Wider Horizons

Yield signLenora Lynn (Yalowoski) Carriere- Therapeutic Recreation Management ‘81

After successful completion at Lethbridge Community College, I returned to my home province of Manitoba for a few months. I then travelled all over Canada, settling in British Columbia for five years. I met my husband there, and we moved to Alberta in 1986. I have been employed with the Alberta government since (currently as a community resource manager) in various rewarding and progressively responsible roles.

Mike Sherry- Meat Cutting and Merchandising ‘83

I started with Costco as a meat cutter, moved to the service deli as a manager, transferred to Medicine Hat as night merchandising manager. I was just promoted to administration manager after 13 years at Costco.

Todd K. Shury- Renewable Resource Management ‘85

I am a wildlife veterinarian with Parks Canada based out of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon. I’m embarking on a M.Sc./PhD in epidemiology.

Jim Brouwer- Therapeutic Recreation ‘85

I worked at Medicine Hat hospital as a recreation therapist from 1985 until 1999, then went back into carpentry for a while, then went to Medicine Hat College to get a certificate in computer-aided drafting, worked in that field for two years, then drove city bus for four years and now am teaching carpentry at Medicine Hat College.

Les Kraeker- Criminal Justice – Policing ‘89

I started with Canada Customs right out of college in 1989 and worked in southern Alberta in all aspects of Customs. In 2006 I started training and learning in Ottawa. In 2007 I was certified by the RCMP as a basic firearms instructor and a use of force instructor. I have been travelling all over Canada teaching Customs and Immigration employees how to shoot and proper tactical training through scenarios along with control and defense tactics.

Gerry Campbell - Agricultural Technology ‘90

After graduating, I worked at odd jobs before getting a job with a ginseng company in Lillooet, B.C. in 1991. I moved around to different areas of British Columbia within the company. In spring of 2009, the company ceased operations, so now one year later I am finishing a sixmonth course in business and will looking for a job in the near future.

Tamara (Fudra) Nelson- Communication Arts ‘91

After graduating from Lethbridge College, I went on to manage several retail stores in Lethbridge for about eight years before having a family. My communication/marketing background from college gave me the experience I needed to become successful in business. Presently I work for Junior Achievement, an organization that teaches students in grades 4 to 12 basic finance/ business skills and encourages entrepreneurship. I have also run a successful cosmetic/ skincare business out of my home the past five years.

Craig M. Yakiwchuk- Renewable Resource Management ‘92

After graduating from Lethbridge College, I moved to Watson Lake, Yukon. I started a career in logging, both on the technical side with timber cruising/block layout, then harvesting. After three years of self-employment, I took a job as a forest officer in that community. I then had the opportunity to follow my dream of outfitting, and went into business with a partner with Lone Wolf Outfitting. I really put my RRM education to work by managing the harvest of seven different big game species within a 21,000-square-kilometre concession area. During 13 years with the concession, I met countless hunters from all over the world. It was a very fulfilling lifestyle, riding horseback through the mountains, and flying to remote lakes. I left this lifestyle behind last year, and now fly bush planes full time. I often think of my time at Lethbridge College, and keep in touch with other graduates of my class.

Christa A. Carpenter- Renewable Resource Management ‘95

I work for my parents’ small business in excavation and construction. I am involved in many environmental issues and events, and have worked in my field, but I am still hoping to apply my passion and knowledge as a “green developer” one day.

Charles Wells- Civil Engineering Technology ‘96

My Lethbridge College education afforded me a chance to work in a challenging career field (engineering) and provided opportunities for employment, travel and personal development which I may not have gained without it. Thanks to all thoses who helped me learn the material.

Kimberley (Morrison) Wilso- Therapeutic Recreation Gerontology ‘96

I am at home raising my two daughters, (Brittanie, 10, and Kennedy, 7). After graduation, I married Greg and started working at the Extendicare in Vulcan. After three years of working, Brittanie came into our lives. We moved out to the farm in New Brigden about seven years ago. We are happy raising our family on the farm.

