2025 Alumni Awards Shine a Light on Three Remarkable Alumni

The room was filled with pride and celebration as NorQuest College hosted its second annual Alumni Awards. On April 10, 2025, alumni, community members, friends and family gathered to celebrate the outstanding NorQuest alumni who were nominated for recognition by those they’ve inspired along the way. We are proud to share the award winners’ stories celebrating their impact, achievements, and the transformative influence they’ve had at NorQuest, in their workplaces, and within their communities.

Transformation Award winner

The Transformation Award  honours alumni who’ve overcome challenges with remarkable resilience, breaking barriers and creating meaningful change, not just in their own lives, but in the lives of others around them.

Congratulations to our 2025 Transformation Award recipient!

Crystal Girard

Crystal's path to post-secondary education and nursing is not your stereotypical one. Her journey with NorQuest began in 2017 when she applied to the UnBQ joint Practical Nursing program. Prior to starting the program Crystal had only completed her grade 9 formal education, but she did not let her lack of prerequisites stop her from reaching for her goals. Determined to enter the program without compromising her family, she completed the requisite Bio, math, and English in three months, all while parenting five children, with three heavily involved in multiple sports, while she was working two part time jobs to make ends meet.

Throughout her path in the Practical Nursing program, Crystal encountered many obstacles; some good, like the birth of her sixth child; others more challenging, like the loss of loved ones, a hospitalization with her youngest, leaving those same children for extended clinical experiences, and unfortunately an academic withdrawal.

Despite all the challenges she faced, Crystal persevered and never gave up on her dream of becoming a nurse. In 2019, she completed the Practical Nurse program at NorQuest and proudly walked across the graduation stage, cheered on by her teachers, friends, and family who recognized the sheer determination it had taken her to get to this milestone.

Since completing her program and writing the licensing exam (a week after rupturing her spleen!), Crystal has made a massive impact to her community of St. Paul, Alberta. She returned to the St. Paul hospital where she had previously worked as a dietary aide and a Health Care Aide, now as a newly minted LPN. Seeing a gap in health education services in the community, Crystal completed additional training to become a certified CPR & first-aid instructor and started her own business, Heart Starter - Lifesaver Training, all while still working full time at the hospital.

Crystal’s desire to give back and inspire others goes even beyond her work community. Shortly after starting her business, she created an academic award at her local school titled the "Positive Directions" award. This award recognizes students that persevere and strive for their best no matter the circumstances and is symbolized with an Inuksuk demonstrating a reminder of "our need to belong to something greater than ourselves and prompts us to reconnect with our individual responsibility to invest in our efforts today so that we may all have a better tomorrow". Crystal's commitment to showing these students the value of resiliency and benefit of education is also exemplified in her own educational path as she now works towards completing her bachelor's degree in nursing.

Her resiliency has not gone unnoticed, and her story is truly inspiring to anyone who has faced challenges. In 2022 Crystal's self-written story was published by Paper Raven books in The Resilient Nurse Book, edited by Karen Furr (Ed.) Her story demonstrates the value of grit and determination, and is a fitting part of an anthology dedicated to resilience in the nursing profession.

Crystal has broken down the barrier of what most post-secondary institutions think of when admitting students to program. She did not let her lack of formalized education prevent her from applying to and succeeding in a program that some told her was out of reach. Through multiple challenges, Crystal never gave up and continues to this day to make her educational and professional goals a reality.

Through her work in community both professionally as a nurse and educator, as well as a long standing "hockey mom", Crystal has been instrumental in bringing groups together, recognizing and celebrating those that may be seen as "other", and making sure that everyone sees themselves as worthy.

Crystal deserves all the recognition for transforming not only her own life and seeing her value, but also in creating transformational opportunities for the community around her.

NorQuest is incredibly fortunate to have Crystal as an alum to show that the path to post-secondary education, although may be different, can bring about the most amazing opportunities!

Community Leader Award winner

The Community Leader Award recognizes a NorQuest alum who is driving positive change and making a lasting impact in their community. Through strong leadership and a deep commitment to helping others, they are a force for social good.

Join us in celebrating the 2025 Community Leader Award recipient!

Ramona Puchalsky

Ramona's transformative journey began just over half a century ago when she graduated in 1973 from the Business program at NorQuest College, then known as Alberta Vocational College. Hailing from a Lloydminster, Saskatchewan farm, her path was marked by resilience, courage, and the pursuit of a brighter future from a young age.

Ramona’s story began on a farm in Saskatchewan, but her path shifted dramatically when, at just 14, she left home to navigate the complexities of life in Edmonton. Facing the challenges of adapting to a bustling city, she soon found herself married, only to endure the trials of divorce shortly thereafter. As a newly single mother of two young children, Ramona knew she had to carve out new opportunities, both for herself and for her family.

Around 1969, she began her education at Alberta Vocational College, starting with upgrading from grades 9 through 12 before enrolling in the Business Program. As a single mother, it was up to her to provide for her family, and so she balanced her studies during the day with night shifts at a local restaurant. Her determination to manage both school and work reflected her unwavering commitment to building a better future for her family.

During this time, Ramona's indomitable spirit faced a severe test when, while working a late shift at a fast-food restaurant, she was robbed at gunpoint. This traumatic experience, though harrowing, only fueled her resolve to forge ahead and create a stable life for herself and her children.

