Alumni
L
I
2006
distinguished
alumnus
Bev Longstaff
a model community builder
plus:
alumni authors
make the write moves
SAIT grads at the heart
of red mile success
N
K
WINTER 2007
contents
LINKAGES
4
director’s message
the vision to create
5
SAIT news and views
culinary community keeps memory of a great talent
alive SAIT’s athletic director leads Denmark to
championship win ICT revamps engineering
technologies programs project creates clean water
oil and gas community paves way for future leaders
exciting changes underway for business and tourism
department alumni instructors enhance student
experience PCL donation helps SAIT grow
healthier bodies, healthier minds Aldred awarded
for generosity at SAIT
alumni profile – Kirsten Norris
12
behind the scenes at the Calgary airport
FEATURES
2006 distinguished alumnus
Bev Longstaff
a model community builder
14
alumni authors make
the write moves 20
SAIT grads at the heart
of red mile success 24
SERVICES
alumni speak
27
two alumni team up to break world record
class notes
28
inside the events
get involved
30
34
use your alumni advantage
outstanding alumni
36
38
WINTER 2007
SAIT ALUMNI LINK 3
DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
LINKAGES
the vision
to create
alumni link
Editor-in-Chief
Pommashea Noel-Bentley
Managing Editor
Marguerite De Freitas
Editor
Karen Drummond
Editorial Services
Marla Pearce
Layout & Design
Creative Intelligence
Printing
Quebecor World
Mailhouse Services
Globel Direct
On the Cover
Bev Longstaff, EGT ’78
Photographed by Gary Campbell
The Alumni Link is published three times yearly
by SAIT Alumni and Development as a service
to SAIT’s many constituents, including alumni,
partners, donors, students, faculty and staff.
The Alumni Link invites your advertising, letters
and comments on this publication. Please direct
them to [email protected].
Alumni Link
SAIT Alumni and Development
1301 16th Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2M 0L4
Phone: 403.284.7040 (address updates) or
403.284.7089 (all other enquiries)
Fax: 403.284.8394
E-mail: [email protected]
www.sait.ca/alumniandfriends
PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40064317
RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN
ADDRESSES TO:
CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT
1301 16th AVE NW, CALGARY, AB T2M 0L4
4 SAIT ALUMNI LINK
WINTER 2007
In the feature stories of this issue we see a common thread – alumni with a
vision to create. These alumni make opportunities happen – they do not sit
back and wait for doors to open. And in the process they create communities,
unique perspectives and futures for others.
Our 2006 Distinguished Alumnus, Bev Longstaff, EGT ’78, has devoted
much of her life to community-building. From her years as a Calgary alderman
to her focused efforts to tackle homelessness and domestic violence,
Longstaff has made a significant impact on countless people in the Calgary
community. Her vision has brought hope and direction to the lives of those
who need it most.
Then there are our alumni authors, who create brand new worlds and viewpoints
through their words. They are unafraid to tackle the blank page and we all
benefit from their dedication and insights – insights that entertain, enlighten
and enrich our lives. Their words allow us to see the world through different
lenses and understand each other better.
Yet, you do not have to run for office or write a book to impact the lives of
others. Alumni such as those who have helped build Melrose Café and Bar into
a Calgary icon show us you can apply your vision to the workplace each and
every day. It began with the vision of owner Wayne Leong, HRM ’83, and has
continued to thrive, in part, because of the SAIT grads who have taken the
initiative to create even more opportunities for the business.
I’m continually amazed and inspired by the wide-reaching impact SAIT has in
the community. And it’s all because of you, our alumni. Your vision touches the
lives of people in virtually every industry and walk of life, and I’m grateful to be
part of it.
Pommashea Noel-Bentley, MBA
Director
Alumni and Development
[email protected]
NEWS & VIEWS
The outcome of that desire came to fruition
when numerous industry-leading chefs
offered up a spectacular ten-course
meal at SAIT’s Highwood Dining Room
to raise funds for the Benjamin Towers
Memorial Scholarship.
culinary
community
keeps memory
of a great talent
alive
LINKAGES
According to those who knew him,
Benjamin Towers, PCK ’01, was truly
exceptional – both as an individual and
as a passionate budding chef. So it is
not surprising that his death, at only
age 27, left those who worked with him
and watched his considerable culinary
talent blossom, with a burning desire to do
something significant to honour him.
