$1 million gift from alumnus Bill Robinson will support students and strengthen campus farm

(Vermilion, Alta.) Lakeland alumnus Bill Robinson of Vermilion has donated $1 million to Lakeland College.

Half of his gift will be used to create an endowment that will fund bursaries for first-year students enrolled full-time and attending in-person studies at the Vermilion campus. The other half will be used to support beef cattle initiatives, such as campus farm improvements and applied research projects. 

A graduate of the 2-in-1 Agriculture program in 1958, Robinson returned to Lakeland 30 years later to take electrical training. His father Lyle also attended the college, graduating in 1927. His mother Annabel was the Dean of Women for three years.

“The college has been a big part of our family for years,” says Robinson. “I hope that this gift will help the college continue to grow, while also providing financial support to the students who need it most so they can attend the college and get a great education.

”Robinson considers his time attending the college to be among some of the best times of his life. 

“It helped teach me to do whatever I was doing to the best of my ability, to enjoy what I was doing, to not be afraid to reach out and try other things,” says Robinson. “I developed close connections with classmates that I really valued.”

Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College, thanked Robinson for his generous gift and ongoing support. He has been a monthly donor to the college for years and has supported past campaigns such as the Centennial Tree project. Robinson regularly attends alumni events and serves as a Class Champion for the Class of 1958. 

“Bill’s generosity will help us continue to modernize our campus farm, which is used by our more than 650 agricultural sciences students as well as applied research staff,” says Wainwright-Stewart. 

“In addition, the Bill Robinson Bursary will help remove financial barriers for many students, creating greater access to a Lakeland College education,” she says. “Bill’s got a big heart and he cares deeply about our college, our current and future students, and our community. We are so appreciative of his amazing support.” 

In recognition of Robinson’s generous gift, a 150-seat classroom in the WHT Mead Building at the Vermilion campus has been named the Lyle and Annabel Robinson Lecture Theatre, a tribute to his parents.