Lethbridge College grads, supporters named to women’s economic security councils
Thirty-two Indigenous leaders with diverse backgrounds - including four with ties to Lethbridge College – make up the newly appointed First Nations women’s economic security councils. The council provides advice and recommendations to the Government of Alberta on how to improve economic security for Indigenous women and communities. “These appointees are all exceptional women making a real difference in their own communities,” said Richard Feehan, Minister of Indigenous Relations. “The connections they will make in coming months will lead to innovations and ideas that make a difference for our entire province.” Among those named to the council are:
- Tanya Eagle Speaker (Fashion Design and Merchandising 1998): Tanya is a business entrepreneur who owns and manages the Eagle Spirit Embroidery and Gift Shop. A devoted volunteer in the Kainai community, she has served with the Kainai community kitchen, the Kainai Powwow Committee and the Blood Tribe Youth Pow -Wow Club.
- Beverly Hungry Wolf (Honorary Bachelor of Applied Arts degree 2011): Beverly, a member of the Kainai nation, is an accomplished educator who has taught across western Canada and the United States. She is a chair of the Elder’s Environmental Advisory Committee and also speaks at schools on-reserve.
- Treena Tallow (General Studies 2003): Treena, a member of the Kainai Nation, is an advisor of Aboriginal addiction and mental health for the Aboriginal Health Program in Alberta Health Services. She is also an applied suicide intervention skills training assistant trainer.
- Tanya Pace Crosschild (past member of the Pita Pawani Learning Society at the college): Tanya is the chief executive officer of Opokaa’sin Early Intervention Society, an Indigenous children’s charity in southern Alberta. A member of Kainai Nation, Tanya is a champion of children’s rights and an advocate for Indigenous issues.
College grads recognized as some of chamber’s Top 40 under 40
Lethbridge College graduates continue to populate the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce’s list of the Top 40 under 40. Receiving recognition the last four months were:
- Chris Broughton (Business Administration 2007) was recognized for excellence in human resources and his dedication to help others within his field. Chris is the manager of human resources and safety manager at Alberta at Meridian Manufacturing Inc., a manufacturing company specializing in storage and handling products to serve the agricultural, industrial and oil and gas industries.
- David Cocks (Engineering Design and Drafting Technologies 2001) was recognized for excellence in his profession and work within our community. He is one of three principal architects at FWBA Architects, the oldest continuing architectural practice in Western Canada. David is set apart by his passion for his profession that allows him to engage with the public and create spaces and environments that have a lasting impact on our community for people to enjoy.
- Jess Fehr (General Studies 2005) was recognized for her dedication to arts, culture and athletics in the community. Jess Fehr is the fund development coordinator for the Southern Alberta Art Gallery, a not-for-profit contemporary art gallery located in the heart of downtown Lethbridge. During her four years at SAAG, Jess has excelled in numerous positions, including volunteer manager and events and facility coordinator, before taking on her current role in fund development.
- Matt Gillin (Business Administration – Marketing 2012) was recognized for his grassroots entrepreneurial success and continued growth. Matt is the owner of Candie Co Clothing, a clothing brand based in Lethbridge. In nine years, Matt has grown Candie Co from selling t-shirts out of his locker as a 16-year-old high school student, to a marketing and merchandising company operating out of a 1,200-square-foot office space in a vibrant area of Lethbridge.
- Shelly Kanyo (Interior Design Technology 2007) was recognized for excellence in the design profession and for her dedication to getting involved in the Lethbridge community. She is the founder and designer of Shelly Kanyo Studio that has held The Lethbridge Fashion Weekend (LFW) annually since 2007. Her event features the work of local designers, models, hair and make-up artists, photographers, DJ's, artists, stylish new venues and local businesses.
- Jenelle Wensley (Multimedia Production2010) was recognized for her award-winning work and entrepreneurial spirit. Jenelle is the owner of IdealFilmCreations, a video production company that works with clients of all sizes whether they are hoping to promote their business or remember their wedding. She believes that her passion for her craft, combined with dedication to ensure her clients satisfaction, sets her apart from others in her field.
Criminal Justice alumni receive commendations from Lethbridge Police Service
Three Lethbridge College alumni have received commendations from Lethbridge Police Service in recent months. In November, Const. Marco Pagliericci (Criminal Justice 1999) was recognized for saving the life of a person who was overdosing on fentanyl. “In the end, all I was doing is my job,” he said in an article in the Lethbridge Herald. “Any one of us, any of my colleagues, would have done the same.” In January, Const. David Warner (Criminal Justice 2003) and a colleague were responding to a call about someone breaking into a vehicle and ended up saving the life of a person who had overdosed on drugs. “These two officers, without a doubt, saved the man’s life,” said LPS Chief Rob Davis in the Lethbridge Herald. “If they had not been there to administer CPR, the man would have passed on.” Warner also added that he and his colleague did what any officer would do in that situation. And in February, Const. Denton Michelson (Criminal Justice – Policing 2001) was recognized for going above and beyond to help a young woman who was taken to hospital as a result of acute mental health issues. The family of the girl wrote to the police to thank them, saying: " If it wasn't for Constable Michelson going above and beyond doing his job, showing compassion and understanding, recognizing that this was a girl in extreme distress, the whole outcome could have been an absolute nightmare. I will never forget this officer for all he did for my daughter."
