Congrats to these leaders, innovators and creators
Four times a year, we share news about NAIT alumni, students and staff who’ve won awards, achieved great goals, reached major milestones, or played leading roles in building their communities.
Here are the latest. Please join us in congratulating them!
(Know of someone we're missing? Let us know.)
Top 10 in research
NAIT has been named one of Canada’s top researchers, ranking eighth on Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges list for 2023. Compiled by Canada’s Innovation Leaders, the list tracks grants, contracts and contributions from partner organizations. NAIT received $11.92 million in research funding for the 2022 fiscal year.
“We put innovation to work for our industry partners, our students and our communities, making us a trusted source of technological development and process improvements,” says Olle Lagerquist, associate vice-president, NAIT Industry Solutions.
Advocate for inclusion
Having benefited from a career in the trades, Keeley Prockiw (Welder ’15) feels driven to help bring others into the field, particularly from underrepresented groups such as women and the LGBTQ+ community.
For her efforts, the PCL Construction project coordinator has been named to the board of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, an organization that connects the national trades community and works to encourage broader participation.
Unreserved praise
In November, Ernest’s Dining Room joined the ranks of OpenTable’s Top 100. The recent honour marks the fourth time that NAIT’s on-campus restaurant has made the exclusive cross-Canada listing. In 2023, the list also included Edmonton favourites Tzin Wine and Tapas and Uccellino, owned by grads Kelsey Danyluk (Marketing ’02) and Daniel Costa (Culinary Arts ’05) respectively.
The award is based on factors including reviews and ratings from diners and number of reservations made.
Related: 5 flavourful facts about Ernest’s, an OpenTable Top 100 restaurant
New names in the Hall of Fame
NAIT Board of Governors chair Yasmin Jivraj (Honorary Degree '11)was among the latest inductees to the Northern Alberta Business Hall of Fame. Jivraj made her career as an entrepreneur and IT professional, co-founding companies known and trusted across Canada. She took on her role at NAIT in August 2022.
“We have seen the possibilities and opportunities,” said Jivraj at the time. “We’re in a very good position and looking forward to our journey.”
Joining her was Blaine MacMillan (Management ’79, 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award), president and CEO of Cowan Graphics, one of the largest graphics manufacturers in Canada. After starting with the family company when he was 12 years old, MacMillan has grown it to include plants in Edmonton, Calgary and Saskatoon.
Related: Yasmin Jivraj sees opportunities amid change as new chair of NAIT’s Board of Governors
Honored for horror
Kyle Edward Ball (Digital Media and IT ’14) made his first feature film, Skinamarink, for $15,000. The horror flick would go on to gross more than $2 million. It centres around two children who find themselves alone in a house where all the doors and windows have disappeared, and which appears to be occupied by an eerie presence.
In December, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Skinamarink 15th of its 20 best films of 2023.
Eight in a row
NAIT’s campus bar and restaurant, the Nest, earned its eighth consecutive Best Bar None award in 2023. Administered by Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis, the award recognizes responsible management that goes beyond accreditation based on a lengthy list of best practices. General manager Michelle Dirksen sees the repeat performance as validation and motivation.
“Let’s go forward and get 10,” she told the Nugget, NAIT’s campus newspaper.
Going with the Flo
Mark McNeill (Marketing ’82), president and CEO of Stream-Flo Group of Companies, was named EY Entrepreneur of the Year Prairies Overall for 2023.
EY recognized McNeill for his leading role in the expansion and innovation at the company, a significant member of the North American energy sector. The award also highlighted Stream-Flo’s commitment to social responsibility and sustainability.
Comfort food
Last November, MilkCrate owner and chef Steven Brochu (Culinary Arts '06) made the cut as one of Edify's 2023 Top 40 Under 40. Each year, the Edmonton magazine recognizes some of the greatest contributors to their fields – Brochu was acknowledged for his efforts to address mental health issues in the food and hospitality industry.
“What I’m hoping for is a more empathetic restaurant culture that can better personify what hospitality truly means,” he says.
Related: Chef offers support for mental health at Edmonton restaurants
Best in broadcasting
Each year, Broadcast Dialogue, the leading publication for Canada’s media industry, announces its Canadian Radio Award winners – and NAIT grads topped the charts. Katie Stanners (Radio and Television – Radio ’10) was named music director of the year in the “large market” category for her work at KiSS 91.7. At SONiC 102.9, Lauren Hunter (class of ’13) earned accolades as the best on-air solo host in music.
A cut above the rest
EdmontonChefs, the Edmonton branch of the national Culinary Federation, recognized NAIT alumni and staff among the industry’s best at its annual holiday gala in November. The event included an awards program that named:
- Crystal Higgins (Culinary Arts ’21) Young Chef of the Year
- Troy Lymburner (Cooking '92) winner of the President’s Award
- Ron Wong (Retail Meatcutting ’07, Cooking '89) Chef of the Year