We love hearing from Lethbridge Polytechnic alumni! To submit your news to share with your classmates and the campus community, drop us a note at WHMagazine@lethpolytech.ca
2024
Medina Cortez
Agriculture Sciences – Agriculture Business
Medina is working toward a bachelor’s degree in agriculture studies at the University of Lethbridge.
Sarah Foote
Therapeutic Recreation – Gerontology
Sarah tells the Alumni office: “I am working as an activity co-ordinator for a company that supports people with disabilities.”
2023
Emma Ramm
Child and Youth Care
Since graduating from Lethbridge Polytechnic, Emma has been working full time as a program leader at It’s a BLAST. “I provide childcare to many children whom I love and adore, and who are always keeping me on my toes,” she says. “There’s never a dull moment!”
Constables go the distance to support mental health
Lethbridge Police Service Constables Terry Fieguth (Exercise Science 2011) and Christian Olson (Police Cadet Training 2022) raised $7,115 in December to support Legacy Place Society, an organization that provides mental health resources to first responders and their families.
They each committed to completing the Murph Challenge multiple times over a 12-hour period - the typical length of many first responders’ shifts. The Murph Challenge is a gruelling full-body workout that tests both physical and mental fortitude by completing a 1.6-kilometre run, 300 squats, 200 push-ups, 100 pull-ups and a second 1.6 kilometre-run. The workout commemorates the service and sacrifice of U.S. Navy SEAL, Lieutenant Michael Murphy, who was killed in Afghanistan.
Despite an initial goal of 12 Murph rounds in 12 hours, Terry and Christian completed the circuit an impressive 20 times.
“Terry had a smile on his face for 12 hours, which was truly inspiring,” says Christian in a news release issued by Legacy Place Society. “He helped keep everyone motivated, and we knew there was no way we could stop while he was still going strong.”
According to Terry, “Christian was relentless, always encouraging the team to keep pushing forward. He constantly reminded us of the cause we were supporting, which kept us focused and energized.”
Both say they plan to tackle other fitness challenge fundraisers in the future.
2018
Teagan Holt
Bachelor of Ecosystem Management
Teagan is a senior biologist and lead co-ordinator for field staff and reporting with Green Cat Renewables. She says she is working on some of the biggest wind and solar farms in British Columbia, Alberta, the Maritimes and Saskatchewan.
Kurtis Krizsan
Business Administration – Accounting
After graduating from Lethbridge Polytechnic, Kurtis went on to earn a bachelor of management degree from the University of Lethbridge. He received his Chartered Professional Accountant designation in January 2024 and began working for Lethbridge County as finance manager this past September.
Tayla Scott
Multimedia Production
Tayla tells the Alumni office that “three months after graduating, I started my full-time job as the marketing and graphic design specialist for Avonlea Homes. I have been working here for almost seven years now and absolutely love it! On the side, I do freelance graphic design and painting.”
2017
Kristen Rejuso
Therapeutic Recreation
Kristen has dedicated nearly a decade to enriching the lives of seniors across northern Alberta. Her journey started with a simple conversation with her grandparents, who encouraged her to work with seniors. That advice led her to Lethbridge Polytechnic, where she earned her diploma in Therapeutic Recreation, followed by a bachelor’s degree from the University of Lethbridge. Today, she supervises recreation therapy across multiple sites in Alberta’s North Zone with Alberta Health Services.
2013
Diana Williams
Practical Nurse
Diana shared this update with the Alumni office: “My journey to Lethbridge Polytechnic began at the age of 34. I was a newly single parent to two daughters and was terrified of continuing my post-secondary education in my 30s. During my first day of orientation to the Practical Nurse program, that fear vanished. This was due to my instructors Shari Strank, Loretta Kroker, the late Karen Mikado and Brad Keim. Twelve years later, they are now colleagues of mine and are the only reason that I am the nurse and clinical instructor that I am today. I wanted to do my best for not only myself while a student at LP, but to also make sure that my instructors would be proud of me. Working for Lethbridge Polytechnic as an alum has been a life-long professional goal and dream come true.”
2012
Erica Perreaux
Multimedia Production
After graduation, Erica attended the University of Lethbridge where she earned a degree in new media. She says she worked a few jobs in print design and marketing within Lethbridge before volunteering with the Lethbridge Hurricanes. Erica has been the team photographer for the past 10 years, and for the past six seasons she has also been the club’s graphic designer. “This past summer, I was hired as an NHL live social contributor based in Vancouver,” she says. “It’s a dream job I have worked a decade to get to!”
2011
John Buckmaster
Computer Information Technology
John is a systems analyst for the Chinook Arch Regional Library System. He also presents at conferences on the topics of technology, disability, customer service and intersections thereof.
Tyson Wiebe
General Arts and Science – English
Tyson currently works at Lethbridge Polytechnic as an access services specialist in the Buchanan Library.
2006
Tristan Tuckett
Communication Arts – Broadcast Journalism
Tristan, who works at Lethbridge Polytechnic as an audio-visual technologist, recently opened a new pizza place in Lethbridge with his business partner, Jody Moench. Punky’s Pizza is the culmination of Tristan’s work in the kitchen from competing and judging barbecue competitions to visiting the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas.