**
2016
Hope Grier-Stewart
General Studies
Hope sent this update to the alumni office: “I graduated the college in April 2016 with 20 transferrable courses to the University of Calgary. I started school at the University of Calgary in September 2016 and I miss the college! I will be graduating again in 2019, hopefully with my Bachelors in Social Work! #kodiakforlife!”
2016
Stephanie Ho
Practical Nursing
Stephanie is currently working as a nurse in general surgery
2015
Tasheena Black Kettle
Criminal Justice - Policing
Tasheena is living in Lethbridge and has continued in the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Justice Studies program at Lethbridge College.
2015
Kerri Cowie
Parts Technician
“I received my Journeyman Parts Technician after completing my studies at the college,” Kerri told the alumni office. “I was working at Cervus Equipment on contract as a parts technician when I got offered the position of warranty administrator at Dunlop Western Star. Even though I'm not working as a parts person any longer, I love my job at Dunlop Western Star and work with a great bunch of people.”
2015
Rachel Crow Spreading Wings
Communication Arts
Rachel started reporting for KFBB (ABC Fox Montana) in Great Falls in April 2016. She grew up in Basin, Montana, and said she was happy to reporting in her home state and looking forward to being part of the community and showing her boys what being a Montanan is all about.
2015
Tayler Desabrais-Kunz
Exercise Science
Tayler is majoring in human kinetics in the Kinesiology faculty at the University of Regina.
2015
Bertel Fieret
Multimedia Production
Bertel told the alumni office: "Since I graduated, I started my own company, BF Multimedia (bfmultimedia.com). After working as a freelancer for a few months, I received an offer from Nerds on Site, an international tech company, to join them and help out their development team. I joined on with them, and within a month became a project manager. Now, I handle all website projects on an international scale, and have a team of developers working for me."
2015
Kevin Hong
Business Administration - Marketing
Kevin wrote: “I am currently engaged to one of my college classmates who graduated at the same time as me. I work for a great company that takes care of the students’ healthcare benefits and I also help overlook other post-secondary schools in southern Alberta. Lethbridge College is one of them.”
2015
Karen Kultgen
Justice Studies
Karen sent in this update to the alumni office: “I first started working at Prince Albert Youth Residence (a centre for sentenced and remanded youth), and I then started working in the community in April 2016 as a community youth worker. Since graduating from Lethbridge College, I have worked at a youth facility for both sentenced and remanded youth. After I was able to gain a job in the community as a probation officer/community youth worker. Here I work with both adult and youth clients.”
2014
Francesca Adams
Business Administration - Marketing
“I am working in property, which is something I've always been passionate about!” Francesca wrote. “Without my program in Marketing and transfer to Robert Gordon University in Scotland, this wouldn't have been possible!”
2014
Carrie Stevenson
Engineering Design and Drafting Technology
Carrie applied to work at Brown Okamura and Associates Ltd. the summer after she graduated and has been working there ever since. She says the courses in her program prepared her well for the work, and she loves her job.
2013
Cheryl Hiebert
Practical Nursing
Cheryl says she is keeping busy working and waiting for her oldest son to graduate from the Correctional Studies program at the college in April.
2013
Amy McNeill
Massage Therapy
Amy told the Alumni office that she has been getting more active and is preparing for her first half marathon in August. She added that she is also looking at continuing her education in the medical field and considering becoming a unit clerk.
2013
Eva Peters
Fashion Design
Eva let the Alumni office know she is starting her own business as a pattern maker.
2013
Celesta Snyder
Practical Nursing
Celesta says she is living in Medicine Hat doing missions with her church and working at the hospital.
2012
Edgardo Leyton
Criminal Justice - Policing
Edgardo works as a peace officer at Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge.
2011
Tess Bridges
Communication Arts - Advertising and Public Relations
Tess sent this update into the Alumni office: “After I finished my program, I went and worked as a receptionist/promotions coordinator at Rock 106.7/The River 107.7 in Lethbridge. I did that for about two years. I then wanted a career change and went back to school and became a health care aide. I have been a HCA for almost three years and I love my job. I may not be working in the field I went to Lethbridge College for, but Lethbridge College was the start of discovering my passion for helping people.”
2011
Jennifer Waite
Practical Nursing
Jennifer told the Alumni office that she has gotten married, started a family and is working in a job she loves. She is also looking to possible further my education in the future.
2010
Jesse Couture
Exercise Science
Jesse write: “I am still in school! After I graduated from Lethbridge College in 2010, I crossed the river to the U of L to complete a BA in Social Sciences and a MA in Kinesiology. I am currently in the first year of a doctoral program at UBC (Kinesiology).”
2010
Roderick Freeman
Correctional Studies
Roderick told the Alumni office that after graduation, he started working for the Government of Alberta as a child and youth care worker at Sifton, and then as an outreach worker for Child and Family Services. After five years, he returned to northern Alberta to his current role as Director of CSD services for Child and Family Services.
2010
Breanna Gibson
Criminal Justice - Policing
Breanna has worked at the Prince Albert Correctional Centre for six years. She says she loves her job and the opportunities she has every day, and that no day is ever the same.
2010
Megan Turnbull
Office Administration
Megan wrote: “I moved back to Swift Current, Sask., after I graduation. I have been working with Nimegeers Carlson Law Firm since June 2010 and enjoy that area of work. I am very grateful for the courses I was enrolled in at Lethbridge College and I believe that without the knowledge and skills I learned at college, I would not be where I am today.”
