduate, he's eager to thank Lakeland's donors and supporters for helping students like him reach their full potential. “With their support, Lakeland is putting us on the path to becoming future leaders. Though my time at Lakeland is coming to an end, I cannot thank them enough for the outstanding work they've done to ensure my future will blossom.”

The 2019 President's Gala will feature an acoustic performance from Juno award-winning artist Charlie Major, presented by Stingray. The event also includes a luxury raffle with three prizes available: a WestJet flight package for two; a 14kt two-tone bracelet featuring 1.24 ct. worth of diamonds; and a Palliser home theatre seating package. A four-course meal and silent auction are also part of the celebration.

Lakeland's premier fundraising event will continue to break down barriers for students; proceeds from the gala will help grow Lakeland's Support our Students (SOS) Enhanced Bursary Fund. To purchase tickets, please contact Event Services at 780 871 5458.

Photos: Lakeland students Quinn Hlus (top) and Tucker Cochrane (bottom) are looking forward to emceeing the 2019 President's Gala.