NAIT Newsroom - General Feed

NAIT students design elements of Canadian Western Bank branch in Winnipeg

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:00:00 GMT

NAIT student Justin Burnett is the winner of the second annual Architectural Technology Design Contest, sponsored by the Canadian Western Bank Group (CWB Group).

NAIT Architectural Technology students were asked to design an innovative and functional bank branch that incorporated concepts of environmental sustainability. Burnett's design, inspired by the image of a jet taking off, won first place.

During a reception on Monday night at NAIT, CWB Group awarded cash prizes totaling $8,000 to the Top 10 design entries. Elements of the designs will be considered during the construction of CWB Group's new bank branch in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The branch is scheduled to open in October 2012.

Burnett received $2,000 for his design. The second-place prize of $1,500 went to Trever Weisgerber, while third-place finisher Cayley Lux received $1,000.

Honourary mentions went to Robert Arnott, Chelsey Corea, Rochelle Dorosh, Amanda Griffin, Jennine Hamel, Eric Lee and Genevieve Simms. They also each received $500.

About NAIT
NAIT is one of Canada's leading polytechnics, with almost 80,000 registrations worldwide in key areas including science, technology and the environment, business, health care and trades. Known for real-world education and student success, NAIT also engages with business and industry in applied research and innovation and provides corporate training around the world.

About Canadian Western Bank Group
Canadian Western Bank offers highly personalized service through 40 branch locations and is the largest publicly traded Canadian bank headquartered in Western Canada. The Bank specializes in mid-market commercial lending and offers a full complement of personal banking services. The Bank, along with its operating affiliates, National Leasing Group Inc., Canadian Western Trust Company, Valiant Trust Company, Canadian Direct Insurance Incorporated, Adroit Investment Management Ltd. and Canadian Western Financial Ltd., are collectively known as Canadian Western Bank Group.

For more information, please contact:

Frank Landry
NAIT Media Relations
P 780.471.8450 C 780.916.8307 E flandry@nait.ca

Curtis Pelletier
Canadian Western Bank
P 780.969.8337 E curtis.pelletier@cwbank.com

Celebrity chef and business leader receive alumni awards

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Celebrity Chef Corbin Tomaszeski and Rose Naqvi-Parasynchuk, vice president of Cameron Homes, are the recipients of NAIT's 2010 alumni awards, which recognize the accomplishments of alumni who have contributed to NAIT or the community.

"I am thrilled to recognize the accomplishments of these graduates," said NAIT President and CEO, Dr. Glenn Feltham. "Corbin and Rose have excelled in the areas of culinary arts and new home construction, becoming role models for our students and alumni. We are very proud of their accomplishments and honoured to claim them as alumni."

Tomaszeski (Culinary Arts, 1992) is the recipient of NAIT's Alumni Award of Distinction. Established in 1997, this award recognizes alumni with truly outstanding professional accomplishments - individuals who are renowned for their leadership roles, industry expertise and merit. Recipients also demonstrate significant service to NAIT and the community.

"I would like to extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to NAIT for providing me the building blocks and the foundation that have allowed me to have such a fulfilling career," Tomaszeski said. "It's a great honour and privilege to receive such a prestigious award."

Naqvi-Parasynchuk (Business Administration - Accounting, 1999; Bachelor of Applied Business Administration, 2003) is the recipient of the Spirit of NAIT Alumni Award. This award, established in 2005, recognizes alumni who have had exceptional achievements in their career within 12 years of graduation.

"I am extremly honoured and humbled to receive the Spirit of NAIT 2010 award," said Naqvi-Parasynchuk. "The education I earned from NAIT not only taught me the fundamentals of accounting and business management, but it also instilled in me the benefits of both teamwork and leadership, not to mention improving upon my own individual confidence, all of which have been instrumental in my everyday personal and business life."

The awards will be presented at a private alumni recognition event this evening.

Tomaszeski grew up on a farm outside Edmonton, where he fondly remembers working alongside his mother making the hearty soups that have become some of his trademark dishes. Today, Tomaszeski is a world-renowned chef and host of Dinner Party Wars, Restaurant Makeover and Crash My Kitchen on Food Network and HGTV Canada.

Born and raised in Edmonton, Naqvi-Parasynchuk was encouraged to start a home-building business by her parents, her husband and her NAIT education. She's also touched many lives volunteering with McDougall House, The Support Network and Habitat for Humanity. She's successfully balanced her professional and volunteer commitments with family responsibilities. Naqvi-Parasynchuk and her husband have five daughters.

About the recipients:

Corbin Tomaszeski - 2010 Alumni Award of Distinction recipient
Chef, television personality, restaurateur
Culinary Arts (1992)

Corbin hosts several television shows, including Dinner Party Wars, Restaurant Makeover and Crash My Kitchen on Food Network and HGTV Canada.

He developed his passion for food as a child, while growing up on a farm outside of Edmonton. Some of his fondest memories include the smell of his grandmother's freshly-baked bread and working alongside his mother making the hearty soups that later became some of his trademark dishes.

Corbin is passionate about food and a firm believer in its power to connect people. As well, he is a staunch supporter of tradition and quality.

He is an active member of the Canadian Federation of Chefs and Cooks. Corbin volunteers with the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Osteoporosis Canada, the Canadian Diabetes Association and United Way of Canada.

Corbin is working on his own cookbook, three new restaurants and a full-service catering business. He is also the Royal Ontario Museum's new executive chef.

Rose Naqvi-Parasynchuk - 2010 Spirit of NAIT Alumni Award recipient
Vice president, Cameron Homes
Business Administration - Accounting (1999)
Bachelor of Applied Business Administration (2003)

Rose was encouraged to start a home-building business by her parents, her husband and her NAIT education.

Her father and mother set the example, starting a real estate development business where Rose got a taste for how the industry works. To that she added a Business Administration - Accounting diploma in 1999, followed by a Bachelor of Applied Business Administration degree, where Rose was part of the program's first graduating class in 2003.

With the support of her husband Darcey and her family, she started Cameron Homes over a decade ago.

Rose likes to give back to the community whenever she can. Besides filling a variety of committee and board positions, including work with the Canadian Home Builders Association, she has volunteered with The Support Network, McDougall House and Habitat for Humanity.

Rose is a proud mother to five daughters.

Please note: photos of Corbin and Rose are available on the NAIT Flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nait

About NAIT
NAIT is one of Canada's leading polytechnics, with almost 80,000 registrations worldwide in key areas including science and technology, business, health care and trades. Known for real-world education and student success, NAIT also engages with business and industry in applied research and innovation and provides corporate training around the world.

For more information, please contact:

Frank Landry
NAIT Media Relations
P 780.471.8450 C 780.916.8307 E flandry@nait.ca

NLRT construction schedule: temporary closure of 109 Street begins Saturday

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Construction of the North LRT (NLRT) to NAIT has been accelerated, with some activity around NAIT now scheduled to start on Saturday, Oct. 29. Construction will limit campus access from 109 Street.

This construction will take place from Oct. 29 to Nov. 3. During that time the south end of 109 Street, east of the soccer field, will be closed (see map below). Crews will install drainage and realign 109 Street to make way for the NAIT LRT station which will begin construction in 2012.

Dr. Ray Block, vice-president administration and chief financial officer, is excited that the NLRT construction is beginning ahead of schedule.

"This brings us one step closer to construction being completed for the NLRT."

We understand that this will cause some inconveniences in getting to and from Main Campus and we ask for your patience during the construction. We urge staff, students and visitors to budget extra time in their commute as NLRT construction is expected to cause traffic delays.

Parking access

As of 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 31, F Lot south of the Activities Centre (S Building) will be closed, with through traffic for deliveries only. The new F Lot west of 109 Street at the south end of the running track will be open as of Monday, Oct. 31.

The F Nest parking lot will remain open but will be accessible by the South Learning Centre (X Building) only, off the corner of Princess Elizabeth Avenue and 106 Street. Parking west of NAIT will be accessible via 118 Avenue only.

We will make sure to share the most up to date information with students, staff and visitors by posting to the NAIT NLRT website. We will also share updates on All Users, the student portal, Twitter and Facebook.

Olympic gold medalist becomes first woman on men's hockey team

Thu, 6 Oct 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Shannon Szabados, an Olympic gold medal champion, will lace up her skates this Friday as the first woman to ever make the roster of the NAIT Ooks men's hockey team. The team kicks off the 2011-12 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference regular season with a pair of back-to-back games against Concordia University, including the home-opener Saturday, 7 p.m., at NAIT Arena.

"It's been awesome," said Szabados of her time so far at NAIT. "The guys have gone out of their way to make me feel welcome. I'm proud to be a student at NAIT and to be skating with the Ooks."

Szabados was a member of the Team Canada women's hockey team that won gold at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. In November, she will join the Canadian women's hockey team again for the Four Nations Cup tournament in Sweden.

Szabados spent three seasons with the Grant MacEwan University Griffins before transferring to NAIT earlier this year. She's enrolled in the two-year Personal Fitness Trainer program.

While it's uncommon for a woman to play on a men's team at the college level, head coach Serge Lajoie says Szabados fits right in, and has created a healthy, competitive environment with last year's starting goalie, Graeme Harrington.

"She brings a proven record at the international level," says Lajoie. "She's proven she can win."

Lajoie welcomed Szabados to the Ooks family.

"She's a talented young lady who's very good at what she does," he said. "She's been accepted with open arms by her teammates."

For more on Szabados, please click here.

About NAIT NAIT is one of Canada's leading polytechnics, with almost 80,000 registrations worldwide in key areas including science, technology and the environment, business, health care and trades. Known for real-world education and student success, NAIT also engages with business and industry in applied research and innovation and provides corporate training around the world.

For additional information, please contact:

Serge Lajoie
Head coach, Ooks men's hockey
P 780.471.7424 E sergel@nait.ca

Frank Landry
NAIT Media Relations
P 780.471.8450 C 780.916.8307 E flandry@nait.ca

Students prepare Thanksgiving dinner for Boyle Street Community Services

Thu, 6 Oct 2011 07:00:00 GMT

WHAT: NAIT students will spend part of their long weekend preparing, cooking and serving a traditional Thanksgiving meal for 1,400 to 1,600 of Edmonton's less fortunate. About 60 students have signed up to take part in the event, which involves both the Culinary Arts and Retail Meat Cutting programs. It's a chance for the students to put their skills into practice, as well as give back to the community.

WHERE: NAIT
Main Campus - Building O
11762 106 St. NW
Edmonton, AB

Boyle Street Community Services
10116 105 St. NW
Edmonton, AB

WHEN: Turkey de-boning - (Retail Meat Cutting students) Lab O122L (Entrance through meat store at back of Common Market at Main Campus)
Friday, Oct. 7 from 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Dinner prep - (Culinary Arts students) Labs O122G & O122K (Entrance next to the Common Market at Main Campus)
Friday, Oct. 7 from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 8 from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. (best time for photos and interviews is before noon)
Sunday, Oct. 9 from 6 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Dinner service - Boyle Street Community Services
Sunday, Oct. 9 from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

WHY: The students belong to Club Culinaire, a club which has been active at NAIT for over 30 years. One of the student driven club's goals is to serve the community through volunteer events that "better the place they live."

