NWP Community Connector
Our community has limitless potential. With the benefit of discussion, information and collaborative action, we can transform this energy into results that extend well beyond our campus classrooms.
Read on below to learn about key events and engaging developments within our learning community.
Fairview Campus was buzzing with excitement on April 19, 2024, as NWP hosted the North West Regional Skills Canada Competition. We were thrilled to welcome high school students from across the region, all eager to show their skills.
Organized by Skills Canada and now in its 20th year, the event promotes excellence in trades and technology careers, hammering home the importance of these fields.
Over 60 participants went head-to-head in a wide range of disciplines, including: automotive service, baking, hairstyling, photography, robotics, carpentry, welding, and more. Spectators also got hands-on thanks to Try-a-Trade at demo stations in the Atrium.
Congratulations to all the skilled participants! We can’t wait to welcome you to NWP in the coming years!
It was an evening to remember at Studio A on the Grande Prairie campus as our creative community gathered for NWP’s Fine Arts Year-End Celebration.
Attendees were wowed by an array of stunning artwork created by students in the visual arts program. The impressive installations were well received, with several pieces being purchased for private collections.
A huge round of applause goes out to our award winners, who were recognized not only for their exceptional artistic skills, but also for their work ethic, attitude, and academics.
Special congratulations to:
- Marie Cymbaluk, the recipient of the Lionel Allingham Award in Visual Arts
- Alleia Libong, the recipient of the Carmen & Gail Haakstad and Family Award
- Emma Lafontaine, the recipient of the Bill and Wendy McCracken Visual Arts Award
- Jordie Isaac and Karen Christina Santos, both recipients of the Euphemia McNaught Award In Art
Want to see their incredible work? Visit NWP.me/Flickr for a peek at the event and the great pieces from this academic year.
Cheers to Northwestern Polytechnic's bright minds! For the second consecutive year, our students have once again made us proud by clinching two of the prestigious Governor General's Academic Medals, one student at each campus. This award, a symbol of scholastic superiority since 1873, remains one of the most sought-after accolades in Canada.
Let's give a big round of applause to our stars, Bailey Pilgrim and Vichelle Uy, who have risen to the top with their academic brilliance and unwavering dedication. Bailey, a graduate of the Animal Health Technology program, has enriched our campus with her passion for animals and her aspiration to delve into Veterinary Medicine. Her hands-on experience on our working farm under the guidance of our dedicated faculty left no stone unturned in preparing her for a successful career.
At the top of our Grande Prairie campus, we have Vichelle, a Business Administration diploma graduate who has shown that dreams do come true. Originally from the Philippines, Vichelle made a daring career switch from being an engineer to a junior accountant at Mainline Construction, all thanks to the comprehensive Business Administration program at NWP.
As we celebrate Bailey and Vichelle's accomplishments, we are reminded of the power of hard work, dedication, and a focused approach. They are not just award winners but also role models inspiring their peers to strive for excellence. Congratulations!
The Northwestern Polytechnic Executive Council is now complete with the addition of Dr. Terry Kowalchuk as Provost and Vice-President Academic.
Dr. Kowalchuk is a seasoned academic professional with a wealth of experience and demonstrated dedication to educational excellence.
In his previous roles, he has displayed exceptional leadership skills while developing new academic programming and building strategic partnerships. He served as an instructor in the School of Environmental Sciences at Lethbridge College from 1995 to 2006, then as Chair from 2006 to 2018, and most recently as Dean of the Centre for Technology, Environment and Design (CTED) since 2019. He will join us at NWP in June 2024.
"I am excited to contribute to the good things that are happening. I look forward to meeting the faculty, staff, and students and getting to know what is so special about NWP," said Dr. Kowlachuk.
Please join us in giving Dr. Kowalchuk a warm Wolfpack welcome. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact he will undoubtedly have on our institution.
NWP was fortunate to plug into the Youth Discovery Career Expo held at the Bonnetts Energy Centre.
