Published on June 13, 2025
Four individuals will receive highest honour, acknowledged for their contributions and achievements
(Edmonton) – NAIT is proud to announce this year’s honorary degree recipients. Four individuals will receive the polytechnic’s highest honour, as well as a diploma at convocation ceremonies this month, held at the Edmonton Convention Centre.
Honorary degrees are awarded to individuals whose lifelong dedication and contributions have profoundly impacted their field, community, or society.
“We are incredibly proud to give NAIT's highest honour to these exceptional individuals,” says Daryl Silzer, Vice-President External Relations and Chief Development Officer. “Their accomplishments and dedication to their fields embody the values of innovation and lifelong learning. They serve as community leaders and inspiring role models for NAIT graduates, reinforcing the vital role polytechnic education plays in shaping Alberta’s future.”
The four honorary degree recipients for 2025 are:
Holger Petersen
Radio broadcaster, record label co-founder, author, NAIT alumni
Holger Petersen, (Radio and Television Arts ‘70) exemplifies the enduring value of a polytechnic education. He transformed a volunteer position into a five-decade career as a radio host at CKUA. He also co-founded Stony Plain Records in 1976, which became a leading champion of Canadian blues and roots music, earning 15 Juno Awards and six Grammy nominations. Since 1986, Holger has been the host of Saturday Night Blues on CBC Music, a program that includes a mix of blues concerts, recordings and interviews with blues musicians. Petersen further expanded his talents by writing two books on music. He is also a founding member of the Edmonton Folk Music Festival. Holger’s lifelong contributions to music have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Order of Canada.
Read more about Holger Petersen
Holger Petersen will accept an Honorary Bachelor of Technology in Management on Monday, June 23 at 2 p.m.
Brent Hesje
Business executive, community builder and leader, NAIT supporter
Brent Hesje is a highly respected business and community leader known for his significant contributions to education and various charitable initiatives. Joining Fountain Tire in 1992, he served as CEO for a decade and is now Executive Chair, guiding the company to nearly $1 billion in annual revenues and earning recognition as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies. His unwavering commitment to education includes serving on NAIT's Board of Governors and successfully chairing "Essential: The NAIT Campaign," the institution's largest fundraiser, which his family generously donated to. Brent’s remarkable career and tireless efforts to make his community a better place have earned him numerous accolades.
Read more about Brent Hesje
Brent Hesje will receive an Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration on Tuesday, June 24 at 10 a.m.
Carol Moen
President & CEO of Women Building Futures, women and gender-diverse advocate, professional engineer
Carol Moen embodies the values of NAIT through her exceptional leadership and community contributions. As President and CEO of Women Building Futures (WBF), she has significantly expanded partnerships with NAIT, empowering more than 1,000 women to succeed in skilled trades during her six-year tenure as leader. She brings her industry experience as an engineer to the forefront with her collaborative efforts, uniting educators, industry and government. Carol has also championed equity, diversity, and inclusion, including the implementation of WBF’s Employer of Choice program, ultimately nurturing inclusive workplaces across WBF employer partners. Carol’s extraordinary impact on careers, communities, and polytechnic education will resonate for generations as she prepares to retire this fall.
Read more about Carol Moen
Carol Moen will receive an Honorary Bachelor of Technology in Management on Wednesday, June 25 at 10 a.m.
James (Jim) E.C. Carter
Business executive, community builder, youth mentor, environment advocate
Jim E.C. Carter’s extensive career, notably as President and Chief Operating Officer of Syncrude, instilled a belief in creating safe, motivated, and successful workforces. His leadership has directly contributed to healthy communities and made Syncrude a global model for inclusive business development, along with one of the largest employers of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Jim’s passion for seeing others succeed is evident in his co-founding and chairing of CAREERS: The Next Generation Foundation, providing paid work integrated learning opportunities for youth. Beyond industry and youth development, he has tirelessly championed environmental initiatives, from sustainable forest certification and integrated land management to advising on carbon capture. Jim's visionary, innovative, and compassionate approach, characterized by grit and integrity, makes him an exceptionally deserving candidate for NAIT's highest honor.
Read more about Jim E.C. Carter
Jim E.C. Carter will receive an Honorary Bachelor of Technology in Management on Wednesday, June 25 at 2 p.m.
Further information:
To arrange an interview with an honorary degree recipient, contact:
Veronica Jubinville
NAIT Media Relations
P 780-916-8307 E veronicaj@nait.ca
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 more than 38,000 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 applied 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.
NAIT names honorary degree recipients for 2025 convocation celebrations
Four individuals will receive highest honour, acknowledged for their contributions and achievements
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