From cutting-edge research to global student success stories, 2025 was a year of change, celebration and making our mark. Below are 10 of our favourite stories from the past 12 months. We can’t wait to see what next year brings!
10. Lethbridge Polytechnic student supports federal election coverage during Troy Reeb Internship
First-year Digital Communications and Media student Jody-Ann Smikle earned the Troy Reeb Internship thanks to an article she wrote about student financial literacy. Smikle was the 20th recipient of this prestigious award and spent 14 days with Global News and Corus Radio teams in Toronto and Ottawa, working on Parliament Hill before, during and after the 2025 federal election. See the full story.
9. Lethbridge Polytechnic Simulation Hub is internationally accredited
After two years of preparation and a rigorous application process, Lethbridge Polytechnic's Simulation Hub in the Centre for Health and Wellness (CHW) became internationally accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare — making it one of four post-secondary institutions in Canada to achieve this accreditation. See the full story.
8. Stone Pipe Days celebrates Niitsitapi community at Lethbridge Polytechnic
Stone Pipe Days was held in March to celebrate Blackfoot (Siksikaitsitapi) culture and heritage, carrying the theme of “coming together in a holistic way.” Event highlights included traditional dances, a Blackfoot speaker and film series and the Stone Pipe Days powwow. See the full story.
7. The Human Future of AI: A conversation with musician, author and AI pioneer David Usher
When David Usher – the Juno Award-winning musician, bestselling author and founder of Reimagine AI – visited Lethbridge Polytechnic last spring, his presentation left a lasting impression. It wasn’t just that he shared compelling insights into the evolving relationship between humanity and artificial intelligence; it was also the clarity with which he spoke about the opportunities and challenges ahead. See the full story.
6. Local researchers connecting physical activity to cognitive function invited to European conference
Three research projects exploring the connection between physical exercise and cognitive function resulted in two researchers and one polytechnic instructor presenting their findings in Rimini, Italy. Dr. Simon Schaerz, instructor, CHW, says all three projects demonstrate that physical activity aids in building cognitive skills, particularly in youth. See the full story.
5. Plumber apprentice taking his skills to WorldSkills Competition
For the second year in a row, Kylar Bloomberg (third year, Plumber Apprentice) earned silver at Skills Canada and will now represent Canada at the 2026 WorldSkills Competition in China, as the gold-medal winner did not meet the age requirement. “Getting the chance to represent Canada at WorldSkills is an honour,” says Bloomberg. “I’m so grateful to everyone who helped me get here, and I’m ready to put in the work and make the most of it.” See the full story.
4. Kodiaks host 2025 ACAC Men's and Women's Soccer Championships
The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks were proud to host the 2025 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference Men’s and Women’s Soccer Championships from Oct. 24 to 26 at Comet Stadium in Raymond, Alta. See the full story.
3. Lethbridge Polytechnic ranked ninth among research colleges in Canada
Lethbridge Polytechnic continues to rank among Canada’s top research colleges, according to a report released by Research Infosource Inc. This year, the polytechnic reached ninth among the top 50 institutions in the country. “Being recognized for our applied research, when compared with so many other institutions across Canada, is a remarkable win for the polytechnic,” says Dr. Kenny Corscadden, vice-president – academic and research. See the full story.
2. Agriculture Sciences grad named first Lethbridge Polytechnic valedictorian
Agriculture Sciences – Agronomy student Abigayle (Abby) Terrill, was named valedictorian of the first class to graduate from Lethbridge Polytechnic. Raised on a ranch near Cardston, Terrill developed an interest in agriculture early on. As for what’s next, Terrill says she’s weighing her options. “Eventually I’ll go home and run the ranch with my mom,” she says, “but I also might go to veterinary school.” See the full story.
1. Hranac family estate gifts $2.8 million to support agriculture research at Lethbridge Polytechnic
In August, Lethbridge Polytechnic celebrated a transformative $2.8 million gift from the estate of Joe and Laverna Hranac, the second-largest donation in the institution’s history. “Joe and Laverna’s roots were based in farming, and along with that they carried a love of education and family throughout their lives,” says Joe’s niece, Cindy Powell. “They believed in working hard, helping others and creating opportunities for the next generation.” See the full story.