Bruce Galenza: The Art & Science of Psychology

In a career spanning fourteen educational institutions and 40 years of teaching -- 23 at Northwestern Polytechnic -- Dr. Bruce Galenza says he wouldn’t want to go anywhere else. The 2025 recipient of an Outstanding Teacher award calls NWP a great place to work.

“We share ideas and a common purpose,” he says of his colleagues.

Bruce began his NWP career with a one-year sessional placement back in 1986 before returning to stay in 2002. In the intervening years, he taught at institutions such as the University of Alberta, MacEwan University, NAIT, and SAIT, as well as various institutions during his nine years in the US and a brief sojourn in Japan.

“Grande Prairie is home now. I love the north,” states Bruce, who was born near Camrose. 

The psychology professor calls his discipline an art and a science, and refers to himself as a science guy. Cognition and educational assessment are his particular fields, though his favourite course to teach is the history of psychology. “It covers everything I find interesting in life: history, mythology, theology, philosophy and psychology,” he explains. He brings the content to life through discussions and narratives. “A lot of students will say it’s their favourite course. We have some fun arguments.”

Bruce feels that he has an affinity with today’s students. “They’re looking for who they are and how they fit in the world,” he notes. “I can really relate.” He suggests that he sees a progression in society towards enlightenment and reason.

“Take your place in that development. Contribute and learn,” he encourages students. 

“Figure out your place and how you can contribute to make the world a better place.”

Bruce feels that his own contributions continue and that his retirement plan involves being carried out feet first. “I’m having fun and making a difference,” he says.

The teaching award is “the icing on the cake” of a wonderful career, says Bruce. Along with a reputation for bringing clarity to subjects like statistics and research methods, he believes that his dedication to teaching, psychology and the liberal arts curriculum are at the root of the recognition. “I’m passionate about that, and I believe it gets through to students.”

When asked why he put down roots at Northwestern Polytechnic and the Grande Prairie region, Bruce refers to a theory that human interaction is influenced by one's physical environment. “Douglas Cardinal’s glorious architecture means there are no corners to be backed into here. You meet people at their level,” he suggests. But he adds that there’s more to his attachment than that. 

“People come here because they want to teach. There’s a shared vision here,” Bruce reflects. “I really love it.”

Outside of the classroom, Bruce is a dedicated triathlete and grandfather to “two glorious grandsons.” He can now add this teaching award to the many race medals he’s collected over the years. Fortunately for NWP and his students, Bruce shows no signs of slowing down.