The outstanding accomplishments and achievements of community members and our alumni are recognized annually
through our Community and Alumni Recognition Awards. The honorary awards program, established in 2004,
celebrates a standard of excellence and innovation, which is exemplary within our community.
We are proud to introduce the 2022 recipients, a group of difference makers who work tirelessly to uplift our community with kindness, generosity and compassion.
Read the Press Release
View Photos of the Event
2022 Award Recipients
Board of Governors Award of Distinction
Natalia Reiman is the 2022 Board of Governers Award of Distinction recipient. As one of the youngest individuals to be Chair, she served for three years on the Board of Governors and played an important advocacy role in getting the institution onto its polytechnic and degree-granting journey.
Natalia is dedicated to strengthening the institution’s community connections and impact. Her skills in leadership, and her tireless efforts and dedication to post-secondary education and relationship building have benefited NWP greatly.
Watch Natalia talk about her connection to NWP
Indigenous Community Impact Award
Elizabeth Peterson, a Métis mental health professional, is making a difference in the lives of students, especially Indigenous students, at the Peace Wapiti Public School Division. She has made intentional efforts to bridge the Indigenous community with the broader community by enhancing connection and understanding.
Watch Elizabeth talk about her connection to NWP
Indigenous Community Impact Award
Joseph Redhead is a Registered Status Indian of Grande Prairie, and a band member of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation. He is a local Indigenous role model, and is highly regarded amongst his peers. Today, Joseph is viewed as a local trailblazer in selflessly volunteering in Grande Prairie for 41 years in the areas of social service and culture.
Watch Joseph talk about his connection to NWP
Steps to the Greater Alumni Award
Alberta Health Service’s Team Lead, Jesse Griffin, graduated from NWP’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in 2018, and jumped into a career serving his community. In his role at AHS, he has and continues to play a vital part in assisting with many local public health efforts, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Watch Jessie talk about his connection to NWP
Distinguished Alumni Award
Yuri Smith began his educational journey in NWP’s Business Administration and has been named to the Top 5 under 35 entrepreneurs list. He has made a successful career in our region, opening his very own brokerage, Grassroots Reality Group, a marketing company, GP3D Marketing, and is currently working to achieve his Master of Business Administration specializing in Real Estate Consulting. Yuri is a true humanitarian at heart, which is evident through his initiatives to give back to his community. He created the Roots Foundation at his brokerage where funds given are used to pay it forward.
Watch Yuri talk about his connection to NWP
Distinguished Volunteer Award
Brenda Krahn has made exceptional contributions of time and energy towards the advancement of Northwestern Polytechnic. She is a committed volunteer, and has contributed to several institutional committees such as the Alumni/Foundation, Bursary Selection Committee, and the Alumni Advisory Council.
Watch Brenda talk about her connection to NWP
President's Council Inductees
Past Alumni Award Recipients (2021)
- Board of Governors Award of Distinction: Jane Manning
- Steps to a Greater Alumni Award: Sarah Card
- Alumni Award of Excellence: Reid Boulet
- Distinguished Alumni Award: Peggy Johnson
- Distinguished Volunteer Award: Mykel Lewsaw
Watch the 2021 Recipients Video
Instructors Emeritus
- Chris Nicol
- Sukhvir Sandhu
- Ron Thomson
Planned Gift
Watch the Donor Spotlight Video
Contact Us
For more information about our awards, please contact: