SASKATCHEWAN — Saskatchewan Polytechnic celebrates graduates each year with Outstanding Citizenship Awards and Student Innovation Awards at convocation celebrations.
The Outstanding Citizenship Awards recognize inspiring and encouraging students working to make a positive change on campus and in their communities. The Student Innovation Award recognizes students who achieve a high standard of excellence on a project or demonstrate innovation methods within their program of study.
“I extend my congratulations to our exceptional students who were recognized at our convocation celebrations with Outstanding Citizenship Awards and Student Innovation Awards,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO.
“Your dedication to your studies, community and campus is truly commendable. You are helping to lead the rise of polytechnic education in Saskatchewan and across Canada. Keep up the outstanding work and best of luck with your future endeavours."
Than Luong, a graduate of the Hotel and Restaurant Management program, received the Innovation Award. Luong is passionate about making the hospitality industry more sustainable. He has worked on two applied research projects at Sask Polytech including exploring edible cutlery's feasibility in the hospitality industry and studying snow's potential for water sustainability.
Laiken Belliveau, a Mental Health and Addictions Counselling program graduate, received the Outstanding Citizenship Award. Passionate about mental health, Belliveau actively participated in the Bell Let’s Talk events on campus in both 2023 and 2024. With four years of sobriety, she openly shares her journey of addiction recovery, educating peers and serving as a casual outreach worker at STC Health Centre.
Gabriela Pozner, a graduate of the Hotel and Restaurant Management program, received the Outstanding Citizenship award. Pozner was the Regina campus vice president for the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Students Association (SPSA) and focused on providing students with a platform to voice concerns and advocating on behalf of students to Sask Polytech’s board of directors and the Ministry of Advanced Education. She was also involved with the Federal Student Advocacy Alliance (FSAA), lobbying for post-secondary student concerns at the federal level.
Rhea Almeda, a graduate of the Business program, received the Outstanding Citizenship Award. Almeda, a dedicated mother, wife, international student, part-time employee, and volunteer, prioritized her education and consistently made the dean’s honor list. She volunteered with the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Student Association (SPSA), helping to create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere at the Moose Jaw campus. One of her educational highlights was assisting with the orientation and welcome week for new students.
Sask Polytech is proud to celebrate the achievements of these outstanding graduates. Their dedication, innovation, and commitment to their communities are truly inspiring. We congratulate them on their well-deserved awards and wish them continued success in their future endeavors. Learn more at saskpolytech.ca/convocation.
— Submitted by Sask Polytech Media Relations