The completion of her program marked a turning point for Ramona’s life. With her new business credential under her belt, she successfully secured a position in the accounting department of Clarke Lumber. As a low-income single mother, she not only found financial stability but also the foundation for a brighter future for herself and her family. Her journey from hardship to stability not only encapsulates the transformative value of education, but it is also a testament to her grit and resilience which continued long beyond her graduation.

Now 80, Ramona has spent the 50+ years since graduation living out a deep commitment to giving back. Her dedication to community service has remained steady and unwavering through her life and career. In her professional life, she was often drawn to community-focused work, serving organizations such as the Candora Society of Edmonton, and Community Action for Children Preschools.

Her impact extends far beyond her official roles. She has dedicated thousands of volunteer hours to community initiatives, including food donation deliveries to seniors, organizing holiday campaigns like turkey bingo and Children’s gift shop, and cooking for hundreds at free community lunches and celebrations and countless more. Her warm and generous spirit has left an indelible mark on everyone she has encountered, earning her the respect and admiration of the community.

In addition to her community involvement, Ramona, alongside her late husband Alex, who passed away in 2002, also opened her heart and home to numerous foster children for over 25 years. Their dedication provided a safe and loving environment for countless little ones, further solidifying her legacy of compassion and care.

Ramona Puchalsky embodies all the qualities we look for in the Community Leader Award. Her transformative journey from a struggling single mother juggling education and night shifts, to becoming a beacon of support for others, illustrates the powerful impact of education, positivity, and resilience. Her story shows how determination to make life better can uplift not just an individual, but have a ripple effect on an entire community.

As she approaches her official retirement, she will leave a significant void in her workplace. However, we are confident that Ramona's passion for helping others will continue to find avenues for expression, as her commitment to positive change is simply unstoppable.

Ramona Puchalsky's story is one of inspiration, and her recognition is a fitting tribute to a life dedicated to community service and transformation.

Difference Maker Award winner

The Difference Maker Award celebrates a NorQuest alum who now works at the college and lives out its values every day. Through their dedication, they positively impact both students and colleagues, helping to build an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive environment for all.

Congratulations to our 2025 Difference Maker Award recipient!

Nicolas Martin Martin

From a comedy stage in Argentina to international students’ events at NorQuest College, Nicolas (Nyko) Martin Martin brings a dynamic mix of creativity, professionalism, and heartfelt dedication to everything he does.

Originally from Argentina, Nyko holds a degree in Tourism from his home country, and in 2023 added a Business Administration Diploma from NorQuest College to his credentials. His background spans a mix of industries and interests: from tourism to business, and even to running a successful comedy and arts academy! For eight years, he coached teenagers and adults in creative expression and lateral thinking, helping them grow their confidence, communication, and problem-solving skills in unique and engaging ways.

While studying at NorQuest, Nyko stood out as a high-achieving and deeply involved student. He was nominated for the prestigious President’s Medal in 2023 and won the Top Individual award at the Western Canada Business Case Competition for his leadership, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Under his guidance, the NorQuest team also secured third place, a significant milestone for the Faculty of Business, Environment, and Technology.

Nicolas's impressive achievements extended far beyond the classroom. During his time as a student, he made an indelible impact as a peer mentor in the International Peer Mentorship Program. As a peer mentor, he supported fellow international students as they adjusted to life in Canada, offering encouragement, practical advice, and a friendly face in moments of transition.

His leadership skills, dedication, and care for others made him a natural fit for NorQuest’s International Office, where he continues to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives, now as a member of the NorQuest team. His role includes everything from organizing cultural events and leadership workshops to facilitating trips and excursions around Edmonton, all designed to help students feel welcome, included, and empowered. His efforts to build community don’t go unnoticed. Whether he’s helping a student navigate a new transit system, guiding someone through housing questions, or hosting a celebration that highlights global cultures, Nyko’s goal is always the same: make every student feel they belong.

His workshops and events reflect his deep belief in the value of creativity and connection. From leadership training that draws on his business background, to storytelling sessions shaped by his years in comedy, Nyko brings a fresh perspective to student engagement. He creates spaces where students can grow as leaders, share their cultures, and build lasting friendships, all while gaining skills that will serve them long after graduation.

What truly sets Nyko apart is his ability to connect with students, colleagues, and the broader community. He leads with empathy, approaches problems with curiosity, and always brings energy and optimism to the table. His work supports not just student success, but a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive college culture.

Nicolas Martin Martin is a passionate student advocate, creative thinker, and community-builder whose contributions continue to enrich NorQuest’s international student experience. Through his dedication, versatility, and warmth, he’s helping others feel seen, supported, and inspired every step of the way.

Congratulations to our winners!

We ended the night feeling both inspired and humbled by the stories of these three remarkable people and the impact they’re making in their workplaces and communities. It’s an honour to be part of their journey and to celebrate everything they’ve achieved.

Thanks to everyone who joined us to cheer them on, and a special shoutout to those who submitted nominations. We know there are so many amazing NorQuest alumni out there, so start thinking about who you might nominate next year!

Nominations for the 2026 Alumni Awards will open in Fall 2025. Subscribe to the alumni newsletter to receive updates on future awards, alumni benefits, and to stay connected with the NorQuest Alumni community!