2024 Stories
10 December 2024
2024: SAIT's top alumni and donor moments
As we prepare to say goodbye to 2024, let's stop and reflect on some of the top moments here at SAIT.
07 November 2024
Looking back: SAIT staff say "sayonara" to the card catalogue system
In 1990, Learning Resource Centre staff ceremoniously break down SAIT's card catalogue, celebrating its replacement by a computerized catalogue system.
07 November 2024
Death and disruption
Meet the SAIT graduate behind a free online planning platform disrupting Canada's funeral industry.
07 November 2024
Eating SMART
Long a business staple, SMART goals can help with healthy eating, too.
07 November 2024
More than a logo.
The first member of his family to earn a degree from a Canadian post-secondary, Paul Lacap became a marketing director and worked with global brands like Disney. But he never forgot his roots. Now he’s leading a cross-campus team in assessing and evolving SAIT’s brand. His goal? Showcasing higher education and changing lives.
07 November 2024
On the job: Jimmy Issa on the ropes
Surrounded by buildings in the downtown core, your gaze goes up — way up! At the top of those buildings, you may see one of the few trained rope access glaziers, like Jimmy Issa, replacing or repairing windows for one of Calgary's tallest towers.
04 November 2024
Takeout takeaways: Exploring plant-powered alternatives to single-use plastics
As organizations continue to move towards more sustainable packaging, maintaining functionality and specific standards with using different materials can pose challenges. When collaborating with industry, SAIT's Centre for Innovation and Research in Advanced Manufacturing and Materials (CIRAMM) has yielded significant solutions in the development of eco-friendly food containers.
04 November 2024
Artificial Intelligence: Step into the brainstorm
In a 2024 Leger Survey, only 13% of Canadians aged 55 and older reported using artificial intelligence tools. LINK explores why they might want to try — and how to get started.
04 November 2024
On assignment to India
How a twist of fate led Prabhdeep Brar to covering the world's biggest election.
04 November 2024
On vibe and in "VOGUE"
Jewelry designer Alex Manitopyes brings Indigenous artistry and inclusivity to high fashion.
09 October 2024
CHAR Hospitality Fund cooks up community impact in Calgary
Restauranteur duo John Jackson and Connie DeSousa launch a new initiative to give back to the city and industry that have been supportive through their own careers.
04 September 2024
Terrance Malkinson — 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award
This year's Distinguished Alumni Award recipient is a trailblazer. Learn how through personal discovery and an ongoing pursuit of athletic endeavors has helped him to understand and share how an entire dimension of his life has impacted his relationships with others.
04 September 2024
Shelby Banera — 2024 Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Blending her entrepreneurial experience with a knack for numbers and her passion for helping businesses succeed, this year's Outstanding Alumni Award recipient is an inspiration to up and coming female entrepreneurs and leaders.
04 September 2024
Tyler Carr — 2024 Outstanding Young Alumni Award
A popular Winnipeg morning radio show host with a powerful social media presence, Tyler Carr is turning to his following to help raise awareness and funds for charitable organizations and to support local businesses. Read on to find out why he is one of this year's recipients of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award.
04 September 2024
Matko Papic — 2024 International Impact Alumni Award
From military intelligence to 911 centres to air traffic control towers and space exploration, Matko Papic's industry expertise has reached every corner of the globe. Read more to learn what makes Papic this year's recipient of the International Impact Alumni Award.
04 September 2024
Janis Rapchuk — 2024 Clarence Hollingworth Alumni Employee Award of Excellence
Empathy, flexibility and the courage to say 'yes' to opportunities have enabled Janis Rapchuk to make a powerful impact, near and far. Learn more about how her work at SAIT and in the community has earned her this year's Clarence Hollingworth Alumni Employee Award of Excellence.
03 July 2024
Beyond the surface
Kelsey Ferrill (Journalism ’15) reflects on the moments that have shaped her life in the past decade as an advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion.
13 June 2024
Creating platforms, raising awareness and building a hopeful future for all
SAIT graduate, Past Board Chair, Honorary Degree recipient and donor Heather Culbert 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 has been awarded the 2024 Calgarian of the Year.
04 June 2024
How flight works
Have you ever wondered how flight works? You can learn a lot about aerodynamics by building and launching a paper airplane.