The event, which raised in excess of
$30,000, not only recognized the
diligence and uncompromising excellence
Benjamin Towers applied to his short
career, it generated enough funds to
annually award a $1,500 scholarship to
the SAIT culinary graduate in each
class deemed most likely to succeed.
For Dunn and the two other key organizers
– Chef Paul Rogalski, PCK ’86, of
Rouge and Mission Hill Family Estate
Winery’s Chef Michael Allemeier – the
effort to bring this massive fundraiser
together reflects a collective desire to
create a lasting legacy for one who could
have, given the time, created his own
legacy. It also reflects their personal
passion for and desire to nurture the
culinary industry.
“He really set such a fine example,”
says Rogalski. “This scholarship could
help raise the profile of SAIT’s cooking
program. Certainly it will help those
who are the cream of the crop out in
Kelvin So
“Ben’s death sent a noticeable shudder
not only through the hospitality industry,
but SAIT’s culinary program,” says SAIT
Chef Simon Dunn.
The chefs, who teamed up to present an amazing feast for the senses at the Benjamin Towers Memorial
Scholarship fundraising dinner on October 29, all raise a glass in honour of their late colleague and friend.
They are (left to right): back row – Simon Dunn, Nicholas Ratzlaff, Victor Munoz, PCK ’01, Mike Dekker, Clark
Adams, Gary Dong, CKP ’02, Tim Cuff, PCK ’97, Cam Dobranski, Michael Allemeier, Paul McGreevy, CKP ’02,
Steven Archer, PCK ’01, Shaun Hicks, Will Trevenen, PCK ’97, Georg Windisch,
seated – Rosita Street, Alain Chabot, Paul Rogalski, PCK ’86.
industry. And that helps the school, the
industry – period!”
Chef Allemeier, a close friend and mentor
of Towers, says the event and resulting
scholarship provide him – and perhaps
others – a great sense of closure.
“As long as the scholarship is in place
Ben will continue to contribute to this
industry that he loved so much!
As long as it’s there, he’s not gone,”
says Chef Allemeier. “It keeps his
spirit alive.”
Christie Simmons
WINTER 2007
SAIT ALUMNI LINK 5
NEWS & VIEWS
LINKAGES
SAIT’s athletic director
leads Denmark to world
championship win
Greg Sawisky, JA ’07
Ken Babey, SAIT’s Athletic Director and Men’s Hockey Head Coach, was doing
double duty this winter, coaching Denmark’s Junior National Hockey Team in
addition to his ongoing work at SAIT. With his extensive coaching expertise,
he helped lead the team to a gold medal finish in the International Ice Hockey
Federation (IIHF) World U20 Division I (Pool B) Championships in December.
“We accomplished what we set out to do, our goal heading into the tournament
was to win the Gold Medal and advance to the ‘A’ Pool for next year, something
Denmark has never done in the U20 category,” said Babey.
ICT revamps engineering
technologies programs
SAIT’s Information and Communications
Technologies (ICT) department is
embarking on an ambitious project to
revamp a number of programs.
Dubbed the IT/Engineering Technologies
restructuring project, the initiative will
see improvements in select ICT programs.
Hollie Roberts, Stakeholder Engagement
Lead for the project, said the initiative
began in 2005, when SAIT leadership
called for a review of seven struggling
programs. The review would consider
factors like enrolment, attendance and
student success.
“Based on the review, in May 2006 the
IT/Engineering Technologies restructuring
project began,” Roberts said.
The programs included were: Broadcast
Technology, Computer Technology,
6 SAIT ALUMNI LINK
WINTER 2007
Computer Control Technology, Computer
Engineering Technology, Electronics
Engineering Technology, Network
Engineering Technology and
Telecommunications Technology.
Currently, a full-time eight-member team
is working to launch the reconstructed
programs in September 2007.
According to Roberts, the project’s
essence is to ensure programs are
relevant to industry, successful for
students, and efficiently use SAIT’s
academic resources.
“Basically they’re packaging the seven
programs into three programs,” she
says. “One program will incorporate
Broadcast Technology, one program
will incorporate Electronics Technology
and one program will incorporate
Information Technology and Network
Engineering Technology.” The broadcast
and electronics programs will result in
one diploma each, while the information
technology program will provide students
with options for four different majors
leading to four separate diplomas,
Roberts says.
