IMPACTCOMMUNITY

2019

Maximizing opportunities that others don't see

COMMUNITY IMPACT 2019

CONTENTSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Produced by NorQuest College External Affairs and Brand

Contact Us NorQuest College 10215 108 Street NW Edmonton, AB T5J 1L6 Phone: 780.644.6000 Fax: 780.644.6013 Email: info@norquest.ca

EDITORS: Michael Edge & Nida Farooqui

ART DIRECTOR: Debra Bachman

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR: Helen Ma

WRITERS: Michael Chevalier, Nida Farooqui, Richard Wright

DESIGNERS: Christina Borowiecki, Helen Ma

PHOTOGRAPHY: Laughing Dog Photography, Christina Borowiecki, Jeff Jenkins, Helen Ma, Mary Malott

BOARD OF GOVERNORS Chair Dr. S. Ann Colbourne

NorQuest College President and CEO Dr. Jodi L. Abbott, ICD.D

Public Members Bilan Ahmed Terry Anderson Gayle Burnett Troy Chalifoux Jim Gurnett Brian Hjlesvold Kanwal Lali Carla Madra Dalyce McElhinney Academic Staff Member Tracy Topolnitsky Non-Academic Staff Member Vacant Student Member Steve Chiazza

EXECUTIVE TEAM President and CEO Dr. Jodi L. Abbott, ICD.D Chief Culture and Transformation Officer Lorne Rubis, ICD.D Chief Customer Experience Officer Jill Matthew, CPA, CA, CMC, ICD.D Vice President People Laurel Evans, B.Ed

Vice President Business Development Marian Gayed, BA, BComm, MBA Vice President Teaching & Learning Norma Schneider, M.Ed Chief of Staff Lidia Surman, BA

ON THE COVER: NorQuest graduate Ocean Luo stands in front of Soundsprawl mural by Edmonton artist Justin Shaw, 2010. Read Luo’s complete story on page 14.

Mural commissioned by The Places, Art & Design in Public Places Program.

Welcome to NorQuest's tastiest classroom

8

14ON THE COVER

INSPIRED BY NORQUEST Ocean Luo builds communities

DOUBLE DUTY Serving patients and inspiring students

16

04 Turning up the dial on diversity and inclusion

05 'Standing on the shoulders of giants'

06 #InvestInInclusion

09 Training that gets results for Canada's First Peoples

10 Drayton Valley + NorQuest College = zero tuition

11 First-ever fire station coming soon to Lubicon Lake Band

12 Building a better life

18 Recognizing an unstoppable spirit

19 Awards & recognition

20 Celebrating the best

22 A gift for the future

23 Strategic thinking at its best

24 Our story your legacy

25 Supporting NorQuest

26 1000 Women donors

28 NorQuest by the Numbers

29 NorQuest's original building transformed

To the rescue2

NORQUEST COLLEGE 1

Y ou are about to embark on a compelling journey where lives are transformed and communities are strengthened—all through

the power of a NorQuest College education. As you flip through the pages of Community

Impact 2019, you’ll discover stories of unique people—people like OCEAN LUO who came to NorQuest to learn English, left with a broad understanding of diversity, and today is a community planner with the City of Edmonton. People like BRETT FUNK, a young NorQuest alumnus who amazes us by serving patients and teaching students.

You’ll also see what it means when communities are touched by NorQuest College—communities like Lubicon Lake Band in Little Buffalo that is benefiting from our firefighter training program in preparation for the opening of their first-ever fire station. Communities like Drayton Valley that partnered with us to allow learners at the local campus to take Health Care Aide or Arts and Science programs without tuition costs.

These examples are just a glimpse of the many stories we’re delighted to share with you; stories that are a testament to our vision of transforming lives and strengthening communities. This is why Community Impact is much more than a paperbound publication. It is the reality for thousands of NorQuest graduates and many communities across Alberta. It reflects our commitment to this province and to you—our students, partners, donors, alumni, neighbours, and friends.

As we continue to experience extraordinary growth with our consistent impact to students and community, we will always remain true to who we are: a college that you can count on to maximize opportunities that others don’t see.

Dr. Jodi L. Abbott, ICD.D

President & CEO NorQuest College

EDUCATIONat your service

TO THE RESCUETurning Whitecourt high school students into local firefighters

2 COMMUNITY IMPACT 2019

I magine you are a high school student from a small Alberta town. In comes an opportunity to become

a professional firefighter. Training is offered at your high school, at no cost to you, and upon successful completion, you have a guaranteed job.

It’s time to stop imagining. This is the reality for some returning high school students in Whitecourt, thanks to an outstanding community partnership.

“NorQuest College addressed a current labour shortage identified by the community, collaborated with the local fire department, businesses, and school board, and brought the training and the talent right where it was needed. This partnership has inspired young people to do great things in their own backyard,” says PAM GOODSPEED, off campus education coordinator, École St. Joseph School.

Sponsored by industry and supported by the Government of Alberta, 19 students completed the seven-day industrial firefighting program in August 2018 and 11 students are currently taking the professional firefighting training.

“NorQuest has really opened my eyes to the options I have available. I have actually been able to further myself in both my education and work life,” says LOKI JENSON, who is expected to complete the firefighting training this summer.

The entire initiative benefits everyone involved. High schools offer unique training to students; students receive professional training at no cost with guaranteed jobs; industry invests in students to receive workforce-ready

graduates; the community benefits from local talent with people who remain in Whitecourt; and Alberta’s economy is strengthened by the labour gaps being filled with more firefighters.

"The power and appeal of being able to complete the firefighting training in your local context should not be underestimated. Both Living Waters Catholic Schools Division and the Town of Whitecourt benefit from students learning marketable and valuable skills that also give back to the community,” says COURTNEY LAWRANCE, associate superintendent of Learning, Living Waters Catholic Schools.

And NorQuest College, well, it benefits from what it does best. Transforming lives and strengthening communities.

“NorQuest has given me a unique chance and opportunity to expand and discover new areas of learning.”– JORDAN BROOKS, student

3NORQUEST COLLEGE

Lead diversity and inclusion consultant Erin Waugh facilitating the Diversity and Inclusion Knowledge Essentials workshop to staff from MIC Medical Imaging.