For more information, please contact:

David Whitaker
Instructor, NAIT Culinary Arts
C 780.242.8825

Jeff Gordon
Instructor, NAIT Culinary Arts
C 780.499.6062

Andrea Parker
Boyle Street Community Services
C 780.884.1124

Frank Landry
NAIT Media Relations
P 780.471.8450 C 780.916.8307 E flandry@nait.ca

NAIT program looking for up to 200 denture patients

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Students in NAIT's Denturist Technology program want to help put smiles on the faces of up to 200 new denture patients.

Patient participation is required for the Denturist Technology program to operate. It's a key element for students to meet their second-year requirements. Patients, in return, will receive a new set of dentures for roughly one-third of what it would cost elsewhere. The work is done by students in laboratory and clinic settings at NAIT under the supervision of a registered denturist.

"It's a win-win situation for everyone involved," said Linda McCaughey, an educational lab technologist in NAIT's School of Health Sciences. "Patients receive courteous and professional service, while getting a great deal on complete and partial sets of dentures, as well as single upper dentures. Our students, meanwhile, get valuable, real-world experience."

McCaughey says patients will be seen by the same student denturist throughout the process, until their dentures are complete. There are always opportunities for follow-up visits should they be required - even months or years down the road, she says.

"Once you're a patient here, you're always considered a patient at NAIT," said McCaughey.

NAIT's Denturist Technology program is one of only four denturist programs in Canada, typically attracting students from across the region. The three-year program is designed to provide students with the theoretical, technical and clinical experiences required to assess, diagnose, design, fabricate and insert both complete and partial removable dentures.

Grads work as associates in established denturist practices or may be self-employed in a denture clinic. The program runs from September to May.

Denture patients interested in participating in the program should call 780.471.7786 or visit www.nait.ca/dentures.

For additional information, media can contact:

Frank Landry
NAIT Media Relations
P 780.471.8450 C 780.916.8307 E flandry@nait.ca

NAIT students Gear Up! to head back to school

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 07:00:00 GMT

WHAT: Over 2,000 new and returning full-time and apprenticeship students, as well as their families and friends, are expected to attend Gear Up! - NAIT's annual welcome event.

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: NAIT Main Campus
11762 106 St.
Edmonton, AB
Events will take place in the gymnasium, NAITrium, Shaw Theatre and in the hallways of the E Wing.

WHY: This is an opportunity for students to familiarize themselves with NAIT, meet other students and have a bit of fun before the academic year officially begins.

The day includes a performance by hypnotist/motivational speaker Wayne Lee, games and a barbecue, all free for students and their guests. The barbecue is hosted by Shinearama, a group which raises awareness about Cystic Fibrosis.

There will be opportunities for both new and returning students to get their photo ID cards and U-Passes, sign up for parking, go on campus tours and more. As well, the NAIT Bookstore and Tech Store will be open, giving students an opportunity to get their back-to-school shopping started before classes begin over the next two weeks. Specific start dates will vary depending on the program area.

For more information, media can contact:

Stevie Fuhrer
Student Engagement Apprentice Facilitator
P 780.471.8824 E sfuhrer@nait.ca

Frank Landry
NAIT Media Relations
P 780.471.8450 C 780.916.8307 E flandry@nait.ca

NAIT Continuing Education offers motorcycle training course for women only

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 07:00:00 GMT

NAIT Continuing Education is holding its second women-only Motorcycle Rider Safety Training course Aug. 18 to 19 at Main Campus. The course - the only one of its kind in Edmonton - is designed for those who have never taken professional rider training.

Senior instructor Trina Hennig says she's seeing more and more women show an interest in motorcycling. Motorcycle safety training courses, open to both men and women, are held weekly at NAIT until October. In a typical class, 20% to 40% of participants are female. That's up considerably from years past, she says.

Hennig says some women feel more comfortable learning around other women - which is where the idea for the women-only session was born. NAIT Continuing Education held its first motorcycle safety training course for women-only in June.

"We've again arranged to have mostly women instructors," explained Hennig, who runs NAIT's motorcycle training program and is one of the few women in Canada who races motorcycles.

While taking a motorcycle safety course isn't a prerequisite for getting a license, Hennig says the skills learned help keep riders safe for a lifetime.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for those women who've always wanted to learn how to ride, and to ride safely," Hennig says. "There are so many things out there you have to pay attention to and look out for."

As part of the course, students are guided through motorcycle basics like balance and control, downshifting and upshifting, hand and electric signals, acceleration and deceleration, straight line braking, collision avoidance and more. At the end of the training, each student has the option to take the Class 6 motorcycle practical test at NAIT with the supplied bikes. In accordance with provincial regulations on-road testing is mandatory.

To participate in the women's-only Motorcycle Rider Safety Training course, riders must be at least 16 years old and have a Class 5 or Class 7 license. The training time is 16 hours. Motorcycles are provided for training, but students must supply their own safety gear, including a DOT or Snell approved helmet, gloves, riding jacket, appropriate footwear and protective eyewear.

To register, please call 780.471.6248 or visit http://www.nait.ca/18700.htm.

For more information, media can contact:

Trina Hennig
Program Coordinator/Senior Instructor
Motorcycle Rider Safety Training
P 780.378.5385 E trinah@nait.ca

Frank Landry
NAIT Media Relations
P 780.471.8450 C 780.916.8307 E flandry@nait.ca

More underprivileged children to lace up their skates at NAIT hockey camps

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 07:00:00 GMT

July 29 - Thirty children from lower-income families will hit the ice at NAIT's 2011 Summer Hockey Camps free of charge thanks to the support of the Ooks Hockey Alumni Association (OHAA).

The popular camps, run by NAIT's Department of Athletics and Recreation, start Monday, Aug. 2 and run to the end of the month. Held at Main Campus, the camps typically attract hundreds of boys and girls as young as seven and up to 17 years old.

"The Department of Athletics and Recreation is excited to be a part of the community involvement that the OHAA has created with the hockey scholarships for underprivileged children in the Edmonton area," said Linda Henderson, NAIT's director of athletics and recreation.

