News Archives: NWP Explores International Potential
Thursday, August 11th, 2022
NWP President and CEO, Justin Kohlman with Dr. Brendan O Donnell, Vice President Academic at MTU.
Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP) President and CEO took a quick detour while on vacation in order to formalize an innovative new partnership with Munster Technological University (MTU) in Kerry, Ireland.
The agreement marks the first collaborative venture between the two post-secondary institutions who are looking to create greater program pathways for students, increase access to exchange opportunities and advance shared entrepreneurial priorities.
“This is another example of NWP’s commitment to growing our global network and providing quality academic experiences to our students,” says NWP President and CEO Justin Kohlman. “We are delighted to support one of our graduates as he applies his knowledge and skills in a new community, but also equally excited to benefit from the worldly experience and business acumen he will bring back to the region.”
John Tiede, a recent graduate of NWP’s Business Administration program and former Students’ Association President, will be the first to explore the new partnership. He has been accepted into Stage Three of MTU’s Bachelor of Business Management program and will complete his studies over the 2023/2024 academic year.
“I am extremely grateful for this opportunity,” said Tiede. “NWP has been a big part of my life for many years, and now I get to learn even more while sharing my story and inspiring others to make a bold move with their education.”
Later this month, Tiede will travel more than 6,400 km to the coastal county of Kerry to prepare for the semester ahead. Much like Northwestern Polytechnic, MTU is a multi-campus institution but instead of two signature learning hubs, it has six campuses and 18,000 learners.
Speaking at the signing ceremony Dr. Brendan O Donnell, Vice President Academic at MTU said: “This Memorandum of Understanding underlines MTU's commitment to the Government’s strategy of increasing our international student intake and collaboration with international polytechnics in other academic areas. However, it goes beyond that in allowing us to work in partnership with a prestigious international polytechnics which can only be of mutual benefit to our respective institutions. We look forward to a long and prosperous partnership with Northwestern Polytechnic, our first partner in Alberta.”
Recognizing the value of diverse learning experiences, long-time NWP supporters Paul and Coreen Evaskevich and Bob MacLean have made a generous donation to help facilitate Tiede’s academic journey. In exchange for the opportunity, Tiede will spend his time educating prospective students about the benefits of Northwestern Polytechnic. He will continue to liaise with NWP’s Recruitment team and also keep everyone posted about his time abroad via social media and a new blog.