Roberts said faculty experts have been
gathered together to formulate a
streamlined first-year curriculum that
reduces duplicate courses.
The process is complex, but the
outcome will be worthwhile: stronger
curriculum, happier graduates and
satisfied employers.
“We’re really trying to focus on student
success—supporting them from first
inquiry through to graduation.”
Russ Peters, JA ’94
During the winter Volker Stevin spreads
thousands of tonnes of salt on Alberta’s
highways to melt ice and ensure road
safety. When the runoff is caught in the
storage yards, the salt-rich materials
are hard on the environment and must
be stored in specially lined containment
ponds until it can be trucked away for
disposal to water treatment facilities.
SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation
Services team provided the technology
and system integration expertise for
Volker Stevin through a federal
research grant from the National
Research Council.
The team, Vita Martez, CHT ’94,
Brian Monteith, Bob Hammond,
PET ’82, and Dave Siemens from the
MacPhail School of Energy, worked with
Fred Desjarlais and Jack Brown from
Volker Stevin, Darby Tech and other
technology vendors.
The pilot-scale project, tested in February
2006, resulted in a mobile electrodialysis desalination system mounted on
a 40-foot trailer that is capable of
treating 27,000 litres of highly saline
water in about two-and-a-half days.
Following treatment, about 85 per cent
of the water is salt free and can be
re-used, while 15 per cent is concentrated
brine re-useable by Volker Stevin for
winter de-icing operations.
of Canada and the American Public
Works Association – Alberta Chapter
for its innovation.
LINKAGES
The SAIT-Volker Stevin Contracting Ltd.
project, or VSC, began in March 2005
when the highway maintenance firm
was looking to develop a technological
process to remove road salt from
wastewater for recycling purposes.
The project has recently been
recognized by the Canadian Exporters
and Manufacturers – National Research
Council, Petroleum Technology Alliance
Russ Peters, JA ’94
Lorraine Hjalte, Courtesy of the Calgary Herald
One of SAIT’s research projects is
proving to be a low-salt, high
performance success.
NEWS & VIEWS
project creates clean water
oil and gas community paves
way for future leaders
Darryl Proudfoot, Vice-President and Treasurer, Rider Resources (left) and
Bruce McFarlane, Vice-President, Business Development, Rider Resources
(right) began with an idea to help Calgary’s energy students. To make their
vision a reality, they then teamed up with Ross Douglas, President and CEO
of Mancal Energy, Sheldon Steeves, President and CEO of Echoex,
Pommashea Noel-Bentley, Director, Alumni and Development, SAIT Polytechnic
and Jodi Weidman, Director of Development, Student Awards, University of
Calgary to create the Foundation for Energy Education and Research (FEER).
FEER’s vision is based on the idea that Calgary, the energy center of Canada,
should be the first and best choice for students to obtain an energy education.
Another key belief behind the creation of FEER is that members of the oil
and gas community, who have enjoyed financial success from the industry,
should play an integral role in creating opportunities for future employees of
the oil and gas sector and supporting the institutions that will educate them.
To demonstrate their commitment, Proudfoot, McFarlane, Ross and Steeves
have donated $500,000 of their own money to kick-start the fund and are
seeking support from other members of the oil and gas community. Their
current goal is to raise $20 million.
Funds raised will support student scholarships, equipment and facility upgrades
and the establishment of chairs at both SAIT and the University of Calgary.
To find out more, visit: www.feer-calgary.com.
WINTER 2007
SAIT ALUMNI LINK 7
NEWS & VIEWS
LINKAGES
exciting changes underway for
business and tourism department
In mid-November, Dr. Gord Nixon,
TXT ’76, SAIT’s Vice President Academic,
announced that Business and
Tourism would be splitting into two
separate departments.
The changes coincide with the announced
retirement of Fraser Wilson, who has led
Business and Tourism for the past seven
years. Wilson plans to retire at the end
of February 2007.
Nixon said the decision to create two
smaller departments out of Business
and Tourism was prompted by
a number of factors.
“In addition to being the largest
academic department, Business and
Tourism is also one of the most
diverse,” Nixon said. “It has programs
ranging from Business Administration
and Legal Assisting to Professional
Cooking and Retail Meat Cutting.”
for the creation of a new, world-class
Hospitality and Tourism Centre.
