We love hearing from Lethbridge Polytechnic alumni! You can find additional updates online at widerhorizons.ca. To submit your news to share with your classmates and the campus community, drop us a note at WHMagazine@lethpolytech.ca.
2024
Nicholas Carbol
Bachelor of Ecosystem Management – Fish and Wildlife; Renewable Resource Management 2022
Nicolas started as a wildlife sweep biologist with Acden Aves, an environmental services company providing bird deterrent services, wildlife sweeps and technology solutions for radar and bird tracking.
Oluwatosin (Tosin) Liadi
Digital Communications and Media
Tosin worked as a practicum student in Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Marketing, Communications and Alumni Engagement office this spring. Before she left, the team asked her to share a bit of her story, reflect on her time as a student and let us know her plans for what happens next. Here’s what she had to say:
“I am Oluwatosin Liadi. I migrated to Canada in 2022 as an international student to pursue Digital Communications and Media. With over a decade of experience in media sales, I sought further education to diversify my skills and explore broader aspects of the field. Balancing studies as a full-time student with being a mother of three and a wife has been challenging yet rewarding. Upon starting [at the polytechnic], I prioritized both academics and building meaningful connections. Despite familiarity with the course, I encountered new challenges that demanded adaptation and dedication. My initial separation from my family compounded by my father’s illness added emotional struggles when I landed in Canada. Though daunting, I resolved to excel. Reuniting with my family last year significantly eased my educational journey
and was reflected in improved academic performance. My experience at Lethbridge [Polytechnic] has been truly transformative. While I’ve always been a cautious risk taker, my time here has reinforced the belief that determination can overcome any obstacle. It’s shown me that with unwavering resolve, the adage ‘where there is a will, there is a way’ holds true.” Oluwatosin recently started working at the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce as a marketing and communications coordinator.
Klarizze Martinez
Early Childhood Education
Klarizze is working as a Level 2 early childhood educator.
Ynshera Jandette Mae Nigol
Business Administration – Accounting
Ynshera is continuing her education at SAIT.
Bradley Pike
Computer Information Technology
Bradley competed on the Kodiaks’ Valorant esports team and became the youngest team captain in the history of Lethbridge Polytechnic. Bradley has been a champion and advocate for esports since his high school days at Lethbridge Collegiate Institute. When the pandemic shut down most extracurricular activities, esports was a way for people to stay connected. Bradley worked hard to secure funds and build a community, which led to him captaining his team to victory, and securing a national title during his senior year at Lethbridge Collegiate Institute. He brought his passion to campus, and helped the Kodiaks earn the title of “Best Team in Canada” during both the Eastern College Athletic Conference playoffs and for the regular Division 1 season. Bradley graduated this spring and is now pursuing his bachelor of computer science at the University of Lethbridge. He also recently started working with Economic Development Lethbridge to help build, connect and support our community.
Angela Pyrch
General Arts and Science – Psychology and Sociology
Angela is pursuing a bachelor of social work degree from the University of Calgary.
Titus Zere
Renewable Resource Management
Titus is working at Cows and Fish, the Riparian Management Society, a non-profit society striving to foster a better understanding of how improvements in grazing and other management of riparian areas can enhance landscape health and productivity, for the benefit of landowners, agricultural producers, communities and others who use and value riparian areas. He says he is planning to return to Lethbridge Polytechnic to complete an Ecosystem Management degree after working for a couple of years.
2023
David Igbodudu
Business Administration – Accounting
David told the Alumni office he has become an official public accountant and is also pursuing photography on the side.
Emma Ramm
Child and Youth Care
Emma told the Alumni office: “I am enjoying life after college and am deciding what I want to do in my future endeavours! I’m very glad to have learned from the utmost best instructors that Lethbridge [Polytechnic] has to offer, and graduate alongside fellow students who share similar beliefs and values!”
2022
Krystal Winter
Business Administration – Management
Krystal is currently working as the operations coordinator for Residence Life at Lethbridge Polytechnic.
Alumni at Work – MNP Lethbridge
MNP Lethbridge has provided accounting, business consulting and tax services in southern Alberta for more than 20 years, offering a local focus and small firm culture, backed by the resources of a national firm with more than 120 offices from coast to coast. And of the scores of partners and professionals on their team, 32 are grads of Lethbridge Polytechnic. They say they are proud to live and work in the community and contribute to its continued growth and prosperity.
