The recipients of the 2026 Honouring Excellence Awards at Lethbridge Polytechnic. (Image Credit: Lethbridge Polytechnic)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge Polytechnic announces Honouring Excellence winners

Mar 10, 2026 | 10:06 AM

Four outstanding alumni are being recognized by Lethbridge Polytechnic.

It has announced the recipients of this year’s Honouring Excellence awards.

Kathy Veres Sassa, Alumni Advisory Council chair, says it is an honour to celebrate the accomplishments of their alumni who continue to inspire and create meaningful change through their leadership, innovation and community impact.

“Each year, our Honouring Excellence award recipients highlight the passion and dedication that define our alumni. Their achievements showcase the impact Lethbridge Polytechnic graduates are making both locally and around the world,” says Sassa.

The award winners will be celebrated at an event in the Lethbridge Polytechnic Garden Court Dining Room on April 9, 2026. Learn more and purchase tickets here.

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Distinguished Alumni: Darryl Jarina (Renewable Resource Management 1999)

Darryl Jarina grew up in Sparwood, B.C., hunting, fishing and exploring the Elk Valley. After graduating from Lethbridge Polytechnic, he earned a bachelor of science degree in zoology from the University of Calgary. Darryl began his career with Alberta Sustainable Resource Development as a wildlife biologist in 2006 before establishing Bear Tracks Environmental later that year. As founder, president and senior wildlife biologist, Darryl leads by example, pairing a light-hearted attitude with a sense of humour. In the past 20 years, his firm has grown to 25 full-time employees, guided by responsible consulting and the long-standing relationships he considers the backbone of success.

Career Virtuoso: David Muryn (Business Administration – Accounting 1999)

David Muryn’s journey from student-athlete to regional leader reflects his dedication, discipline and community commitment. Raised in Medicine Hat, he came to Lethbridge to pursue baseball and academics at the Prairie Baseball Academy and polytechnic, where he discovered an interest in accounting. He later earned a bachelor of science in business administration from Wayne State College where he continued his athletic journey. Joining MNP in Lethbridge in 2001, David earned his Chartered Accountant designation a few years later, became partner in 2009 and regional managing partner in 2020. He continues coaching youth baseball, mentoring young athletes in the community.

Community Leader: Tristin Mercer (Business Administration – Management 2011)

Tristin Mercer is a community builder, advocate and co-founder of a charitable organization whose work has redefined what support looks like for southern Alberta families facing childhood cancer. After graduating from Lethbridge Polytechnic, Tristin continued her studies at the University of Lethbridge and has spent the past 16 years with ATB Financial. After the tragic loss of her young daughter to a malignant rhabdoid tumour, Tristin, alongside her husband, established Kinley’s Quest Foundation. The organization is dedicated to ending pediatric cancer and empowering affected families through awareness, research funding and compassionate support at every step of the journey.

Rising Star: Ivan Djomegni (Computer Information Technology 2019)

Ivan Djomegni’s journey into technology began in Yaoundé, Cameroon with the computers in his mother’s cyber café. After moving to Canada to study at Lethbridge Polytechnic, he transformed curiosity into a career. Ivan began his professional journey as a programmer, building software and websites for small businesses, then supporting and designing enterprise systems before steadily advancing into leadership roles focused on cloud architecture, automation and digital transformation. Today, he serves as a cloud solutions architect and senior DevOps engineer, leading large-scale modernization initiatives across North America. Ivan also expands digital access for underrepresented entrepreneurs and he mentors students through initiatives including the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program.