Of course it’s more than just a logical
step, it is one that will respond to the
needs of students, employees and the
industries SAIT trains for.
The search for two new deans to lead
the departments has begun, with plans
to have the leaders in place by
March 2007.
“We are creating two academic
departments that will ultimately be
stronger, more focused and better able
to meet the needs of students and
industry,” Nixon says. “This change
will create two focused academic units,
one department will focus on Business
training and education and the other
will focus on Hospitality, Tourism and
Culinary studies.”
In making the announcement Nixon was
quick to praise Wilson for his leadership
of the Business and Tourism department
over the last seven years.
Nixon adds that the initiative is driven by
SAIT’s Strategic Plan and sets the stage
“Fraser has provided inspired
leadership and guidance to the
Business and Tourism department.
I wish him all the best as he embarks
on the next phase of his life and I
applaud him for the work he has done
in making Business and Tourism what
it is.”
Russ Peters, JA ’94
alumni instructors enhance student experience
As alumni, you know how your
experience and assistance helps SAIT.
Donations, volunteering, and working
on advisory committees make for
better programs and successful
graduates. But a less known way to
make an impact is to return to SAIT,
not as a student, but as an employee.
Every year, alumni become instructors,
coordinators and mentors for new
generations of students who are
preparing to take on the world.
One returning alumnus is Michelle
Smith, EMR ’95, EMT-A ’97,
EMT-P ’00. Smith works in the Health
and Public Safety department as a
project coordinator and instructor for
8 SAIT ALUMNI LINK
WINTER 2007
basic life support. She is an excellent
example of how a graduate can take
on a new role at SAIT to make
education even better.
that I am able to relate to the needs
of the students, because some of
their fears and frustrations are the
same ones I experienced.”
Smith has reunited with former
instructors and preceptors from her
medical training, and even joins other
graduates from the pre-hospital care
programs now employed here. “As a
new grad it was comforting to already
know some of the people that I was
working with,” says Smith.
Transitioning from student to
experienced alumnus, and now working
for SAIT, Smith has a key role in
ensuring courses and programs offer
students the very best education.
She also models the spirit and
dedication SAIT alumni share as they
come together to prepare new
generations for the working world –
giving something back to the school
that helped prepare them not so
long ago.
Smith’s return is enhanced by her
experiences and impressions of
instructors, and she still maintains
the views she did when she was in
the pre-hospital care programs. “I feel
Lauren Shaw
Greg Fulmes, JA ’94
The gold hard hat presented to SAIT
President and CEO Irene Lewis by
PCL Constructors on November 23
is more than a fashion statement.
It symbolizes the company’s leadership
investment of $500,000 to boost
apprenticeship training in construction
trades at the Polytechnic.
Left to right: David Filipchuk, Vice President and
District Manager, PCL Constructors, Perry Langdon,
CPP '04, General Foreman, PCL Constructors and
SAIT President and CEO Irene Lewis celebrated PCL's
contribution to SAIT at a breakfast in the Colonel Walker
building on the SAIT campus on November 23.
Community leaders and SAIT students joined
in the celebration.
Many of Calgary’s construction industry
leaders attended the breakfast on campus
where SAIT’s Building Promising Futures
Fund was announced. These leaders
healthier bodies, healthier minds
SAIT’s wellness centre helps students
and alumni live more balanced lives
Programs at SAIT’s Wellness Centre
can lead to healthy lifestyles and
healthier minds for both SAIT alumni
and students.
“It’s an important component of a
well balanced lifestyle,” says
Terrance Malkinson, ITP ’98,
BAI ’01.
He believes SAIT’s Wellness Centre
is a major asset to SAIT alumni
and students. According to medical
research, individuals who engage in
regular physical activity achieve
better grades in their courses
and are more productive in
the workplace.
Malkinson has been involved with the
Wellness Centre since he first began
coming to SAIT in 1990. Since then
he has been actively involved in
various programs offered at the
Wellness Centre including yoga,
peak power sports, swimming and
weight training.
Personally, Malkinson feels yoga has
been the most beneficial to his
lifestyle because it offers a holistic
approach to health and wellness.
“Involvement in yoga has brought me
new insights on living a more simple
and balanced life,” he said.
However, he said, like most of the
programs offered at the Wellness
Centre, attendance improves as
more people get talking about it.
Malkinson continually encourages
interested individuals to participate
at SAIT’s Wellness Centre to relieve
stress and most importantly, to
have fun.
Diane Klaver, JA ’07
were challenged by David Filipchuk,
Vice President and District Manager of
PCL Constructors, to be a part of the
solution to labour skills shortages.
“We have had a record year at the PCL
family of companies. Unfortunately, this
rosy economic outlook is threatened by
the possibility there will simply not be
enough skilled trades people to do all the
work forecast in Alberta. It is up to all of
us to step forward to help. I challenge
all of our friends and partners in the
Calgary construction industry to also
participate in a solution. We see PCL’s
participation as only a kick-start to what
we hope is a much larger response
from the entire Calgary construction
community,” said Filipchuk.
PCL has designated $150,000 to
scholarships for trades programs, and
$350,000 toward construction of the
Trades and Technology Complex.
Lewis explains, “PCL’s gift will extend a
helping hand to hundreds of students
over many years. It’s motivating and
inspiring to our students to know there
exist forward-looking companies like
PCL – a company that anticipates the
needs of the future and builds the
foundation for it today.”
Perry Langdon, CPP ’04, a
2004 graduate of SAIT’s Carpentry
program, added his encouragement to
industry to support the fund. Langdon
told breakfast guests how his SAIT
training helped prepare him for his
position as General Foreman with PCL.
“Thank you SAIT, and thank you PCL,
for helping make Alberta a better
place,” said Langdon.
Cathi Bishop
WINTER 2007
SAIT ALUMNI LINK 9
NEWS & VIEWS
LINKAGES
PCL Constructors donates
$500,000 to SAIT
NEWS & VIEWS
LINKAGES
Aldred awarded
for generosity at SAIT
SAIT Polytechnic Board of Governors’
member, John Aldred won the Generosity
of Spirit Award as part of National
Philanthropy Day on Wednesday,
November 15, 2006.
Recognized for his outstanding
leadership, valuable support and loyal
friendship with the SAIT community,
Aldred accepted the award from the
Association of Fundraising Professionals
(AFP) Calgary Chapter as part of their
National Philanthropy Day celebrations.
This annual event recognizes the
contributions of individuals and
corporations within the community.
serving as Co-Chair of SAIT’s
successful Invest in Technology
campaign; matching scholarship dollars
raised through his private foundation,
the Cadmus Foundation, for SAIT’s
entrance awards and establishing the
first-ever Trades Teaching Chair to
reward an exceptional academic
faculty member.
Aldred is most commonly recognized
as the founder, Executive Chairman and
Director of Enerflex Systems Income
Fund based in Calgary since 1980.
Aldred continues to support the
importance of skilled trades people in
industry today. He has supported both
the Calgary Board of Education’s
Career Pathways program as well as
Careers: The Next Generation, which
encourages trades education.
“John has played an important role in
supporting SAIT’s educational and training
initiatives. I cannot think of a more
deserving individual of this award,” said
Irene Lewis, President and CEO of SAIT.
Diane Klaver, JA ’07
Aldred’s continuous contributions to
SAIT have had a major impact on SAIT’s
educational experience. His support
includes participating as an active
member on SAIT’s Board of Governors;
The Alumni Student Council (ASCENT)
was proud to host a pumpkin carving
contest on Halloween in the atrium of
the Heart Building. The winning entry
was a cheeseburger pumpkin created
by members of SAIT's Student Calling
Program. Pictured here left to right
are members of the pumpkin carving
team: back row – Beverly Vey,
Jessica Raymond, Glenn Hanson,
Jackie Chuckrey, Betty McKay,
Sidikou Cissé, Erika Rigby.
10 SAIT ALUMNI LINK
WINTER 2007
Sherwin Tsang
Tania Berdine; front row –
WINTER 2007
SAIT ALUMNI LINK 11
ALUMNI PROFILE
LINKAGES
Norris takes us behind the
scenes at the Calgary airport
At the Calgary Airport, a passenger
checks in for a flight, and watches his
suitcase glide away behind the counter.
