CAMPAIGN EVENTS

President's Gala 2011 - October 27, 2011

This video was played for guests at the Gala. It tells the story of Erin and Adam, two students whose lives have been changed by SAIT Polytechnic.

SAIT Petroleum Engineering Technology Student Erin Schuler (left) and SAIT President and CEO Irene Lewis (right) present the President's Partnership Award to Shell Canada, represented by Murray Ireland, leader of Shell's Campus Ambassador Program (centre). View the photo gallery

SAIT Polytechnic rolled out the red carpet for two of its closest friends and supporters Thursday evening at the 2011 President’s Gala.

President and CEO Irene Lewis presented Shell Canada with the President’s Partnership Award and Calgary business leader Mel Svendsen with the President’s Volunteerism Award.

President Lewis praised Mel Svendsen as a longtime supporter who has devoted countless hours to SAIT as an advisor, guest speaker and a generous sponsor of scholarships. On top of that, she points out; Svendsen has hired hundreds of SAIT graduates to work for Standen’s Ltd. his Calgary based world-leading manufacturer of automotive suspensions and springs.

“I am a proud alumnus and I don’t need much prompting to brag about SAIT,” says Svendsen, a SAIT Distinguished Alumnus and honorary degree recipient. “SAIT laid the foundation for my success and introduced me to the skills and the values that served me well in my passion to build Standen’s into a successful international manufacturing company.”

President Lewis commended Shell Canada as an outstanding supporter of education, especially through its Campus Ambassador Program (CAP), a mentor program that matches SAIT students with Shell employees, many of whom are SAIT alumni.

“SAIT’s team is made up of a range of Shell employees, operators, managers and directors. This dedicated group of volunteers can often be found on campus or taking students on field trips to their worksites,” says Lewis. “I know the team’s insight and support are priceless to our students.”

The Shell-SAIT CAP leader, Murray Ireland, accepted the President’s Partnership award on behalf of the company saying, “Shell Canada is proud of its 25-year partnership with SAIT, and looks forward to a continued relationship that helps build the workforce of the new energy future.”

The theme of the Gala was “Horizons” reflecting the bright future on the horizon for SAIT as we prepare for the opening of the new Trades and Technology Complex. The red and gold décor reflected the colours of the sun on the horizon.

About 400 guests, made up of donors and supporters of SAIT, were treated to a performance by a high flying Alberta based group of acrobats and dancers called Firefly Theatre. They also watched a video telling the story of two SAIT students who are approaching graduation.  They also enjoyed a gourmet meal prepared by students and instructors in the School of Hospitality and Tourism.