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2025
Niculina Jensen
Practical Nurse, Health Care Aide 2019
Niculina is now a Licensed Practical Nurse with Addiction and Mental Health Services, Alberta Health Services.
Rheanna Mirus
Digital Communications and Media
Rheanna left her hometown of Olds, Alta. to pursue a university degree but she says she quickly realized university was not for her and she made the switch to Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Digital Communications and Media program.
“My time at Lethbridge Polytechnic was truly amazing, I enjoyed the small class sizes and personable experience it provided,” Rheanna says. “The Digital Communications and Media program helped me realize that marketing and communications are truly my passion. Not only was I excited to attend classes each and every day, but I was interested in the lessons being taught and learning from the best. The program taught me so much about the work that goes on behind the scenes of marketing campaigns, video shoots and commercials and I am eager to use the skills I learned in the real world. I can’t wait to make an impact on small and large businesses with the knowledge I gained.”
In May, Rheanna was hired as the YWCA Lethbridge & District’s events and marketing co-ordinator.
2024
Jill Anderson
Therapeutic Recreation – Gerontology
Jill is currently working at Recovery Alberta as a recreation therapist at the Fort McMurray Recovery Centre.
John Andrada
Bachelor of Ecosystem Management
John says, “I was lucky enough to get a job as a wetland ecologist at Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) in the summer of my third year. The faculty at [Lethbridge Polytechnic] helped tremendously in getting my degree finished while working full-time at DUC. The Ecosystem Management degree prepared me in ways I did not even recognize to be successful in my professional pursuits.”
Kevin Castro Guillin
Digital Communications and Media
Kevin is working as a freelance photographer and videographer.
Susan Samaila
General Arts and Science, Administrative Office Professional
Susan tells the Alumni office: “I currently work as an admissions assistant at Train Alberta and at the Lethbridge Polytechnic library as a general support staff. I’m working towards getting my permanent residency and building a life here in Lethbridge. After two years I’ve come to love this welcoming community.”
2022
Krystal Winter
Business Administration – Management
Krystal is the operations co-ordinator for Residence Life at Lethbridge Polytechnic.
2021
Anna Giesbrecht
Culinary Careers
Anna is working as a sous chef at Southland Trailers in the cafeteria. She works with and trains culinary students during their summer job placements, as well as cook apprentices. Anna says she also works alongside other Lethbridge Polytechnic Culinary program alumni.
2020
Brad Kronlund
Business Administration
Brad and his team at Custom Cat Cribs designed and built a large jungle-themed temple with trees for Los Angeles Lakers point guard Gabe Vincent’s two Bengal cats. See photos and video of the crib on Instagram – @customcatcribs.
Cassidy Langridge
Digital Communications and Media
Cassidy is a digital branding specialist for 1st Choice Savings and Credit Union Ltd. As a member of the marketing team, she helps with marketing for all branches in southern Alberta.
Tyhanna Neudorf
Justice Studies, Correctional Studies 2019
Tyhanna has been employed with the Government of Saskatchewan as a probation officer since 2021 and has worked at various offices, including Prince Albert, Buffalo Narrows, Melfort and Saskatoon.
2018
Janelle Graham
Criminal Justice – Policing
Janelle is a full-time business agronomist with Independent Crop Inputs, and she is set to graduate from the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders program this fall. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she was pursuing a Justice Studies degree, but she chose to defer her education until in-person classes resumed. In the meantime, she took a job at a feedlot. Despite having no prior experience in agriculture, she quickly rose through the ranks to become cattle manager. Janelle says she has now found “her true passion” within the industry.
2016
Jennifer Cearns
Cook Apprentice, General Arts and Science
Jennifer is a chef at a gold mine in Ontario.
Mike Paulson
Computer Information Technology
Mike is working at Lethbridge Polytechnic as a systems analyst.
Erin Williamson
Business Administration – Marketing
Erin is working as a mortgage broker and has been in the mortgage industry for more than six years.
2015
Colby McKee
Communication Arts – Broadcast Journalism
Colby worked for more than six years as a radio creative writer/producer/on-air host for Pattison Media in his hometown of Medicine Hat. For the past three years he has been working for Corus Entertainment in Edmonton as a creative writer for both Edmonton and Winnipeg radio markets.
