NAIT Newsroom - Media 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

Ooks men's and women's basketball players wear pink in support of breast cancer research

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:00:00 GMT

WHAT: The Ooks men's and women's basketball teams are hosting their third annual Breast Cancer Awareness Game. To mark the occasion, members of the women's team will wear pink jerseys, while in the second game, the men will wear pink shoelaces. As well, members of both squads will don pink warm-up shirts. Both games are against the King's University College Eagles.

Leading up to the game, members of the women's team - dressed in pink jerseys - will accept donations in support of breast cancer research. A booth will be set up at Main Campus.

WHEN:
Members of Ooks women's basketball team accepting donations
Wed, Jan. 25
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
South Lobby
NAIT Main Campus
11762 106 St.
Edmonton, AB

Breast Cancer Awareness Game
Thurs., Jan 26
Women's game: 6 p.m.
Men's game: 8 p.m.
NAIT Gym
11762 106 St.
Edmonton, AB

WHY: More than $3,000 has been raised for breast cancer research through this initiative since 2010. The money was collected through gate admission and donation boxes at the games. This is the first year the athletes are also accepting donations prior to the game.

There is no admission charge to Thursday's game for NAIT staff and students. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for non-NAIT students. All proceeds will go to support breast cancer research.

For more information, please contact:

Jordan Richey
NAIT Athletics and Recreation
P 780.471.7579 E jrichey@nait.ca

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

Auto expert available to help with cold-weather stories

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:00:00 GMT

WHAT: With an extended deep freeze in the forecast, Edmonton motorists can once again expect to be dealing with dead batteries and poor driving conditions. NAIT has an expert who can help round-out your weather-related stories by providing the cold, hard facts on ways to keep your vehicle moving, even when the mercury drops to -30 C.

WHO: Lane Ebel, Instructor in NAIT's Automotive Service Technician program

WHY: Lane can provide winter maintenance tips for vehicle owners, shed light on why investing in winter tires is a good idea and talk about the items every motorist should be carrying - including emergency kits and window scrapers. As well, Lane can offer safe winter driving tips.

Lane can be reached at 780.471.8632 (office) or by email: lanee@nait.ca.

For more information, please contact:
Frank Landry
NAIT Media Relations
P 780.471.8450 C 780.916.8307 E flandry@nait.ca

New dean takes helm of JR Shaw School of Business

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 07:00:00 GMT

NAIT's JR Shaw School of Business is embarking on a new era of innovative business education under the leadership of newly-appointed dean, Dr. Neil Fassina.

Fassina comes to NAIT from the University of Manitoba, where he was head of the Department of Business Administration at the Asper School of Business.

"We are very excited about the addition of Dr. Fassina to the JR Shaw School of Business, already one of western Canada's largest business schools," says NAIT president and CEO, Dr. Glenn Feltham. "Under his leadership, the school will excel through its focus on relevant, responsive and hands-on business education, as well as pragmatic applied research initiatives to solve real-world problems."

Fassina said his goal is to position the JR Shaw School of Business as one of western Canada's top business schools. He's a strong believer that business school curriculums need to be innovative and relevant for both students and employers.

"It's my intention to build on the cornerstones already in place at the JR Shaw School of Business," Fassina says. "We will work to make this school nationally and internationally recognized as a premier centre of business education in western Canada and a school that is recognized for its student experience, civic engagement and connections to the community."

Fassina completed his PhD in organizational behavior and human resources management at the Rotman School of Business at the University of Toronto.

In addition to his role at the University of Manitoba, Fassina has taught at the University of Calgary and worked independently as an executive educator and consultant in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

Fassina believes it's important to give back to the community, and has demonstrated this through his work on the boards of not-for-profit organizations including the Human Resource Management Association of Manitoba and the Canadian Council of Human Resource Associations.

For more information, please contact:

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

Two prominent researchers join JR Shaw School of Business

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 07:00:00 GMT

NAIT has reinforced its reputation as a leader in applied research among Canadian polytechnics with the addition of two prominent researchers to the JR Shaw School of Business.

