Published on June 13, 2024
NAIT is pleased to announce that four outstanding individuals will receive the polytechnic’s highest honour in the form of honorary degrees and diplomas from NAIT on June 24, 25 and 26 during Convocation ceremonies at the Edmonton Convention Centre. They were chosen for the contributions they make to local, national or international communities.
- Mark McNeill – distinguished entrepreneur, corporate leader, and philanthropist
- Suzanne McAdam – high-ranking military officer and leader in military healthcare training
- Arnold Rumbold – philanthropist and dedicated NAIT and skilled trades supporter
- Jason Carter –globally recognized Indigenous artist and storyteller
"On behalf of NAIT, I would like to congratulate our esteemed honorary degree recipients, Mark McNeill, Suzanne McAdam, Arnold Rumbold, and Jason Carter," said Peter Leclaire, vice president, academic at NAIT. Their contributions in their respective fields embody the values and vision we hold here at NAIT. Their dedication to excellence and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact serves as an inspiration to our entire academic community. We are honoured to recognize their accomplishments."
Each honorary degree and diploma recipient will address a graduating class at the 2024 convocation ceremonies, offering advice and words of encouragement.
Honorary Degree recipient profiles
When Mark McNeill (Marketing '82) started as a machinist at Stream-Flo in 1979, the company employed 39 people and largely had a local reach. Now president and CEO of the Stream-Flo Group of Companies, McNeill has since grown the Edmonton manufacturing business into a global leader in wellhead technology and services, with over 1,200 employees and offices across the globe.
Driven to succeed, McNeill also seeks to make an impact on local communities. Under his leadership, Stream-Flo has established three endowments that support 12 annual scholarships for engineering technology and machinist students at NAIT. McNeill’s generosity also extends beyond NAIT, with significant contributions to community causes, such as the Stollery Children’s Hospital, local food banks, and the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
Mark McNeill will accept an Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration degree on Monday, June 24 at 2 p.m.
For more than 30 years, Chief Warrant Officer Suzanne McAdam has dedicated her career to advancing medical training and preparedness within the Canadian Armed Forces.
McAdam’s collaboration with NAIT to establish the medical simulation and support systems for the Canadian Forces Health Services has enhanced the training and readiness of military medical personnel and contributed to the growth and development of NAIT’s programs.
McAdam’s work has had a profound impact on many communities, and she continues to inspire others to pursue brilliance in military healthcare and setting a high standard for future generations.
Suzanne McAdam will accept an Honorary Bachelor of Technology degree on Tuesday, June 25 at 10 a.m.
Since 2006, Arnold Rumbold has supported hundreds of NAIT electrician apprentices through annual bursaries and endowments that focus on supporting student needs and improving equity in the trade in which he had a long and successful career.
Rumbold’s career as a master electrician and his entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish his own successful estimating company. His passion for skilled trades is evident in the Arnold Rumbold Apprenticeship Award, which he established in 2007 to encourage more women to enter the industry. He and his wife are regular patrons of the Edmonton and Canadian Arts Community; and Camp He Ho Ha. He has had a long career in the choral community and continues his association with his trade by volunteering with the Edmonton Radial Railway Society for the past twenty years.
Rumbold’s commitment to NAIT and the broader community has a lasting impact on all those who have benefited from his contributions.
Arnold Rumbold will accept an Honorary Electrical Installations Technology diploma on Tuesday, June 25 at 2 p.m.
Jason Carter’s (Graphic Communications '01) name is synonymous with prominent works of art that can be spotted in location around the province and across the globe.
Carter uses many forms of artwork – including soapstone carvings, paintings, public installations and illustrations for a series of children’s books penned by partner Bridget Ryan – in which he focuses the “Indigenous lens” of his Cree heritage on landscapes and wildlife.
Carter’s creativity inspires, uplifts and enriches Alberta’s cultural landscape. His talents have also benefited many charitable organizations over the years including Spirit North – an organization that connects Indigenous youth to sport, play and the outdoors.
Jason Carter will accept an Honorary Bachelor of Technology degree on Wednesday, June 26 at 10 a.m.
More background
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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 skilled trades. With over 34,000 credit and non-credit students and a 98 per cent employer satisfaction rate, NAIT grads help fuel the economic engine of the province. NAIT also contributes to Alberta's prosperity by helping businesses and communities become more competitive through industry-driven research and corporate training. Recognized as one of Alberta's top employers, NAIT provides outstanding returns on investment for its graduates, industry partners, the provincial government and the people of Alberta.
Media inquiries
Nicole Graham
NAIT Media Relations
C 780.916.8307 E media@nait.ca
Four exemplary individuals to receive NAIT’s highest honour at 2024 Convocation celebrations
Honorary degree and diploma recipients acknowledged for their societal contributions and achievements
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