Lethbridge Polytechnic recognizes and celebrates employees – both individuals and teams – whose work inspires others and creates improvements to lifelong learning, service and innovation, and leadership and creating community with the presentation of our annual Employee Excellence Awards. These outstanding individual and group recipients will be recognized at Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Employee Recognition Event on Feb. 12.
Service and Innovation – Excellence
Since joining Lethbridge Polytechnic in August 2023, Brian Hlushko has brought energy, creativity and a solutions-first mindset to some of the institution’s most complex safety challenges.
One of Brian’s most significant contributions has been the development of an improved integrated First Aid Response Program at the polytechnic. Through a collaboration with the Security, Wellness Services, Human Resources and Facilities and Campus Development teams, Brian led an in-depth review of the current campus first aid procedures and designed a new system that prioritizes improved response times, accountability and quality of care.
The result is a centralized process – employees and students only need to contact Security for immediate first aid assistance anywhere on campus. Enhanced equipment standards ensure responders carry a Level 3 trauma bag with an integrated automated external defibrillator (AED) and are supported by an automated response system that uses a mass notification tool to dispatch the nearest first aider.
“Brian’s initiative has resulted in a streamlined approach in which trained employees can respond to on-campus incidents quickly and effectively, greatly enhancing the safety and well-being of our community,” say his colleagues. “This work demonstrates Brian’s strong problem-solving skills, innovation and commitment to supporting a Culture of Care on campus.”
Brian’s approach to the First Aid Response Program has improved response times and reduced redundant equipment while giving students and employees confidence that emergencies will be handled quickly and professionally. Brian’s colleagues say his enthusiasm for continuous improvement has inspired others to adopt a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.
Brian is currently studying for his Canadian Registered Safety Professional designation and when he’s not studying, he’s playing games with his daughter or wrestling with his son.
Leadership and Creating Community – Appreciation
Carmen Guenther inspires others through a clear, compelling vision for student well-being, paired with the creativity and courage to pursue meaningful change. Since she joined the polytechnic in 2021, Wellness Services has experienced growth in both services and meaningful connections with students, improving access to care and contributing to student retention. Carmen has been instrumental in championing improvements within Wellness Services, most notably with the full-scale renovations completed in 2024.
As leader of the Care Team, Carmen has been a strong advocate for increased awareness and collaboration around student conduct, success and health. She helped establish a Behaviour Intervention Team community of practice with post-secondary institutions across Alberta, an initiative that has positioned the polytechnic as a leader in collaborative student support. Through consistent advocacy, Carmen helps the campus community better understand the value of this work and its role in supporting student success.
Carmen leads with a holistic, student-centred approach, balancing accountability with compassion and respect for individual dignity. She navigates complex and often sensitive situations with professionalism, ethical clarity and transparency. Her honest communication and consistent follow-through foster trust across campus and create a culture where people feel respected, supported and valued.
“Carmen perfectly embodies the criteria of a leader who inspires others,” says one of her colleagues in their nomination letter. “I have repeatedly watched Carmen step up during urgent and emerging student situations. She leads with a calm and decisive courage, expertly co-ordinating different department representatives, resources and information and championing the well-being of students when they need it the most.”
When she’s not leading new initiatives, Carmen enjoys immersing herself in art and history, often travelling to Europe to experience it firsthand. At home, her four children keep her busy with soccer, basketball and theatre, but she always makes time at the end of the day to curl up with the family’s new tuxedo cat.
Service and Innovation – Excellence
Since stepping into her role overseeing Student Awards, Financial Aid, Scheduling and Business Systems, Carrie Allinson has embraced the work wholeheartedly. She has taken the time to deeply understand each team’s processes, challenges and opportunities, consistently demonstrating enthusiasm, flexibility and creativity in her leadership and approach to service and innovation.
In just four years, Carrie has played a key role in overhauling the online application for admissions at Lethbridge Polytechnic through the creation of a portal that enables instant transcript and enrolment requests and confirmations of enrolment and academic standing. This new system has improved the experiences for both current and future learners and created more efficient workflows for employees. Carrie was also involved in modernizing the academic scheduling platform, supporting the development of the transfer credit and post-diploma databases.