“We are talking about leadership, diversity, inclusion, and psycho-social wellness and safety as key dimensions of healthy working environments to support our physicians, the teams that they work with, and the patients that they serve.” — MIKE GORMLEY, executive director, Alberta Medical Association

N orQuest College is taking its decade-long expertise in diversity and inclusion to the next level

thanks to a generous $1 million gift from DR. S. ANN COLBOURNE.

“NorQuest is a place where the richness of this world gathers into one place, one community,” said Dr. Colbourne during the official launch of the Colbourne Institute for Inclusive Leadership (CIIL) last fall. “I hope this gift will enhance and expand the possibilities to share our experience and our stories with others.”

The CIIL helps build thriving, inclusive cultures across Alberta and beyond by working closely with businesses and communities on diversity and inclusion strategy development. More than 1,300 individuals have participated in workshops, strategy consultations, coaching, train-the-trainer, and speaking engagements to date.

CIIL clients span multiple sectors including manufacturing, construction, engineering, science and technology, government, health care, not-for-profits, and education. Ross Sheppard High School’s BEN OSWALD shares how the training benefits teachers in the classroom.

“NorQuest engaged our entire staff in relevant dialogue that helped us more fully

consider important factors of diversity,” says the Career and Technical Studies department head. “The student panel of newcomers to Canada was a fantastic way to engage our teachers in discussion about culture, language, and education.”

A two-year project is also underway to explore strategies for improving Alberta workplace cultures for Women in Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology (WinSETT).

Participating companies include Husky (Calgary), Enbridge (Edmonton), and Sherritt International (Fort Saskatchewan) Metals Facility.

“Through the CIIL, we are laying the groundwork for a careful analysis of gender; in particular, issues related to stereotypical threat and unconscious bias,” says POONAM MADAN, senior sustainability advisor, Sherritt International. “We expect this knowledge will assist how workplaces can attract, retain, and engage the potential of WinSETT.”

Equity, human rights, and inclusion have never been more important. The CIIL promotes strength and unity by co-creating inclusive workplaces, one partner organization at a time.

COMMUNITY IMPACT 2019 4

Turning up the dial on

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

“People are the best resource this planet has.”NorQuest College social work student NOZIPHO MOYO

has taken that philosophy with her through a huge part of her educational experience. This mindset was established when the 25-year-old studied human resource management in the Mediterranean country of Cyprus. She fostered it after being immersed in NorQuest's culture beginning in 2017, and it became etched in her mind following a week-long research trip to Tanzania.

As a volunteer research clerk with NorQuest International, Moyo was a major player in an education-sharing program in the east African country in the winter of 2019. During her stay in Tanzania, she interviewed students and instructors to capture stories that described the changes they had experienced after participating in the Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) Improving Skills Training for Employment Program-13 (ISTEP-13). The program aimed to create remediation opportunities to support disadvantaged youth entering vocational training programs.

“This experience taught me a great deal about cross-cultural work and building relationships,” says Moyo. “The changes and growth in confidence that I saw in the students, particularly the female students, were awe-inspiring. I am humbled to have been able to participate in such a meaningful project and to learn from both the Canadian and Tanzanian teams.”

While the main focus of the program is to share Canadian educational expertise on a goodwill and global basis, a secondary benefit is what Canadian research assistants, and students, take away from the experience.

“This type of work prepares students for a changing world,” says Moyo, who is extremely happy that NorQuest afforded her this opportunity.

"When I think about it, the college’s commitment to its students reminds me of a famous quote: ‘If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.’ NorQuest really is that giant in our community.”

Funded by Global Affairs Canada. ISTEP-13 is an institutional partnership between Mwanza RVTSC, Lakeland College, and NorQuest College.

NORQUEST COLLEGE 5

‘STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS’A life-changing experience for social work student in Tanzania

RAISE the volume on voices of inclusion.

SHOW us the proof – tag the research that shows results and proves inclusion works.

INVEST your time, resources, and efforts to support inclusion.

#InvestInInclusion

COMMUNITY IMPACT 2019 6

W e live in a multicultural, multifaceted world

where we all have unique backgrounds, experiences, stories, and talents. Diversity represents all the ways in which we differ, from the visible to the not so visible. We must do more than just recognize and tolerate differences. We must INVEST in inclusion.

At NorQuest College we lead by example through conversations, training, and respect for all who walk through our doors. Our vision defines us as a vibrant, inclusive, and diverse learning environment that transforms lives and strengthens communities.

We invite you to step forward and join us as we invest in inclusion.

ADVOCATE for those who may be excluded or discriminated against.

SUPPORT and amplify the positive voices on social media.

SHARE your stories with us.

Use our #InvestInInclusion hashtag to highlight the work you and others are doing!

#InvestInInclusion

NORQUEST COLLEGE 7

Welcome to NorQuest’s

TASTIEST CLASSROOMS killets sizzle, knives chop, and

smiles break out across the room.With the launch of its

commercial kitchen last fall, the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation Hospitality Institute (EOCFHI) has taken centre stage for hospitality training in Edmonton. Located near the city’s downtown hospitality and entertainment district at the college’s Singhmar Centre for Learning, the facility gives students the training they need to thrive in an industry with an overwhelming demand for hospitality workers.

“I’ve been working in hospitality for the past two years, and this course is giving me the skills and confidence I need to go further and make a career out of cooking and creating,” says TEDDI ERMINESKIN, a recent graduate of the all-Indigenous Foundations of Cooking cohort.

Hospitality certainly isn’t a new industry, but thanks to a new approach to curriculum in co-operation with industry partners, the EOCFHI puts learners on the fast-track to hospitality success. At the same time, students build

confidence and creativity, and leave ready to take on the culinary world.

“We teach students to work clean, work smart, and work efficient, all while minimizing food waste,” says COLLEEN HEIDECKER , instructor, and master chocolatier/owner of Colleen’s Chocolates. “We meet local producers, tour local restaurants, and give everyone a well-rounded look at the industry. We learn with the best equipment. It’s a fast and intense seven weeks, but our grads will be ready for anything.”

