Students, faculty and an industry leader honoured at the Saskatoon campus convocation
May 26, 2016 - Tomorrow Saskatchewan Polytechnic will celebrate the accomplishments of 537 graduates along with award recipients at the Saskatoon campus convocations.
"We attract hard-working, resourceful and innovative students. Our graduates are exceptional," says Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO. "Convocation is a chance to look back on accomplishments and celebrate achievements. I'm proud of this year's graduates and award recipients."
Several graduates will be recognized for outstanding achievements and contributions to their communities.
The prestigious Innovation Award will be awarded to graduate Karissa Quessy, from the Chemical Technology program, for her outstanding work during her industry practicum with Cargill at the Clavet Refinery. The Outstanding Citizenship award will be given to graduate Crystal Whitefish from the Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing program for being a strong leader and role model for Aboriginal nursing students. Alanna Kohlman from the Early Childhood Education program will be recognized with the Governor General's Academic Collegiate Bronze Medal for the highest average at Saskatoon campus.
New this year, Saskatchewan Polytechnic sets out to recognize those faculty members who have gone above and beyond with a new award, Faculty Awards of Excellence: Teaching.
The new faculty award was developed to recognize excellence in service and innovation from faculty as a key factor in preparing our students for the next step in their career journey. Lucie Clark, Chemical Technology instructor; Sheri McCrystal, Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing instructor; and Lance Wall, BioScience Technology instructor, will be recognized.
"We are extremely fortunate to have faculty that are not only experts in their fields, but also leaders in education," says Dr. Anne Neufeld, provost and vice-president, academic. "Lucie, Sherri and Lance make learning fun and go out of their way to help students succeed. Their enthusiasm and expertise enables our graduates to enter the workforce ready to contribute to their profession."
Sask Polytech will also be awarding an honorary diploma to Dr. Karim (Kay) Nasser, a highly regarded Saskatchewan business leader. Dr. Nasser is an educator, inventor and engineering leader, focused on improving how people live, work and play. In 1964, Dr. Nasser started Victory Construction Ltd. and constructed a single apartment complex. Now, more than 50 years later, the company owns and operates multiple properties across Saskatchewan ranging from industrial warehouses to multi-family structures. Dr. Nasser has helped students meet their educational goals through dedicated financial support for more than 40 years. His contributions to students, Saskatoon and the province continue to have a positive impact on the lives of many.
Media are encouraged to attend the convocation ceremony.
| Date: | Friday, May 27, 2016 |
| Time: | 9 a.m. ceremony; 1:30 p.m. ceremony |
| Location: | TCU Place, 35 22nd Street East, Saskatoon SK |
Saskatchewan Polytechnic serves 27,000 distinct students through applied learning opportunities at campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon, and through extensive distance education opportunities. Programs serve every economic and public service sector. As a polytechnic, the organization provides the depth of learning appropriate to employer and student need, including certificate, diploma and degree programs, and apprenticeship training. Saskatchewan Polytechnic engages in applied research, drawing on faculty expertise to support innovation by employers, and providing students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills.