campaign News

Two inspired families give $10 million to SAIT

Wednesday, October 20, 2010, Calgary, Alberta – SAIT Polytechnic’s Trades and Technology Complex received another huge boost today when the families of two SAIT alumni – David Johnson and Murray Cobbe – announced they will each contribute $5 million to the Promising Futures™ Campaign.

During a celebration with hundreds of students and staff, SAIT President and CEO Irene Lewis called the gifts inspiring.

“We are so very thankful for the generosity of the Johnson and Cobbe families,” says Lewis. “David and Murray are fine examples of what can be achieved through the power of inspiration, a lot of hard work and the knowledge gained through a polytechnic education. Their generosity will have significant impact on thousands of students each and every year, inspiring them to fulfill their own personal goals and achieve great results for Alberta’s economy.”

In recognition of today’s gifts, the West Wing of the new Trades and Technology Complex will be named the “Johnson – Cobbe Energy Centre.” The facility will be more than 273,000 square feet and located near the centre of SAIT’s campus, completing the revitalization of the 14th Avenue entry from 14th Street to Heritage Hall. 

Johnson and Cobbe have more than 70 years combined experience in the energy industry.

Johnson graduated from SAIT in 1976 from Petroleum Engineering Technology. He is the Executive Chairman of Progress Energy Resources Corp. and his experience includes production, reservoir evaluation and operations.

”We are impressed that SAIT is run like a business. SAIT’s Board and management are accountable, responsible and effective. We truly believe that giving to education is the right thing to do and we, like other donors before us, know our contribution will be used purposefully,” says Johnson.

Cobbe graduated from SAIT’s Petroleum Engineering (Reservoir) program in 1970 and has worked primarily in the well services business.

"We have a real connection to SAIT as it represents the start of our careers. Our education provided us and many others with the basis to succeed,” says Cobbe, the Executive Chairman of Trican Well Service. “Providing this gift and giving others the opportunity to build a career is one of the most meaningful things I've been able to do. It will leave a lasting legacy."

Inspiring Promise

The combined $10 million contribution is the latest in a string of significant personal donations made to SAIT during this campaign: $15 million was given by John and Cheryl Aldred in April of this year, and $10 million was given in 2005 by alumnus Keith MacPhail, Chairman and CEO, Bonavista Energy Trust.  In 2009, a group of 10 leaders in Calgary’s residential construction industry – known as the Founding Builders – also contributed $1 million each to the campaign.  They include: Avi Amir, Wayne Chiu, Scott Haggins, Tom Mauro, Al Morrison, Jay Westman, Carma Developers LP, QUALICO, Shane Homes Limited and Stepper Custom Homes Inc.  
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“Dave and Barb Johnson and Murray and Connie Cobbe are two couples who firmly believe that they can make a difference. Their hope is to inspire others through their generous gifts, just as they were inspired by others,” says MacPhail, who serves as Chair of SAIT’s Promising Futures Campaign Cabinet.  “There is an incredible transformation taking place at SAIT through the Trades and Technology Complex, one that will have a positive impact for generations to come. Today’s gifts are an unbelievable act of generosity and add momentum to the Promising Futures Campaign, bringing it to more than 80 per cent of its $75 million goal. We encourage others to step forward and help us reach that target.”

Personal donations supporting the Trades and Technology Complex supplement the Government of Alberta’s contribution of $300 million in 2008.