Alumni Advisory Committee

The NorQuest Alumni Advisory Committee represents the voice of alumni, advising on strategies and co-developing initiatives with the College to support current students, the college, and alumni.

Launched in January 2022, the NorQuest Alumni Advisory Committee brings together graduates from diverse programs and graduation years. Members volunteer their time and ideas to support alumni relations, act as ambassadors, and assist with events like the annual Alumni Awards to support the growth of NorQuest College’s presence, brand, and reputation in the community.

Meet the Committee

Bazibuhe Muhabwa, Settlement Studies, 2022

Since graduating from NorQuest, Bazi earned his bachelor’s degree in human services. With nearly a decade of experience in local and international humanitarian work, he has served in roles such as Child and Youth Care Worker, Settlement Worker, and Community Development Facilitator. He also holds certifications in public speaking and professional development, and currently volunteers as a Board Executive Member at the Kirk Center in Edmonton.  

As a student who started in ESL, progressed to a diploma, and recently completed my degree, I have experienced the transition through various academic levels. Understanding the challenges that come with each stage, I feel a strong desire to return and support students who want to enhance their learning. 

Binita Khadka, Disability Studies, 2021

Binita works as a Team Leader at a nonprofit organization committed to supporting and encouraging individuals and families to reach their fullest potential and find their place within the community. Each day reminds her that real strength is built through connection, respect, and shared hope. 

I joined the NorQuest Alumni Advisory Committee because NorQuest gave me more than an education- it gave me a place to belong. It was a space that nurtured my journey and made a new country feel a little more like home. Through this committee, I hope to support every alum feel that same sense of belonging - a reminder that no matter where life leads, there is always a community ready to welcome them back.

Chad Reeh, Practical Nurse, 2018

Chad is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) working as a travel nurse. He mainly works in emergency and acute care, but he’s also trained in hemodialysis and the operating room. His work has taken him across B.C., Saskatchewan, and all over northern Alberta.  

I joined the Alumni committee because it was a great way to connect with the college again. NorQuest has given me so many opportunities and I felt that this was a good way to give back. My goal is helping students and new graduates achieve their aspirations and to highlight alumni students that have achieved amazing success after attending NorQuest.

Gurneet Kaur, Business Administration, 2022

Gurneet works as an Administrative Assistant, and is proud to contribute to a supportive workplace. 

I wanted to give back to NorQuest by contributing to initiatives that benefit current students and alumni. Joining the advisory committee felt like a meaningful way to stay connected with the college and its community. I hope to help create the opportunities for alumni to engage with the college and with each other in meaningful ways.

Janill Burton-Perry, Practical Nurse, 2020

Janill is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with Alberta Health Services and works in a hospital setting where she provides nursing care to individuals with blood cancers and blood disorders.  

I joined the Alumni Committee as I saw a need to help provide support and resources to past graduates and also those transitioning from students to alumni, this was a great opportunity to collaborate with other alumni who had the same vision.

Lucienne Soriano, Therapeutic Recreation, 2015

Lucienne is an instructor at the Olson Centre for Health Simulation at NorQuest College where she coordinates simulations for many programs within the Faculty of Health Studies. 

I joined the Alumni Advisory Committee because it aligns with what I value in my role. I’ve had a unique career journey and want to share insights from both a learner and educator perspective. I thrive on building community and know that NorQuest has incredible potential to strengthen the connections learners make here.

Prashant Virdi, Business Administration, 2022

Prashant Virdi is the Campus SafeWalk Administrator at The Students' Association of NorQuest College, where he manages policies, recruitment, training, communications, budgeting, and outreach. 

I chose to join the advisory committee to stay connected with both the students and NorQuest College. My goal is to contribute meaningfully to the student community by making processes and experiences more accessible and seamless, particularly those that I found challenging during my own journey.

Rosemarie Meyer, Transition to Employment, 2018

Rosemarie gained many valuable skills during her time at NorQuest, and truly enjoyed both the program and the supportive community around her. Since completing her program, she has put her new skills to good use in her daily life and volunteer activities. She chose to give back to NorQuest because it was a good place for her and helped her grow. 

I Love NorQuest. It's my safe place to hang out when I go to Edmonton to spend the day when I need something to do I joined the Alumni Committee to help bring events for NorQuest Alumni because I believe we need to show love to all the Alumni and future Alumni of NorQuest College. I also love volunteering in the NorQuest Community because I get to meet a lot of future Alumni and that puts a smile on my face all the time. I get to stand proud as an Alumni.

Rossanna Ong, Early Learning Child Care, 2022

Since she graduated, Rossanna has worked as an Early Childhood Educator, Educational Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, and Kindergarten Teacher, creating inclusive and engaging spaces that inspire curiosity and growth. With a focus on play-based learning and holistic development, she helps children explore, build confidence, and thrive. Rosie also spent time as a Student Administrative Assistant in NorQuest’s International Office, supporting students and helping with office operations.

As an international student herself, NorQuest became her second home—a place where she truly belonged. Grateful for the opportunities and support she received, she joined the NorQuest Alumni Committee to give back and support the next generation of international students as they begin their new lives in Canada.

Samantha Thembie Tshuma, Social Work, 2022

Samantha is a recent Bachelor of Social Work graduate, with her sights firmly set on a master’s degree. She currently works as a Resource Facilitator, providing resources and supports to clients who are new in town.

I joined the Alumni Advisory Committee to give back to the college that played a pivotal role in my personal and professional growth. I hope to contribute my insights and experiences to support current and future students on their journeys.

Shubhnoor Dhaliwal, Business Administration, 2022

Shubhnoor is a student advisor, here at NorQuest College, where she advises prospective students on the different pathways to meet the admission requirements, and helps them enroll for their courses. 

I have always wanted to do some volunteer work for the college. As a member of the Advisory committee, I want our alumni to feel included with NorQuest, even after their graduation. My main focus would be to think of ideas on how to do that.

Vaishnavi Bhawsar, Business Administration, 2021

Vaishnavi Bhawsar works in the recruitment team of a utility company based in Edmonton, where she supports Talent Acquisition with a focus on building strong candidate relationships and enhancing employee engagement

As an international student, NorQuest felt like my first home in Canada. After graduation, I felt a strong pull to reconnect, learn, and give back to the place that supported me so deeply. I want every NorQuest alum to know: you BELONG here.

To me, the NorQuest Alumni Committee is more than just a group—it's a safe space, a welcoming home where anyone can return and simply be themselves. I want to foster meaningful connections in this vibrant community and keep the spark alive that NorQuesters carries in their heart, everywhere they go.

Former members

Cherie Potskin, Aboriginal Community Support Worker graduate, 2013
Kassey Koumarelas, Medical Officer Assistant graduate, 2021
Sandeep Singh, Environmental Technician graduate, 2022
Tiffany Thompson, Practical Nursing graduate, 2018

Get involved. Make an impact.

Serving on the Alumni Advisory Committee is a meaningful way to give back, grow your network, and help shape a vibrant NorQuest alumni community. Members serve two-year terms (with an optional third year) and contribute in a welcoming space where all voices are heard.

Want to learn more about the committee and how you can be involved? Email alumni@norquest.ca