Lakeland College revitalization project gets financial boost

Sep 24, 2026 | 2:05 PM

A long-time contributor to Lakeland College is investing in the Student-Managed Farm (SMF) Lab Revitalization project.

Judy Sweet’s $500,000 donation will support upgrades to the calving barn on the Vermilion campus farm and enhancements to agricultural teaching and applied research.

Lakeland College President and CEO Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart said the improvements will also strengthen facility functionality, sustainability, and long-term operational capacity.

“Her continued support of Lakeland’s Student-Managed Farm helps us provide the modern facilities and hands-on learning experiences our students need to put their education into action,” Wainwright-Stewart said. “We are deeply grateful for Judy’s commitment to our students.”

Sweet said supporting Lakeland reflects her belief that investing in students is an investment in the future of agriculture. She has continued to support the college’s agricultural programming, campus farm and livestock research initiatives, including the modernization of the G.N. Sweet Livestock Research Facility at the Vermilion campus. The facility officially opened on Oct. 20, 2016, in memory of Sweet’s late husband, Garth. Her support has also helped expand Lakeland’s farmland base.

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Sweet said an investment in Lakeland College is something that will more than pay off for current and future agriculture students and the industry.

“I’ve seen how Lakeland students learn by doing and how they make an impact on commercial agriculture and animal health. Supporting the modernization of the calving barn means students will have the opportunity to learn in a more modern, functional environment while gaining the skills and experience they need for their careers,” Sweet said.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

by Alice McFarlane

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Lakeland College revitalization project gets financial boost

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