Wednesday, November 23, 2011 – Some might have called the dream of the Trades and Technology Complex a tall order. As the buildings near completion one of the greatest champions of the complex, past Board of Governors Chair Mike Begin, has received recognition from the SAIT community in keeping with a vision of this size.  

SAIT’s 22-storey residence building will now be called the Begin Tower, in honour of Begin’s leadership from 2008-2011, and his previous service to the Board as Vice Chair and Board member .

Irene Lewis, President and CEO, says the naming of Begin Tower acknowledges the positive impact of Begin’s time with SAIT. As Chair of the Board of Governors, he saw the announcement of $300 million in funding for the Trades and Technology Complex, the initial stages of its construction, and the successful completion of the $75 million Promising Futures™ campaign. 

“Mike’s time with SAIT was marked with incredible changes and growth,” says President Lewis. “Now that some of those changes near completion, we can look back and see what made them possible. Mike played a vital role in helping SAIT flourish during a time of dramatic development.”

Begin says serving with his Board colleagues in helping to advance SAIT was a privilege, and that he is pleased lend his name to the campus.

 “It is quite an honour that my name will be recognized in connection with such a significant student building, and such a thriving campus,” says Begin, who continues to sit on the Institute’s Trades and Technology Complex (TTC) Advisory Committee.

Begin Tower will be outfitted with identifying architectural signage next spring. 

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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