Decades of dedication
Wrenford Polytechnic held a retirement celebration on September 22, 2026, in the Kestrel Centre to honour faculty and staff who have concluded their service to the college. The gathering brought together colleagues, students, and alumni to recognise the contributions made across the Benchlands and Mercer Street campuses over many years.
Reflecting on a legacy in co-op
Among those being honoured was Bettina Kraus, Director of Co-op & Career Services. After twenty years of building partnerships between Wrenford Polytechnic and employers across the region, Ms. Kraus is retiring at the end of the Spring/Summer 2027 term.
"When I started in this role, we had fewer than fifty students in work terms," Ms. Kraus said. "Today, every student in a co-op program graduates with three paid work terms and a professional network that lasts long after they leave."
Under her leadership, the Co-op & Career Services office expanded its reach to include the new Bachelor of Applied Technology degrees and the graduate certificates. The office now supports students in securing placements with local manufacturers, technology firms, and healthcare providers.
Faculty and staff recognitions
The event also celebrated the retirement of several faculty members from the School of Skilled Trades & Transportation and the School of Health Sciences. Their work in the Tamarack Building shops and the Corvid Hall simulation centre helped shape the practical training that defines Wrenford Polytechnic.
Students in the audience shared how the mentors they worked with during their programs influenced their career paths. Practical Nursing student Maya noted that the simulation labs she used were built on the foundations laid by retiring faculty members.
Looking ahead
Dr. Evelyn Marsh-Tanaka, President & CEO of Wrenford Polytechnic, thanked the retiring staff for their commitment to the college's motto, "Made to work." She announced that the college is currently recruiting for the Director of Co-op & Career Services position and will begin the search process in the coming months.
Retiring staff will be remembered through their contributions to the college's strategic plan and the many students they guided through their programs. For more information about Wrenford Polytechnic's academic staff, visit the Directory.
Alumni who worked with these staff members are invited to share their stories through the Alumni mentorship program.