The Hranac family never had kids of their own. However, that did not stop them from supporting the next generation of farmers by making a donation to Lethbridge Polytechnic.
The Joe and Laverna Hranac family estate recently donated $2.8 million to the post-secondary school, the second largest single donation in the institution’s history.
The announcement was celebrated at a field day at the school’s 385-acre research facility.
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“This legacy gift from Joe and Laverna Hranac ensures our students and researchers can continue to work alongside industry partners to solve real-world agricultural challenges,” Brad Donaldson, president and chief executive officer of Lethbridge Polytechnic, said at the event.
“It’s a lasting investment in education, innovation and the agricultural community that helped shape the Hranacs’s lives.”
The gift will support operations at the school’s Research Farm, enabling the continuation and expansion of applied agriculture research and innovation. It also enhances the polytechnic’s capacity for student-focused, industry-connected agricultural research.
Lethbridge Polytechnic has been conducting applied research in agriculture for more than 30 years, most recently within the Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The centre has managed operations on the research farm since 2020 as part of a lease agreement with the Alberta government.
“The Hranac family’s gift, to support the research farm, strengthens our ability to respond to emerging challenges in southern Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food sector, specifically in the areas of integrated food production systems, irrigation science and post-harvest technology,” said Andrew Dunlop, associate vice-president of research.
“Their generosity also supports the polytechnic’s commitment to hands-on, applied learning that is deeply connected to industry.”
Born and raised in southern Alberta, Joe and Laverna Hranac were lifelong sugar beet, grain and canola producers who farmed land south of Chin and Cranford. Joe passed away in 2008 and Laverna in 2022.
The Hranacs were closely connected to their extended family who say their gift to Lethbridge Polytechnic was inspired by a shared belief in the power of education and a desire to invest in students and agriculture for generations to come.
“Joe and Laverna’s roots were based in farming, and along with that they carried a love of education and family throughout their lives,” said their niece, Cindy Powell.
“They believed in working hard, helping others and creating opportunities for the next generation. This gift reflects their vision of what’s possible and the kindness they shared with everyone around them.”
