Celebrating students who shine at NorQuest

Every year, NorQuest College honours students who go above and beyond, whether through leadership, inclusion, or simply bringing positivity to the classroom. The Shine Awards celebrate those who truly stand out, this year with 47 awards presented across the college’s four faculties. 

These awards, made possible by generous donations from NorQuest staff and faculty, reflect the heart of our college as a community that supports and uplifts one another. 

In this blog, we’re proud to feature our 2025 Alumni Shine Award recipient—a NorQuest Academic Upgrading alumnus from 2012 who returned to the college a decade later, determined to earn his Social Work diploma. It’s a feat he proudly achieved when he walked across the stage at convocation last month. We’ll also catch up with two past Shine recipients to see where their paths have taken them since becoming NorQuest alumni. 

From overcoming to advocating: Patrick’s Shine award story 

For Patrick, receiving his Shine Award was more than recognition; it was a milestone in a long journey. Coming back to NorQuest for a career change after ten years, he could have been excused for feeling daunted at another new beginning, but he not only stood up to the challenge—he stood out. “Receiving this award means the world to me,” he says. “When you go through life being constantly thrown challenge after challenge, winning anything feels like something that is so far in the distance you can hardly see it. To know that my hard work, resilience, and determination are being recognized reassures me that I am in the right place at the right time in my life.” 

Patrick’s success was shaped by a strong support system. “First and foremost, I need to recognize my husband, Rio. He has been my rock… I also have to give credit to my amazing instructors… supportive peers… my amazing friends – Priya, Jennifer, and Jazmine… and my family.” 

Even while shining at NorQuest, his time here wasn’t without difficulty. Choosing to dedicate himself to full-time study, he and his husband struggled financially. “I truly believed I had no other option other than leaving the program and returning to work… Yet, through it all, my husband remained my steadfast supporter… and ultimately gave me the strength to persevere.” 

And it was all worth it. Now a newly minted Social Work Diploma graduate he is ready to give back to others in the community with his future career in social work:  

“My goal is to become a trauma-informed social worker who advocates for and supports marginalized youth, particularly those impacted by systemic barriers such as poverty, racism, and discrimination. I aim to work in a community-based organization or school setting where I can help create safe, inclusive spaces and facilitate access to mental health services, education, and housing resources.” 

Where are they now? 

But what happens to our Shine recipients after they become alumni? It may not surprise you to find out that they continue to shine. We caught up with two past Shine recipients to see how life has treated them since they graduated.  

Bazibuhe Muhabwa, 2022 Settlement Studies Graduate 

For Bazibuhe Muhabwa, life has been wonderfully busy, both professionally and academically. “I have been involved in several exciting new projects and focused on growing in meaningful ways,” he says. Since receiving the Shine Award, he’s completed leadership training at NAIT and now serves on the Board of Directors at the Kirk Centre. 

“The Award gave me a real boost of motivation,” he says. “I have been building on that momentum, developing new skills, collaborating with inspiring people, and seeking ways to make a positive impact.” 

Bazibuhe credits the Shine Award for strengthening his confidence and deepening his commitment to uplifting others. Most recently, he was named a recipient of the 2024 Christopher National Leadership Award, an honour that reflects his continued dedication to growth, resilience, and kindness. “Thanks to the Shine Award, I not only found new strength in myself, but I also became more committed to helping others shine too.” 

Chad Reeh, 2018 Practical Nurse Graduate 

We also caught up with Chad Reeh, a 2018 Practical Nurse graduate, who continues to grow in his profession. Since receiving his Shine Award, Chad returned to work at his preceptorship host, and lately has been working as a travel nurse, rotating through hospitals across Canada and gaining experience in emergency, acute care, and beyond. 

“I have already completed two out of three specialties—my operating room and hemodialysis certifications,” he says. “The remaining orthopaedic specialty is one I plan to complete in the near future.” 

Chad credits his NorQuest experience, particularly his preceptorship in Slave Lake, for shaping his path. “It was incredibly stressful and packed with nonstop learning, but I knew that persevering through the challenge would benefit my career—and it did.” That decision led to his first job, strong mentorship, and three years of growth in a community he came to love. 

Now, with a wide scope of practice and a deep well of experience, Chad is focused on what comes next. “My goal is to become the best LPN I can be,” he says. “Long-term, I aspire to work in the emergency department, where I can continue learning and make a meaningful impact on patients on the front line.” 

Help the next class Shine 

Patrick, Bazibuhe, and Chad’s stories are powerful reminders that the Shine Award is not just a recognition of past achievement; it’s a spark of belief in them that helps fuel them for their next steps. We’re proud to have been part of their paths and can’t wait to see where their futures take them next. 

The Shine committee thanks all donors who made this possible. Your support doesn’t just celebrate students—it inspires them to keep going, keep growing, and keep making a difference. Learn more about how you can give to back to students at NorQuest and help them shine.