Sparking electrical excellence at the Randy O’Dell Centre for Electrical Trades

Randy O’Dell had a spark for electrical trades. It began in New Brunswick, where he trained as an electrician before moving to Calgary in 1978 to build a future in the electrical industry. When Randy founded O’Dell Electric in 1984, he had a desire to participate and make a difference in Calgary’s evolving landscape — specifically through delivering quality electrical services. For many years, Randy delivered on his mission through hard work and made a name for his company thanks to their excellence in electrical services.

Randy passed away on Nov. 14, 2017, at the age of 65. Randy wanted to give back to Calgary, and knowing almost all of O’Dell Electric’s apprentices had gone through SAIT, it was a natural place to consider when leaving his legacy. In 2018, Sherry Payne, O’Dell’s longtime friend, colleague and executrix of the O’Dell estate, coordinated a $2M legacy gift to SAIT. Since then, another $1M has been given to the centre through the O’Dell estate, helping with fundamental upgrades and renovations to the centre.

Preparing students for modern electrical workplace

This gift facilitated the design, construction and renovations of labs, workshops, classrooms and equipment for the centre. The upgraded labs, featuring industry-leading Festo solar, pneumatics and Building Management Systems training equipment, have reshaped how students are prepared for the modern electrical workplace.

“The O’Dell estate’s investment has transformed not only our spaces, but the experience and confidence of every learner who walks through our doors,” shares David Peard, Academic Chair, Electrical Trades at SAIT. “More than 4,700 learners have benefited from these enhancements to date, and we expect another 3,100 by August 2027.”

Flexible focus. Continued legacy.

With a focus on flexibility, these renovations and designs enable students and staff to train in modular shop spaces and pods where students can complete their laboratory experiments and participate in their theory and code classes from the same location. The pods provide space where students can learn, practice and master the essential and foundational skills of any electrical installation.

The culmination of the O’Dell estate’s generosity and a testament to the legacy of Randy, SAIT announced the opening of the Randy O’Dell Centre for Electrical Trades within the MacPhail School of Energy on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2020.

“I am incredibly proud that his legacy lives on and that he continues to make a difference,” shares Payne. “He would be so pleased to see these new facilities at SAIT and to know that his contributions helped make these major renovations possible.”

Randy’s desire to make a difference in Calgary and beyond will continue as students pass through these spaces throughout their education journey.

“This gift continues to shape futures and fuel our ambition to be Canada’s leader in electrical trades education. Today, our students train with tools that truly match their talent.” says Peard.

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