G. David Fajnor- Agricultural and Heavy Equipment Technician ‘96

I moved to Calgary in 2001 and I worked for Calgary Transit repairing buses and trains. I moved over to  the Calgary Fire Department for the last four years and now repair the fire equipment.

Cameron Johnson- Business Administration ‘97

I moved to Edmonton after graduating to complete my degree through the University of Lethbridge. My life and I are the owners of California Closets in Edmonton; we bought it six years ago and have taken sales from $300,000 in our first year to $2.5 million last year. Much of the inspiration I had to become an entrepreneur came through some of my business classes at Lethbridge College.

Tim Vanderpyl- Criminal Justice– Policing ‘00

Since graduating, I have travelled extensively with a Christian Missions organization (YWAM) and went on to complete my bachelor of professional arts in criminal justice through Athabasca University. I then went on to finish my masters of arts in leadership through Trinity Western University and am working on my doctorate in strategic leadership through Regent University in Virginia. I also achieved a Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) designation in December 2009. I work as the human resources advisor for the Lethbridge facilities of Covenant Health, St. Michael’s Health Centre. Previously I worked for several non-profit organizations in Lethbridge.

Brad Joly- Criminal Justice – Policing ’01 Correctional Studies ‘02

After leaving Lethbridge College, I decided to pursue a career in policing. My travels led me to West Edmonton Mall where I was employed as a security officer. As time went by, I found that I really enjoyed the security field and decided to stay at West Edmonton Mall. During the years, I was promoted to the ranks of sergeant, staff -sergeant and my current rank of operations manager. I oversee an operation of 5o employees who are in charge of the safety and security of West Edmonton Mall. I credit the education and instructors from Lethbridge College for my success.

Alexander L. Swan- Engineering Design & Drafting Technology ‘03

After graduation I landed a great job with a small engineering firm in Pincher Creek. After moving back to the Edmonton area, I quickly found a good job as a drafter with Universal Surveys Inc. Thank you, Lethbridge College, for the skills needed to continue my new career.

Bret Wolfer- Business Administration ‘03

After graduation I moved to Medicine Hat and soon after started work in the financial services industry. I have been working with Servus Credit Union for four years now and, after some moving around, I have returned to Lethbridge to open our new Uplands location. I am excited to be back in Lethbridge.

Tyson Leavitt - General Studies ‘06

After taking General Studies and a semester of Business, I started Aztec Masonry & Landscaping. Three years into my business, we service Ashcroft Homes, Daytona Homes, Palmer Homes, Charick Homes and others. We have also been busy with commercial work such as The Gardens, a large retirement community behind the west-side Safeway. We landscape 40-plus homes a year, and continue to rapidly grow. Our success is in part to the great teachers at the college. Thank you for all you did for us.

Lorelei Huang-  Nursing ’07 General Studies ’05

I graduated from the NESA program and worked at Chinook Regional Hospital for a while. Now I’m working as an RN at the Lethbridge College Health Centre. I also teach first-year students in the Practical nursing program. When I first came to the college, my English wasn’t very good and I needed lots of help from my instructors and my classmates. Mary Coles, Health Centre manager, gave me huge support when I needed it. I love this school so much that I decided to work here, so I can contribute my knowledge back to my school.

Solana Ott- Child and Youth Care ‘07

I have had many jobs in the field of CYC since completing the diploma program. I have worked at group homes, homeless shelters, day cares, and for the school board. I am an educational assistant for the Victoria School Board and I love it.

Carmen Thirsk- Interior Design ‘07

After graduating from Interior Design, I went directly to SAIT for a diploma in architectural technologies, majoring in building development. After graduation I was hired by PCL Construction Management Inc. as a field co-ordinator.

Adam James Cole- Engineering Design & Drafting Technology ‘09

I am happily working in Saskatoon as a drafting technologist. I have to thank all of the teachers I had over my two-year course for making me over-qualified for my current position.

Wider Horizons
Lethbridge College
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