04 June 2024
SimMom — The newest addition to the Centre for Advanced Patient Care Simulation Lab
This spring, the School of Health and Public Safety welcomes the arrival of an advanced, full-body birthing manikin. Simulation Educator Blair Lindsay (EMTP ’85) tells us more.
04 June 2024
Taylor Family Campus Centre: A bold vision for SAIT campus life
With a transformational $30 million gift and a strategic approach to design, SAIT's new Taylor Family Campus Centre will bring together services supporting student success and building community.
04 June 2024
On the job: Turning a love of aviation into a passion for serving the community
Last summer, unprecedented wildfires blazed across Canada but, as Leonard Sebastian shares with LINK writer Stephanie Joe, winter has been his busiest time.
04 June 2024
SAIT and the space race
LINK takes a look back to Feb. 18, 1966, when the Herald Magazine featured six SAIT alumni who helped make Canadian space history.
04 June 2024
Alberta innovators dig deep into urban agriculture
How collaborative research exploring the role of urban farming is growing global resilience to food insecurity and water scarcity.
04 June 2024
Women in focus
Calgary photographer Čedna Todorović talks about the Worthy Woman Portrait Series, her latest project, and answers LINK’s Proust Questionnaire.
04 June 2024
TAXIWAY N: Glimpses of SAIT's aero centre
Located on Taxiway N at YYC Calgary International Airport — one of Canada’s busiest — the Art Smith Aero Centre has endless stories to tell about industry partnerships, donor support and alumni impact. Here are some stories to marks its 20th anniversary.
04 June 2024
Driven by tech: In pursuit of the first autonomous car
Umer Shaukat (GET '18) positions himself on autonomy's frontlines, contributing to the worldwide race for the first autonomous car.
15 May 2024
Dedicated leaders build lasting camaraderie in the Student Petroleum Society
This student-run club focuses on creating a supportive and collaborative comunity with students, alumni and industry partners, earning them the honour of being recognized with a 2024 Student Leadership Award
15 May 2024
The Environmental Technology Student Organization creates a sense of family in a demanding program
While managing their program's challenging, full-time course load, these students are creating professional development opportunities and sustainable activities that impact fellow students and the community, earning them a 2024 Student Leadership Award.
15 May 2024
2024 President’s Medal celebrates the incredible resilience of a compassionate community-maker
The 2024 President's Medal recipient exemplifies community engagement and leadership, creating opportunities in challenging times and positively impacting her fellow students, SAIT and the surrounding community.
30 January 2024
SAIT alumni entrepreneurs offer five top tips to stay grounded in 2024
Feeling caught up in the whirlwind of day-to-day tasks, demands or stresses? Check out these five tips from SAIT alumni to help reset and stay grounded this year.
16 January 2024
On the job: The rocker transforming Calgary's music scene
From DIY roots to indie studio architect, SAIT grad, Murray Emery takes LINK readers on a musical odyssey through sound.
2023 Stories
01 December 2023
New ideas for mapping old growth
A recent capstone project show how the SAIT Connector inspires collaboration among students across SAIT's various schools.
23 November 2023
Top career development tips from the What Works Podcast
Since starting on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, the What Works series has covered an array of career development topics to support SAIT alumni through the career journeys. Check out some top tips from fellow SAIT alumni.
07 November 2023
Natoysopoyiis — SAIT's Indigenous student resource centre receives a new name
In addition to its new name, SAIT's Indigenous student resource centre welcomes a new role to support Truth and Reconciliation on campus.
07 November 2023
Minding the music business
While a SAIT education has opened up new avenues for Sebastian Arroyave Moir's future, he is also pursuing his true passion as a musician. Today, as Moir continues working towards his degree in Human Resources, he is also applying his learning towards his first love — his journey as bedroom pop artist Yavé.
07 November 2023
Wicked problem solving — How the successes (and failures) of applied research are solving global challenges
Two researchers with SAIT’s Green Building Technologies talk about recent projects, collaboration, perseverance, and the importance of adaptability.
07 November 2023
Talking through 25 — why I created a podcast on navigating the quarter-life crisis
Host Andrea Juarez (Journalism '18) talks with people who have already lived through turning 25, one of life's most confusing times. Juarez shares why she created the podcast and what she has learned along the way.
07 November 2023
On the job: preserving culinary traditions, one home cook at a time
Red Seal Chef Cat McInroy is using food to keep connections alive between people in the Yukon, their cultures and the past.