Below him, a woman sighs with relief as
the conveyer springs to life and luggage
begins to appear. For the traveler, the
baggage system is a mystery of the
airport that starts and ends the trip.
For Kirsten Norris, ASNT ’06, the
magic of keeping the conveyer moving
smoothly is part of a regular day at work.
The Automated Systems Engineering
Technology (ASNT) program at SAIT is
not always familiar to people, but it is
becoming increasingly important for
today’s technology-reliant society. From
programming the computer systems to
assembling the mechanisms, the ASNT
program prepares students for designing
and maintaining the systems that keep
our modern world running.
As a Technician/Electrician Apprentice
for MJF Mechanical Ltd., Norris is
contracted out to The Calgary Airport
Authority to maintain the automated
baggage system. Equipment from
Siemens and Jarvis Webb provide the
muscle, and Rockwell software allows
Norris to use her SAIT education to
keep the system flowing.
Norris was always interested in technology
and engineering. Her older sister became
an electrical engineer, and she dreamed
of following her into an engineering
field. She didn’t know much about
Automated Systems Engineering when she
began the program, but by her second
year, she was working on a flashpoint
testing project: an automated system
that tested the ignition point of
12 SAIT ALUMNI LINK
WINTER 2007
chemical vapour without human
intervention.
Like other programs at SAIT, the training
in ASNT goes beyond the technical
realm of automated projects. “SAIT not
only taught me what I needed to know
for automation systems,” says Norris,
“but how to handle myself in the real
world.” Her instructors had worked in
the field, and brought their experience
to help prepare the students. “Since
then, I have already faced some of the
challenges they said I would. Because
of those instructors, the challenges
weren’t nearly as hard to handle.”
Despite the importance of automated
technology in our society, ASNT is still
a growing program at SAIT. “Each year
the lab gets something new, something
that will give more and more experience
for the graduates going into the
workforce” says Norris. With the constant
improvement, graduates will embark on
careers in a new world of automated
technology.
Norris plans to continue her work with
the Calgary Airport, so long as travelers
know she is not the one to blame when
their luggage is lost.
Lauren Shaw
Earn a degree taught
by experts from
Alberta’s top industries.
When they are not teaching class, our instructors are
successful professionals in their fields. They know
what it takes to manage a staff, manufacture a
product, market a company and make a profit. At
University of Phoenix, our instructors do more than
just guide you through the curriculum. They also
share the type of practical experience that can give
you a competitive edge.
Graduate Degrees
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
(seven specializations)
For more information contact
Corinna Knievel
(403) 538-2181 or
email [email protected].
University of Phoenix is approved to offer specific degree programs by Alberta Advanced Education.
Degrees are conferred by University of Phoenix through its Central Administration office, located in
Phoenix, Arizona. ©2006 University of Phoenix, Inc. All rights reserved.
TEXT
CHRISTIE SIMMONS
2006
distinguished
alumnus
a model
community
builder
If making connections and helping others
get and remain connected were a simple
matter of clicking plastic toy pieces
together, Bev Longstaff, EGT ’78,
would have a full-on Lego empire.
“I’m very moved to be connected –
to be a part of other people’s lives in a
positive way,” says Longstaff, SAIT’s
2006 Distinguished Alumnus. “I really
believe the more connected we are, the
more involved we are, the better the
place is.”
Clicking the pieces together is by no
means simple, but Longstaff has proven
to be exceptionally capable of fostering,
forging and maintaining connections.
She is being recognized as SAIT’s
Distinguished Alumnus because of a
solid and enduring connection she has
built with SAIT, in addition to those
connections she has helped others develop
and cultivate through her long-standing
role as a community leader.
Her involvement in these organizations,
she says, is rooted in her belief that she
can make a difference – not only to
those she directly helps but indirectly
by making the world – her world –
a better, safer, more peaceful place.
Gary Campbell
Beyond a 12-year tenure as Ward 7
Alderman on Calgary’s City Council,
Longstaff has made significant
contributions through her work as
Director of the Calgary office for the 2002
G8 Summit and through her participation
on the boards of numerous organizations
including ENMAX, Calgary Airport
Authority, Calgary Downtown Association,
The Salvation Army, Calgary Homeless
Foundation, Homefront and United Way.
