When a small group of students from SAIT’s Bachelor of Science in Construction Project Management program  saw untapped potential within their student association, they didn’t just step in. They stepped forward and built something remarkable.

Under the leadership of outgoing president Abe Armagan and a committed executive team, the CPMSA transformed from hosting a single annual event to organizing nearly 20 initiatives over the year. Their focus spanned networking, mentorship, industry engagement, and student support, and their momentum drew strong backing from students, alumni, and industry partners alike.

Building on lessons from prior years, this year’s executive team began with a clear plan to transform the association. Their focus from the start was on applying what they learned in their program to elevate their club, and that began with setting a concrete plan. With a roadmap in place, they set out to raise the bar and prove what construction project management students could accomplish when properly supported.

Central to their success was Industry Night, a landmark event held at Calgary’s BMO Centre. Thanks to VP Industry Relations Adam Krol, the CPMSA secured 27 corporate sponsors, tripling previous years’ funds, supporting not only Industry Night but additional student programming throughout the year.

“We wanted to make the event bigger, better, and more valuable for both students and industry,” says Krol. “The sponsorships and the turnout proved that students are eager to connect, and industry partners are just as eager to meet them.”

The association also launched a series of Lunch and Learn sessions, employer sessions, and site visits, organized by VP Operations and incoming president Trinity Tratch, who is also a current Construction Project Management student. “Seeing over 80% of our student body show up to these sessions showed us how much students wanted these opportunities,” he says. “It was incredible.”

The CPMSA also prioritized internal growth and efficiency, with VP Internal Sophie Delaquis playing a key role in keeping the team connected and focused. “Having a cohesive working group allowed us to create meaningful events that truly supported students,” says Delaquis. “It’s been an amazing experience, both personally and professionally.”

Beyond event planning, the CPMSA’s work included mentorship efforts, a commitment to operational sustainability, and alumni engagement. A major highlight was hosting the first BCPM Annual Alumni Reunion, which included attendees from every class year since the first cohort graduated in 2015.

Armagan credits the team’s success to extraordinary collaboration alongside his restructured approach to club leadership. “The focus was on building a system where everyone could make the most of their skills without being burned out or held back by others,” he says.

Receiving the 2025 President’s Student Leadership Award validates the team’s vision and hard work. “It confirms that we’ve made a difference,” says Tratch. “We did more than just organize events. We built a network, bolstered confidence, and created something that will help students long after we’re gone.”

Looking ahead, the CPMSA leadership team plans to build on their success by refining processes, gathering student feedback, and ensuring the momentum continues for the next generation of construction leaders. “We’ve raised the bar,” says Krol. “Now it’s about lifting it even higher.”