07 November 2023
Satisfy your wanderlust
Searching for a warmer weather destination? Before you click "book", explore the factors that could make your next vacation a breeze or a nightmare.
27 October 2023
On the job: Making space for vulnerability in the ICU
LINK catches up with Respiratory Therapy (RT) grad Kelsey Freeman about working during a pandemic and bettering mental health support for frontline medical workers.
04 October 2023
Cindy Humphries - 2023 Clarence Hollingworth Alumni Employee Award of Excellence
When the recipient of the 2023 Clarence Hollingworth Alumni Employee Award of Excellence isn't working at the Rockyview General Hospital, she can be found supporting student learning, co-chairing a safety committee and ensuring program equipment is in working order.
04 October 2023
Roger Haddad — 2023 International Impact Alumni Award
SAIT's first ever International Impact Alumni Award recipient isn't afraid to get his hands dirty. Learn how this SAIT graduate is pushing his knowledge, skills and passion for the combustion engine to the pedal.
04 October 2023
Danielle Murrison - 2023 Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Between new builds and renovations, this year's Outstanding Young Alumna is bringing her creativity, innovation, construction expertise and problem-solving skills to the male-dominated construction industry to make a positive impact in the community.
04 October 2023
Janice Krissa-Moore - 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award
This year's Distinguished Alumni Award recipient is an opportunity maker. Find out how she turned tragedy into community for Ukrainian newcomers displaced by the war in Ukraine.
04 October 2023
Tejeshwar (Tej) Grewal — 2023 Outstanding Young Alumni Award
One of SAIT's newest Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipients is turning a global challenge into an opportunity. Learn more about how this graduate is using artificial intelligence to protect the environment.
19 September 2023
Making lifelong learning accessible through the Level Up Alumni Awards
Three graduates share how this alumni-exclusive benefit helped them to continue their lifelong learning journeys.
06 September 2023
SAIT graduates reconnect with their alma mater through volunteering
The benefits that come from being a volunteer vary from person to person. Hear from SAIT graduates on why they choose to return to volunteer #HereAtSAIT.
01 September 2023
Richard Stroobant - 2019 Clarence Hollingworth Alumni Employee Award of Excellence recipient
Passionate about teaching, the recipient of the 2019 Clarence Hollingworth Alumni Employee Award of Excellence prioritizes job satisfaction over job titles, leaving a lasting impression on students and colleagues alike.
12 July 2023
The alumni advantage: SAIT and TDIMM celebrating 30 years of partnership
Being a member of the SAIT Alumni Family has its perks. Learn how a 30-year+ partnership between SAIT and TD Insurance Meloche Monnex is helping graduates succeed in a changing world.
27 June 2023
5 ways to get involved as a SAIT graduate
Your journey with SAIT isn't over when you graduate — here are five ways to stay in touch with your alma mater.
27 June 2023
SAIT graduate shifts the narrative on Calgary’s collective heritage
Josh Traptow has been awarded the 2023 Calgary Award for Community Achievement in Heritage.
07 June 2023
On location with SAIT alumni
Six SAIT grads talk about their work in major film, television and digital media centres worldwide
05 June 2023
Design with intent
A new SAIT program combines the best of both new media production and graphic communications to reflect future trends and direction in industry and design.
02 June 2023
Lara Surring: Success through adversity
Lara Surring originally had her sights set on bones – specifically, dinosaur bones – but the universe had different plans for her. Though life threw her some enormous challenges, Surring found her way through to a different career and eventually back to paleontology – her first love.
01 June 2023
Endure and thrive — SAIT graduates on set of "The Last of Us" share their experiences
Get behind the scenes scoop from some of the SAIT graduates who worked on the production of The Last of Us.
31 May 2023
Bill Brownridge: Leaving a lasting impression on the sport of hockey through his art
Meet one of Canada's most popular hockey artists, SAIT Advertising Art graduate Bill Brownridge, who was recently inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame.
30 May 2023
Four questions about artificial intelligence — and what it means for humans
From online shopping, to using Google maps, to using reCAPTCHA security — AI is increasingly becoming a part of our daily lives. Before the release of GPT-4, LINK explored ChatGPT and asked SAIT experts for their insights into the programming.