COMMUNITY IMPACT 2019 8

A lberta’s Indigenous Peoples are filling workforce gaps with the training and confidence to succeed, thanks

to NorQuest College’s Alberta Indigenous Construction Career Centre (AICCC).

“It really is about changing lives,” says DR. JODI L. ABBOTT, president and CEO, NorQuest College. “The gratitude comes when we see the success of others and I think we’re so privileged to work with learners who are achieving success.”

The statistics speak for themselves.“We’re going into our fourth year of

operating the centre and we’ve served over 4,000 clients,” says RUBY LITTLECHILD, AICCC manager.

Littlechild and her team help First Nation, Métis, and Inuit clients unlock their potential through navigating their skills and offering a host of services including resume development, job search, counselling, and training supports; they then link clients to jobs in the construction field. To date, nearly 3,000 clients have received job placements.

What’s helped make these placements so successful is the deep and genuine partnerships

with industry, in which the entire AICCC initiative is grounded. One such partner and sponsor is Chandos Construction—also a community champion, NorQuest donor, and contractor for the college’s Civic Employees Legacy Tower renovation.

“We see the Indigenous community’s workforce as an untapped resource in Alberta. This centre is allowing us access to those workers. These workers are excited and ready to work, and that’s what we need,” says TOM REDL , CEO, Chandos Construction.

Carpentry apprentice, NATASHA SWAN, is currently working with Chandos at NorQuest.

“I went [to the AICCC] to get some safety tickets renewed and I also got referred to Chandos so I went for an interview. Then I was hired and ever since, I’ve been loving my job.”

Another AICCC client, CHARLENE SUPERNAULT, is also working with Chandos at NorQuest.

“My overall goal after I become a journeywoman is to go back and mentor the children, the youth, and women, or anyone in the reserve who would like to learn more about carpentry,” she says.

TRAINING

that gets results for Canada’s First Peoples

DID YOU KNOW?The hospitality institute offers remote learning opportunities throughout Alberta, including Wesley First Nation, Frog Lake First Nation, and Whitefish First Nation. The class in Wesley First Nation was a particular success with some students hired before they graduated!

NORQUEST COLLEGE 9

TUITIONZERO =

DRAYTON VALLEYNORQUEST COLLEGE

I n a perfect world, the things we need most would be the easiest to attain.Education is one of those core human

needs, but for some the financial costs associated with continuing past high school are just too great. That changed in 2019 with the announcement of a partnership between NorQuest College and the Town of Drayton Valley, where post-secondary programming is offered at a rate of up to 90 per cent off the regular cost.

Thanks to $250,000 in funding from the town, those who wish to

take the Health Care Aide or Arts and Science programs at NorQuest’s local regional campus can now do it without tuition costs. For the Health Care Aide program, for example, free tuition reduces the total cost from roughly $5,500 to just $550.

Fees that require payment include student association, registration, application, health and dental program, and textbooks.

“Drayton Valley is an oil and gas town and has obviously been hurt by the economics of the past four years,” says MAYOR MICHAEL DOERKSEN, speaking

of the recession that has hit Alberta’s energy sector particularly hard.

“Looking back to when I was in high school, the mentality—mostly from the male population—was get your Grade 12 and then go work in the oilfield. The culture here hasn’t always been about education first. But by doing this we are hoping that we can bring to light other opportunities out there.”

The initiative provides learners with options to stay close to home and save money while diversifying their skill set. The ultimate goal is to see them remain in the region for the long haul

NorQuest College and the Town of Drayton Valley launched the Zero Tuition program in February 2019.

COMMUNITY IMPACT 2019 10

“I think this is pretty huge for people who need to upgrade and/or change career paths."– TRACY MARTIN, Drayton Valley resident

after graduation so they will continue to contribute to the health and economic well-being of the community.

“I think this is pretty huge for people who need to upgrade and/or change career paths,” says Drayton Valley resident TRACY MARTIN, who brought her 19-year-old daughter TRINITY PIRIE to an open house to learn more.

“I am a single mom and work three jobs to try and keep myself afloat. If this is something my daughter, or people who I know, can take advantage of then I think that’s great.”

Residents of Lubicon Lake Band can look forward to being protected by trained firefighters close to home. Their very first fire station is planned to open in 2020 in Little Buffalo, with NorQuest College providing a customized firefighter training program to local residents.

“The Firefighter Comprehensive Training will be monumental in changing the lives of the trainees and the residents of Lubicon Lake Band,” says DARLENE MCREE , project coordinator, Integrated Employment Training Program-Lubicon Lake Band.

Firefighting trainee WALTER LABOUCAN agrees."This training means a lot to me because I want

to save lives.”

FIRST-EVER FIRE STATION coming soon to Lubicon Lake Band

NORQUEST COLLEGE 11

NorQuest/Edmonton Public Library study proves social programs are critical to enhancing life

Building a

BETTER LIFE

Research funded by the Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council of Canada's Community College Social Innovation Fund.

COMMUNITY IMPACT 2019 12

RESEARCH FINDINGS:

T he joint NorQuest College and Edmonton Public Library research initiative, Building a Better Life Project, had two goals: to learn what people need to build a better life, and to work with community agencies and government to strengthen relationships.

“This study is the beginning of concretely measuring social capital,” says MARLENE MULDER , project co-lead. “Agencies recognize how important it is to help their clients build community and build networks but it is often difficult for them to get funding. The findings from this study will help when they are applying for funding.”

Final results, which took three years to compile, will be released in July 2019. Research products will be available to the public through the NorQuest and community partner websites.

“ Was I ever happy to hear that NorQuest College was digging into the impact of social connection. Emerging research reveals we have a quiet epidemic of loneliness in modern cities, to go along with epidemics of depression, debilitating anxiety, and addictions.”– COUNCILLOR SCOTT MCKEEN, City of Edmonton

NORQUEST COLLEGE 13

People face multiple BARRIERS to meeting their basic needs such as poverty, race, age, gender, and poor health.

RELATIONSHIPS help people to gain confidence and expand their networks. Many participants seek relationships and prefer face-to-face rather than phone services and referrals.

GOOD HEALTH is important. If a person feels healthy, they are more likely to access services and opportunities.