"Every child that takes part in our camps will benefit in a number of ways. They will not only learn hockey skills from our current student-athletes but they will also learn teamwork, leadership and make many new friends along the way."

Registration costs for the 30 kids are being covered by the OHAA, through a $200,000 donation the alumni association made to NAIT earlier in the year. It's the largest group the OHAA has ever sent to camp, up from four last year.

"We wanted to help more kids whose families otherwise couldn't afford these camps," said Andrew Hore, founder and past-president of the OHAA. "Some of my fondest memories as a child are going to that hockey school. It's a wonderful facility. It's got great instruction."

The 30 children were identified by The Brick Sport Central, which works with KidSport Edmonton to assist youth who might not otherwise have the means to participate in organized sports.

The OHAA donation is also being used to fund scholarships for the NAIT Ooks men's and women's hockey teams and to pay for equipment and supplies.

For more information, media can contact:

Linda Henderson
NAIT Director of Athletics and Recreation
P 780.471.8803 E lhenders@nait.ca

Andrew Hore
Ooks Hockey Alumni Association,
Founder and past-president
P 780.409.3719

Frank Landry
NAIT Media Relations
P 780.471.8450 C 780.916.8307 E flandry@nait.ca

Foodies report to boot camp

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 07:00:00 GMT

WHAT: Foodies are getting their culinary cooking skills into shape with NAIT pastry and culinary boot camps. Dressed in culinary fatigues - including camouflage-coloured pants and hats - they are working daily with NAIT chefs, learning professional tips and techniques.

WHERE: NAIT Hokanson Centre for Culinary Arts - enter on 118 Avenue 11762 - 106 Street NW Edmonton, AB

WHEN:
Pastry Boot Camp
July 11 - 15
Culinary Boot Camp
July 12 - 15
July 19 - 22

WHY: The pastry boot camps are intensive, five-day, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. experiences that capture the fundamental techniques of all things pastry.

Culinary boot camps, meanwhile, are four-days long, eight hour per day, starting at 10 a.m. Students learn about food planning and preparation, as well as flavour pairing and wine tasting. Campers learn to prepare vegetables, starches, meats, fish and poultry, and receive professional tips on poaching, braising, roasting and grilling.

The courses draw an interesting cross section of students, looking to gain cooking secrets from NAIT's chefs.

For more information, media can contact:

Frank Landry
NAIT Media Relations
P 780.471.8450 C 780.916.8307 E flandry@nait.ca

One-of-a-kind summer camps kick off at NAIT

Wed, 6 Jul 2011 07:00:00 GMT

July 6, 2011 - NAIT's 2011 Summer Camps are in full swing, running to the end of August. Campers as young as five and up to 18 years old will participate in hands-on activities in the areas of athletics, culinary arts, web design, video production, computer game design, leadership, theatre and more. Here are some highlights:

Mini Bakers (July 4-8; 11-15) and Mini Chefs (July 4-8; 11-15; 18-22): In these camps, young bakers and chefs learn how to produce simple yet delicious items that can also easily be made at home. Half the time is spent in NAIT's bakeries and kitchens, with the other half spent pursuing active fun in the institute's recreational facilities. There are camps for a variety of ages, from eight to 15 years old.

Street Performers (July 11-15): Campers take centre stage in this camp of drama, miming, singing, dance and tricks. Group games, team activities and swimming are also a part of the experience, which wraps up with a day trip to the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival. There are camps for seven to nine year olds and 10 to 13 year olds.

G-Force (July 18-22): Open to girls ages 11 to 14. Campers have an opportunity to participate in activities that improve self-confidence, body image and inner strength. Highlights include participating in kickboxing, rock climbing, self defense, yoga and Pilates.

Mini Ooks (running throughout July and August): Mini Ooks returns to NAIT after a three-year absence. This is a camp designed for our younger campers, with space for five and six year olds, as well as kids seven to nine. Camp activities include swimming and games, as well as arts and crafts.

Summer Hockey Camps (starting Aug. 2 and running through the month): This year, 30 underprivileged kids will attend NAIT's Summer Hockey Camp free of charge, thanks to a $200,000 donation from the Ooks Hockey Alumni Association and equipment courtesy of The Brick Sport Central. The hockey camps typically draw hundreds of participants, starting as young as seven years old.

Media interested in coming to NAIT's Main Campus to cover any of the 2011 Summer Camps are asked to provide two days notice if possible. This will give staff enough time to have parents sign consent forms.

NOTE: NAIT is waiving all Summer Camp registration fees this year for families who have been impacted by the Slave Lake wildfire.

For more information, please contact:

Trever Turner
NAIT Recreation Program Coordinator
P 780.491.3010 E trevert@nait.ca

Frank Landry
NAIT Media Relations
P 780.471.8450 C 780.916.8307 E flandry@nait.ca

New online and mobile guide developed at NAIT makes it easier to discover Alberta's festivals

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 07:00:00 GMT

June 24, 2011 - Albertans now have a one-stop shop to discover the province's multitude of festivals and share them with friends, thanks to an innovative new online and mobile guide developed within the Duncan McNeill Centre for Innovation at NAIT by one of Canada's leading new media companies, Seekers Media.

Launched today, in the lead-up to festival season, FestivalSeekers.com is an all-encompassing tool. Through articles, smartphone apps, videos, photos, social media communities, coupons and community involvement, FestivalSeekers offers Albertans a new way to experience the festival season while also learning about lesser known community celebrations.

"Everybody knows about the Calgary Stampede and the Edmonton Folk Music Festival," said Rick MacDonnell, manager of communications with FestivalSeekers. "But there are so many smaller, out-of-the-way festivals and events happening that people should be taking notice of as well. From the Falher Honey Festival to the Battle of the Rockies to the Taber Corn Fest, there are dozens of cultural experiences to be had."

