Defined by bold moves and enduring influence, 2025 has left its mark. From alumni who defied limits to donors who opened doors, SAIT celebrated achievements that sparked innovation, strengthened community, and shaped the future of applied education.

Honouring alumni and their achievements

Defying the odds. Breaking boundaries. Building futures.

The 2025 SAIT Alumni Awards recipients share one powerful truth: small sparks can ignite extraordinary change. These innovators, mentors, educators, and leaders embrace life’s unexpected turns, transforming challenges into opportunities. Their journeys illuminate the way forward — sparking inspiration in themselves and in everyone they encounter.

Lynda Holden (Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Technology ’93)

• Craig Skauge (Business Administration ’01)
• Dean Bottomley (Architectural Technologies ’02)
• Nadine Niba (Bachelor of Applied Business Administration — Accounting ’16)
• Zak Maddell (Architectural Technologies ’19)

Excellence takes the stage

This year, SAIT had its highest number of graduates at 9,641. This number includes both first-time graduates and those receiving a subsequent credential across the winter, spring and fall convocations.

At each convocation ceremony, a graduating student with excellent academic standing gave a commencement speech to their fellow graduates as valedictorian. Additionally, individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievement and leadership and have made significant contributions to campus life are recognized with the President's Medal, the highest honour a student can receive at SAIT. Beginning this fall, at least one individual will be recognized during each winter, spring and fall convocations.

Celebrating alumni engagement and community

We’re thrilled to see alumni returning to campus to share their expertise and passion. From mentoring current students, speaking to classes and volunteering at events like Open House to connecting with peers at AlumNights with SAIT Trojans, these graduates are strengthening the SAIT community and inspiring the next generation. Their involvement reminds us that learning and leadership don’t end at graduation — they grow stronger together.

🫶 Gather and get involved

Keep an eye out for Alumni Connect, your monthly newsletter, for opportunities to volunteer, mentor or get together at future AlumNights with the SAIT Trojans. Update your contact information and learn more about how you can get involved in 2026.

Turning bold ideas into Real Futures

Tomorrow's talent, today

In February 2025, a new vision for applied education in the face of significant shifts in technology and communities was unveiled at the launch of Real Futures — SAIT’s $150 million fundraising campaign to drive cross-campus transformation of who, how, and what we teach, helping to drive Alberta’s economy forward.

The future is something you invest in.

Your gift will connect more people to successful lives and careers. Together we will transform critical economic engines and lay the groundwork for a future that's bright and built to last.

Make a gift

SAIT family unites to make real impact

When a family comes together, great things can happen. SAIT’s annual Family Campaign combines fun, positivity and donor support to make a real impact in the lives of SAIT students today and tomorrow. More than 350 employee donors came together to raise over $82,000, spreading good vibes to their colleagues and supporting initiatives that help students overcome challenges that may create barriers to completing their education.

We're building bolder

SAIT launched a new three-year strategic plan Bold Futures. The plan supports SAIT’s continuous evolution in delivering high-quality applied education, ensuring that learners have access to the skills, networks, practical experience, and confidence they need for successful careers and lives.

A century-long relationship opens doors with historic contribution

In May 2025, Imperial and SAIT made history when Imperial donated a 40,000 square foot state-of-the-art research facility valued at $37 million to SAIT. This donation marked the largest corporate gift to any post-secondary institution in Alberta and positions SAIT to be a world leader in sustainable energy innovation and research. Named in honour of the donor, the Imperial Energy Innovation Centre will support the expansion of SAIT's Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS).

SAIT Downtown Cyber Range: The latest in real-world learning

On Oct. 1, SAIT launched a cutting-edge cyber range in downtown Calgary, offering an immersive, real-world training environment for students, professionals, and industry partners to tackle cybersecurity challenges. The facility, funded by a $30 million gift from David Bissett, features customizable simulations and collaborative spaces designed to develop skilled cyber defenders and digital leaders.

▶️ Just press play!

View the video for a tour through the Downtown Cyber Range with recent graduate Nathaniel Scherger (ISS '25).

Big hearts, big impact: SAIT Giving Day delivers beyond expectations

SAIT’s ninth annual Giving Day didn’t just meet expectations — it shattered them. In just 24 hours, nearly 300 donors rallied together to raise an astounding $183,984, far surpassing the $110,000 goal and proving the power of community to transform student lives.

Looking Ahead: Bold Futures Start Here

As we celebrate the incredible milestones of 2025 — from honouring alumni who defy limits to launching transformative initiatives like Real Futures — we’re already focused on what’s next. The coming year will bring new opportunities to innovate, connect, and empower learners as SAIT continues to shape the future of applied education. Together, we’ll continue to break boundaries, build futures, and create real impact for students, industry, and our community. Here’s to an even bolder 2026!