DISCRIMINATION is common and increases the risk of social isolation and low self-esteem. More people than you may think live with daily experiences of discrimination.

“NorQuest taught me what diversity means. It’s not just age or gender or ethnic background. It’s the stories of people’s lives.”– OCEAN LUO, community planner

He came to NorQuest College to tune up his English skills and left with the confidence

to transform communities. Today, he is the City of Edmonton’s community planner. This is the story of OCEAN LUO.

Luo immigrated to Canada from China in 2011 and graduated from the college’s Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) a year later.

“LINC was more than just an English language class,” he reflects. “We learned so much about Canadian society and history. Everyone in my class came from a different cultural background.”

With diversity at the forefront of his new college, it was top-of-mind for Luo.

“NorQuest taught me what diversity means. It’s not just age or gender or ethnic background. It’s the stories of people’s lives.”

That inspired him to ponder what his real interests were.

“I began to really think about how I could contribute to my new country.”

Fascinated by what he learned about Indigenous Peoples in Canada through LINC, Luo first completed a degree in Native Studies at the University of Alberta.

“In China I would be considered an Indigenous person, since I am Miao, an ethnic group from South China. I knew nothing about Indigenous history in North America, but I really wanted to learn more. After completing the degree, I felt better equipped to achieve more in society.”

He then completed a master’s degree in Community and Regional Planning at the University of British Columbia. Following graduation, he was compelled to call Edmonton home again due to the city’s sense of community.

As a community champion, Luo is living his dream. With the values of people and diversity inspired by NorQuest College, his focus is building a community on a social level.

“Whether you have lived here 50 years or five months, people want to contribute to their community and have a voice,” he says.

“NorQuest taught me to think differently and to respect different ideas and perspectives. This was very important for my professional development, but also my personal life. My experience at NorQuest College has definitely informed the work I’m doing today.”

Ocean Luo builds communities

INSPIRED BY NORQUEST

COMMUNITY IMPACT 2019 14

NORQUEST COLLEGE 15

COMMUNITY IMPACT 2019 16

W hat do you get when you combine a health care aide, a licensed practical nurse, and an instructor? An extraordinary champion for

Alberta’s health-care system. NorQuest graduate BRETT FUNK is employed as a licensed

practical nurse in one of the most dynamic medical facilities in Edmonton, the Orthopedic Surgery Centre at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.

“There’s never a dull moment,” says the 29-year-old, whose job is to assist patients before and after surgery.

Like many young people, Funk worked in the trades for about 10 years, starting in high school. With a desire to expand his horizons, he completed his Health Care Aide certificate in his home province of Manitoba. He then found work in Edmonton, but still wanted to go further in his career.

“That’s where NorQuest came in. Deep down, I always wanted to work in the medical field. The Practical Nurse program at NorQuest gave me the foundation I needed to move forward in my career.”

Today, in addition to working at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, he is back in NorQuest classrooms—not as a student, but as a practical nurse instructor, assisting with teaching at the college’s Whitecourt campus thanks to his frontline experience.

“It’s a great feeling to support students and pass on what I’ve learned.”

Funk’s story is just one of many NorQuest graduates serving on the front lines of health care. The next time you walk into a hospital or continuing care centre, you’re likely to see them busy as unit clerks, health care aides, licensed practical nurses, or pharmacy technicians. And when you do, you can expect extraordinary service and care.

DOUBLE DUTYServing patients and inspiring students

NORQUEST COLLEGE 17

" I received my Practical Nurse diploma from NorQuest and started at the Royal Alexandra Hospital soon after I graduated. It’s the right environment for my skills and training. The skills we learned were very valuable and applicable.”– BRETT FUNK, licensed practical nurse and instructor

Recognizing an

UNSTOPPABLE SPIRITNorQuest President’s Medal recipient is a leader in the classroom and beyond

“…to be chosen for the award at this stage in my life is a real thrill. NorQuest was a great experience and I’m very proud of what I was able to accomplish.”– SHANNON WHITLOW, 2019 President's Medal recipient

Recognizing an

UNSTOPPABLE SPIRIT

COMMUNITY IMPACT 2019 18

SHANNON WHITLOW knows that life is not a spectator sport; she prefers to

participate. Not only is she a loving mother of three children, but a lifelong learner and dedicated volunteer.

Whitlow earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alberta in 1998, and then focused on having a family. In 2017, she had the desire to boost her education and enrolled in NorQuest College’s Physical Therapy Assistant program. Even after years away from the classroom, Whitlow earned an impressive 3.81 GPA and completed both of her practicums with the highest scores in all competencies. Although she took classes online, she was also a positive presence on the NorQuest campus, mentoring her fellow students and becoming a natural leader. Alongside the demands of full-time classes and family life, she also served as an enthusiastic volunteer with the YMCA, and Edmonton Catholic Schools District.

Whitlow is currently enjoying casual employment with Alberta Health Services that allows her to balance a new career and family life.

“To be nominated for a President’s Medal is a great honour in itself,” says Whitlow. “But to be chosen for the award at this stage in my life is a real thrill. NorQuest was a great experience and I’m very proud of what I was able to accomplish. And I’m looking forward to accomplishing more in the future!”

Canada Green Building Council• LEED Gold Certification

- SINGHMAR CENTRE FOR LEARNING

Colleges and Institutes Canada• Gold, Indigenous Education

Excellence Award - ALBERTA INDIGENOUS

CONSTRUCTION CAREER CENTRE

Council for Advancement and Support of Education District VIII Communications Awards• Silver, Magazine Special Issues:

NorQuest College Community Impact 2018

• Silver, Special Events: Singhmar Centre for Learning grand opening

- EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND BRAND TEAM

Government of Alberta• Inspiration Award, Sexual

Violence Prevention - NORQUEST COLLEGE

Presented by an alliance of health and recreation organizations• Smoke-Free Spaces Award

- NORQUEST COLLEGE

Diversity Magazine• Organizational Diversity Award

- NORQUEST COLLEGE• Friends of Diversity Award

DR. JODI L. ABBOTT, president and CEO

Canadian Association of Practical Nurses• Innovation in Practical Nurse

Team Award - ERYN WINFIELD, instructor;