Seekers Media, the company behind both FestivalSeekers and SnowSeekers, has been a client of novaNAIT's Duncan McNeill Centre for Innovation since 2009, where it receives business guidance.

The company's payroll includes two former students of NAIT's Digital Media and IT program. As well, students in NAIT's School of Information, Communication and Engineering Technologies are currently working with FestivalSeekers and SnowSeekers to help streamline the live publication of content.

"novaNAIT is proud to have FestivalSeekers in the Duncan McNeill Centre for Innovation," said Stuart Cullum, executive director of novaNAIT. "By providing access to our enterprise development services and capstone programming within the School of Information, Communication and Engineering Technologies, NAIT is playing a role in the growth of FestivalSeekers.

"We look forward to extending NAIT's capacity further to support this company in more ways as it grows and extends its reach in the marketplace."

On the FestivalSeekers website, users can see a calendar of festivals by region, view photos and videos, download coupons and apps, share the information on social media sites and more. Shaw Media is also carrying 10 short-form FestivalSeekers videos this summer.

"Whether it's for die hard locals, vacationing families, or festival-goers from across the globe, FestivalSeekers highlights all the amazing festival opportunities Western Canada," said Jim Barr, President of FestivalSeekers.

"FestivalSeekers provides as much fresh information as possible on a continual basis, either from us or from the festival organizers themselves, so those who decide to come play in our backyard have everything they need to select the festivals that best suit their needs and their own sense of adventure."

Barr recently travelled to Silicon Valley, Calif., for a series of whirlwind mentoring sessions with some of North America's top business minds, as part of a two-day event called 48hrs in the Valley. He was also a featured panelist at the Banff Media Festival - an event that included delegates from Netflix and Google TV.

novaNAIT is the home of applied research and enterprise development at NAIT. The centre supports and facilitates applied research and development, leading to commercially-relevant products and services.

For more information, please contact:

Frank Landry
NAIT Media Relations
P 780.471.8450 C 780.916.8307 E flandry@nait.ca

Free summer camps at NAIT for displaced Slave Lake families in Edmonton

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 07:00:00 GMT

June 21, 2011 - Children whose families have been displaced by the Slave Lake wildfire and are in the Edmonton area are invited to enroll in NAIT's 2011 Summer Camps free of charge.

"These families have faced many challenges in recent weeks, challenges most of us could never imagine. Many have lost everything and are now living in Edmonton, far from the comforts of their homes," said NAIT President and CEO, Dr. Glenn Feltham.

"We invite these families to enroll their children in our summer camps, at no cost to them. NAIT will cover the fees."

NAIT's wide range of summer programming for boys and girls offers opportunities to improve sports skills, explore science and the arts, tackle digital media and even learn how to rock climb.

Summer day camps start June 27 and run until as late as Aug. 26, depending on the camp. There are programs available for children as young as five and up to 18 years old. In order to qualify, families must be registered with the Red Cross in Edmonton.

"Our summer sport programs are of the highest quality," said Linda Henderson, director of NAIT's department of athletics and recreation. "In particular, our sport-specific camps are instructed by our professional full-time coaches, as well as being assisted by some of our highly successful NAIT student-athletes. All of our participants will have an opportunity to learn and have fun in whatever they choose to participate in."

Families impacted by the Slave Lake wildfire interested in NAIT's 2011 Summer Camps are asked to review camp options at: www.nait.ca/recreation, then call 780.471.7713 to register. Please note these are day camps.

Media requiring more information can contact:

Linda Henderson
Director
Department of Athletics and Recreation
P 780.471.8803 E lhenderson@nait.ca

Frank Landry
NAIT Media Relations
P 780.471.8450 C 780.916.8307 E flandry@nait.ca

A champion for student success

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Stanley Townsend, chair of the Culinary Arts program, recently received the Skills Alberta Volunteer award for his continued dedication and involvement with Skills since it hosted the first Provincial Skills Competition in 1993.

Townsend, who in his 19 years with Skills has volunteered as a provincial technical committee member, regional skills coordinator, national technical committee member and Try-a-Trade coordinator at World Skills in Calgary, sat down with us to share what his involvement with Skills means to him.

NAIT: How did you get involved with Skills?

ST: I was approached by Skills about 19 years ago, just as we were going to have our first competition. I immediately recognized it as an opportunity to bridge the gap between secondary and post-secondary education.

I thought it was important to get involved with a vehicle that championed student success in particular in the field of trades.

NAIT: What do you enjoy about working with Skills?

ST: Working with young people!

We want to give these people a taste of competition as early as possible in high school because it really generates a lot of enthusiasm. Not only for them, but for all their peers they tell about Skills when they return from competition.

The reason kids want to get into Skills is not only to challenge their personal and professional best, but it's also a really intense and fun-filled activity.

One thing I like about this competition is it dispels the idea that idea that young people today don't have the enthusiasm - that they don't want to work and they just want an immediate return.

For example, when I hold a high school competition on Saturday that starts at 7 a.m. (you have to get up at 5 a.m. to get here), they really suit up and show up, so they're deadly serious.

It's so infectious, that once you get involved with it you can't stop.

NAIT: Why do you volunteer? What do you get out of it?

ST: I am really committed to championing student success. The best way to do this is provide a vehicle for the students to do.

They can go to school and people can tell them what to do and they can look in books, but there's nothing that's going to create enthusiasm like actually giving them an opportunity to do - and to do their best.

Any chance I get to work with young people I do.

I really like working with challenged kids, so I also work with EmployAbilities. I like to go to the non-traditional areas like the Edmonton Young Offender Centre, the Youth Emergency Shelter Society - anywhere I can go where I can inspire kids or create a level of excitement.

There's nothing that makes my life as full as seeing a young person getting enthusiastic about something and enjoying it. It keeps me in young to do this.

NAIT: You were at World Skills in Calgary for Try-a-Trade. What was that like?

ST: Try-a-Trade gives the students a chance to come in and do a hands-on workshop. The last time I did it was at World Skills in Calgary, where I had 12 stations set up, we were doing fruit and vegetable carving with about 400 students a day creating their own banana dolphins.

We took in 12 kids every 15 minutes, so over a period of three days we had about 1,500 kids. It was an hour and a half lineup to get in.

Going to World Skills and working with that many youngsters gives me a chance to develop leadership and teamwork skills. But it's really about my teaching and having a passion for it.

I have never seen these kids before and they are all ages, from all walks of life. I get 12 of them, and this is my little classroom for the next 15 minutes. I show them how to do something and then it's their turn to go and do it themselves. Every kid goes away with something tangible and they are awarded with a real sense of achievement.

NAIT: Does working at NAIT give you insight into the value of Skills?

ST: What makes NAIT really unique is that whole concept of and focus on community integration. It's not just what we do in the classroom, or what we do in the school; we step out and get involved and show the public what we can do.

I have always considered Skills here at NAIT to be a golden opportunity for professional development. This is a chance to get out of the classroom, go to a public venue, show our skills and support the up-and-comers.

All roads lead to NAIT, so it's very important that we are out there and saying we support this opportunity to get involved in this challenge.

Ooks men's basketball coach named

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Mike Hansen, 2010-11 Coach of the Year in Alberta college basketball, has been selected as head of the NAIT Ooks men's program.

The hiring of the former Lethbridge Kodiaks coach was announced by Linda Henderson, NAIT's director of athletics and recreation.

"I'm overjoyed with this news," Henderson said. "Mike is an exceptional person and a successful coach who has proven his leadership. He is a top recruiter and has an incredible basketball mind."

The Kodiaks qualified as Alberta's second representative in the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association round-robin tournament this year and came away with a silver medal. Hansen, who was named Sportsman of the Year by the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame, also won an ACAC bronze medal in 2009.

His combined four-year record at Lethbridge was 84 victories and 42 losses.

The decision by Hansen and his wife Anne to come to Edmonton was complicated by his job as a fulltime high school teacher. But he said the opportunity to coach full-time at NAIT was too good to pass up.

The new coach's first order of business is recruiting.

"We don't have much time," Hansen said. "We have been in touch with some players and there will be announcements in due course."

Hansen played for four years with the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns before embarking on a successful high school coaching career that included three zone championships, a pair of league titles and five berths in the provincial championships.

For more information, please contact:

Jordan Richey
Communications, Marketing & Promotions Officer
NAIT Athletics & Recreation
P 780.471.7579 E jrichey@nait.ca

NAIT apprentice wins gold at national competition

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 07:00:00 GMT

June 10, 2011 - Josh Wiens, who is heading into the third year of NAIT's automotive apprenticeship program, is one of Canada's top up-and-coming service technicians.

Wiens won gold in the Auto Service category at the recent Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC), held June 2-3, 2011, in Quebec City. As part of his challenge, the Edmonton resident had to diagnose and repair problems with several vehicles.

"We are very proud of Josh and all the NAIT students who participated in the Skills Canada competition," said NAIT President and CEO, Dr. Glenn Feltham. "Their constant successes speak to the quality of the programs and instruction at NAIT. We pride ourselves on producing graduates who are significant contributors to the prosperity and long-term sustainability of Alberta's industries and business sectors in the global economy."

A total of 61 trade and technology students from Alberta competed in the skills competition, including five representatives from NAIT, namely:

- Toni Dueck of Sherwood Park, who placed 2nd in CNC Machining.

- Steven De Groot of Leduc, who placed 4th in Mechatronics

- Stewart McNabb of Edmonton, who placed 4th in Mechatronics

- Dalton Litzenberger of Stony Plain, who placed 6th in Car Painting

Overall, Team Alberta members received 25 medals, including seven gold, 10 silver and eight bronze.

"These individuals are the leaders of tomorrow," said Peter Lawlor, president of the Skills Canada Alberta board and dean of NAIT's School of Trades. "The skills and talents the team members are developing today will help Alberta and Canada compete successfully in a drastically changing world market."

Team Alberta qualified for the SCNC at the Provincial Skills Canada Competition held in Edmonton May 11-12, 2011. Team Alberta members received a $500 WorldSkills Legacy Scholarship and an additional $500 if they won gold at the SCNC.

The SCNC is the only national, Olympic-style, multi-trade and technology event of its kind for young students and apprentices in the country. The competition provides an opportunity for students to be tested against industry standards and against their peers from across the nation in their chosen discipline.

For more information, please contact:

Frank Landry
NAIT Media Relations Coordinator
P 780.471.8450 C 780.916.8307 E flandry@nait.ca

NAIT's Introduction to the Trades program delivers the hardware

Tue, 7 Jun 2011 07:00:00 GMT

NAIT's innovative Introduction the Trades program, delivered through NAIT in Motion, is the gold recipient of this year's Association of Canadian Community Colleges Program Excellence Award.

The award was announced at the association's annual conference, which is being held this week in Edmonton.

The Introduction to the Trades program delivers customized trades training to Aboriginal learners - in their own communities.

Learners get hands-on training utilizing the state-of-the-art NAIT in Motion units from experienced NAIT instructors.

Using one of the two NAIT in Motion units, the 20-week program offers customized training in several diverse areas including welding, gasfitting, millwright, machining and pipefitting/steamfitting.

The flexible training model is geared towards regional industry and employment opportunities and graduates are job-ready with the necessary safety certification and skills to be successful in the workplace.

Since it's inception in 2004, the program has been offered to more than 400 students in 36 Aboriginal communities throughout Alberta and northern Canada.

Watch this video and step inside NAIT in Motion.