Exceptionally flexible and collaborative by nature, Carrie actively builds strong relationships across campus to ensure teams are engaged and supported on new projects.
“Carrie’s enthusiasm to take on change is one that is truly inspirational,” reads her nomination letter. “Change can be a hard thing for people who are not comfortable with it and when the motivation for the change is to create the most positive effect possible for everyone involved, it takes someone to lead it. Carrie has done that and you can see it in her team as well.”
Outside of work, Carrie focuses on her family, spending her free time supporting her teenage children at the gym, rink or field.
Leadership and Creating Community – Excellence
Lexi Schaerz exemplifies leadership that is rooted in clarity, courage and care. Through institutional changes and evolving roles, Lexi has guided her teams with calm confidence. As a result of her leadership, the Learning Experience Design team has not only maintained, but improved their quality of service, collaboration and capacity to support faculty and learners at the polytechnic.
Lexi coaches and mentors others, fostering a culture where feedback, reflection and development are valued. She inspires other leaders to engage thoughtfully with their teams, asks probing questions that encourage reflection and models her own commitment to learning and growth, most recently through completing her Master of Education.
“As a result of her coaching, I feel more confident, knowledgeable and capable in my role, and better equipped to support and coach the employees I supervise, contributing to a strong and more stable working environment,” says one of her colleagues in their nomination letter.
Her leadership on the New Program Committee and her collaborative work with the Information Technology Services team have strengthened how the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Innovation supports academic programs and digital learning initiatives. Lexi is an active presence at campus events, and works to reinforce community, belonging and shared purpose across campus.
Beyond internal committees and projects, Lexi has presented at conferences including Colleges and Institutes Canada and the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education where she’s highlighted adaptability, learner-centred design and innovation in teaching and learning on a broader stage.
Lexi’s two sons ensure there’s never a dull moment in her life outside the office. She says she enjoys running, eating delicious food, diving into a good book and anything that involves learning something new.
Service and Innovation – Excellence
The work of Youth Initiatives at Lethbridge Polytechnic has evolved rapidly over the past three years, which can largely be attributed to Paige Thornborough’s creativity, collaboration and commitment to student success. Through her work with the Dual Credit and Exploratory programs, summer camps, Green Certificate programs and collaboration with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Paige has strengthened partnerships and improved the student experience.
As Dual Credit programming expanded at the institution, Paige worked closely with the Information Technology Services team to develop micro-sites that enhance communication between multiple partners. She collaborated with Trades faculty and staff at the Southern Alberta Collegiate Institute to schedule complex deliveries of the programs and works alongside the Registrar’s Office to analyze data on student registration and transitions.
“Few people embody collaborative leadership the way Paige does, and even fewer leave such a lasting impact on students, school divisions and community partners,” say her colleagues. “When Paige stepped into her role, the Dual Credit program at Lethbridge Polytechnic was small and limited. But today, because of Paige's vision, dedication and tireless work, it has grown into a robust, multi-division, multi-centre, community powerhouse.”
In the past year, the Dual Credit programs have welcomed more than 500 students, with 120 of those students transitioning to full-time Lethbridge Polytechnic programs.
Paige has worked at Lethbridge Polytechnic for 11 years. She is currently pursuing her master of arts – interdisciplinary studies and still finds time to hike with her family, lose countless balls on the golf course and read about one book a week.
Leadership and Creating Community – Excellence
Paul Krizan is widely recognized as a trusted leader with exceptional institutional knowledge and strategic insight. Paul has become the go-to resource for new program development and government submissions, providing thoughtful, accurate and strategic guidance. Deans and associate deans frequently seek his advice when developing new programs, reflecting the high level of confidence placed in his judgment and expertise.
His commitment to the polytechnic extends beyond his core responsibilities. He contributes to institutional well-being and culture through service on the First Aid and Emergency Response Committee and the Employee Excellence Award committees. These roles demonstrate his dedication to safety, recognition and community-building, and his willingness to share his time and expertise in service of others.
