Just over 200 people took part in a night of food and entertainment at the fourth annual Feast on the Farm in support of student leadership. On August 15, the community gathered at the Lakeland College Research Centre on the Vermilion campus with all proceeds going towards student leadership programs.
“This event, which coincides with Alberta Open Farm Days, brings the community together to celebrate our rural roots, the harvest season and student-leadership,” says Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College.
With help through sponsors and attendees, this year’s sold-out event raised over $15,000 for leadership programs at the college, which in total marks $80,000 raised since the event’s inception. Last year’s event raised over $18,000.
“Student leadership is at the core of what we offer, and we excel at providing this with the help of our community and industry partners. From serving as guest speakers to providing practicum placements, sponsoring initiatives and attending events like Feast on the Farm, their support is integral to our students’ success.”
The 30th anniversary of the Student-Managed Farm kicked off at Feast on the Farm. Guests were presented with a video showcasing the history of the SMF over the past three decades. A Class of 1991 crop technology alumnus and the first SMF student manager, Terry Eleniak shared stories about the early years of the farm.
“What started out as 500 acres turned into this 2,000-acre prosperous farm you see here today. I know the education I got at Lakeland and the experience I had with the Student-Managed Farm has contributed to my success,” says Eleniak, who is an agricultural fieldman for Lamont County and runs a 1,600-acre mixed farm.
Lakeland will continue celebrating the SMF 30th anniversary throughout at annual events such as Band in the Sand, Open House, Little Royal and Homecoming 2020.