Over 2,000 young people between the ages of 12 and 30 years old attended, exploring the latest career and education opportunities in the region.
NWP stole the show with a “super-booth,” featuring hands-on activities, including soldering with the School of Skilled Trades, slime and friendship bracelet making with the Department of Education, cup-stacking competitions with Kinesiology, and so much more! Manned by over a dozen staff, faculty and student volunteers, NWP’s booth was the place to be.
On March 21, Deputy Mayor Grant Berg came to our Grande Prairie campus and presented the Proclamation for International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to Dr. Vanessa Sheane, President and CEO of NWP, and Elder Theresa Gladue.
Deputy Mayor Grant Berg stated, “The City of Grande Prairie is committed to the belief that equal opportunity and equitable treatment should exist for all people; and every resident of the City of Grande Prairie has the right to realize their potential, regardless of race, colour, cultural, or ethnic origin, and live at all times in conditions of dignity, respect, and peace.” He then officially proclaimed March 21, 2024, as “International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination” in Grande Prairie.
As a part of our institutional commitment to equality, NWP is continuously working to foster an inclusive environment that respects and celebrates the diversity of our students, staff, and faculty. We are actively implementing policies and programs that promote understanding, acceptance, and mutual respect, ensuring that everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
For more than 30 years, NWP's business students have showcased their budding business skills by planning, organizing, and bringing the NWP Student Business Conference to life. Not only does the signature NWP event serve as a platform for students to learn, network, and connect with community leaders and future employers, it is also a great catalyst for discussion.
This year's theme, "Business 360°: Embracing Inclusion, Igniting Innovation," was selected to emphasize the benefits of diverse approaches to business in communities, and generated much conversation among the 275 participants. Along with an eager crowd of current and future business minded professionals, several local trailblazers were in attendance at the Grande Prairie campus, including keynote speaker, NWP alumna, and current General Manager of the Kananaskis Nordic Spa, Sarena Nasalski.
The conference brought to focus the importance of diversity and inclusivity and was particularly pertinent due to the growing number of international students and residents in the region. Numerous breakout sessions took place, with speakers sharing insights and discussing captivating elements from the evolving world of business, and just like years gone by, the event was a resounding success. Kudos to the students and instructors for their efforts, and as always, we can't wait until next year.
Thirteen was lucky for NWP, with Alberta’s newest polytechnic hosting the Alberta Deans of Business Case Competition for the first time in as many years.
Over the weekend, we witnessed the convergence of bright minds from around the province, alongside business deans, faculty, and exceptional student teams.
Dr. Jodi Peebles, Acting Dean of the School of Business, said, “A highlight of the weekend was being able to feature Nipiy Industries, a fantastic local Indigenous business owned by Jason Lizotte. The student teams showcased their strategic thinking, leadership, and innovation while providing Jason with impactful solutions and business ideas.”
Out of the 13 schools participating, Northwestern Polytechnic was crowned the 2024 Alberta Deans of Business Case Competition winner. Congratulations to this year’s team members:
- Melborne Baiting
- Dustin Trydal
- Harshpreet Dhaliwal
- Nikita Gumber
- Payton Pawluski
A special thank you goes out to coaches Doris Hoveland and Kim Simpson, who supported and guided the team.
Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP) recently celebrated the convocation of its 2023-24 Fairview campus graduates at the Fred Speckeen Theatre. The graduating class included 70 students from diverse programs, who were commended for their unwavering commitment, talent, and problem-solving aptitude.
The program featured speeches from the Board of Governors and faculty members, along with this year’s Fairview Valedictorian Alex Zinman. Addressing fellow classmates and the broader learning community, the Animal Health Technology program graduate affirmed how Fairview’s welcoming and supportive environment was a critical success factor for an uplifting post-secondary experience. NWP President and CEO, Dr. Vanessa Sheane also praised the graduates for their achievements and expressed confidence in their career-readiness and ability to make a difference in communities far and wide.
