2026 Distinguished Alumni Inductee
Leroy Fontaine
Leroy Fontaine is a dedicated community leader, emergency responder and advocate for Indigenous reconciliation. A member of the Chipewyan Prairie First Nation and a graduate of Lakeland College’s Emergency Services Technology (EST) program Class of 2013, Leroy has built a career grounded in service, leadership and excellence.
Before entering public safety, Leroy distinguished himself as a high-performance athlete, achieving two CJFL National Championships, a Vanier Cup appearance, and entry into the 2010 CFL Draft. His time at Lakeland provided the technical training that launched a 13-year career as a firefighter and medic. In 2014, he was named Rookie of the Year and inducted into the Lion’s Den at the Firefighter World Combat Challenge, recognizing his discipline and commitment to the profession.
Leroy served on the frontlines of the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfires and currently works as a firefighter with Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency as well as 24/7 OEMS, where he serves as Indigenous relations and operations advisor. In this role, he advances economic reconciliation and sustainable Indigenous partnerships while supporting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, including National Truth and Reconciliation commitments.
Beyond his professional work, Leroy amplifies Indigenous voices through national media, authorship of the children’s book Sekweha the Superkid, and community initiatives such as Operation Fill-A-Wagon supporting the unhoused.
It is with great honour that Lakeland College inducts Leroy Fontaine, Class of 2013, to the Alumni Wall of Distinction.
2026 Distinguished Citizen Inductee
Doug Stewart
Doug Stewart is a lifelong Vermilion business leader and community builder whose family legacy has shaped the region for more than a century. Rooted in the founding of Craig’s of Vermilion in 1905, his family’s commitment to service has included supporting Lakeland College students and community initiatives since 1927.
After earning a business degree from the University of Alberta, Doug joined the family business, continuing a tradition of leadership grounded in giving back. Over the years, he has contributed extensively to the community through the Vermilion Agricultural Society, serving as president, as well as various committees, Professional Bull Riding events at Lakeland College, and 25 years with the Vermilion Rotary Club, including time as president.
Doug is especially passionate about fostering collaboration between Lakeland College and the Vermilion Agricultural Society, recognizing the vital role both play in strengthening the community and creating opportunities for students and citizens.
Known for his humility, Doug is often found quietly supporting projects, events and students, rarely seeking recognition for his efforts. He views his contributions simply as a way to give back to a community he values deeply.
“We’re not too far removed from the pioneers of this country who built it by giving to their communities and building lives together,” he says. “I’ve always felt it’s just the right thing to do when we live here, out of appreciation for the quality of life and opportunities I have received.”
It is with great respect that Lakeland College recognizes Doug Stewart as a Distinguished Citizen and awards him an honorary bachelor of agricultural technology degree.
Award Presentations
President’s Medal
The most prestigious award given by Lakeland College, the President’s Medal, is awarded to a graduating student at each campus who has demonstrated excellence in academics and leadership in student activities. Each President's Medal is numbered and embossed with the crest of Lakeland College. This year, medals #73 & #74 are being awarded.
Nominations came from all facets of the college including faculty, support staff and students, and are reviewed by the Awards Committee with a recommendation made to the President.
This year’s recipient for the Lloydminster campus is Emry Marchand, graduate of the University Transfer program.
Kylie Field, graduate of the Environmental Science: Wildlife & Fisheries Conservation program, is the recipient for this award on the Vermilion campus.
Governor General’s Academic Medal
The Governor General's Academic Medal was established in 1873 and is awarded to the student who graduates with the highest academic standing in a diploma-level post-secondary program at each campus. This medal is engraved with the image of the Governor General of Canada and the personal coat of arms of Her Excellency. The recipient will be registered with the Chancellery of Canadian Orders and Decoration at Rideau Hall, Ottawa.
Cort Egeland, a graduate of the Business Administration: Real Estate Appraisal and Assessment program, is this year’s recipient for the Lloydminster campus.
This year’s recipient for the Vermilion campus will be determined and recognized at a later date.