ANNETTE BAUWENS, coordinator; KARYN NICKERSON, instructor

• Leadership in Practical Nurse Education Award - ELAINE MONTEITH, instructor

• Mentorship in Practical Nurse Education Award - KARI UBELS, associate chair

College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta• Rita McGregor Excellence in

Nursing Education Award - SHELLY DUGAS, associate chair

Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association• Distinguished Service Award

- BEV SUNTJENS, associate dean

Alberta Teachers of English as a Second Language• Carolyn Dieleman Award

- DEBBIE SEVERINSEN, instructor

• Dawn Seabrook de Vargas Fellowship - HELEN LEWIS, instructor

• ATESL Lifetime Membership Award - DR. WENDY CHAMBERS,

associate chair

Women's Executive Network• Top 100 Most Powerful Women

in the PwC Public Sector Leaders - DR. JODI L. ABBOTT, president

and CEO

Alberta Colleges and Institutes Faculties Association • Distinguished Instructor Award

- CARLA GRANT, instructor

Punch Jackson Award of Excellence in Library Services• LIZ FULTON-LYNE, associate chair

Daughter's Day• Daughter of the year recipient

- RUBY LITTLECHILD, manager

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Added to being a top student and volunteer at NorQuest, Shannon Whitlow also serves as a volunteer fitness instructor at the YMCA.

NorQuest is honoured to receive the following college, team, and employee recognitions

NORQUEST COLLEGE 19

Celebrating

THE BESTIntroducing NorQuest College's 2019 honorary diploma recipients

When it comes to community spirit, SALMA LAKHANI doesn’t believe in half measures. This drive has earned her a NorQuest College Honorary Diploma in Community Services Leadership.

With a focus on education, human rights, and health care, Lakhani has been a generous and passionate supporter of good causes for many years. Her impressive philanthropy credentials include serving as an advisory committee member of NorQuest College’s 1000 Women: A Million Possibilities movement for nearly a decade. The movement is dedicated to removing barriers to education and supporting students. NorQuest also benefited from her guidance in the Youth in Transition Mentorship Program (now called Upgrading for ESL Youth program).

Lakhani was instilled with a desire to help others by her mother, who always acted with kindness and compassion. “My mother was a strong woman,” says Lakhani. “She always reminded me how fortunate we were, and that it was our duty to help those who are facing challenges.”

A successful businesswoman, she owned and operated an early childhood education facility, and currently manages her husband’s medical practice.

“I feel truly humbled to receive this honorary diploma,” she says.

Passionate supporter of good causes

Salma Lakhani

“NorQuest is an amazing place that provides so much more than education—it gives students confidence for the future.”– SALMA LAKHANI, community volunteer

“Personally, what I take note of are the many people who are doing great things to help Métis students.”– AUDREY POITRAS, president of the Métis Nation of Alberta

“It’s an honour to receive this diploma from a school that has such a deep commitment to inclusive education.”– ZARQA NAWAZ, creator of Little Mosque on the Prairie

COMMUNITY IMPACT 2019 20

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Lifelong advocate is now the one in spotlight

Audrey PoitrasBuilding community through humour

Zarqa NawazAUDREY POITRAS is compassionate, determined, community-minded, and a champion for the rights of Métis people in Alberta.

It’s these qualities—matched with an incredible business acumen and a tenacious attitude towards breaking down barriers of gender and race—that make Poitras a recipient of the 2019 NorQuest College Honorary Diploma in Business Leadership.

“Receiving this honour from NorQuest College came as a complete shock to me,” says the longtime Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) president, who is also the first female to hold the position. “I know of so many people who are deserving.”

Poitras led negotiations on behalf of the MNA to increase recognition of Métis people’s rights to harvest and self-govern. She also helped establish Rupertsland Institute - Métis Centre of Excellence in partnership with the University of Alberta, which represents the education, training, and research arm of the MNA.

“I remember as a young person growing up and going to annual assemblies of the MNA and even then hearing people say, ‘if we could find a way to give our people the proper supports for higher education then everything else would start falling into place.’”

As a sitcom writer, journalist, broadcaster, and filmmaker, ZARQA NAWAZ has had a varied career. But each facet of her work share a common goal: building relationships and understanding between diverse groups of people—values that are also deeply rooted at NorQuest College. Nawaz’s dedication towards people, learning, and community building has earned her a 2019 NorQuest College Honorary Diploma in Community Services Leadership.

Nawaz is best known as the creator of the world’s first sitcom about a Muslim community living in the west, Little Mosque on the Prairie, which premiered to record ratings on the CBC in 2007. She was honoured that same year with a Gemini Award.

A public speaker on Islam, gender, and multiculturalism, Nawaz received a Doctor of Divinity from the University of Saskatchewan for her passionate interfaith work in the community.

“We live in a time where hate crimes against First Nations people, immigrants, refugees, Jews, Muslims, and people of colour are on the rise. It’s more important then ever to talk about these issues with kindness and humour to decrease the tension and fear so people can see past their biases.”

NORQUEST COLLEGE 21

COMMUNITY IMPACT 2019 22

In 2018, BLAINE LABONTE and IRENE MERTZ-LABONTE honoured NorQuest College with the largest planned gift in its history, naming the college as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy.

“We’ve had NorQuest grads impact us personally,” says Irene. “Blaine’s father was in a nursing home and NorQuest alumni were caring for him. Naming NorQuest as the beneficiary of Blaine’s policy feels right and makes a statement about what we value.”

The LaBontes are longtime friends of NorQuest, having supported the college with multiple donations over the years. Their love stems from the positive energy they feel whenever they visit the campus and they are proud to support such a dynamic and diverse institution.

“We feel like our donation gives us a great return on investment,” adds Blaine. “We know that an education from NorQuest gives people a huge boost and leads to a better community. And a gift of life insurance is an easy way to make a big difference.”

This generous gift will be used as a catalyst to grow the President’s Society, NorQuest College’s new planned giving program. To learn more, please contact Kevin Fitzgerald, Director, Advancement at 780.644.5919.

