�԰ɵ��

Alumni Association Donates $100,000 to Student Industry Engagement Fund

Mar 28, 2025

Representatives from �԰ɵ�� and the Alumni Association cut a ribbon to celebrate the opening of �԰ɵ�� Alumni Legacy Way on main campus

Representatives from �԰ɵ�� and the Alumni Association cut a ribbon to celebrate the opening of �԰ɵ�� Alumni Legacy Way on main campus.

The �԰ɵ�� (�԰ɵ��) Alumni Association has donated $100,000 to the �԰ɵ�� Student Industry Engagement Fund. This innovative fund enhances the learning experience for students across the Polytechnic by providing funding support to cover the costs associated with attending external conferences, forums and events hosted by industry and professional organizations.

“I would like to thank the �԰ɵ�� Alumni Association for their generous donation to the �԰ɵ�� Student Industry Engagement Fund,” comments Stuart Cullum, President, �԰ɵ��. “Through the Student Industry Engagement Fund, more learners will create meaningful industry connections across a variety of sectors. This kind of exposure not only elevates the student experience but also provides students with opportunities to grow their professional networks.”

Eight �԰ɵ�� business students attended the Central Alberta Business Summit

Most recently, eight �԰ɵ�� business students utilized the fund to attend the where they had an opportunity to hear from keynote speaker, Andrew DiCapua, Principal Economist of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, participate in breakout sessions with local leaders and network with attendees.

The Alumni Association has donated a total of $236,000 to the Polytechnic in support of student initiatives, including five annual student scholarships.

“Our hope is that through the Student Industry Engagement Fund and through the Alumni Association scholarships and awards we can alleviate some of the financial burden students are facing, while enhancing their experience at �԰ɵ��,” says Martin Cruz, Chair of �԰ɵ��’s Alumni Association, who completed the Polytechnic’s Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (University Transfer) in 2014.

In celebration and recognition of the Alumni Association’s long-time partnership with �԰ɵ��, the Polytechnic unveiled Alumni Legacy Way. Located inside �԰ɵ��’s main campus, in the hallway that connects the library to the 900 wing, Alumni Legacy Wing showcases the incredible impact that the Alumni Association has made at �԰ɵ��.

Learn more about �԰ɵ��’s Alumni Association, including resources and perks for alumni.

Related News

2024 Community Award recipients and �԰ɵ�� representatives

�԰ɵ�� Celebrates Community Builders at Annual Ceremony

Individuals and organizations who have made lasting contributions to �԰ɵ�� (�԰ɵ��) and the region were celebrated during the post-secondary institution’s 2024 Community Awards, held yesterday. “�԰ɵ�� is proud to recognize and celebrate the impact of alumni, partners and community members who contribute to the success of our institution, students and community,” says Stuart Cullum, President of �԰ɵ��. “The individuals and organizations we recognized at the 2024 Community Awards are all outstanding citizens, having also contributed to the economic priorities and social vibrancy of our region and province.” At the 2024 Community Awards Ceremony, the following recipients were honoured: Marty Vellner - G.H. Dawe Memorial Award of Excellence This award is given to an individual in recognition of outstanding contribution to �԰ɵ�� and the central Alberta community. Through their contributions, this individual exemplifies the values of Mr. G. Harold Dawe, including: commitment to education and student success; leadership, vision, and integrity; and dedication to the community. Marty Vellner is one of central Alberta’s most respected business leaders and community builders. Since 1983, Marty has owned and operated Vellner Leisure Products, a family-centered business founded by his grandfather and father in 1951. Under Marty’s

�԰ɵ�� wins awards for alumni initiatives

�԰ɵ�� wins two national awards for alumni initiatives

�԰ɵ�� (�԰ɵ��) received two awards from the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE). In the annual Prix d’Excellence, Palate: A Taste of Local received silver in the Best Alumni Event category and the �԰ɵ�� Athletics Brand Reveal video received bronze in the Best Video – Announcements category. The CCAE is a national network of post-secondary professionals in advancement disciplines including advancement services, alumni relations, communications and marketing, fundraising (development), external relations and public relations. Members include representatives from universities, colleges, polytechnics and other schools from across Canada. The Prix d’Excellence awards are selected by volunteer panels that are comprised of CCAE members. “Palate: A Taste of Local is the �԰ɵ�� Alumni Association’s annual signature event. The event is driven by alumni and student volunteers to plan and deliver, so this award is especially meaningful for us,” says Courtney Avram, Chair of the �԰ɵ�� Alumni Association Board of Directors. “Palate builds on the rich history of the Fine Wine and Food Tasting event, which ran for 16 years. It was reinvented in 2022 to further enhance our community and alumni connections, and celebrate our region. To achieve this recognition in our first year is validating and reaffirms

Sweater for Scholarship graphic

Community members, Alumni Association raise money for �԰ɵ�� scholarships

During a creative holiday-themed campaign, community members and the �԰ɵ�� Alumni Association (�԰ɵ��AA) raised $12,600 for student scholarships, including the Student Emergency Bursary. The Sweaters for Scholarships initiative encouraged community members to donate to student scholarships and to share a photo of themselves with friends, family or coworkers in a festive sweater to show that they had committed their support. “Our community is generous and at this time of year, many donors think of our students’ needs and make donations to scholarships or other areas. This year, through conversations with students and alumni who have received scholarships and bursaries, we wanted to add extra impact for students to see the faces of the donors who are so generously invested in their success,” says Richard Longtin, Vice President External Relations at �԰ɵ��. “Sweaters for Scholarships provided an avenue for our donors to share their photos with us on social media so that we could show students the people who are championing them.” This initiative resonated with the Board of Directors of the Polytechnic’s Alumni Association (�԰ɵ��AA). Two current members volunteered to share their stories as part of the campaign. Lynne Madsen, �԰ɵ��AA Secretary (and instructor in �԰ɵ��’s