Dr. Aarti Sharma has been named the business school's first-ever chair of applied research. Her work will focus on sustainable economic development strategies and policies in Alberta, which balance economic growth with environmental conservation and social development. She will work closely with and provide recommendations to industry and government.

Sharma is joined by Dr. Krista Uggerslev, who has been appointed as applied research fellow, another first for the school. Her work will focus on solving the real-world challenges facing employers and governments, particularly around talent management and labour shortages.

"We are very excited about the addition of these extremely talented individuals to the JR Shaw School of Business," says NAIT president and CEO, Dr. Glenn Feltham. "Their work will reinforce NAIT's reputation as a leader in applied research that solves real-world problems."

Sharma comes to NAIT from the University of South Florida, where she was an instructor in strategic management and sustainable enterprise. She has also held the position of lecturer in management at the Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand. In addition to her academic experiences, Sharma has held research and advisory positions on sustainable development at the U.S. embassy and The Energy and Resources Institute in India. She is also currently developing a research project in India looking at the impact of sustainable enterprise strategies of Indian and foreign multinational corporations.

"Working closely with NAIT faculty, staff and students as well as with Canadian businesses and government agencies, I am endeavoring to advance understanding and practices promoting sustainable enterprise strategies and sustainable development policies within Alberta and Canada," says Sharma.

Uggerslev, who holds a PhD from the University of Calgary in industrial and organizational psychology, has an extensive background in research related to employee recruitment, talent management and leadership, and demographic and economic changes in Canada.

Prior to coming to NAIT, Uggerslev was an associate professor of business administration at the University of Manitoba. She holds two national research grants to support research exploring factors behind Canada's growing skilled labour shortage.

"I came to NAIT because I am interested in solving the real-world challenges facing businesses, this province and this country - today," she says. "I want to make an impactful difference in recruiting and retaining top talent within Alberta and Canada. My goal is to help us understand what's ahead and help to guide us towards solutions."

For more information, please contact:

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

NAIT community helps Share the Warmth

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 07:00:00 GMT

WHAT: See the impressive amount of warm clothing that has been collected during the annual Share the Warmth campaign.

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 16
12:30 p.m. - Welcome
12:40 p.m. - Group photos/interviews
1 p.m. - Loading and deliveries (courtesy of NAIT's Distribution/Transportation department)

WHERE: Room T015 (Lower level of the Tower Building) NAIT Main Campus 11762 106 St. Edmonton, AB WHY: NAIT staff, students and alumni, along with sponsor MBS Insurance Brokers Ltd., are helping retired instructor Gordon Smith continue his yearly tradition of collecting warm clothing for the less fortunate.

Smith started a donation campaign years ago in which he organized a year-long collection of socks that were then donated to the Boyle McCauley Health Centre.

Six years ago, after Smith retired, the NAIT Academic Staff Association (NASA) expanded the donation campaign to include gloves, toques and scarves. More than 2,000 items are collected each year and then delivered to the Hope Mission, the Boyle McCauley Health Centre and their subsidiaries.

NAIT staff, students and alumni continue to show their community spirit by helping support this annual campaign. Donation boxes have been set up around campus for weeks.

For more information, please contact:

Lana Bjorkquist
Admin. Assistant, NAIT Academic Staff Association
P 780.471.8702 E lanab@nait.ca

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

Men's soccer coach joins FC Edmonton behind the bench

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Dec. 14, 2011 - Jeff Paulus, head coach of NAIT's championship men's soccer team, has signed on as an assistant coach with FC Edmonton of the North American Soccer League. This will be in addition to his on-going duties with the Ooks.

"To be quite honest, I am still quite surprised I was asked to join FC Edmonton in the capacity that they offered me," said Paulus. "To work in a professional environment for a club that has just scratched the surface of their future plans really is an opportunity of a lifetime."

Under the direction of Paulus, the Ooks men's soccer team won gold in November at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) National Championships in Quebec City. He was also named a 2011 Coach of the Year by the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference.

"Jeff Paulus has continued NAIT's tradition of coaching excellence in soccer," said Gregg Meropoulis, athletics coordinator with NAIT's department of athletics and recreation. "In addition to his success at the collegiate level, Jeff has made significant contributions to the overall development of soccer at all levels in Edmonton and we congratulate him on his recent appointment with FC Edmonton."

Paulus joins head coach Harry Sinkgraven and assistant coach Hans Schrijver on the FC Edmonton coaching staff.

To read the FC Edmonton news release, click here.

For more information, please contact:

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

NAIT experts available to help with your Christmas and year-end stories

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Whether it's offering pointers on how to think healthy and fit over the holidays, pick the perfect wine to bring to a party or year-end tax planning strategies, NAIT experts are available to help round out your seasonal news stories.

WHO: Amy Pysar, NAIT personal trainer or Kathrine Andrews, instructor in NAIT's Personal Fitness Trainer program.

WHAT: All that Christmas cheer can be hard on the waistline. Our experts have tips on how to stay healthy and keep the pounds off, while still enjoying all the season has to offer.

Amy can be reached at 780.471.7713 or via email at apysar@nait.ca.

Kathrine can be reached at 780.491.3140 or via email at kathrinz@nait.ca.

Please note Amy will not be available after Dec. 16.

WHO: Sheryl Hansen, NAIT manager, recreation

WHAT: December can be one of the most hectic times of year. There are gifts to buy, people to entertain, meals to cook, resolutions to make … Sheryl has some stress-busting tips. These include remembering to set aside quiet time for yourself and making sure your new year's resolutions are simple and realistic.

Sheryl can be reached at 780.471.8574 or via email at sherylh@nait.ca.

WHO: Sam Wall, instructor in the School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts; dining room supervisor at Ernest's - NAIT's fine-dining restaurant.

WHAT: Red or white? What's best - a $15 bottle of wine or a $30 bottle? As a Level 1 sommelier, Sam has great tips on how to pick the right wines and beers for your festive gatherings.

Sam can be reached at 780.491.3902 or via email at samanthw@nait.ca.

WHO: Chris Barrett, management instructor, JR Shaw School of Business

WHAT: What's hot this holiday season? Tablets, like the Apple iPad, says Chris. He can also talk about how much Canadians are expected to spend on Christmas and what this all means for retailers.

Chris can be reached at 780.491.3153 or via email at barrettc@nait.ca.

WHO: Stacey Cooper, taxation and accounting instructor, JR Shaw School of Business

WHAT: Stacey has tips and reminders around year-end tax planning. Did you know, for example, that Canadians receive a 15% tax credit for charitable donations under $200 and a 29% credit for donations over $200? To take advantage this tax year, however, donations need to be made by Dec. 31. She also has timely advice involving income splitting and dealing with capital losses.

To read more of Stacey's tax tips, click here.

Stacey can be reached at 780.471.8312 or via email at staceyc@nait.ca.

WHO: Hardeep Gill, Associate chair, Bachelor of Applied Business - Finance, JR Shaw School of Business

WHAT: December is crunch-time for Christmas charities. This year, like in other recent years, some charities are struggling to meet their fund-raising goals. Hardeep can talk about some of the reasons behind this.

Hardeep can be reached at 780.471.8858 or via email at hardeepg@nait.ca.

For more experts please consult the NAIT Experts Guide at http://www.nait.ca/63184.htm

NOTE: NAIT will be closed for the holidays beginning on Thursday, Dec. 22 and re-open Monday Jan. 2. Our experts will not be available for interviews during this closure.

For more information, please contact:

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

NAIT expert available to talk about growing popularity of Black Friday in Canada

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 07:00:00 GMT

WHAT: This Friday, Nov. 25, is Black Friday in the U.S., the day when retailers offer deep discounts on products to kick-start the Christmas shopping season. More Canadians are expected to take advantage of the deals, either by shopping American retailers online or by heading south for the weekend. Canadian retailers have taken notice, with many on this side of the border expected to offer Black Friday deals of their own.

WHO: Surjit Rai, marketing instructor in NAIT's JR Shaw School of Business

WHY: Surjit can talk about how much money will be spent on Black Friday purchases this year by Canadians, strategies retailers will use to capitalize on the day and the affect this will have on the economy.

He can also talk about what the top selling products are expected to be this holiday season.