24 May 2023
On the job: the art and science of making ice for the NHL
LINK breaks the ice with SAIT alumnus Mike Craig as he shares his journey to becoming the NHL’s Senior Director of Facility and Hockey Operations.
23 May 2023
SAIT graduates take their careers to new heights by embracing "remote" work
Is the sky the limit? Meet three SAIT graduates whose career journeys are taking off as leaders in their industries in Canada.
26 April 2023
SAIT alumna creates a community of support for Ukrainian newcomers
While assisting a family friend from Ukraine, SAIT graduate Janice Krissa-Moore was inspired to take action to help support even more Ukrainian newcomers.
17 April 2023
On the job: Athlete brings self-expression to the ice with custom designs
From gliding across the ice to starting her own business as a custom ice hockey mask painter, this SAIT graduate takes her passion for the sport to her everyday career.
04 April 2023
Cooking up community connection with Derek Dale
As he hangs up his chef's hat with the Calgary Stampede, Chef Derek Dale reflects on his 36-year career and what is next. PLUS: A go-to paella recipe from Chef Dale.
27 March 2023
Transportation students charge into the future with gift from RBC
An innovative gift from RBC is helping SAIT Automotive Service Technology students like Jasmine Chu connect to leading-edge skills and experts.
12 January 2023
The best of us working on "The Last of Us"
The amount of roles and responsibilities for a TV or film production are impressive. Meet three grads that shared a glimpse into their roles for the highly anticipated TV series "The Last of Us."
2022 Stories
28 November 2022
Saitsa’s Century: Celebrating 100 Years
Today’s Saitsa leaders reflect on a century of hard work, advocacy and accomplishment on behalf of students.
28 November 2022
SAIT's vision for a new Campus Centre
In August 2022, SAIT launched a four-year redevelopment project to replace Campus Centre with a new building. LINK brings you an insider's look at What's happened so far — and what's next.
28 November 2022
On the Job: Staying up to speed with an ever-evolving auto industry
Matt Carr shares an insider’s look at working behind the scenes with high-tech cars, high-pressure repairs and hours on a hot tarmac.
28 November 2022
Hands On: Magnetic Particle Tester
The Magnetic Particle Tester in SAIT's Non-Destructive Testing Foundations Labs shines a light on industry tools and parts.
28 November 2022
Going with the FLOW
Researching a green-tech solution for extracting cleaner oil and gas.
28 November 2022
Pro Tips: EV insights
Online research, comparing makes and models, taking a test drive — buying a vehicle involves many steps. Buying an electric vehicle adds a few more steps. Here are the top tips for buyers going electric.
28 November 2022
New committee works to empower and inspire
When David “Chimdi” Ilonze arrived at SAIT as an international student from Nigeria, he found the Black community wasn’t as connected as it could be. In an expanded online interview, find out how the Black Empowerment and excellence at SAIT (BEES) committee is supporting and empowering the Black community at SAIT.
04 November 2022
Gursh Bal and Kai Fahrion | Top 40 Under 40
SAIT grads and 2019 Outstanding Young Alumni, Gursh Bal and Kai Fahrion share their thoughts on sustainability, the motivations towards a clean-energy future and what it means to be recognized by Avenue Magazine for their efforts to cultivate change.
03 November 2022
Iman Bukhari | Top 40 Under 40
SAIT alumna Iman Bukhari shares her experience leading change in race relations and what it means to be recognized for her outstanding work towards creating an inclusive community.
03 November 2022
Amber Craig | Top 40 Under 40 2022
SAIT graduate Amber Craig (Journalism ’06) has been an integral part of the movement towards responsible, socially-acceptable cannabis use and was recognized for her efforts in Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40.
03 November 2022
Six SAIT graduates among the Class of 2022 Top 40 Under 40
In case you missed it, this year six (yes, SIX!) SAIT grads join the latest cohort of individuals making an impact in their communities, fields and industries before their 40th birthdays.
03 November 2022
Madeleine MacDonald | Top 40 Under 40
SAIT graduate and Outstanding Young Alumnus, Madeleine MacDonald (Hospitality Management ’14) inspires creativity and passion in culinary arts through her award-winning cocktails, community-building initiatives and as an Instructor at SAIT — for which she was welcomed into Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 Class of 2022.