2009
Maegan Britton
Renewable Resource Management
After graduating, Maegan worked for several years as an environmental consultant in the oil and gas industry. She says she now is enjoying her new role as the northeast regional manager for the Saskatchewan Pastures Program.
2009
Avery Myers
Unit Clerk Training
Avery is working in administration at the Community Health office in Lethbridge. She adds that she has moved to 3.5 acreage near Vauxhall, Alta., and is recently widowed and “just trying to figure out a ‘new’ me!”
2009
Erik Nickolson
Criminal Justice - Policing
Erik worked as a peace office in Morinville from 2011 to 2013, and has worked as a peace officer at Westlock County from 2013 to the present.
2006
Kimberly Big Swan Dashper
Correctional Studies
Kimberly sent the Alumni office this update: “I completed my applied degree with Correctional Studies while working as an intern with Alberta Government - Alberta Works Fraud Department in 2005, which then turned into one-year project as Aboriginal Employment Counsellor in 2006. From there, I became the fulltime support and financial services coordinator and now am a career employment consultant. I have been with the Alberta Government for 11 years now - almost 12. I do still remember my time at Lethbridge College with all the instructors who supported me while I was completing my program such as Ian Hepher, Barb Mantello, Earl Neillson and Hugh Richards. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. I still remember fondly how passionate they were about Criminal Justice and how open and easy they were to speak with and help with my assignments. I do commend the instructors at Lethbridge College as they help many students go on to their career goals as I continue to aid and carry on what I have learned.”
2006
Jamie Pfau
Criminal Justice - Policing
Jamie wrote: “I just can't believe it has been over 10 years since I graduated from the Criminal Justice - Policing program. Although I am not a police officer, I feel the skills and knowledge I learned while in the program are useful in my daily life as a treatment foster parent. While in college, in the first class of my first year, I met Kevin Pfau. We were good friends for the first year, and then started dating our second year. I am very happy to say that we have been together now for over 11 years, and married for seven. We moved to Winnipeg after college to start a life together, and for the last five years, we thoroughly enjoy raising our four children, none of whom are biologically ours, but very much have our hearts. About a month ago, I graduated with my honours degree in Psychology. It was a challenge to raise kids while being in school, but Kevin was such an amazing support. I am happy to report that Kevin is now back in school, getting his Social Work degree. I can say that we often reminisce about Lethbridge College and the instructors, staff, and amazing Criminal Justice program. It certainly shaped us, instilled a strong work ethic and helped shape our values and morals. Not to mention, the physical education program was a jump start for me to lose and keep off over 80 pounds. If not for this program, we never would have met or became the people we are today. I am eager to tell my friends and loved ones about the experiences I had in college, and encourage all to attend!”
2003 and 2006
Christina Ribling
Nursing and Perioperative Nursing
Christina told the alumni office she has worked in a variety of positions and places as an RN after graduating until 2015, when she decided to switch careers and start working with horses, which she said had always been a passion in her life. She said she may consider a return to nursing at some point down the road to help prepare for retirement, but “at this point in my life I am happy to do what I do.”
2006
Desiree Unvoas
Desiree has returned to post-secondary and is studying engineering technology in Saskatchewan. She plans to return to Alberta in 2018.
2005
Heather Adams
General Studies
After graduation, Heather says she attended school for dental hygiene and is still working in the field. She worked as a hygienist in her hometown for six years before moving north to be with her husband.
2005
Michael Matejka
Civil Engineering Technology
Michael works managing the capital works program, asset management and special project delivery for the City of Cranbrook's Department of Infrastructure Planning and Delivery. He is also the executive vice president of JCI Canada, which is part of the largest worldwide network of young active citizens.
2005
Tahlon Sweenie
Professional Golf Management
Tahlon, the head golf professional at the Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club, has been nominated to the 2017 PGA of Alberta Board of Directors. Tahlon started playing golf at the age of 11 in what was one of the best junior programs in the province at that time. At the age of 17, he received a sponsored membership at the Edmonton Petroleum Golf and Country Club where he worked at the following season and decided that he wanted to pursue a career in golf. During his 17 years in the golf industry, he has gained in-depth knowledge and progressive experience in all areas of golf operations.
2005
Tammy Thomsen
Business Administration
The Alumni office received this update from Tammy: “Since graduating Lethbridge College, I have had many rewarding positions in the Lethbridge area. My human resources career has evolved by working as a professional recruiter at Select Recruiting and a manager for Teamworks Training Institute. I have now settled with Alberta Health Services as a human resources advisor serving the southwest zone for many clinical support services. Additionally, I had owned and operated a successful photography business (wedding and portrait) for seven years. In order to have balance with my busy family, I have just recently retired the business. I had also sat on the board of directors for the Canadian Home Builders Association for a couple years during my time with Teamworks Training Institute. The skills and education that I had received from Lethbridge College served as a spring board into my career.”
2004
Matthew Lepp
Communication Arts - Broadcast Journalism
After completing broadcast journalism, I went to Vancouver Film School. When I returned I started work on the Heartland television series and I've been there for nine years. I started as producer's assistant and am now the interactive producer for the series. I'm also an independent producer and I'll be producing my first feature film, Ice Blue, this spring for a fall 2017 release.
2003
Samantha Scott
Agricultural Technology - Plant and Soil Science
Samantha attained her Chartered Insurance Professional designation working in the insurance industry since 2005 on areas ranging from brokerage to restoration work to adjusting. She has also attained my HAAG engineering roof inspector certification. Samantha is married, has three children and lives in Coaldale.