Paul is known for his humility, often deflecting praise to the individuals on his team, yet he is deeply respected for his authentic leadership and for ensuring everyone is included, heard and treated with respect, regardless of role.
“He sets a tone of respect, inclusion and professionalism in every interaction,” say his colleagues. “He listens carefully, engages constructively with differing perspectives, and approaches challenges with empathy and integrity. Through his day-to-day actions, Paul strengthens our organizational culture and exemplifies what it means to lead with care, consistency and purpose. He makes Lethbridge Polytechnic a better place to work.”
Paul stays active through hiking, snowshoeing and skiing and still makes time to play recreational ice hockey. After 24 years at Lethbridge Polytechnic, Paul will be retiring this year, and he says he looks forward to getting involved with volunteering and board service work.
Service and Innovation – Excellence
Quentin Boehr is a perfect example of enthusiasm, flexibility and creativity. Since starting in his role as academic co-ordinator in the Centre for Business, Arts and Sciences (CBAS) in 2024, he has consistently demonstrated professionalism, innovation and a student-centred approach. When he was first hired, his primary role was to deal with an increase in academic misconduct cases. He has managed a challenging workload – addressing more than 580 cases across the fall 2024 and winter 2025 terms – while approaching every interaction with compassion, fairness and respect.
Recognizing the challenges instructors were facing, Quentin took the initiative to develop a clear, logical and consistent academic misconduct investigation process that gives students a fair and supportive opportunity to speak to concerns before a decision is made. The new Academic Misconduct Guide for CBAS was developed through a thorough review of institutional policy and collaboration with faculty and the Registrar’s Office. This guide has become a critical tool for promoting fairness and transparency during complex, often stressful situations for students.
“What is amazing is that he combines these objective analytical skills with a heartfelt desire and ability to work with others, especially students,” says one of his colleagues. “I’ve observed him interacting with students presenting exceptionally frustrating problems and have been astounded by the patience he shows and the generosity he displays in helping them understand both what they’ve done to incur the problem, but also the path forward to fix things.”
Outside of work he enjoys movie and game nights with his family, walking their dog, playing floor hockey and cheering on the Edmonton Oilers.
Service and Innovation – Strong Start
In just two and a half years at Lethbridge Polytechnic, Sara Bond has consistently demonstrated leadership, creativity and a proactive approach to service in her role. As the administrative backbone of the Academic and Research portfolio, she provides support for many committees and meetings that occur across campus.
Sara has a keen ability to identify gaps in processes and opportunities for improvement and translate those observations into practical, innovative solutions that support the broader campus community. As a member of the New Program Process committee, Sara is an engaged and thoughtful contributor, drawing on her experience with academic governance to strengthen alignment and continuity across committees.
She played a central role in the creation and implementation of a new weekly tracking process to support Senior Leadership Team oversight of new program development. Recognizing a gap in how information was shared across multiple approval stages, she proposed the concept of a consolidated tracker and led its development from idea to implementation. The resulting tool provides a clear, consistent and accessible overview of new program activity, supporting improved communication, shared understanding and co-ordinated decision making.
“Sara is a role model for administrative professionals across the institution,” reads her nomination letter. “Her professionalism, insightfulness and genuine care for others exemplify Lethbridge Polytechnic’s values of [being] caring, dedicated and responsive.”
In addition to her core responsibilities, Sara contributes to institutional culture through her work on the Convocation Committee, co-ordinating VIP seating, processional and recessional lineups and gown provisions. She also regularly volunteers at student-focused events, creating welcoming and supportive experiences.
Sara keeps moving outside of work as she shuttles her three boys to various activities, runs with Marathon Club, volunteers with parent council and STARS and continues her education.