LEGACY DONORSNorQuest College gratefully acknowledges lifetime contributors of $250,000 and more:

ANONYMOUS (2)

STEVEN & DAY LEPOOLE

ALLAN & FRANCES OLSON

DR. S. ANN COLBOURNE

A GIFT FOR THE FUTURE

NORQUEST COLLEGE 23

BRIAN HESJE , former chair of ATB Financial, is bringing his passion for strategic thinking into a unique learning space at NorQuest College. Thanks to his generous $100,000 gift, the Hesje Strategic Thinking Room provides students with state-of-the-art technology. For example, the zSpace computer delivers interactive 3D images

to help students better understand math, physics, and biology concepts.

“I think NorQuest College provides unique opportunities for their student population. I believe knowledge helps make better life decisions so to have a room named in my honour where the focus is strategic thinking at all levels of education is very rewarding.”

KRISHNA & RADHE GUPTA

DEBBIE GEORGE, NATALIE MINKLER, JOEY ANGELES 7/13/112011-12 EOCF LOGOS

DR. PREM SINGHMAR & DR. SAROJ SINGHMAR

SANQCSTUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION OF NORQUEST COLLEGE

ALLAN & FRANCES OLSON

STRATEGIC THINKING AT ITS BEST

Loyalty to NorQuest College comes easy for VANESSIA BAKER . Now armed with double diplomas from the college—administrative professional and most recently, business administration—this proud alumna was also an RBC Student Ambassador and is a committed 1000 Women: A Million Possibilities movement donor.

“I have friends at NorQuest who have benefited from 1000 Women bursaries and know what a difference those funds make; that’s what inspired me to become a monthly donor. Even on a student budget, NorQuest made it easy to contribute.”

Instructor Phil Switzer helps Brian Hesje (left) experiment with the 3D zSpace computer in the Strategic Thinking Room.

COMMUNITY IMPACT 2019 24

OUR STORY YOUR LEGACY T hink about a time in your life when you grew

into a better person. People likely helped you unlock your true potential. Today, you are

more confident, more capable, and more driven than ever before.

With the closing of Maximizing Opportunities – The NorQuest Campaign, 2018 was that year for NorQuest College.

“We wanted to raise the profile. We wanted to show the world who NorQuest is and I think the campaign achieved that,” said Dr. Jodi Abbott, president and CEO of NorQuest College.

The largest fundraising initiative in the college’s history, Maximizing Opportunities charts the course for a bold, new chapter for our future. With a phenomenal $21.2 million raised towards capital investment, research, programs, awards, scholarships, and bursaries, this chapter transforms lives today and will touch generations to come.

“If it weren’t for bursary funding, I would have continued working and delayed my education. Receiving a bursary gave me a head start towards a future,” says RYLEE ROSS, academic upgrading student.

A standing testament to the campaign’s success is NorQuest’s stunning new campus addition, the Singhmar Centre for Learning. The modern facility is brilliantly designed with students first in mind. The many student spaces, enhanced classrooms and labs, and supports like the 1000 Women Child Care Centre and Indigenous Student Centre reflect our commitment to transforming lives.

This commitment, however, stems from people who committed to us. To our donors, thank you for allowing NorQuest to rise to a new level.

This is our story. But this is your legacy.

MAXIMIZING OPPORTUNITIES | The NorQuest Campaign

CAMPAIGN IMPACT

2009unique donors

41new awards

and bursaries created

26more labs

$21.2MILLION RAISED

24more

classrooms

1 new

downtown building

NORQUEST COLLEGE 25

$50,000 and greaterAllwest Furnishings Ltd.

Anonymous

Dr. S. Ann Colbourne

Cougar Drilling Solutions

Edmonton Civic Employees Charitable Assistance Fund

Edmonton Community Foundation

Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation

Steven & Day LePoole

Allan & Frances Olson

PepsiCo Beverages Canada

Ptarmigan Charitable Foundation

RBC Foundation

Dr. Prem Singhmar & Dr. Saroj Singhmar

Students’ Association of NorQuest College

TD Insurance

$25,000 to $49,999Platinum Investments Ltd.

Syncrude Canada Ltd.

$10,000 to $24,999Chris & Leah Burrows

Butler Family Foundation

Brian & Jeanne Carpenter

Simon & Anita Ho

John & Barbara Poole Family NorQuest Fund at Edmonton Community Foundation

Dr. Zaheer & Salma Lakhani

PCL Group of Companies

The Stollery NorQuest Student Fund at Edmonton Community Foundation

Roy & Erma Wilson

$5,000 to $9,999Lee & Lore Ahlstrom

Anonymous

Bacchus Family

Bob & Sheryl Bowhay

City Lumber Corporation, Robert Rosen & Family

Karyn Decore & Nicole Decore

Edmonton Glenora Rotary Club

Patti Hergott

Brian & Gail Hjlesvold

Kichton Contracting Ltd.

The ManCap Foundation

Byron E.J. Reynolds & Christopher A. Laing

Sarah & Martin Gouin Family Education Fund at Edmonton Community Foundation

Union 52 Benevolent Society

Gay & Ralph Young Family

$2,500 to $4,999Alberta Newsprint Company

All Weather Windows at the Edmonton Community Foundation

Bayshore HealthCare

Peter & Ellen Campbell

The Chinese Freemasons Society (Edmonton)

Jeffrey Klaus Scholarship Fund at Edmonton Community Foundation

Conor Kerr

Lorraine Osadchuk Award Fund at the Edmonton Community Foundation

Strike Group Limited Partnership

Wetaskiwin Health Foundation

$1,000 to $2,499Alberta Blue Cross

Anonymous (6)

ATB Financial

Cindi Berg

Bootwala Family

Katherine Caine

College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA)

Covenant Health

Edmonton Chinese Lions Club through the Edmonton Community Foundation

Edmonton Rotary Club Foundation

Ethel Cuts Chapter, IODE

Manluk

Leslie & Toby Marquardt

Sheilagh McBride

Lisa Jane McRorie

Larry & Brenda Michaud

Roger L. Moore

Primco Dene Group of Companies

Orane Rowe & Gerard Mutabazi Amani

St. Michael’s Health Group

Dallas Stoesz

UA Local 488 Plumbers & Pipefitters Union

Trish van Doornum & Mike McDevitt

$500 to $999Anonymous (2)

Myra B. Bielby

Angharad Brown

Cash In Time

CPHR Alberta

Claire Dallaire, CGA

Evelyn Mary Darch Award Fund at Edmonton Community Foundation

The Herman & Elly de Jongh Fund at Edmonton Community Foundation

Laughing Dog Photography

Gail Morton

Pieces by Sharon

Western Coin Vending Ltd.

