This award recognizes an outstanding business or individual with alumni ties to Northwestern Polytechnic. The nominee will have made a significant imprint in the social, economic, or cultural landscape, supporting both Northwestern Polytechnic and the community it serves through exceptional leadership, mentorship, and dedication.

2025 Recipient - Kim Gravengard

Kim Gravengard continues to be a leader in sport, education, and community development throughout the Peace Region. A former Wolves athlete and proud alumna, Kim gives back through coaching, mentorship, and long-standing community service. She has supported post-secondary students through bursaries and volunteer involvement, while remaining a strong advocate for youth empowerment and grassroots sport. Her ability to foster connection, uplift others, and stay actively engaged with both NWP and the wider community reflects the spirit of alumni leadership in action, and the lasting influence of those who lead by doing.

Nomination Criteria

The nominees must be alumni of NWP. The candidates have demonstrated outstanding excellence in their profession, community or society and are therefore an example of alumni excellence for NWP. Alumni currently serving the institution as Board members are not eligible.

Nominations

Nominations will be accepted from the public and NWP's Learning Community. They will be reviewed and selected by a committee of the Alumni Foundation Board, and the recipients will be contacted in advance so they may attend the event to receive their award.

Past Recipients

Kari Anderson exemplifies alumni leadership. Through her business and mentorship, she has created opportunities and inspired others while reinforcing the value of connection, community, and lifelong learning.

Watch Kari talk about her connection to NWP.

If you were to create a living embodiment of NWP's current vision and goals, you'd likely end up with someone like Mariah Braun. Transforming individual interests into impactful skills and expertise? Check. Collaborative priorities and an ambitious vision? Check. Innovative, entrepreneurial and market-driven? Check, check, check.

Mariah, owner and operator of M3M Marketing in Grande Prairie, has always been drawn to creative pursuits. She knew that her future career would need to incorporate elements of creativity and innovation, and offer her a reasonable degree of security and stability. 

Read more about Mariah.

Watch Mariah talk about her connection to NWP.