Marianne Virag
Criminal Justice – Policing
Marianne works at the City of Lethbridge’s Helen Schuler Nature Centre and is the proud owner of a small business, Prairie Bird Nest Boxes.
Alumni at Work – Independent Crop Inputs Inc.
Locally owned and operated since its establishment eight years ago, Independent Crop Inputs Inc. (ICI) is proud to be southern Alberta’s only full service, independent agriculture retailer. With locations in Taber and Scandia (and a third site on the way), ICI employees work with producers to supply crop inputs – including chemical, fertilizer and much more – to farmers across the region. Many of those employees are Lethbridge Polytechnic alumni.
Shane Janzen, CCA, PAg. (Agricultural Technology – Plant and Soil Science 2015) is the site manager and crop nutrition lead in Taber. “We have found a lot of value in our summer student program, which has led to the hiring of most of our alumni,” he says. “We find the in-field experience of our summer jobs compliments the education from the polytechnic.”
That hands-on experience is key in an industry where dedication and hard work can lead to long-term success. “Agriculture is full of opportunity for those who are willing to work hard and put in the time,” Shane says. Business agronomists Adam Kruk (Agriculture Sciences – Agronomy 2023) and Seth Radcliffe (Agriculture Sciences – Agronomy 2022) both credit the polytechnic for instilling in them the importance of relationship building.
“My time at Lethbridge Polytechnic cultivated more than just agronomic knowledge,” Adam says, “it fostered connections.” Seth adds, the polytechnic “really helped me connect with the local agriculture industry and build long-lasting relationships that have helped me establish and grow my career.”
Lethbridge Polytechnic alumni on the ICI team are (L to R): Abby Peters (Agriculture Sciences – Agronomy 2022), Derrick Fletcher (Civil Engineering Technology 2018), Adam Kruk, Janelle Graham (Criminal Justice – Policing 2018), Seth Radcliffe, Chantal Claassen (Agriculture Sciences - Agronomy 2021, Business Administration – Accounting 2017), Shane Janzen, and Taylor Kopervas (Agriculture Sciences – Plant and Soil Sciences 2016, Agricultural Technology – Animal Science 2013). Photo submitted.
2005
Dean Parker
Computer Information Technology
“I’ve spent the majority of my career in municipal IT [departments],” Dean says. “I’ve been with the Municipal District of Taber for 11 years, with a recent promotion to Information Technology Program manager.”
2003
Kenneth Christopher James Andrew
Engineering Design Technology
In addition to drafting work, Kenneth is also serving as project management for Purcell Timber Frame Homes based out of Nelson, B.C.
Shauna Cohen
Child and Youth Care
Shauna began her career – just days after graduation – at Wood’s Homes, a non-profit mental health organization, where she helped launch the Emergency Youth Shelter in Lethbridge. Over the years, she helped expand services from a single location to five, with Wood’s Homes now offering a range of innovative programs such as Youth Intensive Case Management, Community Group Care and the Lethbridge Opportunity Hub. Shauna now serves as associate regional director.
Daina Lazzarotto
Communication Arts – Advertising and Public Relations
Daina tells the Alumni office that after not working in her field for nearly 20 years, she was excited to “land the role I was meant for.” She is currently the manager of Community Relations for Northback Holdings Corporation in Crowsnest Pass, Alta.
2000
Lorien Johansen
Communication Arts – Print Journalism
After graduation, Lorien’s passion for history led her to the Lethbridge Historical Society (LHS). She became LHS director in 2017 and now serves as president. Lorien has also been a driving force as part of the Heart of Our City Committee, including five years as chair. She also co-chaired the Lethbridge Terry Fox Run for six years. One of Lorien’s standout accomplishments is co-authoring the bestselling book Lethbridge: A History in Pictures, which is a stunning tribute to the city’s rich past. She also fulfilled a childhood dream when she got to meet the one and only Fred Penner at the Word on The Street Festival. These days, Lorien channels her talents into her role with the YWCA Lethbridge & District, working in events, marketing and communications.
1998
Amber Hunt
Communication Arts – Print Journalism
Amber shares that she completed her Canadian records certificate from the National Institute of Genealogical Studies in 2023 and is nearing completion of her English records and Scottish records certificates from the International Institute of Genealogical Studies. Amber also launched her own researcher-for-hire business: Grounded Connections – Family, Local and Home History Services. She works as an administrator at the Lethbridge branch of TLD Computers.
1996
Lowa Beebe (Natoyi’sokasiim)
Information Specialist
Lowa is the owner and director of The Path Forward, which provides corporate education on reconciliation and Indigenous intercultural competence. She is also the Chief Executive Officer of the North American Indigenous Games 2027. On Jan. 11, Lowa was invited to drop the puck at the Calgary Flames’ Indigenous Celebration game. Lowa shared on social media that this year’s theme, Honouring the Land, is a “powerful reminder of our deep connection to the land and responsibility to protect and respect it for future generations.”
