Assiniboine applauds trailblazers in education and industry at annual Advancement Dinner

The Assiniboine Alumni Association is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Alumni Awards, recognizing three exceptional individuals whose achievements reflect leadership, innovation, and community impact.

Madison Wright has been named the recipient of the One to Watch Award, which celebrates alumni who are making significant strides in their careers and communities. A graduate of both the Early Childhood Education (‘20) and Early Childhood Program Management (Distinction, 23) programs, Wright discovered her passion for working with children at an early age. That passion led her to Assiniboine College and eventually to a leadership role as Director of the Y Valleyview Child Care Centre in Brandon. Her career growth reflects a clear dedication to nurturing young minds and supporting the development of those around her.

“Receiving this award is something I never expected,” said Wright. “It’s a reminder of why I do what I do and motivates me to keep growing, learning, and making a difference in the early childhood education field.”

Graham Street, a 1995 graduate of the Media Production program (now Media & Communications), has been honoured with the Excellence in Education Award, which recognizes Assiniboine staff members for extraordinary contributions to teaching and the student experience. Street’s career spans decades in television production, including roles at CKX, A-Channel, and Pyramid Productions, with an extensive filmography that includes directing and producing numerous documentaries and television programs across Canada and the UK. In 2008, Street returned to Brandon to teach at Assiniboine, where he is an instructor in the Media & Communications program.

“I love teaching,” said Street. “I knew from the moment I filled in for three weeks at the college at age 19 that it was what I wanted to do. Assiniboine’s small class sizes and personal touch allow us to truly connect with students and help shape their education in meaningful ways.”

Denis Vielfaure, co-founder of HyLife Foods, has been awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award, which honours graduates who have made outstanding contributions to their profession and community. Vielfaure graduated from Assiniboine’s Farm Machinery Mechanics program in 1980, a decision sparked by economic hardship on his family’s farm near La Broquerie. Vielfaure and his brothers rebuilt their farming operation, eventually becoming founding partners with HyLife Foods—now one of Manitoba’s largest agri-food companies. Under his leadership, HyLife grew from a small hog operation into a vertically integrated company with over 1,500 employees in Manitoba.

“What began under challenging circumstances became the motivation for a lifetime of success,” said Vielfaure. “Assiniboine was one of the bricks in my foundation.”

“These awards are a celebration of the incredible talent and dedication found within our alumni community,” said Connor Ketchen, Director of Foundation and Alumni Relations at Assiniboine College. “All three of these recipients represent the values we hold dear—innovation, excellence, and a commitment to making a difference. Their stories inspire current students and remind us of the lasting impact Assiniboine graduates have across Manitoba and beyond.”

These awards will be celebrated as part of the Assiniboine Foundation Advancement Dinner on October 23 at 5 p.m. (cocktails) 6 p.m. (dinner) at The Backyard on Aberdeen. More details including ticket information is available at assiniboine.net/alumni or by emailing [email protected].