2002
Faye Geddes
General Studies
Faye studied history at the University of Lethbridge after graduating from the college and in the summer of 2003, she accepted the position of library manager at the Raymond Public Library and has been there ever since. She says: “It is my dream job. I love that I can promote literacy to my community and help educate people one-on-one. I continue to train and educate myself so that I can be an effective library manager. I have also been a session leader at a number of sessions for the Southern Alberta Library Conference and conducted workshops at various southern Alberta communities other than my own.”
2001
Karen Bergen
Nursing
Since graduation, Karen has worked as a Registered Nurse in various areas and has received additional certification in geriatrics and palliative care. Three years ago, she also opened up a bike shop - Brok'N Spoke Bike Shoppe in Fort Macleod. She wrote: “I fell in love with biking after taking a cycling tour in Nova Scotia four years ago. This year I sold my bike shop to Alpenland (in Blairmore). I love nursing!! And enjoy continual education through various courses.”
2001
Tammy Cultrera
Criminal Justice
Tammy told the Alumni office that worked for 12 years in correctional sentence administration before becoming a stay-at-home-mom.
2001
Kenneth Johnson
NESA
Kenneth told the Alumni office that he is working at Lethbridge College Health Services and attending Lethbridge College for business diploma.
2000
Raye Pinder
Early Childhood Education
Raye wrote: After being a daycare operator in home for 27 yrs., my husband and I built a 50 space childcare on our property which I ran for nine years after I completed my ECE diploma. At the peak of our operation, I had six staff and a wonderful program of which we were very proud. I have since retired and the childcare has been converted into a 3400+ sq. ft. home which is now part of a subdivision that we are presently developing. We hope to build a new home on our 20 acre farm and live out the rest of our lives there. It is a slow, stressful process trying to reach that goal but we are getting there.”
2000
Dustin Wells
Renewable Resource Management
Dustin has been working at one of Suncor's plant sites for eight years. He says he works seven days on, seven days off, which allows him to live in Brandon, Man., where he grew up. Dustin wrote: “I also attended Brandon University and graduated with a three year science degree. I have a lovely wife, Hollie, and two children who are 12- and 14-years-old. My son, Reid, is my oldest and is on the AAA Minor Bantam Brandon Wheat Kings. That leaves my daughter, Lilianna, who plays the piano and heavily involved in gymnastics.”
1999
Jobina Antochow-Piekema
Information Specialist (Administrative Assistant)
Jobina told the Alumni office that she is currently a stay-at-home-mom to 4-year-old identical twins boys. She says she is looking forward to getting back to work once they are in school fulltime.
1998
Andrew Brown
Electronics Technician
Andrew works in Manning, Alta., as a technician for JoDotCom.
1998
Laura Ford
Fashion Design and Merchandising
Laura reported that she has been married to her RA from the college for 17 years. They have two boys and one dog and are living in Castlegar, B.C. She works as a fashion blogger for my own blog Kootenay Look Book. Laura had her own custom clothing and alterations business for 15 years and now concentrates on promotion fashion and style in the Kootenay region of B.C.
1998
Jean Old Shoes
Criminal Justice - Policing
Jean sent the Alumni office this update: “I moved to Spokane, Wash., and worked for the Kalispel Tribe of Indians at their four diamond resort and casino, the Northern Quest Casino. I was a black jack dealer, tribal inspector and security ambassador. I was employed with this amazing establishment for 13 years. I moved back to southern Alberta to take on the responsibility of being a caregiver for my elderly mother which was a promise I made to my mother years ago. I've been married for 14 years and have two wonderful children. My daughter is 11-years-old and my son is 3-years-old. I am truly blessed. I am a full-blooded Native American and my tribe is Kainai/Blackfoot.”
1998
Michael Pierard
Engineering Design and Drafting Technology
Michael told the Alumni office he has been working in the oil, gas and chemical industry since graduation.
1997
Darren Duperrier
Environmental Science
After completing the two year watershed management program at the college, Darren continued his education at the University of Lethbridge and earned a post-diploma BSc. in Environmental Science. He spent 14 years working for environmental consulting companies, obtained his professional agrologist designation (PAg) and was hired at Pengrowth in 2014 as the environmental advisor for all of northern Alberta and northeast British Columbia operations.
1997
Kenneth Pohl
Manufacturing Process Technology
Kenneth worked for 15 years as a quality assurance manager before retiring.
1996
Christopher Beckner
Business Administration
Christopher wrote: “I own my own company called Beckner Flooring. I do professional installations of flooring and tiling. My father, Clifford Beckner, used to work at the college before his tragic death. There used to be a scholarship in his name for the Electronics program.
1996
Andrew Schuchardt
Communication Arts - Print Journalism
Andrew sent the Alumni office this update: “I have been up to a lot since '96. Worked in my industry for five-years at the Lethbridge Herald, then had my own graphic design business and was an instructional assistant at the college for a couple of years as well. Finally moved on and got into IT recruitment where I have been for the last 14-years or so.”
1995
Shane Peterson
Business Administration
Shane earned a Bachelor of Science Degree with a minor in Psychology from the University of Calgary and have been living there since 1996. He recently completed the Occupational Health and Safety Certificate program through the University of Alberta and has worked as a child and youth care counselor, a return to work specialist with CP Rail and other positions before working with Suncor Energy.
