On Tuesday, Feb. 24, valedictorians Kulbir Singh and Yumnaa Farooq will celebrate with classmates at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.

SAIT’s 2026 valedictorians lead with courage, give back to the community and support peers with kindness and respect.

We asked them what they've enjoyed most about their time at SAIT, and what they're looking forward to in their next journey as SAIT alumni.

Kulbir Singh

Data Analytics Post-Diploma Certificate, School for Advanced Digital Technology

Kulbir arrived in Canada in 2016 with a suitcase, a dream and a promise to himself that this country would be the place where he would rewrite his story. From Dhelpur, Punjab to SAIT, his journey reflects commitment, resilience and the determination to turn a dream into reality. After six years working in industry and making meaningful, lasting contributions, he followed the power of education and came to SAIT to pursue the Data Analytics Post-Diploma Certificate — graduating with a 4.0 GPA.

Kulbir found a community at SAIT — classmates, instructors and mentors who encouraged him to grow in curiosity, accountability, empathy, and leadership. His journey was shaped not just through coursework but through real conversations and genuine support on campus

He expanded his network and enriched his campus experience by volunteering at Open House and convocation, connecting with future students and celebrating the achievements of others.

Determined to pay it forward, Kulbir endeavours to listen, guide and support everyone the way he felt supported at SAIT.

What advice do you have for students to succeed?

Focus on taking it one step at a time and aim to be just a little better than you were yesterday. Believe in the power of education and continuous learning and take pride in every win — big or small — because they all add up.

What is your favourite memory as a student #HereAtSAIT?

Walking through campus for the first time felt like stepping into Hogwarts, it was a dream come true and I instantly felt part of a magical community. The everyday moments at SAIT made me feel at home.

What are you looking forward to most post-graduation?

I’m looking forward to celebrating this milestone with my family and friends, and taking the lessons, relationships and sense of purpose I gained at SAIT into the next chapter of my journey.

Yumnaa Farooq

Bachelor of Business Administration (Human Resource Management and Management), School of Business

Yumnaa came to SAIT as a first-generation post-secondary student and feels deep pride to be the first in her family to earn a degree. Her interest in business grew with her first job at 15 years old. She knew when she entered the corporate world, she wanted to lead with empathy and transparency.

Student club Enactus SAIT offered her an opportunity to flex those leadership skills, as the group’s Human Resources Co-Director, and later, Co-President. In her role, she built HR systems from scratch, mentored future leaders and created opportunities for fellow students. Yumnaa also supported her peers through mentorship programs, organized an inclusive hackathon, developed a coffee-ground upcycling initiative and led a vendor market that raised more than $1,000 for Enactus SAIT’s charitable and sustainable initiatives.

SAIT taught Yumnaa that leadership is about driving change, giving back and helping others grow alongside you. She looks forward to carrying these lessons into the next chapter of her journey.

What advice do you have for students to succeed?

Ask yourself what will actually set you apart from others with the same credential, then go do the things that help you grow. Get involved in SAIT events, clubs and volunteer opportunities, build real relationships, and have fun while you’re at it! Everything else tends to fall into place.

What is your favourite memory as a student #HereAtSAIT?

Getting to lead Enactus SAIT will always be my favorite memory, especially attending a leadership summit with student leaders from across Canada. Along the way, I got to meet students from all over, hear their stories and help create new opportunities.

What are you looking forward to most post-graduation?

I’m excited to apply everything I’ve learned at SAIT on a bigger scale and actually see the impact of it. I hope to always work in a role I love, for an organization with good values and continue giving back as an alumna through mentoring and inspiring others.

SAIT Alumni

These are just two member of SAIT’s amazing alumni family. Stay connected through @saitalumni, check out alumni perks and, when you’re ready for your next lifelong learning step, check out these awards and other opportunities at sait.ca/alumni.