Meet the 2026 NAIT honorary degree recipients

NAIT offers no higher award than an honorary degree. Each year at convocation, the graduating class is joined by a small group of extraordinary people who, throughout their careers, have done amazing things for their communities.

This year, that group comprises three outstanding Albertans:

• Randy Littlechild, CEO of Maskwacis Health Service and champion of culturally centred care
• Catherine Vu, founder and Chief Uptime Officer, Pro-Active IT Management and philanthropist
• Gordon Winkel, retired University of Alberta engineering professor and safety advocate

Together, their contributions span health-care, philanthropy and inclusion, and safety and risk management. That is, their work leads to the improvement of a great many lives in Alberta.

“We are deeply proud to celebrate these remarkable individuals whose achievements have shaped lives, strengthened communities, and advanced their industries in meaningful ways,” said Daryl Silzer, vice-president External Relations and Chief Development Officer. 

“Through collaboration, bold thinking, and an unwavering dedication to excellence, this years’ honorary degree recipients are not only leaving a lasting legacy today, but lighting a path forward, inspiring NAIT graduates to imagine what’s possible tomorrow.”

Here’s a look at their stories how they embody the polytechnic’s vision, promises and values through their contributions to the community.

Randy Littlechild 

Health-care leader, NAIT alumnus 

Randy Littlechild (Emergency Med Tech-Paramedic ’84) is a respected leader in Indigenous health care in Alberta, whose career has been dedicated to improving access to culturally appropriate care for First Nations communities. As CEO of Maskwacis Health Services and president of the First Nations Health Consortium, Littlechild has championed models of care that integrate Indigenous knowledge. 

Early in his career, he helped establish an ambulance service in Samson Cree Nation, creating new pathways for emergency response within the community. Widely regarded as a trailblazer, Littlechild continues to advocate for Indigenous representation in health professions and to mentor the next generation.

Catherine Vu 

Entrepreneur, technology leader and community champion

Catherine Vu is the founder of Pro-Active IT Management, a successful Alberta-based technology company she has grown from a startup into a respected industry leader. A passionate advocate for inclusion, Vu has dedicated her career to empowering others through mentorship, community leadership and philanthropy. 

She is a founding mentor with the University of Alberta Venture Mentoring Service and has supported numerous initiatives that advance opportunities for women, individuals with disabilities and young people. Through the Vu Impact Fund, she has contributed to causes that strengthen communities across Alberta. Vu is also a strong supporter of NAIT graduates and polytechnic education, championing innovation and lifelong learning.

Gordon Winkel 

Engineering safety leader, educator and industry pioneer

Gordon Winkel is a distinguished leader in safety and risk management whose career spans more than three decades in the oil and gas industry and 15 years in academia. During his time at Syncrude Canada, he held senior leadership roles culminating in vice-president positions, where he helped drive significant advancements in operational safety.

His contributions earned national recognition, including the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Mining Safety Leadership Medal. After retiring from industry, Winkel joined the University of Alberta, where he played a key role in establishing the David and Joan Lynch School of Engineering Safety and Risk Management, embedding safety as a core component of engineering education. 

Through teaching, mentorship and ongoing leadership, he has influenced thousands of students and professionals, strengthening safety culture across industries.