2009
Kandace Ballman
Practical Nurse
Kandace was an acute care nurse for 14 years and recently transitioned to Recovery Alberta as an outreach street nurse specializing in addiction and mental health.
Ashley Day Chief
General Arts and Science
Ashley, who is chief operating officer and co-owner of AdvancedAg Inc., was inducted as chair of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, becoming the first Indigenous chair in its 136-year history.
Ashley shared her thoughts on LinkedIn shortly after she was inducted at the chamber’s Chair Reception on June 24, saying, it’s “a milestone I carry with both pride and humility.” She added, “as the gavel was passed, my father honoured me with a traditional Blackfoot song. In that moment, I felt the weight of my story, my family and my community all standing with me. There was a time when I wasn’t sure spaces like this were meant for someone like me. Today, I know they are, and I’m committed to helping others see that, too. To me, leadership isn’t about fitting in. It’s about showing up fully and creating space for others to do the same. I’m honoured to serve as the 2025–26 chair for the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, and I intend to lead with authenticity, accountability and a deep belief in what’s possible when we work together.”
Lethbridge Polytechnic President and CEO Dr. Brad Donaldson was in attendance and presented Ashley with a Pendleton blanket, a gift from the institution.
2008
Ashley Cesar
Practical Nurse
After serving four years as Board Vice-President of the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA), Ashley began her term as council president on Sept. 1. She says, “serving as vice-president has been a meaningful experience and I’m grateful for the opportunity to take on this new responsibility. It’s a privilege to work alongside such a knowledgeable and dedicated group of professionals who care deeply about protecting the public.” The CLPNA regulates the licenced practical nurse profession in a manner that protects and serves the public by setting and monitoring standards for registration, practice and conduct for practical nurses.
Candace Frey
Practical Nurse
Candace recently joined the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) as a new regulated council member. Her bio on the CLPNA website states: Candace has been a Licensed Practical Nurse for 17 years with more than a decade in men’s health. She has served as clinical manager and sexual health clinician focusing on patient education, clinic efficiencies and inclusive care. Candace has proven leadership abilities and was the winner of the Laura Crawford Excellence in Nursing Practice Award for consistently demonstrating excellence in practice through exemplary nursing knowledge, skills, attitude and judgment; promoting an atmosphere of teamwork; pride in the profession; and mentoring team members.
2006
Jillian MacDonald
Communication Arts – Broadcast Journalism
After graduating in 2006, Jillian built a dynamic career in communications, beginning with radio, television, and the oil sands before transitioning into the public sector. Throughout her time in government, she has provided expertise in strategic communications, public engagement, public education, audiovisual production, content creation, social media management and digital marketing. Currently, she serves as an events specialist with the Government of Alberta, where she leads and executes high-profile events for the premier and various ministries. Jillian lives in Edmonton with her husband and two dogs, embracing both professional and personal adventures in Alberta’s capital.
2005
Preston Scholz
Business Administration
Preston, who is the director of Portfolio Management and Virtual Sales at ATB Financial, was awarded ATB’s inaugural Helix Award in May. The Helix Award is the highest form of leadership recognition at ATB Financial and is awarded to the most influential and inspiring leaders across the organization. When asked to describe Preston’s leadership style, his colleagues said he leads with compassion, empathy and with his heart first. Preston has also been a member of the polytechnic’s Board of Governors since June 2024.
2004
Laura Barrett
Rehabilitation Services
Laura worked at Alberta Health Services in Seniors Addictions and Mental Health for 16 years. She also taught at Lethbridge Polytechnic and worked as an employment specialist with individuals who have medical barriers and disabilities. She is currently completing a bachelor of professional arts in human services through Athabasca University.
Matt Seifert
Business Administration – Professional Golf Management
Matt, who teaches golf lessons at Golf Fanatics in Calgary, was featured in SCOREGolf magazine in May. The article highlights his Grow the Game Tour – a volunteer initiative he launched in 2021 to bring free junior golf lessons to rural courses across Alberta and beyond. He has taught hundreds of kids since the program began and now serves as an honorary advisor to more than 20 small clubs that can’t afford a golf pro.
