NAIT

Congratulations to all of the grads crossing the stage this week!

We're so proud of everyone collecting their parchments and moving their tassels this week.

There are still two more days of ceremonies, and we can't wait to celebrate with all of you.

If you can't join us, watch the livestreams at NAIT.ca/Convocation.

Congratulations Jorgia Lindquist! She has become the first Canadian in over 20 years to win the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Creative Young Entrepreneur award for her work as a cofounder of Don'ya Ukraine’s Kitchen.

Read more about the impact of Don'ya, and Jorgia's journey: https://nait.li/4ozU2FS

Grad’s entrepreneurial efforts focus on improving the lives of Ukrainian immigrants “It’s more than just a group of employees. There’s a lot riding on this”

For Jo Miraflor-Mailman (Narrative Cinema Production ’26), leaving a long career in hospitality to pursue storytelling and discover her place as a producer was all about taking a leap of faith and following her heart.

At NAIT, Jo leaned into her strengths — collaboration, leadership and creativity — which quickly made her a go-to producer for her peers. Now, she's developing her own original project, The Rosemont, and launching her own production company to build a path in film on her own terms.

💬 “I feel like I am where I am supposed to be.”

Her story takes her across the convocation stage next week. Read more about her: nait.li/4vZ8xWe

Class of 2026: Desire for “something different” led grad to follow her heart to NAIT Cinema program helped Jo Miraflor-Mailman finds her place as a producer

For Kaden Van Domselaar (Instrumentation Engineering Technology ’26), saying "yes" to opportunity earned him leadership and international experiences, a strong start to his engineering future, and a great student story.

He made the most of every opportunity. Kaden served as president of NAIT’s ISA chapter, helped organize and attended industry tours, travelled to Japan as part of an educational exchange, competed in engineering challenges, and earned second place at an international student competition.

Now, he’s heading to the University of Alberta to continue his studies, building on the hands-on foundation he got from NAIT.

💬 “I’ve taken advantage of opportunities that have only existed because of NAIT… for that I’m very thankful.”

Read more about Kaden: https://techlifetoday.nait.ca/2026/class-of-2026-kaden-van-domselaar

Class of 2026: The good things that happened for Kaden Van Domselaar because he said "yes" Instrumentation Engineering Technology grad benefited from openness to opportunity

Introducing the newest members of the NAIT Ooks Wall of Fame!

NAIT Athletics and Recreation is proud to announce the induction of Shannon Szabados, Dan Kai, Graham Wood and Gregg Meropoulis into the Ooks Wall of Fame.

This outstanding group of student-athletes, coaches and builders have left a lasting impact on NAIT Athletics through their excellence, leadership and dedication to the Ooks.

Congratulations to our 2026 Wall of Fame inductees, and thank you for helping shape the proud history of NAIT Athletics.

Read more: nait.li/4v1Hx7X

We're proud to celebrate three extraordinary leaders receiving honorary degrees at our 2026 convocation 🎓

👏 Congratulations to:
• Randy Littlechild – Indigenous health leader and NAIT alumnus
• Catherine Vu – entrepreneur and community champion
• Gordon Winkel – engineering safety leader and educator

These individuals have shaped communities, advanced industries and helped to ensure a better future for Alberta through leadership, innovation and service. Their impact reflects what’s possible when collaboration, bold thinking and dedication come together, and serves as inspiration for our graduating class.

🔗 Learn more about this year’s recipients: nait.li/4e7G2je

Meet the 2026 NAIT honorary degree recipients Randy Littlechild, Catherine Vu and Gordon Winkel recognized for contributions to the province

Congratulations to the three NAIT students who brought home medals and crushed this year! Madison, Orson and Josh were among the six participants representing NAIT across disciplines at the national competition in Toronto.

🥇 Madison Brooker — Sheet Metal Work
🥈 Orson Myck — Cabinetmaking
🥈 Josh Reid — IT Network Systems Administration

Amazing work, everyone! We are incredibly proud of your accomplishment on the national stage.

Some careers start with a goal. Others start with a toothbrush.

As a child, Trinity McInnes (Dental Assisting ’25) was given one by dental students at the University of Saskatchewan who held a clinic for her neighbourhood. The gesture made an impression.

Now graduating from NAIT, Trinity is paying it forward by improving access to oral health care in Indigenous communities.

Through her journey, she has:
• Supported patients through community-based and mobile clinics
• Helped educate families on oral health and prevention
• Worked toward making care more accessible in remote communities
For Trinity, dental assisting isn’t just a career — it’s a way to give back.

Next step: Returning to NAIT to cross the convocation stage 🎓

👉 Read her story:

👉 Read her story: https://nait.li/4uBK1tt

Trinity McInnes improves Indigenous access to dental care NAIT Dental Assisting grad Trinity McInnes is using her skills to help improve Indigenous access to dental care and better oral health

Some grads follow one path. Others build two.
For Forrest Richard (Conservation Biology ’26), that meant becoming both a conservation technologist and an author.

While completing his studies at NAIT, Forrest:
• Published his first novel, launching a dystopian fantasy series
• Wrote more books in the series while balancing coursework
• Transitioned into a new career aligned with his passion for the environment

His education didn’t just prepare him for fieldwork. It shaped how he tells stories, bringing scientific knowledge into the worlds he creates.

Now, he’s writing his own story by graduating and stepping into the career he's wanted for years.
👉 Read his story: https://nait.li/4fufUA5

Forrest Richard is an biology technologist and novelist NAIT grad Forrest Richard is an environmental technologist and a fantasy novelist