Edmonton educator and woodworker receives Distinguished Friend of the Institute award

Published on June 15, 2017

Dr. Clarence Preitz instilled a love of his trade, and of teaching, in many NAIT instructors

EDMONTON – Dr. Clarence Preitz, a professor emeritus at the University of Alberta who taught many NAIT instructors in his 30-year career, is the 2017 recipient of NAIT’s Distinguished Friend of the Institute award.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Dr. Preitz and his family moved to Alberta, where he became an assistant professor, and then a professor at the University of Alberta, teaching Industrial and Vocational Education in the Faculty of Education.

Dr. Preitz was a valued teacher, mentor and friend to many NAIT instructors, helping them to get their degrees while continuing to teach at NAIT.

He also supported NAIT students by establishing the Dr. Clarence Preitz Award for Outstanding Excellence scholarship, an annual award of $500 for students in the Millwork and Carpentry program. He is currently establishing a $25,000 endowed fund in honour of his friend and former student Paul Roberts, who chairs the Cabinetmaker program.

QUICK FACTS

  • Potential candidates for the Distinguished Friends of the Institute are individuals or organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to the welfare and advancement of NAIT through volunteer services, endowments or other activities that benefit the polytechnic.
  • The Distinguished Friend of the Institute award was established in 1985.

QUOTES

Dr. Glenn Feltham, NAIT president and CEO
"Dr. Preitz has made a lasting contribution to post-secondary education in Alberta and especially at NAIT. He truly understands the value of polytechnic education and I am thrilled to be able to honour and acknowledge his work to advance hands-on learning in this way."

Dr. Clarence Preitz, Distinguished Friend of the Institute award recipient
“I’ve received many kinds of recognition, but this is probably the highest. It makes me feel like a member of NAIT’s family.”

Stewart Cook, Dean, NAIT School of Applied Sciences and Technology
“He taught me the value of process, breaking things down into small steps so students learning a concept for the first time can easily understand it. This award is well-earned. I greatly appreciate the dedication he’s shown to me as one of his students.”

About NAIT

The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is a leading Canadian polytechnic, delivering education in science, technology and the environment; business; health and trades. With nearly 60,000 credit and non-credit students and a 95 per cent employer satisfaction rate, NAIT grads are essential to Alberta’s prosperity. Known for hands-on, technology-based learning, NAIT engages with business and industry in applied research and innovation and provides corporate training around the world. Recognized as one of Alberta’s top employers, NAIT provides outstanding returns on investment for its graduates, partners, the provincial government and the people of Alberta.

Shopping Cart Quick View
Open Shopping Cart