Surjit can be reached at 780.471.7791 (office) or by email: surjitr@nait.ca.

For more information, please contact:

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

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

Spooked by the thought of the doing the same old Halloween stories? NAIT has experts who can help

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 07:00:00 GMT

WHAT: Halloween has become a multi-billion dollar business in North America, with Canadians now spending more per capita on decorations, candy and costumes than Americans. So what does this all mean? We've scared up some NAIT experts who can help round out and localize your Halloween coverage.

WHO: Surjit Rai, a marketing instructor in NAIT's JR Shaw School of Business and Sherri Brown, an instructor in NAIT's Dental Assisting program.

WHY: Surjit can talk about the marketing of Halloween and what it means for Canadian retailers. He can also talk about the origins of Halloween, how it's grown dramatically over the years and why so many of us get into the spirit of the season.

Sherri can talk about what sorts of candies are best and worst for your teeth, how to care for your teeth at Halloween and fun alternatives to candy for those with dietary restrictions.

Surjit can be reached at 780.471.7791 (office) or by email: surjitr@nait.ca.

Sherri can be reached at 780.471.8364 (office) or by email: sherrib@nait.ca

For more information, please contact:

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

Construction Engineering Technology students put classroom theory into practice with Habitat for Humanity

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 07:00:00 GMT

WHAT: Over 30 students in NAIT's Construction Engineering Technology program are putting classroom theory into practice as they help with a Habitat for Humanity build in north Edmonton.

WHERE: Anderson Gardens
41 Street and 123 Avenue
Edmonton, AB

WHEN: Daily until Friday, Oct. 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
**Interview opportunities Thursday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.**

WHY: This is an annual opportunity for first-year Construction Engineering Technology students to give back to the community while reinforcing what they've been learning at NAIT.

Students in the Construction Engineering Technology program develop practical knowledge and skills in construction project planning, contract administration & sub-trade coordination, drawing interpretation, sketching of details and site surveying.

Lunches at the worksite are being donated this week by NAIT's School of Hospitality & Culinary Arts and prepared by first-year Culinary Arts students.

The Anderson Gardens project will be home to 47 families when it's complete. A number of residents have already moved into their new homes.

For more information, please contact:

Brad Mielke
Instructor, Construction Engineering Technology
P 780.491.3053 E bradm@nait.ca

Alfred Nikolai
President & CEO, Habitat for Humanity Edmonton
P 780.479.3566 ext 224 C 780.722.6164 E anikolai@hfh.org

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

NAIT students to mark Respiratory Therapy Week by offering breathing tests

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 07:00:00 GMT

WHAT: Students from NAIT's Respiratory Therapy program will be part of Respiratory Therapy: A Day at the Mall.

WHERE: Kingsway Mall
Second level between Zellers and The Bay, above Entrance 1 and the food court
109 Street and Kingsway Edmonton, AB

WHEN: Wed., Oct. 26
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

WHY: The students, along with registered respiratory therapists, will perform spirometry tests, which measure how well subjects can breathe. They will also provide information about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, inhaled respiratory medication, smoking cessation techniques and the Respiratory Therapy program at NAIT.

The event, which is part of Respiratory Therapy Week, was organized by Covenant Health, in conjunction with the Lung Association of Alberta & the NWT, NAIT and other organizations.

Registered respiratory therapists are life-supporting and life-enhancing health-care professionals dedicated to the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education of patients of all ages with cardiopulmonary disorders and acute multi-system problems originating from other conditions.

For more information, please contact:

Sam Magus
NAIT instructor - Respiratory Therapy program
P 780.717.7916 E samm@nait.ca

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

Ooks men's and women's soccer teams both at No. 1 in national standings for the first time

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 07:00:00 GMT

NAIT's men's and women's soccer teams are heading into the final days of the regular season at the top of the national rankings, scoring a new milestone for the Ooks.

"Having both of our soccer teams ranked No. 1 in Canada is a first for NAIT athletics," said Linda Henderson, NAIT's director of athletics and recreation. "I am so proud of the accomplishments of these teams both on and off the field. The coaches and their staff along with their outstanding student-athletes have worked exceptionally hard to reach their goal of being No. 1 in the country."