“If it weren’t for bursary funding, I would have continued working and delayed my education. Receiving a bursary gave me a head start towards a future.”— RYLEE ROSS, student

Donors to 1000 Women: A Million Possibilities are listed separately beginning on page 26.

NorQuest gratefully acknowledges the following individuals and organizations who generously contributed to the college during the period of April 1, 2018 – February 28, 2019.DONORS

NorQuest College strives for accuracy in recognizing its donors and partners. Please contact the department of Advancement with any discrepancies within this report. (Phone: 780.644.5926 or advancement@norquest.ca).

COMMUNITY IMPACT 2019 26

Thanks to the growing number of generous supporters, the 1000 Women movement continues to remove barriers to education for NorQuest students. Tangible evidence of the movement’s impact can be seen in the hundreds of students receiving bursary assistance, and the many smiling faces of children coming and going from the 1000 Women Child Care Centre each day.

EMERALD$50,000 - $99,999Fran Olson

RUBY$25,000 - $49,999Alberta Blue Cross

Focus Communications

Hillberg & Berk

Dr. Elena Hernandez-Kucey & Kucey Dental Group

Lindsay & Lewis Nakatsui

Rick & Brune Sinneave

Sheila Witwicky

SAPPHIRE$10,000 - $24,999Allwest Furnishings Ltd.

Anonymous (2)

Attain Solutions Inc.

Sharon Brown

CHANDOS CONSTRUCTION

DIALOG

Ernst & Young LLP

JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District

Wendy & Gerry Kinsella

Salma Lakhani

Carla, Don & Alex Madra

Thomas & Melanie Nakatsui

RBC Foundation

Gail, Bernhard & India Rose Stepanik-Keber

Debra Wooding

AMETHYST$5,000 - $9,999Dr. Jodi L. Abbott & Mr. Michael Abbott

ATB Financial

AutoCanada Inc.

Iola Bots

Canadian Western Bank

Carol Blair & Associates Inc.

Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta

Jody Cormier

Judy Cosco

Kevin Fitzgerald & Colette Orieux

Donna Fong

Marian Gayed

Alyssa Haunholter

Sue Heuman

Heather Kitteringham

Angie LaBerge

T. Larsen

Leaders International Executive Search

Elan MacDonald

Lynn Mandel

A. Anne McLellan

Marilyn Mucha

NEUMAN THOMPSON

Optimum Talent

PCL Construction

Jackie Polovick

Dr. Eric & Elexis Schloss

Stantec Consulting Ltd.

Marianne Stewart

Dallas Stoesz

Aurea Vasseur

Sheila Weatherill

Carlee Yukes

Diamond – $100,000 or greater Dr. S. Ann Colbourne

With deep appreciation, we recognize the women, men, and organizations who have donated to the 1000 Women movement. Listed under the gem level that corresponds with their total lifetime giving value, the following donors have made a gift to the 1000 Women movement between April 1, 2018 and February 28, 2019.

NORQUEST COLLEGE 27NorQuest College strives for accuracy in recognizing its donors and partners. Please contact the department of Advancement with any discrepancies within this report. (Phone: 780.644.5926 or advancement@norquest.ca).

We value all donors! For a complete list of 1000 Women donors, please visit www.1000women.ca or drop into the college and check out our 1000 Women donor wall. DONORS

A TREASURY OF PRECIOUS GEMS

Opal Pearl Sapphire Amethyst Ruby Emerald Diamond

The following gems represent total number of donors in each level up to the period ending February 28, 2019.

PEARL$2,500 - $4,999Lisa Allen

Anonymous (2)

Athabasca University

Dianne Balon

Kendall Barber

Cindi Berg

Shawna Bots

Leah & Chris Burrows

Susan Casey

City Lumber Corporation, Robert Rosen & Family

City of Edmonton, External and Intergovernmental Relations

Caroline Clark

Tom & Betsy Cornwall

Deloitte

DynaLIFE Medical Labs

Cynthia Fowler & Emma Houghton

Louise Gibson

Sharon Grant

Joan Hertz

Jessica Jacobs-Mino

Catherine Keill, Keill & Co.

Kick Media Inc.

Sally Lore

Doug & Shauna MacIver

Eva Mah Borsato

Vivian Manasc

Agneta McKenzie

Lazina Mckenzie

Larry & Brenda Michaud

Stanley A. Milner, In Memory of Janet Bentley

Christine Myatt

Raylene Palichuk

Barb Perkins/Perkins Professional Search Ltd.

Tiffany Pybus

Myrne Quaale

Mildred Richardson

Lillian & Larry Ruptash

Shelley and Guy Scott Family Foundation

Katie Soles

Lorraine Sousa

Lidia & Dennis Surman

Svensen Neighbour Recruiting Inc.

Angie Tarasoff

Michelle Turcotte

Roberta M. Van Wyk

Kim & Don Wheaton

OPAL$1,000 - $2,499Aman Building Corporation

Anonymous (10)

Kathy Anders

Vanessia Baker

Leslie Beard

Beis Family

Dan & Melissa Bokenfohr

Kathy Bonazew

Melissa K. Bourgeois

Wanda Winsor Bursey

Maxine Clarke

Jackie Colville

Danielle Murray Yoga

Elizabeth Da Silva

Diane Davies

Jill Davies-Shaw

Erin Davis

Kerry Day

Anne Marie Downey

Peggy Duncan

Rosa Ellithorpe

Lorraine Enge

Laurel & Trent Evans

Karen Faulkner

Krista Ference

Miranda Fetter

Tammy Forbes

Amy & Brad Gaucher

Karen Giebelhaus

Rochelle Gilmour

Susan Green

Dominique Gregoire

Angela Grekul

Jane Halford

Jason Hatcher, Navigator Ltd.

