Meet the 6 award winners of NAIT Celebrates 2026

Grads, friends and partners advance health, inclusion and education

It’s good, if not essential, to reflect now and then on the work people do to improve the lives of others. Happily, there's a lot of that going on – and much of it is being done by NAIT grads, friends and partners.

One example of that work is ensuring that people feel included and welcome, specifically women in the construction industry. Another example is the fostering of community health through improved water sanitation. Increasing access to education and knowledge in a variety of fields belongs on this list as well. Then there's the work people are doing to remove barriers that stand in the path of the success of others.

These examples are the focus of NAIT Celebrates 2026. Each year, the polytechnic takes the opportunity to honour alumni, donors, friends and industry partners who strive to make an impact on the communities they serve. That's felt locally and around the world.

“This year’s recipients embody the leadership, generosity and community spirit that make a lasting difference,” says Daryl Silzer, NAIT’s vice-president external relations and chief development officer. “We are honoured to celebrate their achievements and ongoing impact.”

Meet the honorees of NAIT Celebrates 2026 below.

The awards

Distinguished Friend of the Institute – an individual or family who has shown exceptional commitment to the welfare and advancement of NAIT through their contributions and advocacy

Distinguished Alumni Award – a lifetime achievement award recognizing individuals renowned for their leadership roles, industry expertise and merit and who demonstrate significant service to NAIT and the community

Distinguished Industry Partner – an organization that has shown an ongoing commitment to NAIT and played a crucial role in supporting its vision and mandate

Alumni Award of Excellence – for significant contributions in recent years by alumni to their profession or community

Spirit of NAIT Alumni Award – for exceptional advances or achievements in their career within 12 years of graduation

Daniel W. Yeung: A career and legacy built on expertise, innovation and giving back

After immigrating to Canada from Hong Kong in high school, Daniel W. Yeung (Dental Laboratory Technology ’81) later enrolled in Dental Laboratory Technology at NAIT. He describes that as foundational. Yeung began his career at Universal Dental Laboratories in 1982, becoming a partner three years later and eventually serving as company president.

Yeung’s reputation for technical expertise grew quickly, and he became one of the few non‑dentists granted corporate membership in the Edmonton and District Dental Society. But technical expertise was only part of his contribution to the profession.

Yeung opened his lab as a training centre, welcoming NAIT students and giving them access to equipment and real‑world experience. He has continued to invest in them through in‑kind support and scholarships, including an endowment supporting students in Dental Technology and the Bachelor of Business Administration program.

Today, Yeung considers giving back a responsibility and privilege. His mentorship, generosity and support for students have created opportunities that will benefit the dental technology profession for generations.

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Jennifer Kinzer: Supporting women in construction and new technologists

The lessons Jennifer Kinzer (Construction Engineering Technology '03) took from her NAIT education became the blueprint for a career that has reshaped Edmonton’s skyline and community. Infrastructure such as Rogers Place, the Kaye Edmonton Clinic, the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute and the ongoing Yellowhead Trail freeway conversion bear her mark.

But Kinzer’s story isn’t just told in concrete and steel. The PCL Construction project manager is a champion for women in construction, using her experience to mentor, advocate and open doors for others. Time and again, she has returned to NAIT to serve on advisory committees, host tours and share her insight with students.

With every project and mentee, Kinzer has helped build more than a city – she’s helped build a stronger, more inclusive community for everyone who calls Edmonton home.

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Suncor: Advancing communities, applied research and Indigenous‑led solutions

For nearly four decades, Suncor has been one of NAIT’s most engaged industry partners.

What began with a gift in 1988 has grown into a relationship that strengthens Alberta’s workforce, advances applied research and increases access to hands‑on, technical education. Suncor has invested in expanding training capacity in mechanical and piping trades at the polytechnic, and reduced barriers through awards and student‑focused initiatives.

Suncor also plays a key role in advancing applied research at NAIT, particularly Indigenous‑led environmental monitoring and data sovereignty initiatives that involve partnering with local communities.

Through collaboration and mentorship, Suncor has helped NAIT grow, enriching its programs and broadening its impact across Alberta. With more than 500 NAIT graduates working at the company, the partnership extends well beyond campus, creating a strong, ongoing connection between learning and industry.

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Asmahan Rabo: Leading clean water initiatives across East Africa

As founder of Needs4Water, Asmahan Rabo (Water and Wastewater Technician ’12, Bachelor of Technology ’10, Chemical Technology ’05) has dedicated her expertise and career to advancing safe water access and reducing waterborne illness across East Africa.

Operating primarily from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Rabo has led major projects that combine scientific assessment, community education and system planning. Her fluency in English, Swahili and Somali – and connections with local residents, schools and health officials – allows her to design interventions that are culturally aligned and technically sound.

Rabo’s leadership, compassion and knowledge have made a meaningful difference for thousands of people. It has also had a ripple effect. Rabo tutors students in English, science and math, and leads water‑testing demonstrations to inspire youth to have a lasting effect on the health of their communities.

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Patrick Twinn: Leading corporate reconciliation through strategy and action

With a background in hospitality and advanced education in Indigenous business and leadership, Patrick Twinn (Hospitality Management ’11) is a respected voice in creating culturally grounded strategies that open pathways for Indigenous inclusion in Alberta. Currently, he’s the director of Indigenous Relations at ATB Financial.

Twinn’s most notable professional achievement is leading ATB Financial through its first Professional Accreditation in Indigenous Relations with the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business. Originally from Sawridge First Nation, he also developed and implemented ATB’s Indigenous ​Relations Strategy, led its first Truth​ and Reconciliation action plan, and has co-authored economic assessments.

Twinn’s efforts extend well outside of his role with ATB. He serves on Hockey Canada’s ​Indigenous​ Advisory Council, ​has ​volunteered​​​ as a board member for the Inner-City Youth Development Association, and contributes regularly to committees at Sawridge First Nation, reflecting his dedication to strengthening governance and community engagement.

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Seth Potter: Providing a global resource for digital dental design

Through his company, Dental Design Services, Seth Potter (Dental Technology ’15) has provided digital dental designs for clients across Canada, the U.S., and throughout the Americas and Europe. But rather than keep his expertise to himself, Potter also teaches his craft openly. In the process, he’s made himself a trusted global resource of knowledge for clinics and labs.

Potter launched his remote design company with a laptop, a licence for exocad, a digital dentistry design software, and a goal to be able to operate from anywhere in the world. He went on to offer accessible tutorials on Instagram – with 3.6 million views and counting.

Potter is passionate about coaching and sharing because he knows his knowledge can help others reach their goals. Still early in his career, he’s guided by the belief that design education should be available to anyone committed to learning, and he’s helping build a stronger, more connected community of technologists.