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Owen Taylor

Water and Wastewater Treatment Operations
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, and became a tutor there to support other Indigenous students. As Vice President of SAIT's Enactus team, Owen also helped implement a new role, Indigenous Relations Coordinator, to build community ties and bring Indigenous perspectives to student social entrepreneurship.

Through his role in Enactus, Owen continuously pushed the team to innovate, implementing a Research and Development department and streamlining the project development process. He has spoken at four Enactus competitions and helped lead the Enactus SAIT team that placed in the semi-finals two years in a row.

Owen’s time at SAIT has been defined by his community involvement. In addition to his work with Enactus, he raced on the Trojans Cross Country and Track team, sparked dialogue as an Interfaith Student Leader and collaborated on an Environmental Technology capstone project, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

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Lance Santiago
 

Administrative Information Management
School of Business

Before deciding to study in Canada, Lance already knew he wanted to be a storyteller. In the Philippines, he worked as a courtside reporter and earned a bachelor’s degree in literature. At 17, his essay on unity through literature won the Carlos Palanca Memorial Award for Literature, one of the country’s most prestigious literary honours. He also worked with Junior Achievement Philippines, teaching thousands of high school students the basics of financial literacy.

As Vice President of the SAIT Students’ Association, Lance represented more than 18,000 students and led initiatives that amplified their voices on campus. He also served as Vice Chair of the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations’ College and Polytechnic Advisory Committee, helping secure federal wins that protected $870 million in student grants and created 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 recognizing his leadership and service.

Now, through his work at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, he continues to share stories that connect people and community.

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Sukhman Singh

Software Development 
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 he sought.

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

He also played a key role in Calgary’s technology community through his work as an IT Analyst with Tech Connect Alberta, a nonprofit connecting more than 4,000 IT professionals, students and newcomers.

Sukhman was presented with a certificate of appreciation from Member of Parliament Greg McLean for his community volunteerism. He has also spoken at major tech events held by Platform Calgary, Microsoft Calgary and SocialWest, Western Canada’s largest digital marketing conference.

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.

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Alex Hoi Yun Tong
 

Governor General Collegiate Bronze Medal recipient
Baking and Pastry Arts
School of Hospitality and Tourism

Alex grew up in Hong Kong, where he developed a love of baking during family time in the kitchen. These early experiences inspired a lasting fascination with creating homemade treats to share. A background in photography and cinematography has shaped Alex’s distinct approach to baking, with careful attention to visual harmony and design in every creation.

During his time at SAIT, Alex explored a range of techniques, developing skills in traditional breads and viennoiserie, modern pastries and showpieces. Guidance from instructors and encouragement from classmates played an important role in refining his abilities.

Receiving this award is a meaningful recognition of Alex’s hard work, creativity and perseverance and reflects the support he has received from others along the way. Looking ahead, Alex is eager to continue learning, evolving and bringing both joy and artistry to baking and pastry in the years to come.

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Rebecca Haberstock

>Governor General Silver Medal recipient

Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing
School of Business 

Rebecca’s educational journey has been shaped by her drive to excel both academically and athletically.

Rebecca played on the SAIT Trojan’s women’s volleyball team and captained SAIT’s Vanier Marketing Case Competition team — which won the Alberta Intercollegiate Sales and Marketing competition.

Her experiences at SAIT fueled Rebecca’s passion for marketing, leadership and community-building. Since graduating, she has jumped into industry with a job in marketing and maintains her passion for athletics by coaching local volleyball. Rebecca is known for her determination, empathy and a commitment to excellence that earned her this prestigious award.