27 September 2022
Madeleine MacDonald — 2022 Outstanding Young Alumna
Getting her start as "baby bartender" at Model Milk, 2022 Outstanding Young Alumna Madeleine MacDonald is setting the bar high within the hospitality industry with the creation of dynamic cocktail programs and winning national cocktail competitions.
27 September 2022
Kyle Bukauskas — 2022 Outstanding Young Alumnus
From doing play-by-plays for the SAIT Trojans hockey team to filing stories for Rogers Sportsnet, this year's Outstanding Young Alumnus, Kyle Bukauskas, still makes time to visit the students at SAIT whenever he is in town.
27 September 2022
Linda Olsen — 2022 Distinguished Alumna
For the past 34 years, she has built a career dedicated to local news, helping Calgarians through their city's most interest, challenging and significant events. Meet 2022 Distinguished Alumna, Linda Olsen.
27 July 2022
5 ways to get involved as a SAIT graduate
Your journey with SAIT isn't over when you graduate — here are five ways to stay in touch with your alma mater.
29 June 2022
This time next century ...
LINK takes a look ahead during Heritage Hall's centennial year.
20 June 2022
The murals of Heritage Hall have their moment
Hidden in plain sight, the murals of Heritage Hall have their moment as Calgary art historian Lisa Christensen takes us on a personal guided tour of the ten murals still on public display.
20 June 2022
On the job: Maintaining history for the future
Meet the SAIT graduate whose work might just result in history repeating itself.
20 June 2022
Looking back: The sprightly Shetland pony named Midge
Serving as a mascot of the No. 2 Wireless School during the Second World War, her official duties included leading military parades and graduation parades — even the 1942 Calgary Stampede Parade.
20 June 2022
S. Preston: Minimalist creations
Sports artist S. Preston (CTSR '96) - who created the minimalist Heritage Hall on this issue's cover — taps deep into what makes fans feel euphoric about their favourite teams.
17 June 2022
The value of connection
SAIT grad, Keane Straub, explores the ways alumni are gaining value from their connections with SAIT.
17 June 2022
The value of connection
SAIT grad, Keane Straub, explores the ways alumni are gaining value from their connections with SAIT.
10 June 2022
Beyond the halls — A look at the unseen spaces of Heritage Hall
Take a once-in-a-lifetime look into the spaces in Heritage Hall that aren't accessible to the public.
31 March 2022
What works recap: So you want to start a podcast
SAIT alumni share their podcasting know-how — from conception to production.
22 March 2022
3 ways to celebrate Heritage Hall's centennial
2022 is a milestone year — Heritage Hall is turning 100! Join in the celebrations with these three tips.
16 March 2022
A place and platform for students: Saitsa turns 100
From lobbying government to student support and campus events, former Saitsa presidents reflect on the frolics and achievements during their time in office.
16 March 2022
Namesakes of Heritage Hall: The gift of giving back
Hear as our guests discuss the ways philanthropy nurtures great cities, the excitement of restoring Heritage Hall during the 1980's and how giving back enables students to succeed today and in the future.
16 March 2022
Master of murals: Establishing the art scene in Calgary
Ever wonder about the murals in Heritage Hall? Listen and learn how the walls became a gallery, a canvas and a platform for many legendary local artists.
16 March 2022
Growing up in Heritage Hall: The University Demonstration School
Close "chums" for over 70 years, three alumni of the University Demonstration School (UDS) recount their childhood memories from their days at UDS.
16 March 2022
The castle on the hill: Third-place prize to first-class institute
Designed by Alberta provincial architect Richard Palin Blakey, Heritage Hall was constructed on North Hill overlooking downtown Calgary to intentionally look inspiring and imposing.
16 March 2022
Behind the making of "If These Halls Could Talk"
What goes into hearing history? SAIT Alumnus Ron Tarrant goes into what it took to produce an audio series in celebration of the Heritage Hall building's centennial.
16 March 2022
Better together: Preserving Heritage Hall and making room for the future
Heritage Hall: renovation, or demolition? Hear how Heritage Hall became both a provincial and a national historic site — and proof that some things are worth preserving.
16 March 2022
Architecture of a Queen: A monument for the future
Heritage Hall was designated a Canadian national historic site in 1987 because of its place in the development of vocational education in Western Canada.
16 March 2022
The No. 2 Wireless School at Heritage Hall: Heroes in training
Take a trip back in history to 1940 and hear what it would have been like as PITA was transformed into the No. 2 Wireless School.
Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.