The March 9th ceremony marked another memorable milestone for Alberta’s newest polytechnic and for our capped, gowned, and grinning students. We can’t wait to do it all again on June 13 and 14 as we celebrate our Grande Prairie grads.
In March, NWP welcomed hundreds of students, alumni, and community members to our On-Campus Career Fairs.
Over 60 local and regional employers set up shop at the Grande Prairie campus, while the Fairview campus buzzed with nearly 40 employers.
Students were able to network with industry pros and benefit from their extensive knowledge and experience. From hands-on demonstrations to insightful discussions about the current job market, the employers went above and beyond to make the event worthwhile.
Nicole Bowes, Career Services Coordinator at NWP, said, “I am thrilled with the support we received for our On-Campus Career Fairs. We had an excellent variety of industries and organizations and received fantastic feedback from the attendees. The Career Fairs are so valuable for all as they provide a chance to learn about opportunities within our region, but also to network and grow community connections. I am already looking forward to next year’s events!”
Are you an employer looking to post an available position, attend a career fair, or host an information session? Visit NWP.me/CareerServices.
Wow! Much has happened at NWP since my last message in November, and there is plenty more in the works.
Recognizing the expanded runway for new programming as a polytechnic and growing regional needs, we have been actively working to expand our offerings. In January, we received approval to offer the year-long Primary Care Paramedic Certificate program, and we continue to await positive news from the multiple other new program requests currently being vetted by (who government/the ministry/regulatory bodies?). Along with digging into the possibilities for expansion of Skilled Trades training in the region, we are focused on advancing our Power Engineering and Instrumentation Lab build within the GP campus. Schematic designs are being finalized, and we continue to explore exclusive naming opportunities for select spaces within the state-of-the-art training environment. As always, we remain committed to enhancing our campuses and supporting a growing student body.
This year also started with opportunities to connect and celebrate. Thank you to those of you who attended the Meet and Greet in Fairview on January 15 and the Installation ceremony on January 29. It was wonderful to celebrate NWP and promote our programs with all of you.
I am pleased that the Minister of Advanced Education, the Honourable Rajan Sawhney, was able to join us for the installation, as well as many other local leaders and special guests. For those of you who were unable to make it, please see a portion of my message highlighting the direction of NWP and the necessity of our communities:
"I am thrilled to tell you we are forging a new path for post-secondary education in the North. NWP's future requires a clear and ambitious vision. In order to be the institution of choice, we must be nimble, responsive, and innovative to the evolving nature of post-secondary education, the workforce, and student expectations. Traditional programs, services, and ways of doing business are no longer enough. As Alberta's newest polytechnic, we will align programs and courses to meet the needs of employers in our region, across Alberta, and around the globe. We will expand our program offerings with a variety of technical, technological, and vocational programs, from apprenticeship to certificate to diploma and degree programs. This will ensure students have pathways between programs and between credentials. But most importantly, this takes into account that learning and career paths are no longer linear or confined to time and delivery. We will inspire our staff and our students to be creative, collaborative, and innovative. We will equip our graduates with resilience so that they have the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to join the workforce and excel! Our graduates will fuel the region, enabling growth, and continued transformation in the ever-changing world. We will ensure that ours is a community that is welcoming and inclusive. We will match the ambition of our community and industry partners to find solutions to shared challenges. We are determined and will be unwavering in this path. I can't promise that this will be easy. But you have my word that I won't give up on anyone. I am a stubborn competitor who is willing to put in the work…Thank you to the community leaders, industry champions and valued partners for your ambitious goals, your honesty and your trust…Which brings me to our wonderful communities: Grande Prairie, Fairview, and everything in between, around and beyond - WE ARE HERE, WE ARE COMMITTED. We are members of all these communities through our students, faculty, staff and alumni. Your goals and aspirations are our goals and aspirations. Our collective efforts to pursue shared results are the foundation of our success. They say that: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." We have a long journey ahead, and I am genuinely excited by what we will achieve side by side."When we aren't celebrating, our executive and leadership teams are busy examining performance and looking for new opportunities to advance NWP. Budget season is here, so preparation for the coming year and years that follow is crucial to set NWP up for sustained success both now and in the future.
