Lakeland College hosted three convocation ceremonies to celebrate members of the graduating Class of 2024.
"Convocation is a time to recognize not only the hard work of our students but also the support and dedication of their families, friends, and faculty," said Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College. "Our graduates have shown remarkable resilience and commitment, and we are extremely proud of their achievements. We are confident they are well-prepared to embrace the future and make meaningful contributions to their communities."
The 2024 Convocation celebrations marked a significant milestone for many students, faculty, and community members at Lloydminster and Vermilion campuses. Held on May 31 and June 7, these ceremonies celebrated the perseverance and excellence of the graduates.
On May 31, at the Lloydminster campus ceremony, approximately 150 graduates from business, energy, foundational learning, university transfer and health and wellness were recognized. In two ceremonies held in Vermilion on June 7, approximately 425 graduates were recognized. Graduates from human services, environmental sciences, fire and emergency services, and trades and technology were celebrated in a morning ceremony, with agricultural sciences students receiving their parchments in the afternoon. Including those who could not make the ceremonies, 991 graduates joined the Lakeland College alumni family!
Graduates from other programs, including fire and emergency services, foundational learning, apprenticeship and more, are celebrated at other ceremonies throughout the year.
Student awards
Sarah Hogue from Dauphin, Man., received an associate diploma in university transfer and the Lloydminster campus President's Medal in recognition of her excellence in academics and leadership. She is moving on to complete her degree at the University of Calgary. Kyla Krahn from Mather, Man., graduated from agribusiness and received the Vermilion campus President's Medal.
Each year, the student from each campus with the highest grade point average is awarded the Governor General's Medal. This year, the Lloydminster campus recipient was Mariel Kate Macaya from Quezon City, Philippines, who graduated with a business administration diploma in general business. On Vermilion campus, the recipient was Madeleine Hayes from Edmonton, Alta., who graduated with a child and youth care counsellor diploma.
Distinguished guests
The Distinguished Citizen for 2024 was Leona Carter, who received an honorary applied business degree at the Lloydminster convocation in recognition of her contributions on a local, provincial and national level. Carter is a Cree woman from the Onion Lake Cree Nation who filled many roles in all levels of government and various non-profits, working to make communities more welcoming to Indigenous people. She is passionate about influencing systemic change in institutions to create welcoming and inclusive environments.
Rodeo star Scott Guenthner, Class of 2011, was recognized as the Distinguished Alumnus for 2024 at the afternoon ceremony in Vermilion. The cow-calf producer from Provost, Alta., has achieved many accolades in his rodeo career, including competing at the National Finals Rodeo four times, being named CPRA Cowboy of the Year in 2022, CPRA Steer Wrestling Champion in 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023, and 2023 Calgary Stampede Steer Wrestling Champion.