“We are thrilled to celebrate our connections with Lethbridge Polytechnic,” says Janene Moch, a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) who is a principal partner at MNP and was appointed to the Lethbridge Polytechnic Board of Governors in 2021. “The institution’s exceptional
curriculum and dedicated faculty consistently produce high-quality graduates who bring fresh perspectives and valuable skills to our firm. Together we share a commitment to excellence in nurturing talent and fostering professional growth, contributing to our community’s growth and prosperity. We are proud of our Lethbridge Polytechnic alumni, and we look forward to continued collaboration opportunities in the years to come.”
Caption: Some of the alumni now working at MNP Lethbridge are (left to right): Nick Vandenberg, Jonathan Klok, Mandy Toth, Jeff Van Deurzen, Whitney Procee, Kyle Secretan, Bethany Van Braak, Taylor Vanee, Sreenash Santhosh, Matt Suriano, Heather Krooshoop, Kiana Lawson, Anna Olan, Lauren Vanee, Cheryl George, Moncy Chacko, Jordan Oliver, Tara Greenwood, Kristyn Juergenson, Michael Leusink, David Muryn, Rhonda Waldorf, Daniel Kozak, Jordan Elder, Sarah Phillips, Tony Albizzati, Stephanie Hogan and Janene Moch.
2021
Mason Edwards
Business Administration – Marketing, General Arts and Science 2020
When Mason first arrived at Lethbridge Polytechnic, he wasn’t quite sure which path to take. Balancing his academic journey with his volleyball career, he explored different options until he took an introduction to business class and his mentors, instructors John Russell and David English, inspired him to pursue marketing. Before he knew it, four years had passed, and Mason’s college volleyball career was coming to a close. Luckily, he was able to end it on a high note, as the Kodiaks got the chance to host a provincial tournament and earned a trip to nationals. Mason also earned many program records to be proud of during his time as a Kodiak. Following graduation, Mason secured a position as a new account manager for GFL, an environmental services company in Lethbridge and the surrounding area. In his position, he oversees solid waste and recycling services for various clients, from commercial businesses to residential and construction services. “The GFL southern Alberta team provides the fast-paced energy I was so used to with the Kodiaks,” says Mason. “It feels incredible to be able to use the many skills I obtained from Lethbridge [Polytechnic] and everyone who was a part of my journey there.”
Linsey Mabie
Business Administration 2021; Administrative Assistant 1996
Linsey is working as a Human Services program assistant in the Centre for Justice and Human Services at Lethbridge Polytechnic.
2020
Jermaine Forbes
Police Cadet Training
Jermaine is the newest officer with the Taber Police Service, joining in May. He is on the patrol team, and had previously served with the Blood Tribe Police Service.
2018
Darci Durvec
Health Care Aide
Darci is currently working towards starting her own business. She told the Alumni office: “With recently being diagnosed with ADHD and looking at a possible autistic diagnosis, I am focusing on my family and my mental health nowadays.”
Joshua Mackenzie
Digital Communications and Media
Josh sent the Alumni office this update: “After working for five years with Artrageous Advertising in Lethbridge as the social media department manager, I started a new position in April 2023 at Glacier Media Digital in Vancouver as a social media specialist. The latter two years of my time at Artrageous were remote from Vancouver, so I am glad to be back in an office in-person again!”
Tiffany Trinh
Bachelor of Nursing
Tiffany told the Alumni team: “I am so happy to join the Lethbridge Polytechnic family as a clinic instructor for the NESA program. This has always been a goal of mine to help guide and support students on their journey to becoming a nurse. I am also still working as a pediatric nurse at the hospital. It’s such an exciting opportunity, and I am so grateful for the people in my life who helped me get to where I am today. I want to make my parents proud as they have helped support me throughout my nursing education and career goals!”
2016
Tieggan Rouleau
Business Administration – Marketing
Tieggan joined Hubbard Feeds, an Alltech company, in October 2022 as a lifestyle sales representative based in Wyoming, and in April, she was named marketing lead for Lifestyle
Feeds, another Alltech company. She has owned horses her entire life and continues to compete at the professional level in team roping and breakaway roping, and now calls Buffalo, Wyo., home.
2015
Rachel CrowSpreadingWings
Communication Arts – Broadcast Journalism
In May, Rachel started working as a multi-skilled journalist with CTV National News, based in Edmonton. Rachel has worked as an on-air talent in the media since 2016. Her past roles include anchoring, in-studio/live reporting and producing. She joined the CTV Winnipeg team in 2020. Before joining CTV Winnipeg, she worked for CityNews Winnipeg and an ABC/FOX affiliate in Great Falls, Mont. For the last two years Rachel has also produced the Indigenous Screen Summit (ISS), a half-day event at the Banff World Media Festival. The ISS creates space for 15 Indigenous filmmakers to pitch their stories and vision to a global audience.
