Celebrating inspiration and excellence with our Fall 2025 valedictorians

Owen Taylor

Water and Wastewater Treatment Operations Certificate
MacPhail School of Energy

Owen’s journey at SAIT began with Academic Upgrading before he started in the Water and Wastewater Operations program in the MacPhail School of Energy. 

As a Métis student, he spent a lot of time at Natoysopoyiis, SAIT’s Indigenous student support centre, where he later became a tutor to help others succeed. Flexing his leadership skills beyond academics, Owen was Vice President of SAIT’s Enactus team and championed the creation of an Indigenous Relations Coordinator role to build community and bring Indigenous perspectives into student entrepreneurship.

"There are so many opportunities and ways to get involved at SAIT, but you have to seek them out,” says Owen.

Getting involved also taught him how to prioritize — a skill that will serve Owen well as he enters the workforce. “As the saying goes, ‘you can do anything but not everything.’”

Owen has spoken at four Enactus competitions and helped lead the Enactus SAIT team to the semi-finals two years in a row. As a member of the Trojans Cross Country and Track team and an Interfaith Student Leader, his time at SAIT has been defined by community involvement — all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

Lance Santiago

Administrative Information Management Diploma
School of Business

Before deciding to study in Canada, Lance worked as a courtside reporter in the Philippines and earned a bachelor’s degree in literature. He took home one of the country’s most prestigious literary honours, winning the Carlos Palanca Memorial Award for Literature.

At SAIT, Lance contributed to student life on campus through his role as Vice President of the SAIT Students’ Association, representing more than 18,000 students.

“What surprised me most about SAIT was how real the community is here. I’ve studied at other places and taken on leadership roles, but SAIT felt different,” says Lance. “You can walk up to an executive, ask a question, share an idea and they actually listen. They care about what students think.”

Also serving as Vice Chair of the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations’ College and Polytechnic Advisory Committee, Lance helped secure federal wins protecting $870 million in student grants and creating 40,000 new work placements across Canada. His dedication earned him the Carthy Foundation Memorial Award, the DC Fleming Award for Advocacy, the Global Student Ambassador Award and several scholarships.

Lance also made the most of unexpected opportunities available at SAIT.

“SAIT taught me that space isn’t something you wait for — it’s something you take. I used to think opportunity just showed up for people who had it all figured out, but that is not how it works.”

He wants new students to know it’s okay to take time to figure things out. “Confidence isn’t something you wake up with one day. It is something you build, little by little, every time you decide to try again.”

That’s what he’s taking with him into the next chapter. “To keep trying, even when I don’t have all the answers. To take up space, and to help others see they can do the same.”

Sukhman Singh

Software Development Diploma
School for Advanced Digital Technology

Sukhman’s passion for technology began in high school, where he participated in STEM initiatives and research programs, including projects with NASA. These experiences sparked his drive to innovate and led him to SAIT’s Software Development Diploma — a program that provided the practical skills and real-world experience to fuel his ambition.

During his time at SAIT, Sukhman served as Co-Director of Research and Development for Enactus SAIT, leading innovation projects and mentorship programs.

“What truly surprised me about studying at SAIT was the strong sense of belonging I found within the community,” says Sukhman.

He credits being part of an encouraging on-campus environment for inspiring his desire to give back to community — receiving recognition for his commitment to volunteerism.

Working at SAIT’s International Centre, Sukhman learned the value of listening to others and offering support when it’s needed most.

“Some of the most important things I’ll take with me from my time at SAIT are the genuine relationships and connections I’ve built — both as a student and as an employee,” he says. “There’s a special sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from helping students find answers or provide guidance they need.”

Today, Sukhman works in industry as a software developer and continues to volunteer with Tech Connect Alberta and SAIT’s International Centre, helping others find their path in Canada’s tech community.

Cheers to the future

These valedictorians exemplify what it means to be a SAIT graduate — driven, innovative and committed to making a difference. As we gather for convocation to celebrate the achievements of this Class of 2025, we’re also celebrating the promise of what lies ahead. Congratulations Owen, Lance and Sukhman, and every graduate who has worked tirelessly to reach this milestone. The future is yours to shape.