Stories

alumni  student awards endowments industry partnerships campus development campaigns staff planned gifts in will memorial gifts applied research gifts in kind


Dec. 06, 2024

Student success and innovation at the heart of Ledcor's support

Nurturing student potential has led the company to create endowments to ensure generations of students have access to scholarships far into the future

Nov. 27, 2024

Sandvik Coromant Student Awards 2024

Sandvik's commitment to education has been instrumental in inspiring the next generation of skilled tradespeople. Meet the latest group receiving Sandvik student awards.

Nov. 20, 2024

Fueling futures: CAPP's 25-year commitment to student success continues

Beginning with an initial gift in 1999, hundreds of students in the Geological Technology, Petroleum Engineering Technology, and Chemical Engineering Technology programs have benefitted.

Nov. 19, 2024

National Philanthropy Day lauds NAIT donors

The longstanding contributions of The Princess Auto Foundation, Walter and Pauline Kiriak, and Larry (and Clarence) Christensen were recently recognized.

Nov. 18, 2024

Modern nature: Forest Technology camp sees first major upgrade in more than 30 years

Thanks to industry investment, camp rebuilt and revealled to students expecting rustic facilities and accommodations

Oct. 15, 2024

ConocoPhillips Canada invests $1.5M in NAIT-led forest reclamation applied research

Ten-year investment expands on long-standing applied research partnership

Oct. 11, 2024

Student awards to inspire homebuilding careers

Homes by Avi has made a five-year, $500,000 investment to support student awards in the School of Construction and Building Sciences

Sep. 04, 2024

Business Class of ‘74 gets together and gives back

Reconnecting with classmates leads to lifelong friendships and continual support for NAIT students through endowed giving.

Sep. 04, 2024

Lifelong learners benefit from student awards

Student awards can provide a lifeline and give assistance beyond the financial for students pursuing new careers.

Sep. 02, 2024

"Each one, help one and together we can make a significant impact."

Jollette Thompson, finance partner at NAIT, is deeply inspired to give, driven in part by her own experiences of receiving support during her education.

Aug. 15, 2024

OHAA Student Awards 2023-2024

Read messages of thanks from some of the 18 student-athletes who received Ooks Hockey Alumni Association student awards.

Jul. 04, 2024

A rallying call to build Alberta’s trades talent

“Because of what you're doing, we're moving forward and we're training great people to do great things.”

Jul. 04, 2024

Feeding students and their families during the holiday season

“Your generosity to the NAIT community underscores a shared commitment to addressing a pressing issue.” 

Jul. 04, 2024

Remembering Mr. Meadus: Creator of NAIT athletics honoured for commitment to students

“Everybody should have the chance to play.” 

Jul. 04, 2024

Student awards a win for record-breaking hockey goalie 

“The morale around NAIT and sports is great. Everyone supports you.”  

Jul. 04, 2024

The NAIT Fund empowers student success

Over the past year, the NAIT Fund has empowered students by supporting high priority areas to help them succeed.

Jun. 26, 2024

Pitching in to elevate women in STEM

“Diversity within cybersecurity is crucial because it brings together individuals from various backgrounds”

Jun. 25, 2024

Building a stronger foundation for construction to grow and succeed

Learn about how TECTERRA has partnered with NAIT to enhance education for skilled geospatial and surveying technologists

May. 03, 2024

Sandvik Coromant Student Awards 2023

Throughout an over 15-year partnership, Sandvik Coromant has invested upwards of $2.6 million to support scholarships, equipment, and funding. Meet the latest group receiving Sandvik student awards.

Apr. 15, 2024

Partnership helps build careers in trades and technology

Anthem Properties’ $500,000 donation creates bursaries to help address tradespeople shortage and encourage students to pursue careers in construction

Apr. 10, 2024

geoLOGIC enhances students’ real-world skills and job prospects

Recently, geoLOGIC Systems Ltd. (geoLOGIC) extended its support of Petroleum Engineering Tecology and Geoscience Technology students with a multi-million-dollar in-kind gift of geoSCOUT software.

Feb. 22, 2024

Ledcor Student Awards 2023

22 students recently received financial support in the form of student awards – made possible by a generous donation from Ledcor Group.

