Lethbridge Polytechnic Alumni

10/09/2026

What would you do with an extra $1000? Fuel your next adventure, upgrade your gear, or fund something spontaneous - the choice is yours. Update your Lethbridge Polytechnic Alumni profile to be entered to win!

Enter here 👉 https://bit.ly/47GyXC6

Contest ends October 14.

09/23/2026

Where Are You Wednesday! 📸

Meet David Guenther, a Communication Arts – Print Journalism 2006 graduate whose passion for storytelling has taken him from hobbyist photographer to directing large-scale commercials for major automotive brands across North America.

David originally wanted to be a writer and chose the program because of his love of storytelling. It was through his photojournalism classes, and being among the first students to work with digital cameras, that he discovered a new way to tell stories.

“I realized I could combine the visual arts with my desire to be able to tell a story and convey the way I saw the world,” he says.

After graduating, David moved to South Korea, where photography became his full-time profession. As social media grew, so did opportunities to work with travel and lifestyle brands, eventually leading him to the automotive industry.

Today, David travels internationally for commercial shoots, including directing campaigns in places ranging from downtown Los Angeles to the Arizona desert. He still draws on the journalism skills he developed at Lethbridge Polytechnic, approaching each project with an eye for storytelling, composition and understanding his audience.

Despite working around the world, David remains based in Lethbridge with his wife and kids.

“You don’t necessarily know what’s around the corner and you just trust that if you stay true to who you are as an artist and as a storyteller, the work will keep coming.”

From journalism to photography to commercial directing, the medium may have changed, but David’s focus has remained the same: tell the story.

09/09/2026

📍Where are you Wednesday

Nash Epp (Child and Youth Care 2023) is a child and youth care professional, advocate and community leader whose work is grounded in both professional expertise and lived experience. Having grown up in care, he says he was inspired to pursue a career in child and youth care after receiving support from mentors who recognized his potential and helped him navigate significant challenges as a young person. That experience continues to shape his approach to supporting youth, families and vulnerable populations.

Over the course of his career, Nash has worked in youth employment services, homelessness prevention, crisis intervention and community outreach. He began his professional journey with Wood’s Homes in Lethbridge, supporting young people transitioning from care through employment and life-skills programs, while also contributing to youth advocacy and mental health initiatives. He later served as a housing case manager with the Lethbridge Housing Authority, providing intensive case management and support to individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Today, Nash serves as manager of Child and Youth Programs at the YMCA of Lethbridge, where he provides leadership, mentorship and guidance to child and youth care practitioners working on the front lines. Passionate about helping others discover their strengths, he is committed to creating opportunities for growth, connection and belonging while empowering both young people and the professionals who serve them. He encourages aspiring professionals to stay connected to their "why," believing that purpose, resilience and a willingness to grow are at the heart of meaningful work with children and youth.

Outside of work, Nash enjoys spending time with his partner and their two golden retrievers, Mater and McQueen, and pursuing creative outlets through writing and music.

09/03/2026

🥤 COCA-COLA GIVEAWAY! 🥤

What's your best Lethbridge tip?

Whether you've lived here your whole life or you're brand new to the city, we want to hear it! Where do you go for the best food, a great walk or a quiet study spot? All hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems are welcome!

Share your best Lethbridge tip in the comments for a chance to win a Coca-Cola prize pack, including a mini fridge, speaker and $50 Superstore gift card!

The winner will be selected at random and contacted by us on Sept. 4.

Tourism Lethbridge City of Lethbridge- City Hall

08/26/2026

Where are you Wednesday? 🎓

Today, we're highlighting soon-to-be alum Jody-Ann Smikle! She recently completed her practicum with our Alumni and External Engagement office as part of her Digital Communications and Media diploma, gaining hands-on experience in marketing, communications and alumni engagement.

Originally from Jamaica, Jody-Ann moved to Canada in 2024 to continue her academic and professional journey. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree with honours in Marketing from the University of the West Indies, Mona, and came to Lethbridge Polytechnic with several years of experience in marketing, communications, client relations and community engagement.