2003
Shari Edwards
Child and Youth Care
Shari says, “I am fortunate to be part of the Lethbridge Polytechnic family, working with the Residence Life team as the residence and guest services co-ordinator.”
2002
Jill Grindle
Multimedia Production
Jill tells the Alumni office: “Although I didn’t find work in my area of education, many of the things I learned and experienced at [Lethbridge Polytechnic] have helped me in my career since. In 2016 I took a leap of faith and became one of the first legally employed cannabis workers in Canada. I began by helping educate medical patients on the nuances of cannabis as medicine and have since built a strong career surrounding the cannabis plant. I have managed retail stores, worked as a sales manager and currently fulfill the role as [quality assurance/quality control technician] for a Health Canada-approved licensed producer (grower). I am proud of the work I have done; there aren’t many people who get to experience pioneering a brand new industry and I am lucky to have been a part of history in Canada.”
2001
Neils Christensen
Communication Arts – Print Journalism 2001
Neils sent the Alumni office this update: “I am currently the editor of Kitco News, one of the world’s leading sources for precious metals news and information. With over two decades in journalism, I’ve built a career grounded in curiosity, integrity and a passion for storytelling.
My journey began in 2001 after earning a diploma in Print Journalism from what was then Lethbridge Community College. My first reporting job took me to Crowsnest Pass, and one of the highlights of my early career was working as a journalist in Nunavut. Every newsroom I’ve been part of has reinforced the power of local storytelling and the vital role journalism plays in building and connecting communities.
All my early experiences laid the foundation for my transition into financial journalism in Montreal.
What continues to drive me is the opportunity to connect with people – from miners in remote regions to economists on the world stage – and share their stories. Whether I’m reporting from an international economic summit or a small-town council meeting, the goal remains the same: to inform, engage and build trust.
My foundation was built at LCC, now Lethbridge Polytechnic, and that early grounding in community journalism remains my guiding philosophy.”
1999
Elizabeth Makarra
Communication Arts – Advertising and Public Relations
Elizabeth tells the Alumni office: “I have been working at a community health centre in Honolulu, Hawaii, for nearly 12 years, with seven years [as a director] overseeing and developing programs for homeless and uninsured patients. I specialize in health care emergency preparedness, climate resilience and operationalizing federal emergency preparedness rules. I have facilitated multiple trainings state-wide and in California since 2017, guiding other health centres on how to ensure rules are in place that stand the test of staff turnover. I have also co-developed, implemented and managed an emergency department reduction program to reduce nonemergent visits for those patients who go to the emergency room when they could be going to clinics instead. I also created and manage a robust wellness program for health-care staff that is implemented across six sites and 200 staff, with quarterly initiatives that have been going strong for seven years. And I also manage a tobacco treatment program with integrated tobacco cessation services across multiple clinic sites, write [request for proposals], reports and budgets for multi-year grants. I often think fondly of my time and education in Lethbridge and how it led to the foundation of where I am today.”
1995
Kimberly Beck
Office Administration, Travel and Tourism 1992
Kimberly says, “After finishing my diploma, I started working at LCC (at the time). I worked there for eight amazing years and then had some babies. Now I am a full-time education assistant at Magrath Elementary and have been for 13 years.”
Jeremy Langemann
Professional Cooking
Jeremy was named 2025 Chef of the Year by the International Catering Association at the annual Art of Catering Food, Catersource + Special Event conference in March in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The award highlights exceptional innovation, leadership and craftsmanship, recognizing those who redefine the catering industry. Jeremy, who has 28 years of experience in the industry, is the executive chef at Bingemans Catering, one of southern Ontario’s largest hospitality companies. “I was truly humbled, deeply honoured,” he told CambridgeToday.ca in an interview after his win. “It’s never been about the accolades, it’s about having the passion and ability to be creative, bring joy to people over a meal and be able to do that with a fantastic team.”
