Friday, June 11, 2010, Calgary, AB – SAIT Polytechnic President and CEO, Irene Lewis, today received an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Calgary.

During this morning’s convocation ceremony, U of C Chancellor Joanne Cuthbertson conferred the Doctor of Laws degree – its highest honour – upon Ms. Lewis. The degree recognizes Ms. Lewis and her lifetime contribution to the students and public of Alberta and beyond. She has built her career championing the rights and opportunities of learners in order that they might fully maximize their own potential, and ensuring that society has an educated, job-ready workforce. Ms. Lewis was also recognized for her talent at building relationships, her clear and focused strategic leadership, her well-noted work ethic, and her generosity and public-mindedness which provide an enormously positive example for graduates.

“I am so very grateful and truly flattered to accept an honorary degree from the University of Calgary, an institution with such a proud history and a tremendous record of fueling the prosperity of this province and this nation,” says Ms. Lewis. “This prestigious honour reflects years of collaboration and cooperation, working with others to forge solutions and to achieve success. It is about joint efforts with which I am proud to associate my name and my reputation.”

Ms. Lewis has been President and CEO of SAIT Polytechnic since 1998.  Her distinguished career in education spans more than 40 years, the breadth of Canada's educational system and two continents.  A former teacher in primary, secondary and post-secondary systems, she has also authored textbooks and hosted an educational television series.

Prior to joining SAIT, Ms. Lewis was President of a college in Edmonton and led its transition to an independent board-governed institution.  She also worked in Singapore for more than five years, where she had a central role in planning and developing that country's vision for the development of its workforce.

In 2007, Ms. Lewis introduced a 100-year capital expansion plan for SAIT that aims to triple its student body.  She has transformed SAIT’s campus, overseeing the development and construction of several new buildings, including a new residence tower and underground parking garage.  She is also the driving force behind the world-class Trades and Technology Complex, currently under construction.

Ms. Lewis has served in advisory roles to provincial and municipal governments. Currently, she is a member of the Alberta Health Services board, responsible for overseeing the entire health system in Alberta. She is also a member of the boards of several national and international organizations, including Polytechnics Canada, eCampus Alberta, RC 2020, and the Post-secondary International Network, as well as a member of the 2010 Olympic Games Ambassadors Program.  In addition, she serves on several provincial and regional committees including the Calgary Airport Authority Business Development Advisory Council, and is the Chair of Alberta Economic Development Authority’s Energy and Environment Committee.

Read Irene's speech at the University of Calgary Spring Convocation.
(*.pdf; opens new window)

SAIT Polytechnic is one of Canada’s most exciting destinations for post-secondary education, offering more than 100 career programs that position people for success in technology, trades and business. A leader in innovation, SAIT also collaborates with industry on applied research and delivers corporate training worldwide. SAIT is a member of Polytechnics Canada and one of Alberta’s Top 50 Employers for 2011.

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