1995
Pamela Shearer
Rehabilitation Services
Pam wrote: “I worked as a special needs assistant for Palliser School Division and Lethbridge School District #51 for eight years. I then became the owner and teacher of the very successful and privately owned Kids and Kapers Preschool here in Lethbridge for 11 years. I recently closed my business and returned to School District #51 to open it Early Learning program at École Agnes Davidson School and teach the pre-K program there. Over the course of my 21 year career, I have had the pleasure of working with over 100 special needs students and have taught over 1,000 preschool students. It is the best job giving these students their best start in the world of education!”
1994
Bradley Egeland
Business Administration
Bradley is a majority owner and principal of a large, successful, western Canadian based company. He says his time at the college prepared him well for life in the business world and gave him the fundamental understanding as to how a business runs and the basics in how to market a company and the products being sold.
1994
Billy Lu
Engineering Design and Drafting Technology
Billy told the Alumni office that after graduation, he moved to Calgary to design top drives with Tesco from 1996 to 2003. Since then, he worked for a variety of companies before June 2015, when he was hired at Saxon Drilling Services (now Schlumberger) and transferred to Houston, where he works now.
1994
Gary Milton
Environmental Science
Gary wrote: “I have been an environmental consultant since graduation and have worked on impacted sites all over western Canada and the Northwest Territories. I started as a technologist and have work my way to a point that I am now a project manager and the Suncor PM managing all our Suncor projects. We also do work for other major oil companies, provincial utility companies and government agencies.”
1994
Bradley Murphy
Engineering Design and Drafting Technology
Bradley had his own drafting business for 20 years and is currently retired.
1993
Lee Illes
Early Childhood Education
Lee says: “I was the first employee to run the Parent Preschool Program through Lethbridge College. I worked for Lethbridge School District 51 for 11 years in my profession. I have been an administrative assistant since 2009. I have three children and one grandson.”
1992
Leanne Kerik
Communication Arts
Leanne sent the Alumni office this update: “I'm currently living in Sundre with my husband and two teenage girls. I am working at a job I love where I get to work with children and help them to be their best selves. My focus was advertising and public relations, so while I'm not in my field, I'm certainly using my PR skills. My daughter is now hoping to go to Lethbridge College for nursing.
1992
Lidia Pater
Business Administration
Lidia wrote: “I live in Lethbridge, and I am very thankful to live in Canada. In 1986, I escaped from communist Romania with the help of my ex-husband. We arrived in Lethbridge and I went to college, first for ESL, then for the Business Administration program. I published a book in 2012 about my escape and my reconciliation to my husband after 14 years. The title of my book is Praying for My Next. It is sold on Amazon or any book store.”
1991
Antonetta Gfrerer
Information Specialist
Antonetta has worked in a variety of jobs in the Crowsnest Pass, most recently as the Learning Commons facilitator/admin assistant at Crowsnest Consolidated High School.
1991
Georgina Josefsson
Law Enforcement
Georgina is working as a full-time school resource officer in Kelowna, B.C.
1991
Jesse Kurtz
Occasional Credit
Jesse, who also attended Lethbridge College for one semester in the fall of 1975, retired in June after 39 years with Lethbridge Fire.
1990
Renee Grove
Recreation and Leisure Services
After graduation, Renee went back to school for education and worked as a teacher for a number of years. She now works as a flight attendant.
1990
Tracy Poynton
Secretarial Science
Tracy works as a cashier at the Medicine Hat Walmart Super Centre and has three grown children.
1990
Lori Spence
Nursing
Lori has been working in critical care nursing since graduation and is now working as a staff nurse. She has worked in emergency and intensive care, has done flight nursing, and has been an instructor, educator and unit manager.
1990
Gail Vandebeek
Child and Youth Care
Gail sent the Alumni office this update: “I worked for McMan and Lethbridge School District for 18 years. I went on to do adult career counselling with a focus on career development. Now I am currently self-employed and a faculty supervisor for the child and youth care program. I am training and traveling the province.”
1989
Dawna Cerney
Engineering Design and Drafting Technology
Dawna is an associate professor and former department chair at Youngstown State University and is the co-editor of the Papers in Applied Geography. She teaches primarily Environmental Geography and Field methods courses and her research includes evaluation landscape level change as a function of natural hazards, climate change and human activities. The majority my research focuses on Waterton Lakes, although she has done research across North America.
1988
Trinity Davies
Communication Arts - Print Journalism
Trinity updated the Alumni office with this news: “I've always been connected with my program since graduation. After graduation, I worked up north as a reporter/photographer and advertising manager for the Smokey River Express; as a production assistant, writer and magazine editor for Lethbridge Magazine; as a sales rep for the Lethbridge Herald for 10 years; and now as a sales rep for two of our local radio stations for 14 years.”
1988
Rose Ginther
Business Administration - General Business
Rose is a volunteer basketball coach at the school where her 13- and 15-year-old girls attend. She also volunteers with many athletics initiatives, the band booster club at the school, and the youth group at her church. She enjoys camping, travelling and spending time with her family.
1988
Karen Kalau
Secretarial Science
Karen wrote: “Doing well here in Lethbridge, have a house and a dog. I enjoy gardening, walking, going to the gym. I have traveled some and would like to travel some more. Loving life and living the dream.”
1988
Nicolette Murray
Nursing
Nicolette lives near Picture Butte with my husband of 28 years. Having raised five boys, they continue to run their fourth-generation farm and three other businesses together. She says: “Life is busy but happy.”
1987
Dorothy Dack
Nursing
Dorothy worked in hospitals, home care and long-term care until retirement at 70 years of age.