As we work to review and refresh our Strategic Plan, we have three key priorities to guide our direction, including:
- Enrolment Growth
- Advancing our Polytechnic Mandate
- Increasing Stakeholder Engagement
On enrolment - we know that NWP must grow our numbers, not only to meet evolving regional workforce needs, but also to reduce our cost per FLE (full-load equivalent). It is important to ensure that programming in northern Alberta measures up when viewed through the broader lens of cost-effective delivery across the province.
There is encouraging news to report. In 2022-2023, NWP was just shy of a 6% increase in enrolment, which was the first year-over-year increase since 2014-2015. This year, we are forecasting an additional double-digit percentage increase in enrolment, so things are definitely trending upwards.
As for advancing our Polytechnic mandate - we have four main areas of focus:
- We are reviewing and revising our strategic plan to ensure we have strategic alignment with significant social and business enterprises within the region.
- Sleeves are rolled up and we are exploring a variety of program expansions as well as new program development in collaboration with industry and our municipal partners. Stay tuned for news on the Skilled Trades, Water/Wastewater, Agriculture Operations, and Education degree front!
- We are expanding our applied research efforts in the agriculture sector and continue to work with funding agencies on development of a Centre for Entrepreneurial Excellence.
- We are continuing to sharpen our focus on job-anchored programs and reinforcing linkages to business and industry by strengthening our Program Advisory Committees (PACs).
On that note, I want to give a shout out to our Engineering PAC, who has worked diligently and was instrumental in the successful re-launch of our local Engineering University Transfer program. Their commitment and advocacy have helped to ensure that the program remains connected to the region and that students are supported to pursue their passion. This is a perfect example of the power of engagement.
Which leads me to the final element of NWP's current core focus areas, Stakeholder Engagement. Put simply, NWP is here to serve.
Be it with our students, industries or communities, there is so much to be gained from collaborative dialogue and action. NWP is committed to listening, openness, partnerships, and shared progress. But don't just take our word for it, keep your eyes peeled for upcoming events and activities and feel free to reach out any time to president@nwpolytech.ca.
We understand the value of diverse perspectives and welcome new ideas, shared opportunities, and local feedback that will help shape our strategic agenda and collective success. We are in this together, and side-by-side, we will accomplish great things!
Dr. Vanessa Sheane
President and CEO
Earlier in the year, we were delighted to announce Shawna Miller’s reappointment as Chair of the Board of Governors (BOG) for an additional three-year term. Shawna, a well-known business leader in the community and a local alumna, has been serving on the Board since the spring of 2023. Her extensive knowledge, results-driven approach, and dedication to NWP make her an invaluable asset to our institution.
This month we also officially welcomed three additional new BOG members: Jason Forbes, Dennis M. Landis, and Ken Wittig. These individuals bring an abundance of experience, expertise, and a deep commitment to our institution. Learn more about the Board’s work and the new additions.
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to NWP’s new and returning Board members!
It's that time of year again! Nominations are now open for Northwestern Polytechnic's 2024 Community and Alumni Awards!
These prestigious awards recognize individuals who have made a significant and lasting impact on our learning community and local region. From now until April 30, 2024, we invite you to nominate someone who stands out in one of the four distinct award categories. Whether they have demonstrated exceptional leadership, achieved remarkable professional success at a young age, made significant contributions through entrepreneurship, or profoundly impacted Indigenous communities, we want to hear about their extraordinary achievements.
