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President's Gala 2010 - October 28

A different side of SAIT was revealed to the nearly 400 guests at President’s Gala 2010, October 28.

Upon arrival, each guest was guided through the path of time into the Heart Atrium where they were greeted with a digital graffiti artist scrawling images on a large screen hanging overhead, a skeleton sled simulator and ice sculptures that doubled as martini luges. Dancers rhythmically drummed in the evening as guests settled in for a luxurious five-course dinner prepared by 200 students and 15 faculty from SAIT’s award-winning School of Hospitality and Tourism. 

With six cranes dotting the main campus, the Trades and Technology Complex – once a mere sketch on a napkin – is quickly taking shape. The President’s Gala 2010 was held to thank those in our community who have helped make the Complex a reality. 

Founding Builders - President's Partnership Award Recipients

The Founding Builders who have been a part of SAIT’s expansion journey since the beginning were honoured with the President’s Partnership Award.

“The Founding Builders are a group of ten leaders in Calgary’s residential construction industry who have come together to make a very big difference for SAIT, for our students, and for Calgary,” said Irene Lewis SAIT President and CEO. “Each year, SAIT recognizes an outstanding partner, a company that exemplifies the very best in its sector, while making meaningful contributions to the success of our students. What a thrill to recognize not one but ten partners who have come together to do just that.”

The Founding Builders came together in partnership with SAIT as a solution to several industry challenges. As the workforce of yesterday retires, there needs to be enough skilled workers in the industry to fill in the gap. But with many qualified applicants being turned away from SAIT due to lack of space, these ten leaders in the construction industry knew that something had to be done. Led by Jay Westman, Chairman and CEO of Jayman MasterBUILT®, each member of the group made a $1 million investment in the Promising Futures™ Campaign, either individually or through their companies. Their support has been instrumental in the development of the Trades and Technology Complex that will one day allow another 3,600 student spaces on campus. The group meets with SAIT regularly to offer advice and guidance on how to continue providing the best education possible for students.

“This partnership really is a win-win for the industry, the community, SAIT and, most importantly, for students,” said Tom Mauro, Founder and Chairman of Albi Homes in Calgary. “SAIT will be able to provide more students with a quality education and we, in turn will provide them with employment in a most respected, worthwhile industry.”

Roger Jarvis - President's Volunteerism Award Recipient

The President’s Gala 2010 also recognized the extraordinary passion and commitment of Roger Jarvis with the President’s Volunteerism Award.

“This evening, it is truly my privilege to honour a very special friend of SAIT, Mr. Roger Jarvis,” said President Lewis. “When Roger steps onto campus, you can see the excitement in his eyes and the bounce in his step. It is his passion, his focus, his vision, and his investment in the success of his community and the people who live in it, that make him such a remarkable man. No one could ask for a more genuine or dedicated friend.”

Born and raised in rural Saskatchewan, Jarvis first dreamed of taking to the skies as a young boy. His love of aviation is one of many ties that connect him to SAIT. He was a key member of the fundraising committee that helped the Art Smith Aero Centre take flight and become one of the best equipped aviation training facilities in North America. Today, Jarvis continues to serve as the Chair of the President’s Aero Centre Advisory Committee, a special group of industry experts who provide strategic advice and direction to SAIT. In 1998, as Vice-Chair of the Invest in Technology Campaign, Jarvis played a critical role in raising the funds needed to construct the Heart Atrium, and to restore Heritage Hall to its original grandeur.

“I became a supporter of SAIT first because of my love for aviation and my involvement with the Aero Space Museum in Calgary, but I am here today because I see so much potential in what this institute is providing for the community and the students who choose to study here,” said Jarvis. “Being a part of the SAIT community has been a real source of joy for me over the years.”

The President’s Gala 2010 marked the first anniversary of the launch of the Promising Futures™ Campaign to raise funds to build the Trades and Technology Complex on campus. To date, the campaign has raised $62.5 million towards its $75 million target. The Complex is to be opened in 2012.