1987
Cindy Green
Early Childhood Education
Cindy told the Alumni office she worked in daycares for about 10 years and then spent three months in the South Pacific, Fiji, New Zealand and Australia in 1991. When she returned, she started working at Alberta Hospital in 1996 as psychiatric nurse’s aide, married and had three daughters ages 15, 11, and 9. Cindy moved to Newfoundland in 2001.
1987
Debbie Johnson
Professional Cooking
After graduation, Debbie worked in restaurants for a few years and then went to McGill University where she earned a B.Ed. degree. She has been teaching cooking for 22 years now and during that time, she earned a diploma in pastries and desserts and then went back to McGill where she received a Master’s degree in education. She says it’s “been a busy career, and loving it!”
1987
Edward Travaglia
Law Enforcement
Edward lives in Magrath with his wife of 26 years, Roxy. He works at ConocoPhillips Canada at Surmont Operations 65 kilometres south of Fort McMurray, working a 14-day-on, 14-day-off rotational schedule. He and Roxy have three grown children: Ally, Ciana, and Nick.
1986
Patricia Lund
Law Enforcement
Patricia has spent the last 29 years working at the University of Saskatchewan.
1986
Kevin Rothwell
Communication Arts - Broadcast Production
Following a 25-year career in radio, television and online in Lethbridge, Calgary, Canmore, Kelowna, Vernon, Vancouver, London, England, Kevin started his own entertainment and auctioneer firm.
1986
Clark Spencer
Engineering Design and Drafting Technology
Clark told the Alumni office that throughout his design career, he have had the pleasure of doing some “pretty cool stuff” ranging from G8 summit aircraft parking to agricultural research and development to Suncor interchange design to mine drainage, dam raising, a thermal coal mine and hauling road design and storm drainage basins. He works with people new to the business and enjoys seeing projects he has been involved in all over Canada and the United States very satisfying. He says: “I owe all of that to my better half for providing us the flexibility to go where those experiencing needed us. Ironically I met her at the college 30 years ago.”
1986
Carmen Trockstad
Business Administration
Carmen told the Alumni office: “I, along with my husband, was busy raising three children for many years. Since 1998, I have been office manager/bookkeeper for my husband's plumbing company, Trockstad Plumbing, Heating and Gasfitting. In 2001, I also took the Microsoft Office Suite course that was offered through the college. It was a very helpful course for me. I have also a few other office jobs along the way. I am currently working at Charlton and Hill as a business unit co-ordinator for their roofing division - just started. I'm thinking this is my final job until retirement. Wherever I have worked, I always take with me my knowledge from the time I spent at Lethbridge College. I think a post-secondary education is very important. All three of our children have done some sort of post-secondary with their lives. Our oldest son is a journeyman electrician and took all of his apprenticeship schooling at Lethbridge College. His twin sister is a Unit Clerk at Foothills Hospitals and took her schooling at Grande Prairie College (started in Lethbridge). Our youngest son, however, decided to go the University of Lethbridge route and is still looking for work in his field of study (New Media). If anyone asks, I tell them always check out the college first because there are so many wonderful options there.”
1985
Barbara Anderson
Recreation Management
Barbara sent this update into the Alumni office: “I currently live in Sparwood, B.C., and have been here since 1990. I was working in the therapeutic recreation field up to 2008 and decided on a career change to Teck Resources, working at Elkview Operations in Sparwood as a maintenance planner which I really enjoy. I have two adult sons who are living in Alberta, one in Calgary working for Enmax and one in Lethbridge working for an electrical company. I have been involved in hockey both at the minor level and the junior level since 1994 and I am currently the president of the local junior hockey club, The Fernie Ghostriders. In 2005, I was honored to receive the RBC Leadership Award for British Columbia, which brought a gift of $10,000 back to our local minor hockey association. All of the money was used to purchase new jerseys for all players as we had just merged two associations and wanted all of our players wearing the new logo. Both of my sons went through the minor hockey system, later playing for the Fernie Ghostriders and I have continued on since they have grown up. Many great rewards working with the players every year! I also enjoy many sports, and I am curling, playing pickle ball, golfing and slo-pitch as well enjoying the arts and culture of our area!”
1984
Karen Duncan
Nursing
After graduation, Karen “was coerced into doing clinical teaching” for a semester in 1986. She continued to teach clinical classes until 2007 and says she still misses “her babies” – both the newborns and her students.
1983
Peggy Carey
Recreation Management
Peggy worked at Lethbridge YMCA and the Fort Macleod Recreation Department. She got married, moved to Stavely and coached junior high basketball and a fastball team. Her son, Ryan, graduated from Lethbridge College in 2011 and is working as a journeyman carpenter. Her daughter, Jamie, graduated from the college in 2013 in Ag.Tech and is working as a crop consultant for Alltech. Her son, Blake, also graduated from the college in 2013 from the wind turbine technician program and is in Settlers working for Vestas.
1983
Tammy Kaleta
Fish and Wildlife Technology
Tammy sent the Alumni office this update: “I was employed in my field for about 18 years. After having children, I started a secondary income making signs in 1986. After getting laid off of the government in 1998 I've been designing and making signs and promotional items since full time. I volunteer in my field as the chair for the Lesser Slave Watershed Council and have chaired the local Ducks Unlimited committee for 25 years. Loving life! Lethbridge was an awesome start!”