Jan. 25, 2024

Ooks Hockey Alumni Association helps shape men’s hockey

The Ooks Hockey Alumni Association (OHAA) continues its legacy of student award support, helping NAIT Ooks men's hockey players achieve athletic and academic success.

Jan. 24, 2024

Celebrating donors on National Philanthropy Day

NAIT was proud to have several of our dedicated donors recognized at the 2023 National Philanthropy Day awards celebration.

Jan. 24, 2024

Students sharing messages of thanks

We recently asked some recipients about their student award experiences. Read on to learn how your generosity has impacted them.

Nov. 29, 2023

Cultural adviser joins Elder to support students at Nîsôhkamâtotân Centre

TC Energy’s gift allowed The Nîsôhkamâtotân Centre to hire a cultural advisor to provide guidance and support to NAIT students.

Nov. 23, 2023

PCL Student Awards 2023

PCL Construction has supported NAIT students with scholarships for over 20 years and has employed thousands of NAIT students and graduates. Congratulations to this latest group receiving PCL awards.

Oct. 03, 2023

Tolko gives pivotal gift to NAIT Forestry Technology students

A surprise announcement covers field equipment costs.

Aug. 22, 2023

"If NAIT was a person, I’d hug them"

Student awards power multi-faceted woman, Teri-Lynn Adams.

Aug. 22, 2023

NAIT alum and employee gives hope and help to students

Steve Parent-Korbie shares why assisting students on their educational journeys is important.

Aug. 22, 2023

Unexpected circumstances spur career change for NAIT returning student

Magnetic Resonance Imaging student, Mark von Stackelberg, has persevered through challenging life circumstances to find hope and a new career path.

Aug. 17, 2023

Fostering a spirit of giving

Janet Riopel believes in the power of people and their potential to make the world better.

Aug. 17, 2023

Giving becomes tradition

A deep family commitment to investing in educating a skilled workforce drives Mark McNeill, president and CEO of The Stream-Flo Group of Companies.

Apr. 24, 2023

Building a foundation of giving

Since graduating NAIT, Jim Dobie (Architectural Technology ’78) has embraced multiple opportunities to give back to the post-secondary institution that launched his career.

Apr. 24, 2023

Lighting the way for students with disabilities

Wendy Marusin has dedicated her life and career to raising people up. And by creating NAIT bursaries in their memory, she’s helping to light the way for students during times of need.

Apr. 21, 2023

Taking steps towards a fresh start

Civil Engineering student, Chris Cook, is making up for lost time with focus, determination, and the help of a NAIT student award.

Apr. 13, 2023

Bursary recipient focused on family and community

Kelly Orr was surprised when she learned she was NAIT’s latest recipient of the Four Directions Bursary.

Apr. 04, 2023

CPA Education Foundation bolsters business learning

Accountant-in-Residence program and experiential learning opportunities provide long-lasting benefits for NAIT's JR Shaw School of Business students.

Jan. 25, 2023

Using creativity to give back

Alumnus Rob Jennings and wife, Mieke, used their Climate Action Incentive Payments to create a new bursary for students entering NAIT’s Alternative Energy Technology Program.

Jan. 24, 2023

Supporting NAIT students on several fronts

NAIT’s Construction Department Head, Colin Ruthven, educates, administrates and gives.

Jan. 20, 2023

Celebrate Generosity

NAIT alumni Daniel W. Yeung and Linda Haymour receive National Philanthropy Day 2022 awards.

Jan. 20, 2023

Tenacity exemplified

NAIT student award winner shares how her unwavering dedication is producing long-lasting results in career and education.

Dec. 08, 2022

Ledcor Student Awards 2022

Congratulations to 18 deserving NAIT students who recently received Ledcor Group scholarship and awards.

Dec. 01, 2022

Sandvik Coromant and NAIT continue to shape future of machining

NAIT’s machinist students keep ahead of the innovation curve with renewed support from long-standing industry partner, Sandvik Coromant.

Nov. 30, 2022

Touchpoints of influence

Machinist apprentice, Vance Monaghan, chats about his journey to a career in trades and the impact of receiving NAIT student awards.

Nov. 28, 2022

NAIT bursary comes through in the clutch

A fateful late-night email helps business management student regain momentum and meet program requirements.