Crystal Hawryluk

Mechele Haymour

Heather Hicks

Linda Hoang

Tanya Horvath

Kathryn Howden

DeAnn Hunter

Independent Women

Lindsay Kelly

Lindsay Kirstein

Pamela Klemen

Heather Klimchuk

Kathy Knowles

Brent Kossey

Pamela & Jason Lafferty

Kanwal Lali

Suzanne Langier

Colleen, Lawra & Ellexis Lathan

Linda Leidl

Erin Leonty

Donna M. Lux

Joan Lynch

Mary MacDonald

Lindsay M. MacPhie

Jennifer Mah

Rachael & Kevin McEachern

Angela Merriott

Midnight Integrated Financial Inc.

Shauna Miller

Janice Moore

Ronda Nedelec

Jackie Nelson

Savannah Prefontaine

Pro-Active IT Management Inc.

Ann Ramsden

Yana Read

Petra Remy

RGO Office Products Edmonton Ltd.

Jonathan & Laura Robb

Sabrina Rock

Dr. Tiana Rust

Dr. Prem Singhmar & Dr. Saroj Singhmar

Meg Stevenson

Chantelle Svensen-Lewis & Sean Lewis

Douglass Tadman

Jenny Tinant

Debra Tumbach

Wendy Wacko

Todd Walker

Elaine Warick

Laura Watkins

Patty Whiting

Women Building Futures

Lindsay Wozney

Nicole York-Joly

Joe & Paula Yurkovich

Patty Zakordonski

Tai Ziola

507 116 39 36 8 5 5

NORQUEST BY THE NUMBERS

LEARNERS SERVED BY NORQUEST COLLEGE

STUDENT DIVERSITY

789 credit students self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit ancestry)

18,381

2017-18 Academic Year

For the NorQuest College audited consolidated financial statements, please visit norquest.ca and download our annual report.

1,244 graduates from credit programs

SIZE

11,047 full-time and part-time credit students

7,334 non-credit or continuing education students, including assessment examinations

62%born outside of Canada

131countries of birth

77languages spoken on campus

65%from greater Edmonton area

35%from outside greater Edmonton area

MaleFemale

65%

34%

(credit students)

26 post-secondary career credentials

6,520 Full-Load Equivalents (FLE)

7foundational programs

30 average age of credit students

62.5%

age 24 and under

age 25 and over

37.5%

557 students used disability services

2018 REVENUES

57.6% Government of Alberta Grants

26.1% Student Tuition and Fees

9.0% Federal and Other Government Grants

4.7% Sales of Services and Products

1.4% Investment Income

1.2% Donations and Contributions

COMMUNITY IMPACT 2019 28

The Civic Employees Legacy Tower (CELT) has undergone a remarkable transformation! Thanks to our dedicated Downtown Campus Development Project team, and to our partners, GEC Architecture, and Chandos Construction, the newly renovated building is looking brilliant. A special thank you as well to the Edmonton Civic Employees Charitable Assistance Fund for its generous gift, for which CELT was named after, and the Government of Alberta for its support in this project.

Visit us on 102 Avenue and 108 Street to see what a modern, contemporary, student-centred college looks like.

NorQuest’s original building TRANSFORMED

Phot

o: T

erry

Rei

th, C

BC

Located on the fifth floor, the Innovation Studio is a dedicated space for playing and experimenting with technology and thought. Experience new product developments, learn from disruption, and become empowered as a thought leader in your community!

2015

2019

NORQUEST COLLEGE 29

DIPLOMA • Business Administration • Disability Studies • Early Learning and Child Care• Environmental Protection

Technology • Interdisciplinary Therapy Assistant • Pharmacy Technician• Practical Nurse• Practical Nurse Refresher• Settlement Studies • Social Work• Therapeutic Recreation

CERTIFICATE • Accounting Technician• Administrative Professional• Apprenticeship Prep• Community Support Worker• Day Home Provider• Dental Office Assistant • Early Learning and Child Care• Health Care Aide• Hospital Unit Clerk• Medical Device Reprocessing

Technician• Medical Office Assistant• Optical Office Assistant

Certificate• Transitions to Employment• Veterinary Office Assistant

POST-DIPLOMA CERTIFICATE • Addictions Recovery Practitioner• Advanced Education in

Orthopaedics for LPNs• Mental Health Recovery

Practitioner• Health Care Leadership

POST-BACCALAUREATE CERTIFICATE • Teaching English as an Additional

Language Professional

FOUNDATIONAL/PREPARATORY • Academic Upgrading• ESL Intensive• Foundations for Learning• Language Instruction for

Newcomers to Canada (LINC)• Upgrading for ESL Youth

OTHER • Dual Credit (delivery)• Arts and Science –

University Transfer

CONTINUING EDUCATION AND CUSTOM TRAINING

• Diversity and Inclusion- Custom workshops

• Workplace Skills- Minute Taking for Professionals- Not-For-Profit Accounting

Fundamentals- Productivity Improvement- Lean Training- Strategic Social Media for

Organizations Program

• Hospitality - Building Service Worker- Foundations of Cooking Program - Flight Attendant- Hospitality Management

Professional Development Program

NORQUEST COLLEGE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

10215 108 Street NW Edmonton, Alberta T5J 1L6 Canada

Phone: 780.644.6000 Toll-free: 1.866.534.7218 Email: info@norquest.ca

Current as of April 2019

Step Forwardnorquest.ca

Printed in Canada

• Clean and Green - Cannabis Trimming

and Production- Energy Efficiency Program- Industrial Hemp Program- Business Plan and Pitch Program- Lagoon Operator

• Fire and Safety- First Medical Responder- Firefighter Level I and Level II- Hazardous Materials Awareness- Hazardous Materials Operation- Fire Officer Level I and Level II- Fire Instructor Level I and Level II- Industrial Firefighter –

Incipient Level

• Healthcare - Adult Health Assessment

for Nurses- Collaborative Care –

Team-Based Care- Collaborative Care –

Clinical Foundations- Infusion Therapy for Nurses- Introduction to Gerontology - Introduction to Health

Leadership - Pharmacology Therapeutics and

Medication Administration- Social Media for Healthcare

Professional

• Other - IELTS Academic Preparation

Course- IELTS General Preparation

Course