Lakeland College will shine a light on its students and their bright futures during the seventh annual President's Gala on April 4.

Building on the success of last year's gala, which raised much-needed funds for the college's Support Our Students (SOS) Enhanced Bursary, proceeds from the 2019 President's Gala will once again go to this bursary fund to help Lakeland students access financial aid and realize their dreams.

“Financial challenges are the greatest obstacle faced by students, which is why I am so grateful to have our community's continued support for this transformative fundraising event,” says Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College.

One-in-six students who are accepted to Lakeland do not attend or withdraw because of financial need. In the most recent SOS Enhanced Bursary application process, Lakeland received 126 applications for financial help. Of these applications, the bursary fund was only able to support 25 students.

“I've seen firsthand the difference that bursaries make in the lives of students - it helps to keep them at Lakeland and allows them to benefit from our leadership opportunities and student-managed experiences, which assists them to become job-ready,” says Wainwright-Stewart.

Friends of the college, industry leaders and members of the community will unite at the President's Gala for an evening of fine-dining and live music by Juno award-winning artist Charlie Major, presented by Stingray. A Canadian music legend, Major has sold nearly half a million records in Canada alone and won three Juno Awards and seven Canadian Country Music Association awards.

Last year the gala raised over $72,000 for the SOS Enhanced Bursary.

To purchase tickets for the 2019 President's Gala, please contact event services at 780 871 5458 or visit EventBrite.ca and search President's Gala.