The men and women are at the top of the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) rankings, each placing above 14 other teams from across the country. The men have a 6-0-2 record while the women are riding high with a perfect eight wins this season.

"The girls have done a great job of handling the pressure of being the No. 1 ranked team in the country for the entire season," said women's coach Sergio Teixeira. "Every game and every training session, they are focused and ready to compete."

Men's coach Jeff Paulus credits some of his team's success to the leadership of six new players who have competed in Germany and Brazil.

"Reaching the top of the national rankings certainly provides a moment to be proud of, but more importantly, I hope this motivates the team to represent that distinction in each game and training session leading up to the provincials," said Paulus.

The men's and women's teams play their final two games of the season on Oct. 21 and 22. The teams then head to the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference championships Oct. 28-30. The CCAA Championship takes place Nov. 9-12 in Quebec City.

"The bar was set last year when both of these programs won silver medals at the national championships," said Henderson. "This year, I look forward to watching both of these teams play at the provincial championships and qualify to attend the national championship."

For more information, please contact:

Sergio Teixeira
Coach, NAIT Ooks women's soccer team
P 780.239.2036 E sergiot@nait.ca

Jeff Paulus
Coach, NAIT Ooks men's soccer team
P 780.729.1311 E jpaulus@nait.ca

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

NAIT expert available to talk about marketing challenges facing Sony following TV recall and breach of gaming network

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 07:00:00 GMT

WHAT: Working on a story about the latest challenges facing Sony? NAIT has a marketing expert who can help round out and localize your coverage.

WHO: Surjit Rai is marketing instructor in the JR Shaw School of Business at NAIT.

WHY: Sony has recently announced it will recall 1.6 million Bravia televisions. The company has also reported another breach of its PlayStation Network. Surj is a marketing expert and can talk about the potential impact these sorts of events have on a company's brand, as well as customer loyalty.

Surj can be reached at 780.471.7791 (office) or by email: surjitr@nait.ca.

For more information, please contact:

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

Watch robots battle, record a radio commercial and attempt welding at Open House 2011

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 07:00:00 GMT

WHAT: Visit over 100 displays and interactive exhibits showcasing NAIT's wide range of career-related full-time and apprenticeship programs. Those in attendance will have opportunities to record a radio commercial, watch and participate in a high-tech robot battle, attempt welding and explore NAIT's latest mobile education unit. The NAIT Mobile Water & Wastewater Technician Program sponsored by BP Canada allows NAIT to deliver water and wastewater training to rural and Aboriginal communities throughout western Canada.

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

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday, Oct.15 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

WHO: Students, faculty and alumni will be on hand to share their personal experiences about NAIT. About 20 busloads of high school students will visit Open House on Friday. Over 13,000 visitors are expected to attend over the two days, including potential students, parents, teachers and counselors.

WHY: Many current students say they made the decision to enroll at NAIT as a result of attending Open House.

**View the Open House webpage for a schedule of events
**View the family events webpage for some fun, hands-on activities
**View an interactive map with a guide to displays and presentations

For more information, please contact:

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

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

Imperial Oil Foundation recognized by NAIT for commitment to success of Aboriginal students

Mon, 3 Oct 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Oct. 3, 2011 - Imperial Oil Foundation is the recipient of the 2011 Senator Thelma Chalifoux Award. The award is presented annually by NAIT to an individual or organization that has consistently demonstrated commitment to Aboriginal student success.

"This is such an important recognition for industry and for individuals who have contributed to the visions and goals of Aboriginal people," Chalifoux said of the award. "These contributions are helping students successfully gain employment in many different sectors."

Imperial Oil Foundation has been a tremendous supporter of the NAIT Aboriginal Pre-Technology program, which bridges the gap for Aboriginal students who do not have the necessary pre-requisites to enter technology programs. Since its inception in 2005, 87 students have enrolled in the program.

NAIT also recognizes the foundation's continuing support of Aboriginal businesses and its dedication to consulting with Aboriginal leaders and communities where Imperial Oil operates.

