Former VP of PCL named Distinguished Friend of the Institute

NAIT alumnus Roger Dootson, who devoted his career to Alberta’s construction industry, has been named NAIT’s 2013 Distinguished Friend of the Institute. This award was presented last night by Brent Hesje, chair of NAIT’s board of governors, and Dr. Glenn Feltham, NAIT president and CEO.

“Roger has shared his knowledge and demonstrated his leadership within the construction sector and in the wider community,” said Feltham. “NAIT instructors and students have benefitted enormously from his advice and generosity over the years. We are proud to honour Roger with this award.”

Potential candidates for the Distinguished Friend of the Institute award are individuals or organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to the welfare and advancement of NAIT through volunteer services, endowments or other activities that benefit the institute.

“I am honoured and humbled to receive this recognition,” said Dootson. “NAIT has provided so many of us with the training and the core foundation for our success in our chosen fields. NAIT is not only essential for Alberta but in fact Canada and the world, through the many programs it provides. Many thanks to those who helped me along the way in my 40-year career including my family, NAIT instructors, colleagues, mentors, construction owners, subcontractors, suppliers and industry associations. I share this recognition with all of you.”

Dootson, who graduated from the Carpentry program in 1977, is retired after 40 years of professional success in Alberta’s construction industry. Previously the vice president of PCL Construction Management Inc., he was responsible for numerous large-scale buildings, and other civil and residential projects for the company’s Northern Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut division.

Since his retirement, Dootson has devoted much of his time giving back to the community, particularly through the Roger Dootson Charitable Foundation that was founded in 2010 to help students pursue a career in the trades.

For his significant contributions to industry and the community, NAIT recognized Dootson as a Top 50 Alumni in 2012 and with an Alumni Award of Distinction in 2008.

NAIT has been selecting a Distinguished Friend of the Institute every year since 1985. Dootson joins 42 past recipients, who have been honoured with a plaque on the Distinguished Friends of the Institute Wall, located in Building O on Main Campus, just outside the executive offices.

About NAIT
The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is a leading Canadian polytechnic, delivering education in science, technology and the environment; business; health and trades. With more than 60,000 credit and non-credit students and a 98 per cent employer satisfaction rate, NAIT grads are essential to Alberta’s prosperity. Known for hands-on, technology-based learning, NAIT engages with business and industry in applied research and innovation and provides corporate training around the world. Recognized as one of Alberta’s top employers, NAIT provides outstanding returns on investment for its graduates, partners, the provincial government and the people of Alberta.

Media inquiries:

Frank Landry
NAIT Media Relations
P 780.471.8450 C 780.916.8307 E flandry@nait.ca