Longstaff passionately devotes her time and energy to community issues such as homelessness
and domestic violence.
continued next page
WINTER 2007
SAIT ALUMNI LINK 15
COMMUNITY BUILDER
FEATURES
As her own personal actions and
connections suggest, Longstaff feels
particularly passionate about issues of
homelessness and domestic violence.
Growing up, Longstaff’s parents struggled
with the challenges of raising five children
while also routinely feeding desperate,
needy souls who showed up on their back
step. These experiences, she says, have
given her a clear sense of what everyone
loses when the safety and security of a
good home are not available or there isn’t
the desire to do something about it.
“It’s all about the individual feeling safe
and connected,” she says. “If every
person could feel that, could live that –
just imagine what our community
would be. Just imagine what our world
would be!”
According to Longstaff, the home she
shared with her family was just down
the hill from SAIT and she well
remembers, as a girl, looking up to
what she thought of as the castle on
the hill. SAIT, she says, has simply
been part of her life for almost as
long as she’s been alive.
So perhaps it is no surprise that of the
numerous universities and programs
she considered, it was SAIT’s Engineering
Graphic Technology program that lured
her back to Calgary to study as a mature
student in 1976. Then, with only a year
and a half of industry experience under
her belt, Longstaff was drawn back to
SAIT, this time to instruct.
“It was such a wonderful experience for
me,” says Longstaff of her years at the
institution as a student and instructor.
“I loved the SAIT community. I loved
that there was such a broad spectrum
here too – it was kind of like a world
community. I made friends then that
are still friends, and always will be.”
In 1989, after 10 years of instructing at
SAIT, Longstaff headed off to pursue
her political career and catch her stride
as a community leader. Now, sixteen
years later she is back serving on SAIT’s
Board of Governors – an opportunity
she sees as bringing her relationship
with the institution full circle.
The SAIT Longstaff worked and
studied at is a significantly different
institution from the SAIT she serves
today, she admits. However, because
she has been an involved alumnus and
because SAIT was part of her
constituency, it’s always been on
Longstaff ’s radar. And throughout the
years she has witnessed and
contributed to its growth from a small,
government-operated institution to its
current position as a globally-focused
polytechnic with a strong
entrepreneurial outlook.
Bev Longstaff, EGT ’78, enjoyed a 12-year career as Ward 7 Alderman on Calgary’s City Council. She is pictured here
in front of city hall with husband, Joe Struck, during her tenure as alderman.
16 SAIT ALUMNI LINK
WINTER 2007
Having also grown in wisdom and
experience in the years since her last
formal involvement with SAIT, Longstaff
feels confident about what she brings to
the institute. She sees, not surprisingly,
great opportunity for SAIT to build
strength through deeper and more
encompassing connections.
"SAIT is a shining star – we have that
kind of connection to the community.
Most of the people who touch this
institution are in this city. We need to
continue working to remain connected
and visible, to be a part of the solution
for community issues."
Longstaff sees both significant
challenge and opportunity in the fact
that SAIT is a polytechnic and not a
university. On the one hand,
universities are the “golden child” of
education, she says. But on the other, it
is technology that makes the world spin
the way it does. And, she says, we are all
affected by technology. Where
universities most often provide the
expert voice, says Longstaff, SAIT
should have a voice as well. The
community – local and global alike –
needs to hear from and see this
institution, she says.
Something else Longstaff believes SAIT
needs to be very intentional about is
working to attract more women to
technical fields.
her friends stood their ground after
being told to leave a bar. They felt the
rule – that women not be permitted
in bars – was ridiculous.
But Longstaff acknowledges that it
simply wasn’t as easy for women to
tread where mostly men do. However,
she is passionate about what we lose in
not having the female aspect of our
nature represented – in any and all
walks of life. It’s for this reason she
believes SAIT has a duty to look closely
at what it is that keeps women from
going into technical professions.
“It’s different with women at the table,”
she says. “I think when you’re allowed
to be emotional – and I don’t mean
weep – but understand the emotional
side of things and how people are
affected, I really think you make better
decisions. We need to examine what
we’re doing or society loses out.
Women need to be part of this.”
It’s a challenge. But as with all the
other challenges and opportunities
SAIT faces, Longstaff feels certain that
the institution has the momentum and
has attracted the caliber of people –
men and women – necessary to
navigate the future with great
confidence and authority.