1983
Cheryl Kallenberger
Law Enforcement
After graduation, Cheryl spent two summers working as a park ranger. In 1985, she went into corrections in Grande Cache for one year then transferred to Medicine Hat. After two years at Medicine Hat Remand, she transferred into what is now called the Alberta Sheriffs branch and spent the next 27 years working out of the courthouse in Medicine Hat. “I had a terrific career with the sheriffs but due to a workplace injury was transferred to probation. I can retire this year but am undecided at this time when I will go. I have fond memories of my time at Lethbridge College and have crossed paths professionally with many of my classmates over the past 33 years,” she told the Alumni office.
1983
Shelley Mcewen
Communication Arts
Shelley told the Alumni office: “When I graduated, I worked for 3.5 years at two smaller newspapers (a weekly and a bi weekly) as a reporter. I then moved to Regina to be a writer in the legislative building for the premier of that day. Following that, I worked for a cabinet minister before going to work in communications at the department of social services. After a budget cut, I took time off to raise my son and twin daughters before returning to work for the federal government in 2004. I worked at PFRA until 2012 before going to my current job at the RCMP.”
1982
Robert Fiorino
Construction Technician
Robert told the Alumni office: “I began apprenticing as an electrician shortly after leaving college and then was training in control and automation programming of programmable logic controllers and man machine interfaces. I opened my own company in late 1990s and began working throughout the province and overseas in programming as well as offering engineering services. I worked in far east Russia for over 10 years and now have returned home to Lethbridge to continue operating my company here and working locally in the oil and gas and food industries. Outside of work, I continued playing basketball recreationally; the highlight was being part of a team that won the World Masters gold medal in Edmonton against teams from Canada, Russia and Hungary. I've always felt that what I learned playing competitive sports was a huge reason for my success in work, specifically by using the importance of the team aspect of sports and using it for a successful work atmosphere.”
1982
Richard Hopwood
Law Enforcement
Richard retired after 25 rears with the Camrose Police Service. He now works as a driving instructor for AMA.
1982
Nancy Lewis
Secretarial Science
Nancy worked fulltime at Young, Parkyn, McNab for 10 years and has been casual at MNP for 22 years.
1982
James Sinclair
Construction Technician
James started working at Kawneer in the spring of 1983 and has been there ever since. He told the Alumni office that he and his wife settled in Lethbridge, raised four children and says they are “now on the slippery slope to retirement. I would never have secured employment at Kawneer if it wasn't for my training at Lethbridge College. I still work with fellow Lethbridge College alumni in our field of business. I am pleased that Kawneer has supplied aluminum curtainwall framing, windows and doors for the new trades and technologies building.”
1982
Randy Woroniuk
Environmental Science
Randy retired after a 32 year career as regional field supervisor for Manitoba Conservation and he is now the mayor of the regional municipality of Gimli. He has been married for 37 years and has three children. His son, Nicholas, graduated from the college and is a conservation officer in Lac La Biche; his other son, Tyler, also graduated from the college and is stationed in Emerson, Man., as a border services officer; and his daughter, Tanya, is an advanced paramedic in Edmonton.
1979
David Ewart
Environmental Science
David retired after a 35-year career with Fisheries and Oceans Canada. He spent the last 20 years as watershed enhancement manager at Quinsam River Hatchery, Campbell River, B.C. He currently volunteers for several fisheries-related programs on Vancouver Island and provides part-time technical support for small projects.
1979
Peter Balagus
Environmental Science
“Upon reading the current Wider Horizons publication (Winter 2017) and the review of the 60th Anniversary of the college, I noticed that the Barn came in 11th of memorable places. It was the social hub for students in my day (1978-79) of cabarets, concerts and small-town gigs on a regular basis. It was where students and instructors would gather after classes (not necessarily at the end of the day) for a beer and "bullshit" session, but generally of previous professional biologist lives and course-related content. …I’ve lost contact with all my graduating crew (including friends Stan Clements and Gaylen Armstrong) but we were a motley group of various backgrounds and aspirations, all said and done.
“Since graduating from the community college (at the time) at Christmas 1979, I worked in forestry for about two years, then began a string of seasonal and then professional environmental consulting wildlife resource related work (my personal aspiration) as a wildlife ecologist now going on to 26 years – all because of the college. The University of Manitoba gave me the academic background to apply what I wanted and needed to learn at the college for my career development.
“On the particular day of my recent visit [to campus], I found myself giving back to the college. I'm a taxidermist by hobby and I'm donating my collection of 24 mounts of birds-of-prey to the college. As well, I'm donating boxes and a cabinet of wildlife artifacts I've collected over the years of field-related work that I'm sure the instructors will find good use of in the lab component of the wildlife courses – artifacts I wish I had access to in ‘my day.’ LCC was referred to me by a Manitoba Regional Wildlife Technician (an alumni himself) back in the mid-1970s. I will always be a reference for the college. It's been an incredible journey. Thanks LCC.”
1979
Diane Johnson
Environmental Science
Diane sent this update to the Alumni office: “I worked in enforcement for three years. Then I realized that the government was not ready for female enforcement officers so I switched to conservation in the office until I retired in 2014. I worked in four regions within Manitoba conservation. I got married in 1993. We purchased 80 acres at that time, where we live with our four horses, two dogs and two cats.”
1979
William Kaye
Law Enforcement
After 35 years with Lethbridge Police Service, William retired and took on the position of coordinating our community’s response to domestic and sexual violence.