Nov. 15, 2022

PCL Student Awards 2022

Congratulations to 22 NAIT students on receiving PCL Century of Construction Excellence and Vanguard awards for their academic success.

Nov. 03, 2022

Myshak Group of Companies champions hands-on learning

More than $1.2 million in equipment and scholarships supports future crane operators

Oct. 18, 2022

$15 million province-wide investment to fund scholarships for construction careers

Residential homebuilders are laying a strong foundation to help build the next generation of skilled tradespeople, thanks to a $15 million investment campaign.

Sep. 29, 2022

Doug Wotherspoon shares why he gives through NAIT it Forward

NAIT’s director of enterprise CRM, Doug Wotherspoon, shares his thoughts on the importance of philanthropy and how changing simple habits can help students in need.

Sep. 21, 2022

Harnessing the power of education to create a legacy of opportunity

One of NAIT’s most philanthropic individual donors prior to her passing earlier this year, Lucille MacPherson dedicated her life to helping others.

Sep. 21, 2022

Sinclair Supply Ltd. celebrates 75 years by establishing NAIT endowment

NAIT students benefit from $75K endowment, created to celebrate Sinclair Supply Ltd.’s 75 years in business.

Sep. 20, 2022

NAIT's MRI students enrich their education through gift-in-kind from MIC Medical Imaging

MIC Medical Imaging offers the use of MRI space, equipment and staff oversight to give students hands-on experience generating MRI diagnostic images.

Sandvik Coromant Student Awards

Thanks to a generous gift from Sandvik Coromant, 12 students in Machinist Technology received financial support in their studies. Meet the students and hear what this gift means to them!

PCL award winners celebrated

Congratulations to 16 NAIT students on receiving PCL Century of Construction Excellence awards for their academic success. Thank you to PCL Construction for supporting NAIT students.

Mar. 03, 2022

TD Bank Group supports aspiring NAIT entrepreneurs to move their ideas forward

TD Bank provides more NAIT students with the opportunity to seek guidance and mentorship to turn their innovative ideas into successful businesses

Feb. 22, 2022

A focused philanthropist

For his leadership as an entrepreneur and philanthropist, Ashif Mawji is the 2021 Distinguished Friend of the Institute

Feb. 22, 2022

An essential partnership

Dow Canada was named Distinguished Industry Partner for its commitment to polytechnic education, sustainability and diversity and inclusion

Dec. 20, 2021

Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation extends partnership with NAIT through 2023-24

The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation has signed a three-year pledge with NAIT to provide student athletes in the polytechnic’s men’s and women’s hockey programs with scholarships.

Oct. 29, 2021

Calian donates in-kind software to Centre for Applied Disaster Emergency Management

Calian’s simulation software will help NAIT train students and industry for communicating during emergency situations.

Donation provides a well of data

Thanks to geoLOGIC systems ltd., students will learn to use data essential to their success in the oil and gas field.

Scholarships make goals possible

Thanks to the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, NAIT student athletes have access to scholarships to succeed on the ice and in the classroom.

Jun. 15, 2021

In-kind donation helps students learn with the latest smart building technology

Schneider Electric’s in-kind donation to help students implement efficient and sustainable solutions for building systems maintenance and management.

2020 Donor Report

We are proud to share the collective impact and stories of how people like you – our industry partners, alumni and friends – are making a difference on our community each and every day.

Apr. 28, 2021

Donor helps people succeed through scholarships and personal fitness

NAIT graduate Mark Kay is committed to giving back to his profession by supporting Personal Fitness Trainer students.

Apr. 28, 2021

Get to know more about NAIT's president and CEO

NAIT's seventh president and CEO Laura Jo Gunter shares a bit about herself and her vision for NAIT.

Apr. 22, 2021

Scholarships help student provide a better life for her family

As the sole provider for her family, one of the most difficult – and rewarding – decisions Samantha Richards ever made was taking the leap of faith to make a career change.

Announcing our NAIT Celebrates Award Recipients

We are proud to celebrate our friends, alumni and industry partners who are doing remarkable things in our community and beyond.

Find out more
Feb. 16, 2021

Leader’s success tied to strong circle of support

Brent Hesje receives the Distinguished Friend of the Institute Award.

