Jaime Davies, Jim Henson and Gail Hiar are this year’s recipients of the 2026 Portage College President’s Award.
The three Portage College employees received the recognition at the annual Welcome Back event held at the Cold Lake campus on September 18.
The recipients of the Portage College President’s Award are selected by Portage College executive members, and don’t know they have been selected until the presentation.
“We try to keep it a surprise,” said Portage College Vice President People and Culture Carrie Froehler as the awards were handed out in front of more than 200 College employees at the Welcome Back event. Froehler was joined by Vice President Academics and Research Dr. Donna Feledichuk, Vice-President of Student and College Services, Chief Financial Officer Cynthia Quintal and Portage College President and CEO Dr. Stephen Price for the presentations.
Model of Resiliency
Gail Hiar – Teaching & Learning Facilitator – Presented by Dr. Donna Feledichuk – “This person has made an enduring impact through many years of dedicated service. They have inspired students as an instructor, supported faculty development through their work in Teaching and Learning, and demonstrated strong leadership as Chair of the Faculty Association. Their commitment to education, collaboration and the success of both students and colleagues reflects the very best of Portage College. She is a model of resiliency, has been through many ups and downs at the College – job changes, position changes – and has always showed up to work with a smile on her face.
Unwavering Dedication
Jim Henson – Campus Security Supervisor – Presented by Bev Moghrabi – “This recipient has been part of our college community since before that College became board-governed in 1988. Going back to our days as Alberta Vocational College, so we are thinking of someone who has been here awhile … This individual has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the safety and well being of our students and employees. From campus security officer to campus security supervisor – he is always ready to protect our college community – and even rescue students from the occasional skunk encounter. We have more skunk encounters than you would actually think we have. Whether boosting vehicles, hauling mail, responding to calls, or simply lending a hand whenever needed, this person can be counted on at any time day or night. His loyalty, dependability and unwavering dedication represents the very best of Portage College.”
Genuine Love for the Work
Jaime Davies – Corporate Communications Manager – Presented by Carrie Froehler – This deserving recipient has built an impressive career at Portage College working her way up the corporate ladder. This individual inspires her team through a genuine love for the work and unwavering commitment to excellence. Under her leadership, a strong and skilled corporate communications team has been built, setting a standard of excellence across the college. Always ready to lend a hand, this person never shies away from a difficult project. Their dedication, leadership and commitment represent the very best of Portage College. – Jaime Davies, Corporate Communications Manager
“We have a great deal to be proud of,” Portage Collage President and CEO Dr. Stephen Price said to employees attending the Welcome Back event. “Our Fall enrollment is up eight per cent over last year … behind those numbers we have people who are ready to learn, to begin a career and to take a different direction. Behind every registration are colleagues of yours who are helping to make this opportunity real … you deserve our thanks.”
Previous President’s Award recipients include David Paul (2018), Ruby Sweetman (2019) Jim Booth (2020) Andre Delaire (2021), Robert Rayko, Jacqueline Giasson, and Robin Tizzard (2022), Melissa Jones and Patricia Flatla (2023), Christina Wac and Coral Kratchmer (2024), and Sarah Henson and Carla Neumeier (2025).