About NAIT  

Honorary Degree

Candidates for an honorary degree are exceptional individuals that have made significant contributions and accomplishments locally, nationally or internationally. The award honours excellence in three primary areas:

  1. Support of NAIT’s vision, values and promises: The candidate strongly exemplifies NAIT’s vision, values and promises in areas that extend beyond their own area of expertise. The candidate supports change and builds a more inclusive, equitable and diverse community.
  2. Learning growth – supports the uniqueness of polytechnic education and lifelong learning: The candidate demonstrates an exceptional impact on the NAIT community, is a champion of student success and supports NAIT and lifelong learning.
  3. Community growth – an inspiring leader and/or corporate citizen: The candidate exemplifies exceptional corporate citizenship through philanthropy, volunteering, public service and/or industriousness. The candidate is a role model for current and future graduates, and champions others in their own journeys.

A selection committee made up of NAIT staff will review nominations and make recommendations, which are then reviewed by NAIT’s Academic Council and Executive Management Committee. The Board of Governors selects the final award recipients.

Submit a Nomination

We invite all members of the NAIT community to submit a nomination for consideration. Deadline to submit nominations is January 17, 2025.

Submit a nomination

2024 Honorary Degree Recipients

Jun. 12, 2024

Jason Carter

2024 Honorary Bachelor of Technology recipient and artist Jason Carter uses his storytelling talents to spread optimism and give back.

Jun. 12, 2024

Suzanne McAdam

2024 Honorary Bachelor of Technology recipient Suzanne McAdam fosters relationship between NAIT and the Canadian Armed Forces.

Jun. 12, 2024

Mark McNeill

2024 Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration recipient Mark McNeill is driven to win for his staff, communities around the world, and NAIT.

Jun. 12, 2024

Arnold Rumbold

2024 Honorary Electrical Installations Technology diploma recipient Arnold Rumbold takes pride in supporting trades apprentices, aspiring artists and community builders.

Previous Years Recipients

  • 2023 - Jason Gregor, Hubert Lau, Sharla King
  • 2022 - Angela Armstrong, Kelsey Mitchell, Angelina Tetteh-Wayoe and Mauro Chie
  • 2021 - Shane Chartrand, Linda Hughes, Daryl McIntyre, Dr. Raymond Rajotte 
  • 2019 - Paul Verhesen, William Andrew Jean Morin, Diane Brickner, George Schluessel
  • 2018 - Teresa Spinelli, Bart Yachimec, Jeorg Goetsch and Mike Begin
  • 2017 - Ashif Mawji, Javaid (Jerry) Naqvi
  • 2016 - Ken Lueers, Jim Rakievich, Stewart Roth
  • 2015 - Naseem Bashir, Doug Golosky, Douglas O. Goss, Q.C., AOE
  • 2014 - Bob Gomes, Edward Stelmach, C.J. Woods, FCA
  • 2013 - Chief James Ahnassay, Ray Pisani, Daniel Wai Yuk Yeung
  • 2012 - Don Breen, Andrew Clark, Darren Entwistle
  • 2011 - Dr. Margaret-Ann Armour, Clifford Giese, Yasmin Jivraj
  • 2010 - Arlene Dickinson, Kevin Martin
  • 2009 - Laurence M. Pollock, Don Oborowsky
  • 2008 - Ruth Kelly, Don Metz
  • 2007 - JR Shaw, Kevin Nabholz
  • 2006 - JudyLynn Archer, John Stanton
  • 2005 - Audrey Poitras, Lynda Steele, Reg Isley
  • 2004 - Neil R. Wilkinson, C.J. (Cliff) Williams
  • 2003 - Simon Smotkowicz, Thelma Chalifoux
  • 2002 - Hon. Ernest C. Manning
  • 2001 - Cam Tait, Harry Buddle
  • 2000 - Eric Newell, Jim Edwards, Gil Cardinal
  • 1999 - Madeleine Mercier, Henry Gusse
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