Innovative NAIT projects get boost from applied research grants

Wed, 1 Jun 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Five projects at NAIT will benefit from grants totaling $288,768 awarded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). The projects are recipients of the College and Community Innovation Program's Applied Research Tools and Instruments Grants.

The applied research equipment grants will facilitate research involving boreal forest reclamation, watershed management, green roof technology, nanotechnology and information technology.

"These grants highlight NAIT's on-going commitment to enabling applied research across various areas at NAIT and also set the standard in sustainable business and industry practices, not only locally, but across Alberta," said Dr. Klay Dyer, Acting Director of Applied Research and Scholarship. "Institutionally, we are thrilled that researchers from NAIT's Schools of Sustainable Building and Environmental Management and Information Communication and Engineering Technology have been recognized with these grants."

NAIT will receive $41,220 for Roofing Evaluation Modules (REMs) that collect key information from green roofs, $56,020 for germination chambers used in boreal reclamation and $66,918 for watershed monitoring equipment.

NAIT researchers will be using REMs to monitor the temperature and storm water movements of the green roof at the new Hole's Enjoy Centre in St. Albert. NAIT is a principle partner in this project. Green roofs - essentially roofs used as planter boxes - reduce solar radiation, decrease sound transmission and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

NSERC also awarded NAIT $112,805 for a scanning electron microscope and $11,805 for computer equipment to support applied research, enterprise development and student learning in the area of digital media and information technologies.

Across Canada, 79 projects were selected following a peer-reviewed competition.

"These CCI Program - ARTI Grants will result in innovation at the community level and entice companies to collaborate with colleges across the country," said Suzanne Fortier, President of NSERC, which administers the CCI Program. "When companies and colleges have access to the very best resources, everyone benefits. New jobs are created, industry expands and the community prospers."

NSERC is a federal agency that helps make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for all Canadians. The agency supports some 30,000 post-secondary students and postdoctoral fellows in their advanced studies. NSERC promotes discovery by funding more than 12,000 professors every year and fosters innovation by encouraging more than 1,500 Canadian companies to participate and invest in post-secondary research projects.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Klay Dyer
Acting Director of Applied Research and Scholarship
P 780.378.6176 E klayd@nait.ca

Frank Landry
NAIT Media Relations
P 780.471.8450 C 780.916.8307 E flandry@nait.ca

2011 Instructional Excellence and Faculty Emeritus winners

Fri, 6 May 2011 07:00:00 GMT

At the Convocation dinner last night, NAIT celebrated excellence in teaching by awarding the Faculty Emeritus and Instructional Excellence Awards.

"Congratulations to all of this year's recipients," says Dr. Paula Burns, provost and vice president academic. "We believe students are successful when they realize their academic, career and personal goals. Through your excellence in teaching, you play a vital role in that success. Thank you."

Faculty Emeritus

Since 2007, NAIT has awarded the honorary emeritus title to retired faculty in recognition of their record of service. The Latin derivation of the word emeritus means "to earn by service." Recipients are recommended by a subcommittee of Academic Council, which then meets to approve recipients for this designation.

The 2011 Faculty Emeritus recipient is Neil Swanson, a 22-year employee of Fairview College and NAIT.

Swanson's career as instructor and associate chair of carpentry began in 1987 at Fairview College.

He taught exploration carpentry for eight years at the Peace River Correctional Centre, and then turned his attention to the apprenticeship program at Fairview.

Swanson considered himself fortunate to work in that small campus environment, where he was able to stay closely involved with his students throughout their training.

He took great satisfaction in seeing his students develop their skills from first period to fourth period and always made time for those who required extra assistance.

His career-long commitment to his students was consistently rewarded with positive student evaluations and his students' high provincial scores.

Swanson retired from NAIT in 2009.

Instructional Excellence Awards

Since 1999, NAIT has recognized excellence in teaching with this award. Instructors are nominated by their students and evaluated by a committee made up of representatives from across the institute.

Part of the judging is based on how well instructors' teaching practices reflect the seven principles for good practice in undergraduate education outlined by Art Chickering and Zelda Gamson.

According to the education researchers, hallmarks of quality teaching include, for example, ensuring student access to staff, prompt feedback and communicating high expectations.

Here are the seven recipients of the 2011 Instructional Excellence Awards.

Marc Anderson
Computer Engineering Technology
School of Information Communications & Engineering Technologies

To help create a positive learning environment, Anderson makes classes fun with stories from his background in government and private industry.

The stories tend to be about how he learned from mistakes, but they also focus on how those experiences make valuable employees.

Over the past 15 years, the highlight of Anderon's career has been his interaction with students - inside and outside the classroom.

That relationship is very important. For him, a successful learning environment depends on mutual respect, encouragement and professionalism on the part of both instructors and students.

Amongst his greatest satisfactions is having played a role in the development of his students' expertise. In his words, "to have had the opportunity, through our students, to help shape the future."

Ridha Atioui
Department of Continuing Education

Having had to learn English as a second language, Atioui understands his ESL students' difficulties and frustrations with the language.

But he recognizes his background as a clear advantage. As he puts it: "The students realize that if I could do it, then it can be done."

An ESL instructor at NAIT for almost three years, Atioui has taught ESL and EFL for more than 20 years throughout Tunisia, England, Bahrain and Oman.

This exposure to different cultures has prepared him for the multicultural Canadian classroom - and helped him build the trust necessary for his students' success.

In addition, Atioui finds reflection a tool for continuous improvement. After each class, he pauses to consider how he might make his students more active and his activities more effective.

He sees this as essential to his growth as a teacher. "I believe that reflecting on my instructional practices guarantees that they will improve," he says.

Gabriela Catuneanu
Mathematics
School of Information Communications & Engineering Technologies

As one student says about Catuneanu: "I have never met anyone so excited about math in all my post-secondary experience!"

