Distinguished Alumni Award

Yuri Smith began his educational journey in NWP’s Business Administration and has been named to the Top 5 under 35 entrepreneurs list. He has made a successful career in our region, opening his very own brokerage, Grassroots Reality Group, a marketing company, GP3D Marketing, and is currently working to achieve his Master of Business Administration specializing in Real Estate Consulting. Yuri is a true humanitarian at heart, which is evident through his initiatives to give back to his community. He created the Roots Foundation at his brokerage where funds given are used to pay it forward.

Watch Yuri talk about his connection to NWP

Peggy Johnson grew up on a ranch west of Stavely, Alberta, where experiences with cattle, horses, dogs and cats were part of her family's everyday life. In the fall of 1974, Peggy and her husband of two weeks set off for Fairview, Alberta where she was enrolled in the new two-year Animal Health Technology (AHT) Diploma Program at Fairview College. After graduating in 1976 she began working for Fairview College as a technologist / instructor in the AHT department.

Peggy taught in the AHT program full / part-time for 25 years where she worked with many wonderful instructors and students. She has always enjoyed helping new students learn the techniques of being a veterinary assistant, as well as learning from them. Peggy then took on the role of Coordinator for the Green Certificate Agricultural Apprenticeship training program for five years. She found travelling throughout the Peace country promoting Agriculture to High School students was very fulfilling. After her five-year hiatus, Peggy returned to the AHT program part-time and currently still helps out with the Animal Care Committee and with students when the need arises.

Peggy was 17 years old when she attended Fairview College and had planned to stay in Fairview for only two years. Over 40 years have passed and she considers the Peace Country to be an outstanding place to live and raise a family. Peggy is currently the Reeve for the Municipal District of Fairview.

Peggy Johnson's Acceptance Speech

When I received a call from NWP advising me that I had been chosen to receive this award I was overwhelmed and definitely got tears in my eyes. I suspected the AHT staff had nominated me and I found out that I was correct. I am honoured, grateful and very thankful to have been chosen to receive this humbling award.

It is a very special honour!

Thank you

Stephen Graf was a graduate of the first Harley-Davidson® Technician Certificate course at what is now the NWP Fairview Campus. Graf’s training in Fairview included the six-month motorcycle program followed by the first 12-week Harley-Davidson® program. He has owned the Harley-Davidson® dealership in Smithers BC for 34 years.

Graf has been a supporter of NWP in many ways - from financial contributions and donating motorcycle parts to assist with learning, to hiring technicians who have graduated NWP programs, and sending employees to NWP for training. He’s also returned to upgrade his own skills.

Shawna Miller completed her Business Administration diploma and first two-years of her Bachelor of Commerce degree at NWP in 1994.

On top of running a small oil and gas service company along with 16 successful regional Subway Franchises with over 150 employees, Miller has dedicated much of her time to volunteering with the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce and held the position of Board Chair in 2013-2014. She currently sits as Chair-elect and in May 2019 will assume the role of Chair on the Alberta Chambers of Commerce and will then represent the province on the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Board. Her commitment to the organization and business community is an inspiration to many.

Dr. Lardner graduated in 1984 from NWP Fairview with a diploma in Animal Health Technology. He later received his Ph.D. from the University of Saskatchewan and has conducted world-renowned research in the beef and forage industry.

He is currently an Adjunct Professor with the College of Agriculture and Bioresources, University of Saskatchewan, specializing in animal and poultry science. Bart has numerous publications to his credit and has been invited to give over 250 talks in Canada and other countries including the United States, Australia, Finland, China and Mongolia.

Brian graduated from NWP in 1978 and went on to attain a Law Degree from the University of Calgary.

After serving as a lawyer for 25 years in Grande Prairie, in 2008 Brian was appointed to the bench, serving as Judge for Grande Prairie Provincial Court.

Goodbloed graduated from NWP in 1975 with a certificate in Secretarial Science. She later went on to earn her Bachelor of Education and Masters of Education degrees. She eventually completed her Ph.D. in Policy and Leadership at UBC.

In 2008, Goodbloed’s career took her to Kwantlen College in BC where she became the first female Dean of Apprenticeships in Canada.

Just a few months after graduating from the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry & Vision Science, Dr. Jeremy Begalke, who now practices in Grande Prairie, was volunteering at his first eye clinic in a remote region in Mexico, and he has never faltered in his early commitment to bring his medical expertise to villages in developing countries around the globe.  His eye care missions have included trips to Cambodia, Burma and Zanzibar. 
Begalke began that journey at Northwestern Polytechnic in 1994, where he completed his first two years of post-secondary studies in the University Transfer Program. In his second year, he was honoured as the recipient of the 1996 Valedictorian Award.  Today, balancing a career with his young family has temporarily put his medical mission work on hold. When the time is right, however, Begalke plans to return to the volunteer work he finds so meaningful.

The achievements of Bridget Hennigar are an inspiration, and a strong example of the impact that NWP alumni make in the communities of our region, in our Province, and across our Country. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated that we can make a difference with the education we receive, and that it is our role to help our communities achieve major projects, sustain volunteer organizations, build businesses, and to help create a sense of community.

She has demonstrated outstanding excellence and service to her profession, to her community, and to society in general through selflessly giving of her time and energy. She has served on numerous community organizations, in roles including: President of NWP Alumni Foundation Board (97-98), President of the GP & District Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer of Centre 2000, Treasurer of the Northern Extreme Freestyle Skiing Association, and currently as President of the Grande Prairie Regional Agricultural and Exhibition Society. In addition to these official roles, she has been involved in many other organizations as a member of committees and working wherever her skills were needed.

