A major donation has been made to Lethbridge Polytechnic by the Hranac family estate. (Photo: Lethbridge Polytechnic)

By David Opinko

Hranac estate makes $2.8 million donation to Lethbridge Polytechnic

Aug 22, 2025 | 9:32 AM

Lethbridge Polytechnic is celebrating the second-largest gift it has ever received.

The estate of Joe and Laverna Hranac has given $2.8 million to the institution, which will support operations at the Lethbridge Polytechnic Research Farm.

Dr. Brad Donaldson, President and CEO of Lethbridge Polytechnic, says the money will enable the continuation and expansion of applied agricultural research and innovation, while also enhancing its capacity for student-focused, industry-connected agricultural research.

“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,” says Donaldson. “It’s a lasting investment in education, innovation and the agricultural community that helped shape the Hranacs’ lives.”

Joe and Laverna Hranac were born and raised in southern Alberta, and spent their lives on their farm south of Chin and Cranford, growing sugar beets, grain and canola.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

Joe passed away in 2008 and Laverna in 2022.

They never had children, but Joe’s niece, Cindy Powell, says they were closely connected to their extended family.

She says their gift 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,” says 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.”

Lethbridge Polytechnic has been conducting applied research in agriculture for over 30 years, most recently with the Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CARIE). CARIE has managed operations on the 385-acre research farm since 2020.

For more information on planned giving, visit lethpolytech.ca/donate.