Service and Innovation – Appreciation
Caylee Vogel, program administrator, Be Fit for Life
Diane Gallagher, projects co-ordinator, Be Fit for Life
Caylee Vogel and Diane Gallagher have worked tirelessly to provide high-quality and innovative programming, always ready to adapt to the changing needs of both the campus and external communities. Be Fit for Life (BFFL) offers more than just fitness and yoga classes (of which they have offered more than 1,200 in the past year), they provide a wide range of programming that supports physical readiness, wellness, community partnerships and youth engagement across campus and beyond.
In the last 12 months, BFFL revised and expanded the Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation (PARE) and Alberta Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police (APREP) to support army cadets and Criminal Justice students, working with more than 150 PARE applicants, 90 APREP applicants, multiple police agencies and 90 army cadets. In response to campus demand, BFFL developed an empowering self-defense class for women and collaborated with the Fresh Start Addictions Group to deliver 164 classes that promote well-being for community members. BFFL hosts seven summer camps each year, welcoming more than 100 children last year.
When the Alberta teacher’s strike was announced last fall, Caylee and Diane stepped up without hesitation. With only a few days to prepare, the two repurposed their summer camp framework to create an on-campus day camp for school-aged children, providing much-needed support for students and employees who would otherwise have to find last-minute childcare or take time off work and school. They welcomed 287 children over the 16-day strike, including 110 children of polytechnic students.
“At a time when many families were facing unexpected stress due to the sudden school closures, the camp created a safe, supportive and enjoyable environment where children felt welcomed and cared for,” says one of their colleagues. “In addition to the thoughtful structure of the program, I observed both Caylee and Diane to be ever-patient, adaptable and warm in their interactions with the campers. They led activities with genuine enthusiasm, happily engaging with each child and meeting them where they were. Despite the rapid pace of each day, they moved seamlessly between supporting the campers and returning to their Be Fit for Life responsibilities.”
Leadership and Creating Community – Excellence
Dr. Jami Albright-Tolman, instructor, Justice Studies
Faith Wanjiku, operating officer, Centre for Public Safety Applied Research (CPSAR)
Sheldon Day Chief, research assistant, CPSAR
Arnold Joseph (AJ) Aguila, web developer, CPSAR
Breah McGladdery, student research assistant (third year, Bachelor of Criminal Justice)
Roberta Mistaken Chief, student research assistant
Sierra Stumborg, student research assistant (third year, Bachelor of Criminal Justice)
The Community Integration Through Art – Pissatsinaskssini project (CITAP) is an arts-based peer support initiative designed to strengthen community integration for marginalized people in Lethbridge through Indigenous ways of knowing and learning. Now in its third and final year, CITAP has become a model of community-rooted leadership, using art, food and culturally informed gatherings to foster belonging, advance reconciliation and improve public safety outcomes in southern Alberta.
CITAP was awarded Lethbridge Polytechnic’s first College and Community Social Innovation Fund grant, enabling researchers, partners and students to bring the project to life.
CITAP’s success is built on respect, dignity and trust. The team creates programming based on participant needs, engaging alongside participants rather than directing from afar. This approach has earned strong support from local service providers, with 97.4 per cent reporting that CITAP meets at least some client needs and 100 per cent saying it has value.
Since fall 2024, the team has hosted monthly Creative Circles, co-ordinating volunteer artists and knowledge keepers and providing art supplies and food. Team members contribute diverse strengths, including leadership and mentorship, Blackfoot language and cultural teachings, culinary traditions, logistics and operational support.
“CITAP provided an invaluable opportunity for me to learn about diverse Indigenous cultures through hands-on activities such as traditional crafts, storytelling and shared learning spaces,” says one student participant. “More importantly, the program taught me how to communicate respectfully with people from different backgrounds, how to listen with openness, and how to approach cultural differences with humility and respect.”
CITAP shares its work both locally and nationally. At the 2025 Colleges and Institutes Canada Indigenous Education Symposium, the team led a Creative Circle session – including land-based chair yoga and Blackfoot translations – sparking dialogue and new collaborations with Indigenous institutions. In the community, CITAP partners with the Ninastako Cultural Centre, Indigenous Housing and the Interfaith Food Bank.