Award recipients will be announced and celebrated at NWP's President's Ball in October. The nomination process is easy, and a Community Alumni Award is a great way to honour the quiet achievers, inspiring leaders and dedicated difference makers in our community. Together, we can continue to cultivate a culture of excellence and bring out the best in each other.
Nominate someone exceptional today at NWP.me/CommunityAlumniAwards
Northwestern Polytechnic is excited to expand our healthcare training options with the addition of a new Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) offering!
The year-long certificate program starts Fall 2024 and will equip aspiring paramedics with the essential knowledge and skills to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
PCP students will benefit from online theoretical instruction and gain hands-on experience during 10 weeks of lab learning in NWP’s Health Education Unit – conveniently located in the state-of-the-art Grande Prairie Regional Hospital. The program will also cap off with immersive clinical and ambulance placements.
For more information on the Primary Care Paramedic certificate or other rewarding healthcare career pathways, visit NWP.me/Health.
Northwestern Polytechnic proudly installed Dr. Vanessa Sheane as its 11th President and CEO on January 29, 2024. More than 300 attendees were present for the ceremony, including local dignitaries, faculty, students, and community members.
NWP’s Board of Governors chairperson, Shawna Miller served as the master of ceremonies on the day and had the honor of placing the official chain of office on the long-time Peace Region reisdent. The ceremony also featured heartfelt speeches, presentations, and performances by local musical artists and three-time world champion Indigenous hoop dancer Dallas Arcand.
After growing up in Fairview, attending NWP, competing as a Wolves athlete, and returning to the institution as an instructor, Dr. Sheane is deeply connected to the region and to the Northwestern Polytechnic learning community. She has served as Chair, Dean, VP Academic and Provost, and now, as President and CEO.
As the newly appointed president, she is focused on advancing NWP’s polytechnic mandate, promoting enrolment growth, and fostering community engagement. In her speech, Dr. Sheane emphasized the significance of community connections and industry partnerships in realizing NWP's full potential. Her vision is to make a lasting impact on the region through immersive learning opportunities, applied research, and industry collaboration.
Join us in congratulating Dr. Vanessa Sheane on her new role as the President and CEO of Northwestern Polytechnic!
Learn more at NWP.me/President
In January, NWP’s Career Services hosted the Thriving in the City event at the Grande Prairie campus. This biannual gathering showcases valuable career information and resources, and facilitates student connections to various volunteer and employment opportunities.
At NWP, personal and professional growth is always top of mind. This year, more than 300 students heard from 34 different local groups and employers. “Access to real-world experience is a major component of NWP’s career-focused education approach,” said NWP Career Services Coordinator Nicole Bowes. “By emphasizing job-readiness, we are able to develop high-quality graduates who can hit the ground running.”
If you are interested in participating in an employer event on campus, please get in touch with Career Services at careers@nwpolytech.ca
With a new year comes new opportunities. On January 15, 2024, we welcomed local leaders, community supporters, and members of our learning community to the Fairview campus for a Community Meet and Greet with NWP’s 11th President and CEO, Dr. Vanessa Sheane.
The event was a resounding success, with attendees enjoying an evening of connection and conversation, as well as guided tours of NWP’s beautiful Fairview campus. Here’s a glimpse of the event.
Visit NWP.me/ProgramsThatWork to learn more.
I want to start this message with a sincere thank you. Thank you for your congratulatory notes and thoughtful messages of support this week and throughout the past few months. It has been my honour to serve as NWP’s acting President and CEO, and I am looking forward to continuing to lead our polytechnic now that I have been formally appointed to this role by NWP’s Board of Governors.
As always, I remain committed to the students, our communities, and the essential relationships with our partners. This communication is a sign of what’s to come – regular, ongoing updates from me to share our progress, highlight events and milestones, and invite your valuable feedback and input. I recognize that there are many opportunities in front of us and I am looking forward to the chance to seize them together!
Over the last few months, I have had the pleasure of connecting with a variety of local residents, leaders and industry partners in NWP’s surrounding communities. These touchpoints are integral to our polytechnic progress and collective regional success.