Ian Macdonald graduated with honours from the first class of the Alberta School of Agriculture, Fairview, in 1953. During the 20 plus years following his graduation, he was a prominent member of numerous Alberta and North Peace agricultural cooperatives and committees. He is widely known for having helped the Alberta cattle industry earn its international reputation for high-quality beef.

In 1978, Mr. Macdonald was appointed to a six-year term as the Chair of Fairview College’s first board of governors. Returning in 1987 at the request of the Minister of Advanced Education, he became the longest-serving board chair in the history of Alberta’s college system. Under his leadership, the college successfully navigated a change in its governance structure and enjoyed exponential growth while remaining on a solid financial footing. The College’s programming expanded from agricultural studies to include trades/ full apprenticeship programs, and specialty programs though Mr. Macdonald gives great credit to the administration and staff of the time for these accomplishments. Ian was inducted into the Alberta Order of Excellence in 1997, the same year Fairview College awarded Mr. Macdonald an honorary diploma for outstanding service to the college and the community of Fairview. He also received the Canada 125 Confederation Medal in recognition of his work on the college’s Board of Governors.

Mr. Borstad was among the charter class of 66 students in 1966/67 when the Grande Prairie Junior College was established. He enrolled in university transfer science and then went on to complete a Bachelor of Science in zoology and chemistry at the University of Alberta. In 2011, the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society awarded him with the prestigious Francois J. Saucier Prize in Applied Oceanography.

In the fall of 1966 when the Grande Prairie Junior College opened its doors, Dennis Patterson was one of 101 charter students. Soon after Dennis would be taking a leadership role as the first Students’ Executive President; a role that helped to lay the groundwork for what the institution is today. He was named to the Senate of Canada by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on August 27, 2009.

Joe first enrolled at NWP in 1983-84, but with few supports in place for Aboriginal students at the time, he struggled and had to drop out. Returning to NWP in 1996, he completed his Associate Science credential in 1998, going on to complete his BSc in Nursing at the U of A in 2002. As Nurse in Charge at Sturgeon Lake First Nation, Joe fulfills a huge and demanding role with his strong medical skills and “the art of humanity”. Joe has served on the Board of the GP Friendship Centre, and is a strong advocate for the on-campus Friendship Centre at NWP. He is part of the Youth Justice Committee through Native Counselling Services of Alberta and was recently recognized as a Home Town Hero by the City of Grande Prairie.

Dr. Marie Moreau is an inspiration to the northern Alberta student. She completed the first 14 years of her education in the small classes of her high school and her first two years of pre-med at NWP, receiving the Valedictorian award in 1982. She went on to successfully complete her MD in the Department of Medicine, U of A. Returning to the Peace Country, she has practiced for some 25 years in general medicine and oncology and is currently the Director of the Grande Prairie Cancer Clinic at the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital. An accomplished pianist, she is frequently in demand as an accompanist, and plays both for her church and for the GP Boys Choir. Her three sons are all members of the Choir and Marie has served on the Board.

In her early years, Darlene took on many roles for the Horse Lake Band, becoming Band Manager, then transferring into the Land Administrator role. Once a new Band Council was elected, Darlene enrolled at NWP where she began upgrading for her high school diploma. While upgrading, she discovered that she would be required to obtain a degree before she would be admitted into Law School, so she decided to pursue a degree in Education. She transferred into the Teacher Education North program, achieving her BEd in 2008. Darlene was appointed to the NWP Board of Governors in 1997 and served two terms. After teaching for a couple of years Darlene hopes to move to Saskatoon and get her Law Degree.

Robert MacLean is a respected corporate and community leader, who has generously contributed of his personal success to encourage and support the efforts of others. Bob completed his Business Administration diploma at NWP in 1972 and went on to earn his Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Alberta. Currently, he is Chairman of the Board and Director of the Edmonton Eskimo Football Club, and Co-chair of the University of Alberta Campaign 2008. As a volunteer fundraiser, advisory board member, and donor, Bob has contributed tirelessly to educational institutions of northern Alberta, including NWP.

Koralee Samaroden completed two years of her Bachelor of Physical Education at NWP, then transferred to the University of Alberta, to finish her degree. Dedicated to making her community a better place to live, she proudly performs the role of Community Development Coordinator with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, coordinating recreation & leisure programs for the residents in the region. Koralee Samaroden encourages others, by her example, to participate and volunteer in their chosen fields, offering expertise to their communities. She is dedicated to giving back all that was given to her and her enthusiasm is infectious

In 1978, a High School research project introduced deWit to the sport of boxing, and it quickly became his passion. deWit went on to be ranked number 5 in the world with a professional boxing career of 67 wins and 12 losses that included the North American Amateur Heavyweight championship, the World Amateur Heavyweight title and a silver medal for Canada in the 1984 Olympics. Upon his retirement from boxing in 1987, he enrolled in pre-law at NWP and has given credit to the institution as “the perfect place for me to learn how to learn again…”  He attended NWP from 1989-1991, going on to graduate from the Faculty of Law at the University of Alberta and has been practicing law in Calgary ever since.

A member of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Cora began her academic life as a student of NWP in 1986. She chose to pursue a career in Sociology, and became the first First Nations woman to earn a doctorate from the University of Alberta. Today, her research explores the Aboriginal experience in Canada and is widely published in journals and books. She has received numerous awards for her work, which has added immeasurably to the awareness of the contributions of First Nations people in Alberta, Canada, and internationally. Among her dozens of conference presentations was that to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues workshop in New York City in January 2004.