Alumni Tradition
As you leave today, you become an alumnus of Lakeland College. We hope you will continue to visit here to keep alive our traditions and customs, as well as to make new ones. Please make time to join our very active alumni through the Excel magazine, via social media, on our website and at a variety of meeting places from alumni socials to the annual homecoming.
Alumni “Generations” Recognition
Each year, Lakeland College recognizes graduates who have identified themselves as having parents or grandparents who are Alumni.
Recognized graduates at the Vermilion Convocation include:
Toby Alexander, 2nd Generation Crop Technology
Mother: Tash Alexander (Douglas) Class of 1999
Robyn Axley, 2nd Generation
Veterinary Technology
Father: Anthony Axley ....................................Class of 1993
Jessica Blondeau, 2nd Generation
Early Childhood Education Certificate
Mother: Dawn Blondeau (Smith) Class of 2006
Rachel Hebert, 2nd Generation
Veterinary Technology
Mother: Kate Charbonneau...........................Class of 2019
Hayden Childs, 2nd Generation
Veterinary Medical Assistant
Mother: Tracy Childs (Smith) Class of 2000
Keely Livingstone, 2nd Generation Animal Science Technology
Mother: Reagan Foster (Hamilton) Class of 1997
Hailey Thompson, 2nd Generation Veterinary Medical Assistant
Mother: Joanne Gainsforth-Thompson........Class of 1993
Ashtyn Eldstrom, 2nd Generation Interior Design Technology
Mother: Kyla Graham-Davidson Class of 2000
Clara Hotte, 2nd Generation Agribusiness
Father: Iain Hotte ............................................Class of 2003
Allison Huppertz, 2nd Generation Crop Technology
Father: Will Huppertz Class of 1985
Cadence Jackson, 2nd Generation Agribusiness
Grandfather: Alan Jones Class of 2007
Rylan Lehmann, 2nd Generation
Animal Science Technology
Mother: Maureen Lehmann (Macdonald) ....Class of 1994
Mikala Lloyd, 2nd Generation
Interior Design Technology
Father: Mike Lloyd Class of 1993
Bryce Lytle, 2nd Generation
Bachelor of Applied Business: Emergency Services
Mother: Alana Lytle.........................................Class of 1979
Jaelyn Shuck, 2nd Generation
Environmental Sciences: Conservation and Reclamation
Great Grandfather: Bruce Shuck ...................Class of 1941
Sarah Kohlman, 2nd Generation
Veterinary Medical Assistant
Grandmother: Arlene Staal (Rosland) Class of 1958
Kendall Watson, 2nd Generation Agribusiness
Father: Dave Watson ......................................Class of 1989
Ross Wiggins, 2nd Generation Agricultural Sustainability
Mother: Irene Wiggins (Alarie) Class of 1994
Taylor Kinch-Wilke, 2nd Generation
Child and Youth Care Counsellor
Mother: Sarah Wilke Class of 2002
Lakeland College Board of Governors
Adam Waterman Public Member, Chair
Dean Fahselt...........................................................................Public Member, Vice Chair
Barb Shackel-Hardman Public Member
Brent Fischer ............................................................................................. Public Member
Dr. Sean Lessard Public Member
AJ Mokelky Public Member
Kelly Smith-Fraser ..................................................................................... Public Member
Travis Wagner Student Member
Rory Jeffries Student Member
Wanjiku Kaai Academic Staff Member
Trisha Mechor Non-Academic Staff Member
Administration
Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart................................. President & CEO, Lakeland College
Dr. Todd Sumner Vice President, Academic & Research
Kent Hummelle Vice President, People & Cultural Services
James Smith ............................................ Vice President, Finance, Infrastructure & CFO
Tracy Quinton Dean, Agricultural Sciences
Angela Minish ............................................................................Dean, Business & Energy
Dave King Dean, Trades & Technology
Don Keenan Chair, Emergency Training Centre
James Woodhouse .......................................................... Dean, Environmental Sciences
Janice Aughey Dean, Health, Wellness & Human Services
Jackie Bender................................. Dean, University Transfer & Foundational Learning
Brad Romanchuk Dean, Student & Academic Services
Genna Baddock Registrar