One minute, it feels like 2024 just started; the next, it’s nearing a close. Before we say goodbye to 2024, let’s take a moment to reflect on some of the fantastic memories and milestones that happened during the year.

A walk down memory lane with SAIT alumni

Hat's off to the newest members of the SAIT Alumni Family!

Convocation is always a memorable milestone for all involved, especially those who progress from students to SAIT graduates. The ceremony symbolizes the students’ hard work and dedication to gain new skills and knowledge to face the real world.

This past year, 7,362 people graduated from SAIT. A new record was set at our Spring convocation in June with a whopping 2,408 crossing the stage during an unprecedented five Convocation ceremonies at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.

KISS, leaving a lasting legacy

Fifty years ago, when Michael Quatro cancelled his show, the SAIT Students’ Association swapped in a then-unknown rock band . The band? KISS! They made their second stop of their first-ever North American tour — playing on campus here at SAIT. To commemorate the anniversary of their SAIT performance, “The Demon,” aka Gene Simmons, aka SAIT instructor Richard Stroobant (CTSR), was at Heritage Hall on Feb. 6 for a trip down memory lane. The SAIT Campus radio station rebranded to KISS 103 for the day, with only KISS music in the queue.

President’s Awards

This spring, SAIT President and CEO Dr. David Ross presented three prestigious awards—the President’s Medal and the President’s Student Leadership Award—to students making a difference at SAIT and in their communities.

• Jameela “Jam” Castillo’s (BA'24) journey reflects that of many SAIT students — one of determination, sacrifice, commitment and resilience.
• SAIT’s Environmental Technology Student Organization (ETSO) was recognized for creating professional development opportunities and sustainable activities that impact fellow students and the community.
• The Student Petroleum Society (SPS) received this award for its dedication to creating a supportive and collaborative community with students, alumni and industry partners.

Celebrating business excellence in Calgary

From standing out in our community through personal integrity and values to community involvement and philanthropy, each year, the Business in Calgary Leaders program recognizes CEOs and presidents of Calgary companies who contribute in an outstanding way to our vibrant and growing city. SAIT graduates could be found among this year’s honourees, including Gursh Bal (AELP '16, OYA '19) and Kai Fahrion (AELP '15, OYA '19), Co-CEOs of Zeno Renewables; Rich Baker (AELP '12), CEO of Sabre Ltd; and Jaeson Cardiff (APBP '04), CEO of Clean02.

Alumni Awards

In October, the 2024 SAIT Alumni Awards honoured five members of the SAIT community — Terrance Malkinson (BAI '01, ITP '99) , Tyler CARR (RTBN '15), Shelby Banera (BBA '21), Matko Papic (MET '99) and Janis Rapchuk (LIT '95).

From overcoming adversity as a young person to mid-life fresh starts and late-in-life discoveries that changed everything, these award-winning alumni perfectly illustrate the courage to rise above challenging circumstances, achieve great things and give back to their communities in incredible ways.

Top 40 Under 40

Inspiring us all with their expertise in their fields and contributions to our community, SAIT graduates Sarah Rieger (JA ’13; pictured left) and Josh Traptow (AIM ’10; pictured right) are among this year’s group of young Calgarians who were inducted into Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40, Class of 2024.

Creating platforms, raising awareness and building a hopeful future for all

A SAIT Distinguished Alumni ('03), Past Board Chair, honorary degree recipient and donor, Heather Culbert (CT '79) has spent more than a decade driving change in the communities she serves. For her steadfast dedication to numerous causes across the city and beyond, she was named 2024 Calgarian of the Year.

Cheers to SAIT alumni volunteers!

At the heart of every event are our volunteers. Over 350 SAIT alumni stepped up this year to gift their time, skills and expertise. Some of the ways they got involved include:

• Answering questions and giving advice at SAIT’s Open Houses
• Partnering up with a current student in the English Conversations Partners program
• Mentoring a student (or two) through the Industry Mentorship Program
• Joining a Program Advisory Committee
• Participating as a panellist or volunteer at the Grad Expo and
• Keeping our community clean at the City of Calgary’s Pathways and River Clean Up

Learn more about how you can get involved in 2025.

Real impact at SAIT

Supporting student-athletes for 30 years

Thanks to the Trojans Athletic Foundation Endowment Fund, sports and academics go hand-in-hand. For 30 years, student-athletes have received expert guidance and support to ensure their focus stays on their academics, training and community involvement. More than 900 student-athletes have received nearly $1 million in student awards.

Where there’s a WIL, there’s a way!

A new bursary partnership between SAIT and the Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) iHub Bursary Program has enabled hundreds of SAIT students to make the most of their unpaid work experiences. By providing financial relief to students, they can focus on their studies and hone their newly attained skills.

In 2024, SAIT awarded $1,018,500 in bursaries to 595 SAIT students participating in an upaid work experience.

Something BIG is building

The spring season sprung up in a big way here at SAIT with the announcement of a $30-million gift made by the Taylor Family Foundation to support the construction of SAIT’s future campus centre, aptly named the Taylor Family Campus Centre.

Take a peek inside the new Taylor Family Campus Centre. Fly through a rendering of the new building and get a feel for some of the spaces.

SAIT’s Art Smith Aero Centre celebrates 20 years

Located on Taxiway N at YYC Calgary International Airport—one of Canada’s busiest—the Art Smith Aero Training and Technology Centre has endless stories about industry partnerships, donor support and alumni impact. Looking towards the horizon, the future is bright as the training centre keeps Alberta primed to emerge as a hub for global aviation training.

Giving Day 2024

This year, 306 donors gave over $136,000 during SAIT Giving Day, a 24-hour fundraiser to raise funds to break down barriers, enhance opportunities and create a future where every student can flourish. In addition to opportunities to double impact and participate in challenges, SAIT volunteers and staff hosted a gratitude booth where students shared messages of gratitude with donors.

Letting every mind shine

Not all great minds think alike. Thanks the generous support of donors who recognize the need, programs and resources continue to be added to the Lamb Learner Support Centre. This past year, SAIT welcomed Neurodiversity Specialist Dani Taylor. Taylor will provide instructors with the tools and training to support neurodivergent students and ensure SAIT spaces welcome all minds.

World-class hospitality and tourism opportunity in a world-class setting

SAIT, the YWCA Banff and the Pauw Foundation announced a unique and inspiring partnership aimed at shaping a bright future for hospitality and tourism in the Bow Valley corridor and beyond. The partnership proposes a state-of-the-art teaching facility and student housing for SAIT’s Hospitality and Tourism students. Learning in a world-renowned destination will give students invaluable experience while contributing directly to the local economy.

The partnership involves a $30 million gift. $10 million for the YWCA Banff to transform its 42-room social enterprise hotel into a hands-on learning environment and residence, and $20 million for SAIT to provide long-term programming at the new site.

2025: A year promising to be just as bold and exciting!

Reflecting on the year, we have much to be grateful for, especially the community that continues to grow and evolve at SAIT. As we prepare for the new year, we expect gratitude to grow with all the big and bold things to come.

SAIT is set to expand its presence in downtown Calgary's Barclay Centre, welcoming students in January, with exciting developments on the horizon. The Taylor Family Campus Centre will break ground on a new chapter, as construction shifts above grade, bringing the envelope and superstructure to life. This marks a significant milestone in creating a dynamic, state-of-the-art hub for learning and innovation.

But that’s not all! The new year will also kick off nominations for SAIT's prestigious Alumni Awards and President’s Awards. These accolades celebrate the trailblazers, changemakers, and unsung heroes among the SAIT community.

Big things are coming in 2025—stay tuned as SAIT continues to build a bold future for students!