1979
Wendy Stander
Recreation Management
Wendy told the Alumni office she is enjoying retirement after a wonderful career as a public servant working for Service Canada. She said she used many of the skills learned at the college throughout my lifetime. “Best school ever.”
1977
Beverly De Paoli
Environmental Science
Beverly returned to the University of Lethbridge where she received an Education degree. She went on to teach for 25 years in the Foothill School Division, mostly at Cayley School, and coached basketball and numerous other sports for 30 years. She is married to a farmer, raised two children and retired from Cayley School in June 2011.
1977
Raymond Lavoie
Environmental Science
Raymond told the Alumni office: “I worked in provincial parks for about 40 years. I was a park officer for 10 years and then I was a maintenance foreman and technician for the remainder of the time. I worked in about a dozen parks doing wildlife management, environmental protection and recreation administration as well as infrastructure maintenance. I retired in 2008 but worked another four summers on seasonal maintenance. I now work as a security guard on a casual basis and operate a small yard maintenance business as well as have numerous hobbies. I have two children and five grandchildren whom I enjoy very much. I am involved with the Golden Age Club and with the High Prairie Elks/Royal Purple. I am working towards being completely retired in one year when I reach 65.”
1977
Glenn Naylor
Environmental Science
Glenn is retired after working with Alberta parks for 36 years as District Conservation Officer in Canmore. He is now setting up a Living with Wildlife program in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island and enjoying his sailboat.
1976
Margaret Belisle
Business Administration
Margaret sent the Alumni office this update: “I have continued my life learning experiences in many ways. I am the very proud mother of two wonderful young men, who have blessed us by finding amazing young women to share their lives with. We have a one-year-old granddaughter whom I love enormously. My work life has been varied as has my volunteerism.”
1976
Gloria Sebastian-Powell
Drafting Technician
Gloria worked as a draftsman at ATCO Electric before retiring in December 2015.
1975
Diane Stringam Tolley
Communication Arts - Print Journalism
Diane told the Alumni office: “I’m writing! I just had my 10th novel published!”
1974
Judith Sparkes
Nursing
Judith wrote: “I am proud to be a registered nurse who still loves her job! I have a part-time job in a remote clinic on northern Vancouver Island. Most of my career was spent in the emergency room of Nanaimo hospital and remote nursing seemed to be a natural progression of that role. I have three children, all grown up of course, so I have lots of spare time to enjoy my large garden and travel the world by bicycle with my soulmate of the past 12 years.”
1973
Dale Parkhill
Business Administration
Dale retired after working at NBTel/Aliant/Bell Aliant for almost 35 years and did contract work for eight years after that, until April of 2015. He worked in the IT department after taking Business Administration with a major in data processing at the college. He said his time now involves his wife of 33 years, his three grown children and two grandchildren.
1973
Grant Penton
Apprenticeship Training
Grant is working in the maintenance department of Lamb-Weston potato processing plant east of Taber.
1972
Douglas Goruk
Business Administration
Douglas wrote the Alumni office with this update: “I have had a great career in business with a large industrial distributor. I can definitely say that my time at Lethbridge has definitely contributed to my success during my 42 + career with Motion Canada.”
1971
Linda Halvorson
Nursing
Linda lives in Cut Bank, Montana, and worked as school nurse for 29 years. She has been retired for one and a half years and still works occasionally for the immunization clinic once a month.
1968
Dathan Arnett
Business Administration - General Business
Dathan joined ATB Financial after college and worked there for 40 years, before retiring eight years ago.
1966
William Gordon
College and University Preparatory Upgrading
William sent the Alumni office this update: “I was part of the first second year university transfer program at the college in 1965-66. (I served as President of the Student Union that year.) I then went on to the University of Alberta and completed a degree in secondary education. I taught from 1968 to 2006 with both Edmonton Public Schools and Elk Island Public Schools. After retirement, I worked part time with Elk Island Public Schools as a counsellor in its Outreach Schools until 2012. Now fully retired from teaching, I continue to speak professionally to community organizations, school systems and other organizations.”
1965
Brenda Gard Beamish
General Secretarial
“My college education opened many doors,” Brenda told the Alumni office. “I worked for 40 years in office administration in the oil and retail industries in Calgary. After formally retiring, I started a company doing Santa photos in shopping centres and am currently involved in that.”
1964
Lester-Ann Jensen
Information Specialist (Office Assistant)
The Alumni office received this update from Lester-Ann: “I am a retired homemaker, widow and grandmother. After graduating from the college I worked in medical records at Holy Cross Hospital in Calgary. After the birth of… babies, I worked for Dr. Gretton, a general practitioner. Later my husband and I worked together in the hospitality industry.”
1959
Garda Davies
Medical/Dental Secretarial
Garda wrote: “I worked for a short time at the Medical Arts Clinic and then at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital in medical records. After the birth of our children, I did not return to work, except for a brief period when I was asked to return to medical records at the hospital so people could go on holidays. After our youngest started school, I went to work at Medicine Hat School District No. 76. This position in the schools allowed me to be home with our children during the summer holidays, Christmas and Easter. I went to work full time in 1981 with the district as an administrative assistant until retiring in 1996. I am now retired from teaching, but still maintain an educational role by speaking at conventions, conferences and communities on topics such as The Power of Kindness, Maintaining Personal Balance, and Organizational Excellence. I am also an active member of Rotary International and am currently the President of the Rotary Club of Fort Saskatchewan, and Vice-President of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Association.”