"We are very honoured to receive this award recognizing our ongoing support for Aboriginal students," said Susan Swan, president of the Imperial Oil Foundation. "At Imperial, we believe that it is important to develop lasting relationships with the communities where we explore, develop and operate and one of the ways we do this is through supporting education and training programs to build workforce capacity."

The presentation of the 2011 Senator Thelma Chalifoux Award kicked off Aboriginal Awareness Week at NAIT. The theme of this year's awareness week, which showcases First Nations, Métis and Inuit teachings and culture, is "Our Elders' Teachings."

"Celebrating and bringing awareness of the Aboriginal culture and traditions is an honour for NAIT," said Dr. Paula Burns, provost and vice president academic at NAIT. "Not only does it reflect our values of achieving and sustaining diversity, it is also an opportunity to acknowledge Aboriginal student success and achievements."

Introduced in 2000, the Senator Thelma Chalifoux Award honours Chalifoux's ongoing support of Aboriginal technical education. Through all her endeavors, Chalifoux has consistently focused on making life better for others. She was the first Métis woman in the Senate, appointed by former Prime Minister Jean Chretien on Nov. 26, 1997, to represent Alberta. She served until Feb. 9, 2004.

Chalifoux has acted as a key land claims negotiator, was the founder of the Slave Lake Native Friendship Centre and was instrumental in developing the Metis Association of Alberta Land and Welfare Departments.

Chalifoux was named NAIT's Distinguished Friend of the Institute in 2002 and received an honourary diploma in Business Administration in 2003.

For more information, please contact:

Derek Thunder
Aboriginal Liaison Services
EnCana Aboriginal Centre
P 780.471.7839 E derekt@nait.ca

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

Aboriginal Awareness Week to focus on the teachings of elders

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 07:00:00 GMT

WHAT: Aboriginal Awareness Week will showcase First Nations, Métis and Inuit teachings and culture. This year's theme is "Our Elders' Teachings."

The week begins with the presentation of the Sen. Thelma Chalifoux Award followed by a Tipi raising. Cree Elder Walter Bonaise will lead setting up the Tipi and, as per tradition, wants women to be a big part of it. On Tuesday, Bonaise will launch his book, Listening to Elders, Telling Stories, Sitting in a Circle. The week concludes with a traditional pipe ceremony and the taking down of the Tipi.

WHERE: NAIT Main Campus
Various locations
11762 106 St.
Edmonton, AB

WHEN: Monday, Oct. 3 to Friday Oct. 7

Monday - Opening Ceremonies
9 - 9:30 a.m. Presentation of the Sen. Thelma Chalifoux Award honouring 2011 recipient Imperial Oil Foundation, North Lobby
9:30 to 10 a.m. Pancake breakfast, bytes, NAIT HP Centre
10 - 11 a.m. Tipi raising, outside NAIT HP Centre, on the lawn facing Princess Elizabeth Avenue

Tuesday - First Nations Day
2 - 3 p.m. Pipe ceremony, EnCana Aboriginal Centre (Room E121)
3 - 4 p.m. Book Launch, Listening to Elders, Telling Stories, Sitting in a Circle by Walter Bonaise, Tower Lounge, 8th floor, Building T - the JR Shaw School of Business
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Storytelling/traditional teachings, EnCana Aboriginal Centre (Room E121)

Wednesday - Métis Day
2 - 3 p.m. Women's circle, EnCana Aboriginal Centre (Room E121)
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., Sharing circle/history of the Metis, EnCana Aboriginal Centre (Room E121)

Thursday - Inuit Day
2 - 3 p.m. Inuit culture, EnCana Aboriginal Centre (Room E121)
3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Sharing circle, EnCana Aboriginal Centre (Room E121)

Friday - Closing ceremony
11 - 11:30 a.m. Stew and bannock feast, words from the Elders, North Lobby
12:10 - 2 p.m. Métis jigging, First Nations Dancer, Inuit song, North Lobby
2:15 - 3 p.m. Pipe ceremony, taking down the Tipi, outside NAIT HP Centre

For more information, please contact:

Derek Thunder
Aboriginal Liaison Services
EnCana Aboriginal Centre
P 780.471.7839 E derekt@nait.ca

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