It’s a week of celebration at Lethbridge Polytechnic as the institution prepares to recognize its spring convocates.
Ceremonies will take place at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday in the Val Matteotti Gymnasium.
Lethbridge Polytechnic will also recognize Indigenous graduates at an Honour Night on Thursday in the Garden Court Dining Room. The evening event will bring Indigenous graduates and their families and friends together for food, gifts, speeches and more.
More than 1,230 students are receiving degrees, diplomas or certificates from the polytechnic this month, and approximately 640 of them are expected to cross the stage Friday.
The morning ceremony will honour graduates from the Centre for Justice and Human Services and the Centre for Trades and Technologies. The afternoon ceremony will celebrate graduates from the Centre for Health and Wellness and the Centre for Business, Arts and Sciences.
A highlight of the day will be the recognition of Valedictorian Paul Skretting, who is graduating from the Agriculture Sciences – Agronomy program. He will lead the procession of graduates and speak at the 2 p.m. ceremony.
Each ceremony will also be livestreamed at lethpolytech.ca/convocation.
Featured graduates:
Paul Skretting, Agriculture Sciences – Agronomy, valedictorian
- Paul Skretting grew up in Lethbridge and graduated from Catholic Central High School. He says he chose to attend Lethbridge Polytechnic because it was close to home and offered the hands-on experience he needed to succeed in his chosen field. Skretting says his decision to pursue the Agriculture Sciences – Agronomy diploma was inspired by his grandfather. “My grandpa was a farmer, and he was the first person I ever worked for, and it kindled a joy and a yearning for knowledge in this industry,” he says. “I have fond memories of spending weekends as a kid branding, fixing fences and freezing my fingers feeding cows in the winter.” After working for his grandfather, Skretting built experience in the industry as an agriculture mechanic and, more recently, as an agronomist – a career he plans to continue after completing the polytechnic’s Bachelor of Agriculture Science post-diploma degree.
Loretta Slomp, Interior Design Technology, Governor General’s Academic Medal recipient
- Loretta Slomp fulfilled a lifelong dream in 2023 when, after completing the Grade 12 math requirement for admission, she was accepted into the Interior Design Technology program at Lethbridge Polytechnic. While raising four children alongside her husband, Loretta encouraged them to use their God-given talents to the best of their ability, and during her studies, she strived to do the same. She excelled academically and is deeply grateful to the amazing instructors, classmates and family members who supported and encouraged her throughout her studies. Following her practicum at Adora Kitchens & Cabinetry, she accepted a position in sales and design. Loretta is excited that her youngest daughter will begin the same program this fall.
Joel Wells, Business Administration – Management, featured graduate
- Joel Wells (Sikapohkiitopii – White Horse Rider) is a business owner, entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is graduating from the Business Administration – Management program after completing his Business Administration – Business Operations diploma last spring. Wells grew up on the traditional lands of the Siksikaitsitapi in Kainaiwa. He says in his younger days, he didn’t take school seriously as he thought hockey was “my ticket outta here,” but that returning to Ohkotoki’aahkkoiyiiniimaan (Lethbridge Polytechnic) to further his education was one of the best decisions he’s made in life. Wells hopes to become a strong leader in the community, encouraging his fellow niitsitapi and those around him to be the very best versions of themselves. He says he strongly believes Ohkotoki’aahkkoiyiiniimaan has provided him with the skills necessary to reach those goals. During his time at the polytechnic, Wells also served as an Indigenous student navigator, which he says helped him grow as a person and helped him get through some of his toughest times. He is grateful for his grandparents, Richard and Geraldine Wells, as well as his Elders Betty Ann and Maurice Little Wolf. “I thank Creator for placing this path before me,” he says. “I know my late mom, Jacinta (Saa’makii) Wells, would be proud I’m walking it. Ika’kimaat and Kaitama’tsin (try hard and see you later).”