Honorary Degree recipients receive their degree during SAIT’s Convocation ceremonies. Each recipient’s stories, contributions and values reflect the heart of SAIT in our FIRST principles of Fairness, Integrity, Respect, Safety and Transparency, leaving a legacy of inspiration.
SAIT employees are invited throughout the year to nominate candidates to receive an Honorary Degree in one of the following designations:
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism.
Eligibility
Honorary Degrees are an important element of our community and a meaningful opportunity to celebrate those who inspire and lead in alignment with SAIT’s values. Exclusions include active politicians, current members of the SAIT Board of Governors, current faculty or staff, and self-nominations.
Candidates are assessed across five key categories:
Share the candidate's achievements, expertise, and influence within their professional field. This section focuses on the candidate's impact and leadership in their area of specialization, recognizing them as a distinguished individual in their discipline.
- Has the candidate made significant contributions that are recognized locally, nationally, or internationally?
- Is the candidate seen as a leader or innovator within their field?
- Has the candidate achieved notable accomplishments or milestones that have advanced their field?
Describe the candidate's dedication to societal betterment, humanitarian efforts, or public service. This section focuses on actions that positively impact communities, marginalized groups, or humanity at large.
- Has the candidate’s work had a positive impact on a large scale or within specific communities?
- Are the candidate’s contributions likely to have a long-lasting impact?
- Has the candidate shown ongoing dedication to improving lives, promoting equality, or addressing pressing societal issues?
How does the candidate embody qualities and values that align with those of SAIT? This section considers the candidate’s actions and character, which ideally reflect values such as fairness, integrity, respect, safety and transparency.
- Does the candidate exemplify core values of SAIT such as fairness, integrity, respect, safety and transparency?
- Would the candidate serve as a positive example for students, faculty, and the broader community?
- Does the candidate exhibit personal traits that the institution encourages in its community?
What is the candidate's ability to inspire others through their life story, achievements, or personal message? This section considers whether the candidate's example and voice resonate with audiences, inspiring positive change or encouraging others to pursue similar paths.
- Does the candidate's background and accomplishments serve as a source of inspiration for others?
- Is their message or mission compelling and meaningful to a broad audience?
- Has the candidate demonstrated an ability to effectively communicate their message to inspire and connect with people?
What is the candidate’s connection to SAIT, including any contributions to the institution or ties as an alumnus? This section assesses how well the candidate’s relationship with the institution strengthens community bonds.
- Has the candidate served as an alumnus, benefactor, or in some significant role at the institution?
- Has the candidate actively supported or promoted SAIT and its values?
- Has the candidate played a role in enhancing the reputation or resources of the institution?
Honorary Degree Recipients
2023-2024
Evelyn Nyairo, Founder, Ellie Bianca
Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration
Ian MacGregor, Entrepreneur, Engineer
Honorary Bachelor of Science Construction Project Management
Dustin Westling, Owner and Managing Partner, OneWest Events
Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration
Past Honorary Degree recipients
2022-2023
| Recipients | Degree |
|---|---|
| Rod Scout, Elder, Blackfoot Ceremonial Societies | Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration |
2021-2022
| Recipients | Degree |
|---|---|
| The Honourable Ed Stelmach, Former Premier of Alberta | Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration |
| Leah Hennel, Photojournalist, Author, Leah Hennel Photography | Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration |
2020-2021
| Recipients | Degree |
|---|---|
| Tom Sampson, Retired City Chief, Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) | Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration |
2019-2020
| Recipients | Degree |
|---|---|
| Mark Little, President and CEO, Suncor Energy | Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration |
| Mandy Rennehan, Founder, Freshco | Honorary Bachelor of Science |
2018-2019
| Recipients | Degree |
|---|---|
| Geoff Gosling, Director of Innovation, DIRTT Environmental Solutions | Honorary Bachelor of Science |
| Doug Horner, Chair, Canada Asia Synergy Group | Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration |
| Cindy Klassen, Police Officer, Calgary Police Services, former Olympian | Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration |
2017-2018
| Recipients | Degree |
|---|---|
| Douglas Ramsay, Vice-Chairman and Founder, Calfrac Well Services Ltd. | Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration |
| Alan Norris, Chairman and CEO, Brookfield Residential Properties | Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration |
| Elizabeth Cannon, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Calgary | Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration |
2016-2017
| Recipients | Degree |
|---|---|
| Dean Brawn, President, Suderam Communication | Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration |
| D. Gregory Powell, Founder and Director Emeritus, Stars Air Ambulance | Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration |
| Clayton Riddell, Executive Chairman, Paramount | Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration |
| Mogens Smed, CEO and Co-Founder, DIRTT Environmental Solutions | Honorary Bachelor of Science |
| Margaret Southern, Founder and Director Emeritus, Spruce Meadows | Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration |
2015-2016
| Recipients | Degree |
|---|---|
| Sheldon Kennedy, Lead Director, Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre | Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration |
| Tom Munro, Founder, Albi Homes | Honorary Bachelor of Science |
| Irene Pfeiffer, President, Moorgate Holdings | Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration |
2014-2015
| Recipients | Degree |
|---|---|
| Clarence Hollingsworth, SAIT Graduate and Instructor | Honorary Bachelor of Science |
| Dave Mowat, President and CEO, ATB Financial | Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration |
| Linda Olsen, News Anchor, Global TV | Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration |
| W. Brett Wilson, President, Prairie Merchant Corporation | Honorary Bachelor of Science |
2013-2014
| Recipients | Degree |
|---|---|
| Sharon Carry, President and CEO, Bow Valley College | Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration |
| Heather Culbert | Honorary Bachelor of Science |
| Fred Desjarlais, Vice President, Volker Stevin Canada | Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration |
| Patrick Jarvis, Amarok Training Services Ltd. | Honorary Bachelor of Science |
2012-2013
| Recipients | Degree |
|---|---|
| Mike Begin, President and CEO, Spartan Controls Ltd. | Honorary Bachelor of Science |
| Dennis Chorney, Chairman, Teine Energy | Honorary Bachelor of Science |
| Jay Westman, Chairman and CEO, Jayman MasterBUILT Inc. | Honorary Bachelor of Science |
2011-2012
| Recipients | Degree |
|---|---|
| Jack Donald, Parkland Properties Ltd. | Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration |
| Shirley Dul | Honorary Bachelor of Science |
| Keith McPhail, Chairman and CEO, Bonavista Energy Trust | Honorary Bachelor of Science |
2010-2011
| Recipients | Degree |
|---|---|
| Bonnie DuPont | Honorary Bachelor of Science |
| Richard Haskayne, Principal, Haskayne and Partners | Honorary Bachelor of Science |
| Preston Manning | Honorary Bachelor of Science |
2009-2010
| Recipients | Degree |
|---|---|
| George Bookman, West Canadian Industry | Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology |
| Doug Mitchell | Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology |
| David Werklund | Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology |
2008-2009
| Recipients | Degree |
|---|---|
| Victor Buffalo | Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology |
| Ehsanullah Ehsan, Director, Afghan-Canadian Centre | Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology |
| Darrel Janz, CTV Television Calgary | Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology |
2007-2008
| Recipients | Degree |
|---|---|
| John Aldred | Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology |
| Norma Carroll | Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology |
| Clayton Carroll | Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology |
2006-2007
| Recipients | Degree |
|---|---|
| Martin Cohos | Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology |
| Charlie Fischer | Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology |
2005-2006
| Recipients | Degree |
|---|---|
| Larry Macdonald, Managing Director, Northpoint Energy Ltd. | Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology |
| Art Smith | Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology |
2004-2005
| Recipients | Degree |
|---|---|
| Linda Hohol | Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology |
2003-2004
| Recipients | Degree |
|---|---|
| Rt. Hon. Joe Clark | Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology |
| Peter McKeen, Managing Director, Jack Carter Chevrolet | Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology |
| Nursultan Abish-uly Nazarbayev | Special Ceremony, President of Kazakhstan |
2002-2003
| Recipients | Degree |
|---|---|
| Gwyn Morgan | Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology |
| Stephen Snyder | Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology |
2001-2002
| Recipients | Degree |
|---|---|
| Bruce Libin | Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology |
| Don Smillie | Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology |
2000-2001
| Recipients | Degree |
|---|---|
| Don Taylor | Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology |
1999-2000
| Recipients | Degree |
|---|---|
| Fred Coles | Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology |
| Rance Fisher, President, Kearney Properties Inc. | Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology |
1998 - 1999
| Recipients | Degree |
|---|---|
| Murray Pennell | Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology |
| Mel Svendsen, President and CEO, Standen's Limited | Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology |
1997 - 1998
| Recipients | Degree |
|---|---|
| Hon. Ralph Klein | Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology |
1996 - 1997
| Recipients | Degree |
|---|---|
| Stan Grad, President and CEO, Soderglen Ranches Ltd. | Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology |
1994 - 1995
| Recipients | Degree |
|---|---|
| Hon. Peter Lougheed | Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology |
How to nominate someone for an Honorary Degree
SAIT employees can submit a nomination using the online form. All nominations will remain private and confidential.
The SAIT Honorary Degree Committee reviews submissions on a bi-annual basis. Only successful nominations will be contacted.
*This nomination form is only accessible to SAIT employees with valid login credentials.
Graduation and Convocation
Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
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.