2014
Stacey Andrews
Communication Arts – Print Journalism
In May, Stacey joined Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Communications team. Stacey says she always enjoyed writing and being creative, whether through words or visuals. When choosing a post-secondary pathway, she knew she wanted something that aligned with her interests. Hearing about the Print Journalism program at what was then Lethbridge College seemed like a perfect fit. “My time in the Print Journalism program was the start of a pathway I never would have imaged,” she says. “It has led me to unbelievable experiences and opportunities.” After the program, Stacey went on to pursue a diploma in digital photography, worked in various marketing roles and spent three years abroad as a cruise ship photographer. Once returning to southern Alberta, she chose to pursue her professional communications degree with Royal Roads University, a continuation in education that was possible because of a transfer agreement with Lethbridge [Polytechnic]. As she continues her education, she is excited to return and contribute as a communications specialist. “Returning to where it all started gives me an immense sense of pride,” she says. “I’m eager to be back and contribute to a place that has given me so much already.”
2012
Alexandra Kulas
Business Administration (Rising Star 2012)
Alexandra made a mark during her time on campus as president of the students’ association, but she didn’t stop there. Her leadership skills have continued to serve her well in her entrepreneurial career. Alexandra has founded two businesses, starting with Simplified Social, a digital communications agency. In 2021 she led the acquisition of the firm to a larger agency, Bluetrain, where her entire team joined forces to offer a full-service digital marketing experience. Also in 2021, Alexandra created a new childcare and co-working centre called ProducKIDvity, with a mission to better the life of working parents. She is now working towards opening a third location in downtown Kelowna. Alexandra was also recently approached to audition for Dragon’s Den and plans on attending the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance Summit in Brazil this year as part of the Canadian delegation.
Zeenat Merchant
Early Childhood Education
Zeenat has worked in childcare for 12 years, and currently works at a Montessori school.
2011
Jessica Szasz
Practical Nurse; Criminal Justice - Policing 2006
Jessica told the Alumni office that after graduation, she went on to earn her bachelor of nursing degree, completing it while working casually as a licensed practical nurse.
2009
Rachel Tail Feathers
Business Administration – Management
Rachel was named the new senior operations officer for social and community services with the Blood Tribe Administration (BTA) in December. According to a release from Blood Tribe Communications, Rachel had previously worked as the director for Blood Tribe Housing and has an extensive work history with various Blood Tribe departments as well as other organizations. Her role is a new position within the BTA’s organizational structure and is designed to enhance the service delivery for the five department directors she works with: Family and Community Support Services, Social Development, Recreation and Parks, Housing and Public Works. After earning her diploma, she went on to earn a bachelor of management degree from Athabasca
University, a degree in Native American studies in politics at the University of New Mexico, and her master’s degree in legal studies in Indigenous Peoples law from the University of Oklahoma.
2005
Marie Laenen
Bachelor of Nursing
Marie told the Alumni office: “I am teaching at Lethbridge Polytechnic and loving it!”
2002
Irene Young
Pine Child and Youth Care
Irene wrote the Alumni office to say: “After graduation I worked in Lethbridge at various schools, early intervention services and group homes. I worked as an educational assistant, [Indigenous] family liaison, youth worker and as a family preservation worker. I returned to the University of Lethbridge and went into teaching and taught for 12 years, and I just recently completed my master’s degree in educational leadership. I advanced my career and now I work at a middle school as associate principal.”
Kenneth Christopher James Andrew
Engineering Design and Drafting Technology
Kenneth currently works in drafting as well as project management for Purcell Timber Frame Homes, which is based in Nelson, B.C.
2000
Tianna Kournikakis
Therapeutic Recreation – Gerontology
Tianna works full-time as a recreation manager
1999
Annette Fox-BruisedHead
Renewable Resource Management
In April, Annette was appointed principal of Lethbridge Collegiate Institute for the 2024-25 school year. Over the years, Annette has been a high school teacher, an administrator, a
division principal and a central office administrator. In each position, she says she gained strong communication skills and learned the importance of collaboration and understanding. Annette’s belief that educators have the privilege and responsibility to create pathways for students to achieve their dreams, along with her 15 years of experience, led to her new appointment. “Creating a collaborative workplace and that of student excellence in all things is what brought me to accept this role,” she says. Annette has been recognized by the Blackfoot Confederacy for her work and commitment to the Blackfoot language. She also has taken extensive leadership training, including a week-long seminar at Harvard Graduate School of Education, which put a focus on understanding, developing and implanting a strong vision in schools.
