Governor General Award
2026 Governor General Award Recipient
Jennifer Simpson, Magnetic Resonance Imaging 1st Discipline ’26
Jennifer Simpson is this year’s recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Medal at NAIT, which is awarded to the student with the highest overall average upon graduation. 
The three-time NAIT alumna, having previously completed Animal Health Technology (2015) and Marketing (2009), chose Magnetic Resonance Imaging 1st Discipline (MRI) as her next challenge because it was the “perfect fit” for her strengths and interests.
“I liked that MRI combined physics, biology, problem solving and, most importantly, patient-centred care,” she says.
The positive impact an MRI technologist had on her family during some tough times also influenced her decision. “It left a lasting impression on me and made me want to provide that for other people and their families.”
Being a mature student returning to a demanding academic environment required confidence and adaptability. Simpson rose to the challenge.
“The award may have my name on it, but it definitely is a reflection of the encouragement, guidance and support I received throughout the program.”
Always eager for extra opportunities to learn and lead, she was the only second-year student selected by her instructors to participate in a pilot project where she mentored first-year students in labs prior to their practicum placements. She gave them feedback on screening, positioning, patient safety and more.
Simpson had completed her clinical competencies early, covering the imaging assessments and practices necessary for the role. She was with the students every Monday afternoon for a semester.
She was also asked to be a lead preceptor and facilitator for first-year students in a multidisciplinary teaching exercise that simulated a building collapse at NAIT’s Centre for Advanced Medical Simulation.
“As someone who had recently been in their position, I was able to bridge the gap between student and mentor,” Simpson says.
Mentoring proved to be of benefit to herself as well. “I was hosting study groups three times a week … not only because it helped my classmates, but I find I learn best through teaching,” Simpson says. “And to have that camaraderie amongst my classmates made me more successful.”
Despite these efforts and achievements, Simpson never imagined winning the Governor General’s award. She was shocked by the news that she had.
“The award may have my name on it, but it definitely is a reflection of the encouragement, guidance and support I received throughout the program from my instructors … and all the people I worked with,” Simpson says.
Simpson is happy to report that she and her classmates have found work in the field since graduation.
“My immediate goal right now is to continue to grow as an MRI technologist, providing the highest level of patient care possible,” she says. “Longterm, I would love to return to NAIT as an instructor for the MRI program – that is my ultimate dream.
“My instructors had such a positive impact on my life and career, and I would be honoured to help future students discover the same confidence and passion and sense of purpose that I found.”
About the Governor General’s Academic Medal
The Governor General’s Academic Medal was first awarded in 1873 by the Earl of Dufferin and has since become one of the most prestigious awards that a student in a Canadian educational institution can receive. The Governor General of Canada continues this tradition of encouraging scholarship across the nation and recognizing outstanding students.
Notable past recipients include prime ministers Kim Campbell and Pierre Trudeau, premiers Robert Bourassa, Tommy Douglas and Robert Stanfield, and author Gabrielle Roy.
The Collegiate Bronze medal is awarded to the student who achieves the highest overall average upon graduation from a diploma level, post-secondary program