Vermilion’s Doug Stewart has been named Lakeland College’s 2026 Distinguished Citizen, receiving an honorary bachelor of agricultural technology degree at convocation on June 5. The award recognizes a lifetime of quiet, hands-on community service that mirrors the example set by his father, John A. Stewart, who earned the same honour in 2017.
“For my dad, it was always all about community and staying true to his principles,” Stewart said, according to Lakeland College. “And those lessons still exist in me.” The recognition makes the Stewarts the first parent and child to receive the college’s Distinguished Citizen award.
Stewart’s connection to Vermilion runs deep. His family’s retail store, Craig’s of Vermilion, opened in 1905 and served the community for 112 years before closing in 2017. Through that business and beyond, the Stewarts have supported student awards at Lakeland College since 1927. Doug Stewart has continued that tradition while carving his own path in agriculture and community groups.
He has served on the Vermilion Agricultural Society, including as chair in 2011 and 2012, the Heavy Horse Committee, and spent 25 years with the Vermilion Rotary Club, including a term as president. He also organized Professional Bull Riding events at Lakeland and regularly works with the college’s rodeo athletes. When asked for an interview about the award, Stewart was busy with a project involving dozens of Lakeland rodeo athletes heading his way.
“We’re not too far removed from the pioneers of this country who built it by giving to their communities and building them together,” Stewart said. “I’ve always felt it’s just the right thing to do when we live here, out of appreciation for it.” The Distinguished Citizen award has been given by Lakeland College since 2006 to people who reflect the school’s values of respect, safety, trust, pride, ethics, quality, and accountability.