Feb. 16, 2021

Partnership built on investments in skilled talent and innovation

Spartan Controls receives the inaugural Distinguished Industry Partner Award.

Jan. 27, 2021

$1M anonymous donation to bolster student financial aid at NAIT

Endowment to create eight $5,000 bursaries for science and technology students

Nov. 19, 2020

Long-time donor and alumnus recognized for supporting education

Orest Myroon is among donors celebrated for National Philanthropy Day.

Making career success possible

Meet the NAIT student recipients of the PCL Century of Construction Excellence Awards.

Sep. 25, 2020

A well-measured career leads to gift for student awards

Bursary donor honours his life’s work as a surveyor and entrepreneur by supporting geomatics students.

Sep. 22, 2020

Donation brings manufacturing robotic automation to NAIT

Dow Canada provides students with robots to learn about safety and automation.

Sep. 22, 2020

Donors respond to the call for help

How the COVID-19 Student Relief Fund came to students’ aid during the pandemic.

Sep. 22, 2020

RBC Future Launch helps grads compete in challenging job market

Networking platform provides students and alumni with connection to professionals and industry.

Sep. 22, 2020

Remembering a telecom giant

See the enduring impact of long-time friend and the namesake of the JR Shaw School of Business.

Aug. 04, 2020

The miracle maker: Animal health scholarship named for dedicated vet

Carla Cumming Sojonky establishes endowment to improve animal welfare.

May. 15, 2020

A challenge inspires students to think creatively

Students pitch ideas to reimagine home buying

May. 15, 2020

A message from the President and CEO

NAIT has a history of working together with industry, alumni and friends to find solutions and help one another

May. 15, 2020

Emergency bursary gives student hope and a home

Willow Shelley is thankful to donors for helping her when she needed it most

May. 15, 2020

Sowing the seeds of social entrepreneurship

Scholarship recipient Jonathan Mui is making a difference in his community - one plant at a time.

May. 15, 2020

Working together to overcome challenges

When NAIT cancelled in-person classes to help stop the spread of COVID-19, the entire campus united in inspiring ways

Mar. 04, 2020

Partnership supports skills training for safer workplaces and environment

IR Supplies and Services donates equipment for non-destructive testing

Find out more
Nov. 18, 2019

Partnership supports next generation of machinists

Sandvik Coromant helps students practice hands-on skills

Nov. 05, 2019

Memorial bursary dedicated to future paramedics

Bursary honours Edmonton paramedic for his compassion and perseverance

Nov. 01, 2019

Retired instructor marks decades-long career with a gift

Mel Gowda creates a bequest in her will to support future students

Sep. 17, 2019

A family’s dream comes full circle

Scholarship recipient follows in mother’s footsteps

Jun. 21, 2019

NAIT receives national award for donor relations

The award recognizes celebration of record-setting fundraising campaign

May. 10, 2019

Ashif Mawji honoured for supporting entrepreneurship

Mawji Centre founder inducted into the Alberta Business Hall of Fame

Apr. 15, 2019

Student mental health gets a hand up

Donors help students access anxiety reducing fitness program.

Apr. 12, 2019

Bursaries a key ingredient for success

Recent graduate gives back to Baking and Pastry Arts students

Apr. 12, 2019

Flight and fight

Emergency bursaries help student overcome loss after devastating fire.

Apr. 12, 2019

Scholarships support best in class

NAIT hospitality instructor gives back to her profession with scholarships

Nov. 09, 2018

A student's mission to help struggling students

Mental health support a critical resource to student success.

An 'Essential' moment in history: NAIT raises record $125M in donations

Three-and-a-half years and more than 4,200 supporters added up to a record-breaking $125 million in donations for NAIT students, applied research and campus growth.

May. 31, 2018

Former Sinclair Supply president led with a generous heart

Dan Sorochan’s belief in people underpin his business and support for community.

May. 31, 2018

Heavy equipment grad ‘never gave up’ in face of adversity

Megan Shechosky wants to be a role model and help other women succeed in the trades.

May. 31, 2018

Zedi’s technology supports student capstone project

NAIT students create tool to gather data on emerging technology in wireless internet connectivity.