My hope is to build on these interactions and to broaden NWP’s community engagement efforts. I want to ensure that NWP’s approach and direction is clear to all and that we are accessible to the communities we serve.
Ultimately, our goal is to launch well-equipped graduates into local settings where they are not only needed but will also have a positive impact for years to come. With this in mind, NWP is focused on collaboratively exploring identified areas of opportunity and growth. There is a lot to be gained by working together, and NWP is excited about the potential to improve regional competitiveness along with general community well-being.
NWP continues to field various questions about our institution’s shift from a college to a polytechnic. This tells me that we haven’t been clear enough about our new designation and its associated advantages. With this in mind, our polytechnic mandate includes:
- Career-focused and economically driven technical and related education with extensive linkages with business and Industry
- Strategic alignment with significant social and business enterprises at a regional, provincial, and national level
- Technical, technological and vocational training programs from apprenticeship to certificate to diploma
- Degree-granting
- Focus on applied research
NWP has four unique schools where students can pursue degrees, diplomas, certificates, apprenticeships, continuing education or academic upgrading. Our new polytechnic designation has enabled us to offer additional programming, increase seat numbers to accommodate more learners, and explore new and innovative industry partnerships that give students a competitive advantage.
Be it in the classroom or community, NWP values each and every interaction. As we strive to enhance our distinctive learning environment, we recognize the importance of working beyond our campuses. NWP is committed to exploring new avenues for collaboration and defining shared strategies to address evolving local needs. To that end, this publication has been designed to provide some insight into recent achievements and upcoming opportunities at Alberta’s newest polytechnic.
Periodically, throughout the year, you can expect to hear from us, but in the meantime, please feel free to visit NWP.me/CommunityConnector for the latest NWP news.
Dr. Vanessa Sheane
President and CEO
It’s that time of year again - NWP is accepting applications for January 2024. We are eager to welcome new students into a variety of programs across our Applied Science and Technology, Business, Health, and Skilled Trades Schools.
Whether you are looking to complete a degree or simply upgrade for the future, we have a program that will work for you.
Visit NWP.me/ProgramsThatWork to learn more.
In September, we welcomed regional high school leaders to our Grande Prairie campus for NWP’s first Academic Showcase. The event was well attended, with representatives from Grande Prairie Public School Division, Grande Prairie Catholic School Division, Peace Wapiti Public School Division and Peace River School Division joining the discussion.
Attendees heard about upcoming new programs, existing post-secondary opportunities, and shared priorities for the future. Our NWP Recruitment team is organizing their regional roadshow to connect with schools and future Wolfpack members. If you have an event or group that would benefit from a presentation, please reach out to our recruitment team at experience@nwpolytech.ca.
As NWP continues to grow and evolve, we are seeking Expressions of Interest for some of the existing structures on our Fairview Campus. External parties are invited to put forward proposals detailing building renewal and potential development for future occupancy. For more information, please visit NWP.me/EOI.
More than 300 local leaders, learning community supporters and generous donors gathered this past weekend at Evergreen Park for Northwestern Polytechnic’s 36th annual President’s Ball.
The evening, which traditionally features a memorable celebration of post-secondary achievements and enduring regional support, included a new addition this year with the incorporation of NWP’s Community Alumni Awards ceremony. Northwestern Polytechnic’s Board of Governors Chair, Shawna Miller and NWP Acting CEO and President Dr. Vanessa Sheane had the privilege of presenting the 2023 honours to this year’s awardees including:
- The Board of Governors Distinguished Innovation Leadership Award - Eunice Friesen
- The Young Entrepreneur Award - Katie Gaucher
- The Alumni Entrepreneurship Award - Mariah Braun
- The Indigenous Community Impact Award - Nikita Stamp
Visit NWP.me/AlumniAwards to learn more about NWP’s proud supporters and award winners.
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