News Releases

May 7, 2009

NAIT’s 45th convocation ceremony historic

May 9, 2009 –NAIT is celebrating a milestone; it is handing out its first four year academic degree, the Bachelor of Technology in Technology Management. NAIT has been granting applied degrees for 12 years, but this is the first baccalaureate degree. In total, 7529 potential graduates will receive degrees, applied degrees, diplomas or certificates this year.

In 2008, 53 per cent of our graduates secured employment before graduation with a total placement rate of 95%.  NAIT’s president and CEO expects those numbers to hold steady this year.

”When the economy slows down, having an education becomes even more important.” says Dr. Sam Shaw, NAIT’s President and CEO. “The technical skills our graduates receive will give them a competitive edge.”

NAIT will present Honorary Diplomas to two recipients –Laurence Pollock, the president and CEO of Canadian Western Bank Group will receive an Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in the morning ceremony.  Don Oborowsky, president, CEO and co-owner of Waiward Steel Fabricators Ltd. will receive an Honorary Bachelor of Technology Degree in the afternoon ceremony.

Both men have served on NAIT’s Board of Governors.

NAIT’s 45th convocation will be held Saturday, May 9th at the Northern Jubilee Auditorium at 11455 87 Ave. The first ceremony will run from 9 am until 11:30 am, while the second ceremony will start will start at 2 p.m. and wrap up by about 4 p.m. (The BTech Degree will be handed out in the afternoon session)

About NAIT

NAIT is one of the preeminent institutes of technology in Canada, providing real-world education in business, advanced technologies and skilled trades to more than 84,000 learners worldwide. Known for student success, NAIT also engages with business and industry in applied research and innovation and provides corporate training around the world.

For more information, please contact:

Rayne Kuntz
NAIT Media Relations Specialist
Department of Corporate Communications
P 780.471.8450  C 780.916.8307  E raynek@nait.ca

NAIT Convocation
Saturday May 9, 2009
Northern Jubilee Auditorium

Morning Ceremony
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
School of Arts, Sciences and Communications
School of Health Sciences
School of Applied Media and Information Technology
JR Shaw School of Business

Afternoon Ceremony
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts
School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Technology
School of Applied Building Science
School of Electrical and Electronics Technology
School of Resources and Environmental Management

Honorary Diploma Recipients

Laurence M. Pollock - Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration Degree

After more than thirty-five years in the financial sector, Laurence Pollock has become a name synonymous with innovation and financial prudence. The president and CEO of Canadian Western Bank Group is respected in the banking industry thanks to his effective management of the bank since taking the helm close to 20 years ago.
His impressive management style earned him the 2008 induction into the Junior Achievement Alberta Business Hall of Fame.

Mr. Pollock is actively involved in various community efforts and serves as a director with Epcor Utilities, Westjet Airlines Ltd., Allianz Canada, Canadian Bankers Association and Alberta Economic Development Authority, among others.

Don Oborowsky -  Honorary Bachelor of Technology Degree.

Don Oborowsky is a national business leader who heads one of Canada’s 50 best managed companies and who devotes much of his personal time to community development.

As president, CEO and co-owner of Waiward Steel Fabricators Ltd., he has been the main driving force behind one of the largest and most respected steel fabricators in Canada.
Mr. Oborowsky serves as director or chair of numerous community, provincial and national developmental bodies. These include Alberta Foundation for Diabetes Research, Alberta Steel Fabricators Association, Alberta Construction Association, the Canadian Construction Association (CCA), Alberta Career Development and Steel trades and the Metal Fabricators Health and Safety Association.

A graduate (Carpentry ‘69) and strong supporter of NAIT, he served on the Institute’s Board of Governors from 2002 to 2008. During that time, he was campaign cabinet member for the Building on Demand Campaign. He led the successful fundraising effort from the front, contributing $1 million through Waiward Steel towards the Centre for Steel Technologies.

In 1996, Mr. Oborowsky was presented with the Pinnacle award for entrepreneurial excellence by Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP. He was selected for the CCA Ernest Dobbelsteyn Memorial Award in 2002 for outstanding contribution to the Association’s Trade Contractors Council and to the construction industry.