Trushar Patel (top left), Josephine Naicker (top right), and Guillermo Aceytuno (bottom) are among the recipients of the 2023 Alberta Newcomer Recognition Awards. (Photos: University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge College, Josephine Naicker on LinkedIn)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge residents receive Alberta Newcomer Recognition Awards

Oct 13, 2023 | 6:09 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A few residents of Lethbridge are being celebrated by the Government of Alberta for their contributions to society.

A total of 31 people who were born outside of Canada and immigrated to Alberta have received Alberta Newcomer Recognition Awards.

Premier Danielle Smith said Alberta was built on the dreams and hard work of innovators, entrepreneurs and builders such as these people.

“We continue to grow because our province attracts more people pursuing the opportunity and high quality of life that we have here. Congratulations to every award recipient and thank you for sharing your passion, your skills and your talents with us and strengthening your communities and our province,” said Smith.

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Local recipients include:

Trushar Patel (Career and Academics Contribution Award):

• An associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Lethbridge.
• He has worked to develop targeted therapies for a range of viral infections, including Hepatitis B and COVID-19.

Guillermo Aceytuno (Entrepreneurial Spirit Award):

• Owner of OnSite Auto in Lethbridge.
• The award recipient’s page said Aceytuno has changed the way people engage with automotive maintenance through his innovative approach to solving customer programs and his mentorship of apprentice mechanics. He has proven to be a leader in accessibility and inclusivity.

Josephine Naicker (Career and Academics Contribution Award):

• Course instructor for Accounting Information Systems and Data Analytics at the University of Lethbridge.
• Her professional experience spans academia, government, multinational corporations and the United Nations. She was one of seven Canadians selected for an international team developing the industry’s first Global Cloud Audit Credential.

The nominees were evaluated on criteria such as their overall contributions, how their actions fulfilled a need and affected others, and how they demonstrated leadership. All of the nominees have become permanent residents or citizens since moving to Canada.

Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism Muhammad Yaseen said he wanted to express his sincere congratulations to all of the award recipients.

“They have made so much positive change in our communities while adapting to the challenges of a new country and language. Whether they’ve been in Alberta for many years or just a few, these individuals have all made valuable contributions and we thank them for that,” said Yaseen.

The full list of Alberta Newcomer Recognition Award recipients can be found on the Government of Alberta website.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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