A shared legacy of giving
When Rick and Kathy Waram attended the 2009 WorldSkills competition in Calgary, they were struck by the talent on display and spent hours afterwards talking about the experience.
“The enthusiasm of the young people participating — it was heartwarming. To see what they were accomplishing, and the range of skills … it was really amazing to watch,” recalls Rick.
The dedication and talent they witnessed that day stayed with Rick and Kathy for years, inspiring Kathy to name SAIT as a beneficiary before she passed away in July 2025.
In her self-authored obituary, Kathy described SAIT as one of the charities closest to her heart, explaining her desire to “help enrich our next generation.”
After her passing, Rick revisited their plans for giving and wanted to create something that truly reflected Kathy’s values. What began as a commitment to student scholarships grew into a broader legacy — one that supports both financial need and hands-on learning. Through the Cowin Waram Legacy Award and the Kathy (Cowin) Waram Legacy Fund, students will receive financial support for their education as well as opportunities to participate in Skills competitions. Rick has already begun supporting students attending upcoming competitions, bringing this legacy to life.
“Everything in her made Kathy want to be part of young people’s lives … she was a giver,” shares Rick. “I became so excited because her legacy will live on.”
Inspired by the talent he and Kathy witnessed that day in 2009, Rick decided that the Kathy (Cowin) Waram Legacy Fund would support student expenses related to travelling to or participating in a Skills competition.
“There are so many young people who are gifted but can’t afford to go,” he says. “Having that help is crucial.”
When he thinks about the long-term impact of his and Kathy’s kindness, Rick hopes to inspire a sense of empowerment, an appreciation for generosity, and one feeling in particular.
“Gratitude,” says Rick. “And hopefully one day they’ll pay it forward.”
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SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.