Before studying in Canada, Jody-Ann built a diverse professional background through roles in financial services and volunteer leadership. She coordinated events and financial literacy initiatives for young people through VM Financial Education to Empower and served as Vice President Public Relations for Victoria Mutual Toastmasters, leading marketing and public relations efforts.

During her time at Lethbridge Polytechnic, Jody-Ann strengthened her skills in content creation, social media, storytelling, writing, photography, videography, marketing strategy and audience engagement. Her accomplishments include receiving the prestigious Troy Reeb Internship with Corus Entertainment.

Known for her creativity, strategic thinking and passion for meaningful storytelling, Jody-Ann is excited to begin her career in marketing and communications.

Congratulations, Jody-Ann, on completing your practicum and all you've accomplished along the way! We can't wait to see what's next. 🎉

08/22/2026

It's a great time to be a Kodiak 🐻 If you haven't logged in to Alumni Perks recently (or ever), now is the time! Ener the Canada's luckiest alumni contest for a chance to win $5000!

Login to Alumni Perks here 👉 https://bit.ly/3ULho0m

The Leth Poly Perks program highlights discounts, special offers, and resources available to alumni — helping you save, engage, and experience more of what Leth Poly Perks has to offer.

08/19/2026

✨ Where are you Wednesday!

Jessica Melsted (Fish and Wildlife Technology 2014, Renewable Resource Management 2013) has turned her passion for wildlife and conservation into a career that has taken her across Western Canada. Today, she works with Black Fly Environmental LTD., building on a diverse background that includes roles withCows and Fish, the Delta Waterfowl Foundation, the Government of Alberta and Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Jessica discovered the Renewable Resource Management and Fish and Wildlife Technology) programs after exploring conservation careers in high school. She credits supportive instructors and valuable hands-on experiences, including work at the polytechnic’s former Aquaculture Centre of Excellence, with helping launch her career.

One lesson she carries forward is the importance of building relationships. "The environmental field is quite small,” says Melsted, “so chances are, many of the students you learn with, you'll run into again down the road as a professional."

What Jessica enjoys most about her work is the opportunity to visit remote places few people ever get to see and to work alongside passionate people who have become lifelong friends. Outside of work, she's an avid birder who volunteers with bird monitoring programs and guided tours. She also enjoys photography, reading, knitting, bowling and spending time with her many pets.

08/17/2026

What happens when your instructor is still actively serving in law enforcement?

School of Justice Studies instructor Paolo Magliocco brings more than a decade of front-line policing experience into the classroom while continuing to serve with the Lethbridge Police Service.

Since joining the service in 2012, Paolo has worked in patrol operations, Economic Crimes, Violent Crimes and Public Order Units, and now serves as a patrol sergeant. That ongoing work allows him to provide students with real-time insight into the ever-evolving policing profession.

Paolo says seeing former students succeed in the field is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching.

Read more in the latest edition of Wider Horizons ->
lethpolytech.ca/wider-horizons/spring-2026/instructors-industry

08/13/2026

Calling all Kodiaks! Pull the snake out of your boot and get your lasso ready, it's nearly time for Whoop-Up Days. Rope in a good time walking with Lethbridge Polytechnic in this year's parade!

Sign-up here 👉 https://bit.ly/4gbRUk3

08/12/2026

Where are you Wednesday!

Meet James Walshe, a 2014 graduate of the Civil Engineering Technology program at Lethbridge Polytechnic.

After beginning his studies in an engineering degree program, James decided to look for something more applied and career-focused. He credits the polytechnic’s diploma program with giving him the real-world experience and confidence he needed to step directly into the industry.

For James, applied learning made all the difference. The program emphasized practical skills from day one; something he says remains central to his career today. Whether it’s drafting, technical design or complex calculations, he relies on what he learned at the polytechnic every single day. That strong foundation helped James launch a decade-long career at Associated Engineering before he moved into his current role with MPE, a division of Englobe, in 2025.

What keeps James motivated more than a decade into his career is the variety civil engineering offers. With so many disciplines to explore, he says he’s constantly learning, growing and taking on new challenges.

Outside the office, James enjoys travelling as much as possible, along with concerts, time with friends, walking his dog and staying connected to his community.