Local News
Lethbridge police chief honoured as college’s alumnus of distinction
By LETHBRIDGE HERALD
Mar 29, 2008, 04:44

Lethbridge regional police chief Tom McKenzie was honoured as Lethbridge College’s alumnus of distinction, Friday.
Alumni co-ordinator Sandra Dufresne said there were eight strong nominees this year, but McKenzie was chosen for his service to the force, the community and the college. She said the alumnus of distinction must demonstrate incredible career success, service to the community and to the college and McKenzie has done all of those.
“I’m quite honoured by it. I’m humbled following in the footsteps of the other distinguished alumni,” said Tom McKenzie, Chief of Lethbridge regional police.
“It’s a great recognition. I’ve always been very proud of my time at the college both as a student and later as a sessional instructor out there and on the police advisory committee for the (criminal justice) program.”
Besides holding the top job with the Lethbridge regional police, McKenzie is the treasurer of the McMan Youth, Family & Community Services Association and for the last 18 years he has been involved in a variety of capacities — most recently the vice-president — of the London Road Neighbourhood Association. Dufresne said he has been an advocate of the criminal justice program, hiring graduates and also instructing them.
“I think the college has provided a great deal of community strength for us . . . The alumni have gone around the world literally and we have alumni from the college all over the place making a huge difference in the world, whether it be broadcasting, whether it be in health issues to people working in the police service,” he said.
“To be part of an alumni for such a fine institution is a great honour.”
McKenzie went to the college on a recommendation of a couple of Edmonton police officers who recommended school as one of the best. After graduating in 1976, McKenzie moved through the ranks of constable, sergeant, staff sergeant, inspector and chief during his 32 years of service
The award was established in 1992 to celebrate the college’s 35th anniversary and there were 35 recipients chosen, one for each year the college has been open. Since then, one distinguished alumnus has been named every year.
“It’s really important to celebrate the success of our alumni because really every graduate of this college is an ambassador for us and if we can elevate the status of people who have done exceptionally well it gives additional credit to the programs here at the college,” Dufresne said.
She said this event was a teaser to Lethbridge College’s homecoming weekend set for May 16-18. Dufresne said the homecoming events will be open to the public, but they ask people to register beforehand online so they know how many people will be going.
The first day of festivities, Friday, May 16, has been reserved for class reunions.
On May 17, there will be a pancake breakfast in the morning and a welcome centre and central registration point will be open from noon to 5 p.m. at the Cave.
In the afternoon, there will also be the campus showcase with tours of the campus and food for thought workshop, with people being able to hear about the new and innovative things going on at the college. Distinguished alumnus Kelly Damphousse, who graduated from law enforcement in 1982 and now works as a Dean of Oklahoma University and is a recognized terrorism expert, will be there. Troy Reeb, who is the vice-president of Global Television, will also be back to talk about the changing face of broadcasting. There will be the 25-year class reunion from 2 to 4 p.m. and a staff and faculty reunion from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Shaken and Stirred is set for Saturday evening. The lounge-style cabaret at Exhibition Park will feature Calgary-based group the Dino Martinis, which change costumes dependent on the era of music style they perform.
On Sunday, the Culinary Olympic Brunch will be held at the Garden Court on campus at a cost of $19.57, to play up the year the college started. There will be a tailgate party from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Barn. People are encouraged to bring their barbecues and the winners of the 50th anniversary scholarship will be announced.
Tom Cochrane and Red Rider will perform Sunday, May 18, at 7 p.m. at the Enmax Centre at a cost of $10.
“It’s a way for the college to say thank you to the community for being such a big part of our success,” Dufresne said.
Tickets are available to the public starting Tuesday. More detailed information is available at www.celebrating50.ca.

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