Corey Lyons
Business Administration – Professional Golf Management
Corey was inducted into the Lethbridge Hurricanes Wall of Honour in February. Born and raised in Calgary, Corey spent parts of three seasons with the Hurricanes from 1988 until 1990. In his time with the team, Corey was named co-rookie of the year in the 1988-89 season and was drafted in the third round (63rd overall) by the Calgary Flames in the 1989 National Hockey League Entry Draft. He went on to play 11 professional seasons in the International Hockey League, East Coast Hockey League, West Coast Hockey League and in Europe before retiring from playing in 2004. Photo credit to Erica Perreaux (Multimedia Production 2012), Lethbridge Hurricanes.
Wendy Stander
Recreation Management
Wendy says she used her training in “a lot of different jobs” and worked for the federal government for 27 years. She’s been retired since 2011.
1991
Margo Lee
Law Enforcement
Margo just retired after a 33-year career with Manitoba Justice, saying, “I could have never done it without my time spent at [then] LCC.
1982
Vernon Oickle
Communication Arts – Print Journalism (Community Leader 2015)
Following his graduation from then- Lethbridge Community College, Vernon returned to his hometown of Liverpool, N.S., where he began a distinguished 33-year career in community newspapers. He worked at the weekly newspaper, The Advance, for 13 years before becoming the editor of the Bridgewater Bulletin, where he remained for 20 years.
Vernon is an award-winning journalist and editor, and is the author of 39 books, many of which collect and preserve the heritage and culture of Atlantic Canada. His bestselling books include Ghost Stories of the Maritimes, Ghost Stories of Nova Scotia, More Ghost Stories ofNova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Outstanding Outhouse Reader, South Shore Facts and Folklore, Strange Nova Scotia, The Bluenosers’ Book of Slang, Forerunners of Nova Scotia, and Grandma’s Home Remedies. He will release his 40th and 41st books in 2025.
He also writes fiction in the popular “Crow” series based on the old Maritime poem “One Crow Sorrow.” In 2024, the seventh book in the series, Seven Crows for a Secret Yet to be Told, won an International Impact Book Award, taking first place in the Historical Mystery/ Thriller category. The ninth book, Nine Crows for a Kiss, will be released in spring 2025.
In addition to his long list of newspaper awards, in 2012 Vernon received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, recognizing his contributions to his community, province and country, and in April 2015 he received the Honouring Excellence Community Leader award from Lethbridge Polytechnic. He was inducted into the Atlantic Journalism Awards Hall of Fame in the spring of 2020.
As a testimony to his outstanding career, in 2014 the South Queens Middle School in his hometown, Liverpool, announced the creation of the Vernon Oickle Writer’s Award to be given annually to a student who excels in the art of writing, either fiction or non-fiction.
Vernon has also shared with the Alumni office that he is interested in reconnecting with his journalism classmates. Email WHMagazine@lethpolytech.ca to get in touch.
1974
Nick Paladino
Drafting Technology
Born and raised in Lethbridge (and “proud of it!”), Nick completed the polytechnic’s Drafting Technology program in 1974. He continued his education at SAIT the following year and earned a diploma in engineering technology. Nick spent seven years with the City of Lethbridge, working as a draftsperson, plan checker and planning technician before accepting a development officer position with Lethbridge County. He retired as manager of Planning and Development in 2013, after 30 years with Lethbridge County. Nick was elected to Lethbridge City Council in 2021. He tells the Alumni office that he also enjoys music, guitars, skiing, tennis and a good magic trick.
Lethbridge Polytechnic celebrates alumni award recipients
Distinguished Alumni • Theresa Yauck
Theresa Yauck (Interior Design and Merchandising 2002) has always had a deep connection to her surroundings. Born and raised in Lethbridge, she graduated from Lethbridge Polytechnic in 2002 with a diploma in Interior Design and Merchandising. In 2005, Theresa became the first interior designer on staff at FWBA Architects. Today, with more than 20 years of experience, she is their lead interior designer. Throughout her career, Theresa has built a diverse and inspiring portfolio, bringing vibrant energy to schools, senior living communities and civic projects. She remains dedicated to nurturing the next generation of designers, championing holistic project execution and expanding FWBA’s reach through thoughtful business development.
COMMUNITY LEADER • Jordan Schellenberg
Jordan Schellenberg’s (Criminal Justice – Policing 2009) journey into youth work started early, shaped by the example of his parents, who instilled in him a love for serving the community. His passion for working with youth and building preventative, supportive programs only grew when he graduated from Lethbridge Polytechnic. Seeing firsthand the gaps in support for teens facing barriers, he began to dream of a place where all youth, regardless of their circumstances, could find mentorship, practical help and lifechanging support without financial barriers standing in the way. That dream became a reality in 2014 when Jordan founded Youth One, a youth and family centre that has since become a cornerstone of the community – serving nearly 500 youth each week through mentorship-based programs, meals and support services. Completely community funded, Youth One now raises more than $650,000 annually to support families in need.