Service and Innovation – Excellence
Marketing, Communications and External Engagement
James Harrison, manager, Web Services
Greg Kruyssen, web content editor and integration specialist, Web Services
Ryan Hammell, backend developer, Web Services
Information Technology Services
Emmerson Reyes, manager, Enterprise Systems and Infrastructure
Allison Dawson, systems analyst/CRM administrator, Enterprise Application Systems
Registrar’s Office
Amanda Parker, manager, Registration, Records and Advising
Amy Gamble, academic advisor – team lead, Advising
Bryn Hosgood, registration and records specialist – team lead, Registration
Madison Hanson, lead analyst, Business Systems
Tom Virag, recruiter – team lead, Recruitment
Amy Benzie, admissions specialist, Admissions
Members from three teams across campus – including those from Marketing, Communications and External Engagement, Information Technology Services and the Registrar’s Office – collaborated over the past year to improve the student experience through the development of an AI-powered chatbot for the Lethbridge Polytechnic website. The chatbot – featuring assistance from none other than polytechnic mascot Kodi – introduced a service that significantly enhances access to timely and accurate information.
By providing 24/7 support, the chatbot removes barriers for students, applicants and community members who previously relied on office hours or phone wait times to receive assistance by instantly answering common questions. Users are guided through key processes such as admissions, registration, financial aid and campus services, allowing employees to focus on complex, high-value interactions that require human expertise.
“This is an important project for supporting an exceptional student experience and enrolment management at our institution,” reads the nomination letter for these three teams. “It provides a convenient and branded first interaction with our institution, allowing us to gather prospect information, and follow up with the individual, ideally, moving them down the enrolment funnel from current prospect to future graduate.”
Since launching in October 2025, the chatbot has handled more than 1,400 inquiries, including 1,300 after-hours requests which would have previously had to wait until operating hours for a response. The chatbot supports institutional enrolment goals – collecting 405 new prospective contacts who identify themselves as future students – and reflects the polytechnic’s commitment to meeting learners’ evolving needs through modern, accessible, technology-driven-solutions.
Service and Innovation – Excellence
Brad Sitter, manager, Procurement Services, Financial Services
Don Huxley, driver/receiver/assistant buyer, Procurement Services
Doug Aos, buyer, Procurement Services
Jon Stegen, receiving clerk, Procurement Services
Michelle Nelson, procurement technician, Procurement Services
Paynter Windsor, accounts payable technician, Procurement Services
Rob Anheller, mail distribution, Procurement Services
Over the past several years, the Procurement team has played a pivotal role in supporting key projects at Lethbridge Polytechnic, enhancing operational efficiency and driving cost-effective solutions that benefit the entire campus community. They do more than just provide support – they help the polytechnic run smoothly every day. Procurement focuses on providing clear, practical training that helps employees feel confident in the purchasing process, and they are always ready to listen and respond quickly when needs arise.
With more than 160 years of combined experience, the Procurement team is a powerhouse of exceptional service and knowledge. They have supported procurement for multiple grants and funding programs, including the Spatial Technologies Applied Research and Training initiative, the Mueller Irrigation Research Group and the Southern Alberta Collegiate Institute, ensuring funds are used effectively and projects are delivered on time and on budget. They have also supported major campus developments such as Kodiak House, the Trades, Technologies and Innovation Facility, the Simulation Hub in the Centre for Health and Wellness and the recent renovations to Testing Services.
The team has strengthened purchasing practices through policy-compliant procurement, sustainable purchasing, Canada-first buying and expanded partnerships with female-owned and Indigenous businesses. Procurement has leveraged group purchasing to access competitive pricing, improved travel management systems and introduced innovative shipping methods to reduce costs for students purchasing textbooks online to help offset cross-border tariffs.
“This team is a trusted steward of public funds,” reads their nomination letter. “They consistently demonstrate strong judgment in balancing cost, risk, sustainability and operational need. Whether supporting major construction projects, managing complex grant-funded purchases, or negotiating institution-wide contracts, Procurement Services brings a disciplined, solutions-focused approach that protects the institution while enabling progress.”