The future is real at SAIT
On Tuesday, Feb. 11, members of the SAIT community gathered to announce and celebrate the launch of SAIT’s Real Futures fundraising campaign. We live in an exciting time — a time of rapid technological change that is altering how we learn, work and relate to one another. The pace of this change is challenging, with those who keep pace reaping real benefits. That’s why SAIT is raising $150 million to transform education and enable students to embrace change and unlock the future’s potential.
“We all know the future is unknown and then with technology, we don't know where it'll go,” shares second-year Optician Charisma Fernando. “But the important thing is, SAIT gives you the foundation that you need, so that when you go out into that world, whatever it may give you, you are ready.”
The inception of Real Futures began in 2019 with David Bissett’s visionary gift of $30 million to create the School for Advanced Digital Technology to meet the needs of students and employers in a constantly changing world. With the official launch of the campaign this week, SAIT has already received incredible donor support to the tune of $100 million, which has set the institution well on its way to facilitating a digital and technological transformation.
Driving the future
The launch offers others in the community the chance to join SAIT in taking a bold step forward to deliver on a promise to harness fresh perspectives and reimagine education through new technologies, spaces and ideas. With the help of our community, Real Futures will transform who, how and what we teach and help drive Alberta’s economy forward.
“The world demands talent that’s ready to adapt, and SAIT is at the forefront of that demand. Our graduates are ready to help drive innovation and support accelerated economic growth,” says Dr. David Ross, SAIT President and CEO.
Community support
The launch was also a cause for celebration as SAIT announced two incredible gifts from Cenovus Energy and the Estate of Arthur “Bud” George Hall. Cenovus Energy has provided a $3.7 million gift to support the transformation of applied energy education through curriculum revitalizations, upgrading equipment and technology that reimagines the learning experience — reinforcing SAIT’s ability to provide hands-on, real-world training.
Shelly Norris — Bud Hall’s cousin and Executrix — announced a generous gift of $3.5 million to support efforts to build the Taylor Family Campus Centre. An avid sportsman, Bud enriched the lives of those he knew and has now left a lasting legacy at SAIT. He passed away in 2019 at the age of 92.
TOMORROW’S TALENT, TODAY
The Real Futures campaign will enable SAIT to deliver on the promise to transform who, how and what we teach in response to the changes unfolding across our communities, technologies and economies. With a fundraising target of $150 million, the campaign will assure SAIT’s continued ability to provide the training and skills that industry needs to stay relevant and that students need to thrive, whatever vision of tomorrow they’re working toward.
Real Futures
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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.