It shows. To engage her students and make complex mathematics understandable, Catuneanu enthusiastically turns to PowerPoint presentations, stories and even YouTube videos.

That also applies to her Geological Technology Statistics class, which Catuneanu enhances by bringing in her own rock collection for students to examine and discuss.

She also encourages students to form study groups early in the semester.

That's just one more way Catuneanu ensures active learning in her classroom - and that every student has the opportunity to get the most out of the lesson.

"The message is simple and rewarding," she says: "there's strength in numbers!"

Philip Colclough
Power Engineering Technology
School of Sustainable Building & Environmental Management

Colclough knows the theory and skills behind power engineering can be difficult subjects for even the strongest students, but he believes all of them can handle it.

It's his job, he says, "to cultivate an environment where it's just that much easier."

To do that, Colclough looks back on instructors of his own that he admired for being passionate and for challenging him.

His approach is to be like them - a big part of which is simply having a real interest in the subject and liking teaching it.

But, for Colclough, another big part of instructional excellence involves respecting diversity and being open to having his views shaped by those of the students.

"It's a win-win proposition," he says. "I teach students to be better power engineers; they teach me to be a better instructor."

Lia Green
Medical Laboratory Technology
School of Health Sciences

Five years ago, Green received the Alberta College of Medical Laboratory Technologists Award of Distinction for upholding high professional standards in the field.

Now an instructor in NAIT's Medical Laboratory Technology program, Green continues to win accolades - this time from her students.

According to one of them, her talents as an instructor are obvious in the safe learning environment she creates.

Green relies on positive reinforcement to encourage success, and treats students with the same respect she would show for colleagues in the field.

In addition, she reassures students of their abilities, promotes independence, and is respected and admired for a quirky sense of humour and a knack for keeping matters in the classroom in the proper perspective.

Bobby Haraba
Heavy Equipment Technician
School of Trades

Haraba believes his class should offer opportunities to explore real-world, trades-related questions.

At the same time, he works hard to give students foundational knowledge in the subjects he teaches.

The results speak for themselves. As one student says, "I'm scoring much higher on tests because I not only know the right answer, but I also understand the logic behind it."

Furthermore, Haraba gives his students confidence through experience.

He challenges them to question what they know and, in the safety of the lab, encourages them to learn from their mistakes.

"The novice apprentice is prone to doubt," says one student. "Bob Haraba is the first teacher I've had who can replicate that doubt in a classroom."

It's an unexpectedly valuable talent, and one his students appreciate as they make the transition from the classroom to the job site.

Stephanie Ibach
Business Administration - Accounting
JR Shaw School of Business

Ibach believes instructional excellence depends on two key components: One is comprehensive knowledge of a subject. The other is collaboration with colleagues.

It's no surprise, then, that she has completed extensive research on International Financial Reporting Standards, updated several accounting textbooks and software, and acted as NAIT'S liaison with the Canadian Academic Accounting Association.

When bringing her expertise to the classroom, she is professional, but also demonstrates empathy students appreciate.

One student commented: "We all feel Stephanie understands what it was like to be a student by the way she addresses our concerns and questions."

Ibach encourages engagement with subjects as they exist in the real world, exploring examples from the media and making topics enjoyable and memorable.

To further involve her students, she makes a portion of their grade dependent on participation in discussions - bringing her benchmarks of active learning and collaboration into each lesson and allowing students to benefit from other group members' knowledge and abilities.

NAIT to host first ever Presidential Installation

Tue, 3 May 2011 07:00:00 GMT

May 3, 2011 - Dr. Glenn Feltham will be installed as the sixth president and CEO of NAIT at a ceremony on Thursday, May 5th from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm in the Shaw Theatre.

This is NAIT's first formal installation - an academic ceremony recognizing that Dr. Feltham has been endowed with the powers and responsibilities of office.

"An installation is a time-honored tradition in higher education," says James Cumming, chair of the NAIT Board of Governors. "It is an opportunity for us to recognize the important role of our new president, as he serves the academic community, the government of our province, and the community at large."

Over three hundred guests including executives and board members from other post secondary institutions in Alberta, corporate partners and NAIT academia, will be attendance.
The formal ceremony will begin with Dr. Feltham and the platform party led by bagpipers into the Shaw Theatre.

The program will include a blessing by NAIT's Elder, Water Bonaise and Dr. Feltham taking an oath of office from the chair of the Board of Governors and signing a parchment.
After the ceremony, Dr. Feltham will deliver an inaugural address to offer his vision and aspirations for NAIT.

In what he coins "NAIT's Four Pillars of Expertise", Dr. Feltham believes the institution's future programming will focus on science, technology and the environment; health care; trades and business, including new venture and commercialization.

To celebrate this special occasion, School of Trades' staff machined a Presidential Medallion for the president to wear at all official functions that require academic attire. The medallion features the NAIT coat of arms, encircled by an engraved ring representing lifelong learning.

Students, staff and the public can watch the entire installation live on the NAIT website once the installation begins. The archived video will be made available shortly after the event at the same link.

Dr. Glenn Feltham assumed the role of NAIT's sixth president and CEO on March 1, 2011. His extensive background includes law, taxation and finance, teaching and institutional administration.

Before he joined NAIT, Dr. Feltham was dean of the I.H. Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba, where he focused on building and maintaining program relevance and excellence. During those seven years and those preceding, his career has been defined by service to both his community and profession.

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About NAIT

NAIT is one of the preeminent institutes of technology in Canada, with almost 80,000 registrations worldwide in business, advanced technologies and skilled trades. Known for real-world education and student success, NAIT also engages with business and industry in applied research and innovation and provides corporate training around the world. For more information, please visit www.nait.ca, or call 1.877.333.NAIT.

For more information, please contact:
Ruth Juliebo
NAIT Media Relations
Department of Corporate Communications
P 780.378.2815 C 780.916.8307 E ruthj@nait.ca