Robb Watts
General Studies
Rob was inducted into the Prairie Baseball Academy Hall of Fame earlier this year. His journey from little league standout to college athlete and beyond is a true testament to his unwavering passion for the game of baseball and dedication to excellence. His early accomplishments in the sport set the stage for him to join the Prairie Baseball Academy in 1996, where he successfully balanced his time between cleats and class schedules while pursuing his diploma on campus. After graduation, Rob continued his academic and athletic pursuits at Wayne State College in Wayne, Neb. In his senior year, he served as team captain, and led the team to an impressive 35-10 record and a second-place finish in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Regional. Not only did Rob shine on the field, but he also completed his undergraduate degree and later earned a master’s degree in exercise science.
In 2004, Rob made the transition from player to coach, and was named assistant coach for the University of Mount Olive Trojans in North Carolina. In 2018, he was promoted to head coach, where he continues to have significant impact both on and off the field. Throughout his coaching career, Rob has seen remarkable success, including clinching 10 conference championships, 14 NCAA tournament appearances, and an NCAA national championship. His coaching has also contributed to the development of four Major League Baseball (MLB) players and 32 players drafted or signed to MLB organizations. He has mentored 38 All-Americans and numerous Player-of-the-Year recipients and has won multiple conference and regional awards. Rob’s dedication to academic and athletic excellence is further exemplified by the five Academic All-Americans he has coached. Rob has played a pivotal role in shaping the career and lives of countless student-athletes.
1995
Rolanda Richard
Child and Youth Care
Rolanda sent the Alumni office this update: “Since graduating on April 28, 1995, I have been employed with McMan Youth, Family and Community Services. I was able to work in several programs, including being a youth worker in secure treatment; receiving and assessment in
group homes; a crisis worker; support for therapeutic parents; and a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder life coach for adults. I was with McMan for 28 years until my retirement on April 28, 2023. Throughout the years, I raised my two wonderful daughters and was honoured to have been blessed with three talented granddaughters. I have been with my supportive partner for over 20 years. I also have enjoyed planning or [helping plan] different events (birthdays, retirements, etc.)”
1994
Dr. Sandra Davidson
Nursing (Career Virtuoso 2019)
In April, Sandra was named provost and vice-president academic at the University of Calgary. In her 30-year career, she has served in a wide range of academic and health-care environments and she says she’s eager to bring her community-engaged leadership style and passion for creative innovation and entrepreneurial spirit to the greater campus community. From her time at the University of Alberta, Carrington College, Arizona State University, and now the University of Calgary, Sandra has consistently improved the communities she has been involved in. “In my view, the spirit of entrepreneurship isn’t always about starting a business or an enterprise, or a new widget or technology that you put forward to make money,” she says. “There’s also great value in the idea of social innovation and entrepreneurship. That could mean designing different systems that are more efficient, that make our organizations places where people can thrive and achieve their goals. It can be about putting processes and services in place that are innovative, that support students and researchers in new and different ways.”
1988
Troy Reeb
Communication Arts – Broadcast Journalism; Distinguished Alumnus 2003; Honorary Degree 2019
Troy was named co-chief executive officer of Corus Entertainment in June, leading all broadcast, streaming, studio and revenue operations. He had previously worked as executive vice-president, Network and Content and was formerly president of Global News. Prior to his executive roles, Troy spent 18 years as a working journalist, including as a parliamentary reporter and Washington bureau chief for Global News. Troy serves on several boards of directors, including Stand Up 2 Cancer Canada, Cupboards Express and Aircraft Pictures.
1987
Marion Yun Recreation Management – Administration
Marion told the Alumni office that she worked in the recreation field for many years, primarily in a mental health setting. She then went back to school in 2001 and graduated from Douglas College in New Westminster, B.C., where she took the sign language interpretation program, and she has worked as an interpreter for 20 years. She moved back to Alberta in 2022 and works as a sign language interpreter in Calgary.
1981
Cinda Chavich
Communication Arts
Cinda won first place for best food/drink story in the Travel Media Association of Canada’s annual awards in June. Titled “Indigenous roots: Discovering the rare Ozette/Haida potato,” the story was originally published in Edible Vancouver magazine, and it can be read on Cinda’s website, TasteReport.com. She says it’s a deep dive into the history of the west coast Ozette (or Haida) potato, which arrived along the B.C. coast with 16th-century Spanish conquistadors and was nurtured by Indigenous people for more than 100 years, before being “rediscovered” by gardeners, seed savers and Slow Food chefs. With gene sequencing, scientists have confirmed that it’s unique in North America, arriving here directly from Mexico, Peru and points south, unlike most potatoes, which were introduced to Europe before colonists brought them to North America decades later.