Bryan Pritchard
Business Administration – General Business
After completing his Business Administration diploma, Bryan worked at Federated Co-operatives and spent time driving a Schwan’s truck. He later earned a combined management/education degree from the University of Lethbridge. He taught for 12 years in the Lethbridge Public School Division, earned his master’s in educational leadership and moved into school administration roles with Horizon School Division – two years as an assistant principal and eight as principal. Bryan says, “last year, things came full circle in a way, as I took on the off-campus teacher role in Horizon, which includes working with Lethbridge Polytechnic for dual credit programming, so I get to visit the campus quite often.”
1994
Jeff Melchior
Communication Arts – Advertising and Public Relations
Jeff is a reporter for Glacier FarmMedia publications with decades worth of experience writing for the broad agricultural industry in addition tocommunity-based publications. Jeff is also a two-time winner of Canadian Farm Writers Federation awards.
1988
Winslow Davis
Civil Engineering Technology
Winslow is working with First Nations communities throughout Alberta.
1985
Warren Salberg
Civil Engineering Technology
After graduation, Warren returned to then-Lethbridge College in 1990 as an instructor, sharing his experience and passion for engineering with countless students. From 1994 to 1997, he served as chair of the Engineering Technologies program and helped shape the direction of the department. In 1992, he was recognized as a Distinguished Alumni for his professional accomplishments.
Warren retired in 2019 but continues to enjoy life to the fullest. He and his wife Anita, along with their dog Max, spend their time relaxing at their trailer in the Crowsnest Pass or hanging out with their family. When he’s not enjoying the outdoors, you can find Warren in the garage working on his classic cars. A lifelong car enthusiast, he loves tinkering with his 1958 Dodge D100 and 1951 Pontiac Fleetleader.
“I’ve always felt very thankful and fortunate to have had a career where I was able to get to know and interact with so many awesome students and colleagues,” Warren says. “Our graduates have proven to be some of the best engineering technologists in Canada and the world.”
1984
Kenneth Gillis
Business Administration
Kenneth spent 32 years at Safeway, 13 of them in management, and has been with Coke Canada for the past 14 years. He says he is “proud to [have worked] at both companies and how they both have been a great employer to so many Canadians.”
Al Lucas
Communication Arts
Al tells the Alumni office that he has worked in media almost continuously since graduation. In 1986 he moved to Red Deer and worked for CKRD in sales, then with ZED 99 and CKGY for more than 20 years before moving up to general sales manager for seven stations. Al is currently working with Harvard Media in Red Deer, which represents 13 stations over seven markets in Alberta and Saskatchewan. He says he still keeps in touch with many of his classmates and other graduates of the Communication Arts program.
1983
Micheal Ward
Environmental Science
Micheal says he retired after 37 years in law enforcement, having worked with Alberta Provincial Parks, the Manitoba Department of Natural Resources and Manitoba Government Services, in addition to police services in Winnipeg, Springfield and Sainte Anne, Man.
1977
Laura Trent
Drafting Technology
Laura has had her own design and drafting business for more than 40 years.
1971
Jordan Head
Business Administration
Jordan returned to the Lethbridge Polytechnic campus, more than five decades after graduation, to take on the role of Indigenous Cultural Advisor. Jordan credits his time at the institution as the foundation for a lifetime of learning, listening and being of service to his community.
He says his drive to learn came from his great grandmother, a survivor of one of Canada’s earliest residential schools.
“She encouraged me to learn from teachers and soak up all the information I could,” Jordan says. “I valued her insight. She talked of a time when my father and grandfather would no longer be needed in the fields, and that education would become the path to a better life.”
Jordan followed a path of learning, pursuing a degree in Native American studies from the University of Lethbridge, and a post-graduate degree in health services administration and a master’s in business administration from the University of Alberta. He says his education has helped him navigate careers in business, health and community service and now, it has brought him full circle to support students at his alma mater.
In his role, Jordan contributes directly to the development and improvement of Indigenous student supports on campus. He provides empathy and a unique perspective, which helps him connect with students on a more personal level.
“I’m building off what others started,” he says. “And I’m here to help students find a way forward spiritually, academically and personally.”
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