Longstaff well knows the perils
associated with walking a path that’s
largely untouched by women. Having,
by her own account, grown up during
a period when the women’s movement
was very strong, Longstaff acknowledges
it has been very empowering for her to
“I have the privilege of seeing the
people who are part of SAIT –
that’s what really drives my optimism.
I really think SAIT has shown
leadership. It has set that standard of
excellence that is moving this province
forward – leadership that is helping
Canada become a better country.
And we’re not insular. We look at
the international stage and see that
clear some hurdles. She remembers
how powerful she felt when she and
the work SAIT does is building a
better world!”
i really
think SAIT
has shown
leadership.
it has
set that
standard of
excellence
that is moving
this province
forward –
leadership
that is
helping
Canada
become
a better
country.
The logical solution
ESPECIALLY for SAIT Alumni.
With TD Meloche Monnex, Canada’s leader in group† home and auto insurance, it all adds up to exceptional value.
We offer home and auto insurance EXCLUSIVELY to members of professional and alumni associations like you.You
receive high-quality insurance products at preferred group rates combined with exceptional service throughout
the entire sales, service and claims process.
TO ENJOY preferred group rates and exceptional care:
1 888 589 5656 or TDMelocheMonnex.com/sait
Insurance program recommended by:
Alumni and Development
†Group auto insurance rates are not applicable in Prince Edward Island. Due to provincial legislation, our auto insurance program is not offered in British Columbia, Manitoba or Saskatchewan.
The TD Meloche Monnex home and auto insurance program is underwritten by Security National Insurance Company and distributed by Meloche Monnex Insurance and Financial Services Inc.
in Quebec and by Meloche Monnex Financial Services Inc. in other provinces and territories.
18 SAIT ALUMNI LINK
WINTER 2007
WINTER 2007
SAIT ALUMNI LINK 19
WRITE MOVES
FEATURES
TEXT
DIANE KLAVER, JA ’07
alumni authors
make the
write moves
20 SAIT ALUMNI LINK
WINTER 2007
Andre Mamprin, BA ’89
“I just think writing a book is really
cool, because it takes all your
knowledge and your experiences
and it forces you into a rigor and a
discipline,” Andre Mamprin, BA ’89,
Co-Founder, The Next Institute said.
Mamprin’s book, Guide to Effective
Investor Relations, which was published
in 1997, was developed as a business
tool to identify successful investor
relation strategies.
At the time of the book’s development,
Mamprin was affiliated with Quest
Management Consulting Inc. and
effective investor relations was a
new concept.
“It was a topic that was fresh on the
minds of a lot of our clients,” he said.
According to Mamprin, the book,
which was co-written by Triestino
Walter Plava, was a six-month project
from conception to product. Both
individuals exchanged their industry
knowledge and incorporated these
experiences into each chapter.
It was through this process Mamprin
feels he gained an even more
comprehensive understanding of his
field that has helped him grow as an
industry practitioner.
“You actually have to communicate
what you know on very clear terms, the
process of doing that actually refines
your craft,” Mamprin said.
Mamprin said his business education
at SAIT was a great contributor in
providing the tools and skills needed
to make his book possible.
While he admits Guide to Effective
Investor Relations is now somewhat
outdated, his future plans are focused
on developing other publications.
His experience working at the Banff Centre
as the Director of Leadership for five
years has Mamprin interested in
writing a book focused on leadership.
Mamprin explains, “The book would
be about what I learned in the
‘trenches’ watching senior executives
run their companies.”
Planning on starting his doctorate
degree next year, Mamprin hopes to
further refine his Strategic Action
Model. Mamprin began developing
this model 10 years ago as a
management tool to further personal
and organizational effectiveness within
an enterprise.
“It’s basically how companies create
strategic value,” he said.
continued next page
SAIT alumni are
known to be
innovative thinkers,
striving to push
boundaries with their
ideas. They have the
knowledge to shape
opinions, simplify
complexities or tell
tales of suspense.
Whatever discipline
of study they
completed, their
diverse and profound
understanding of
effective communication
shines through in
their writing. Whether
it’s sharing a life
experience, outlining
new ideas and
theories or providing
a “how to” guide,
several SAIT alumni
are making their
mark in the
publishing world.
WINTER 2007
SAIT ALUMNI LINK 21
WRITE MOVES
FEATURES
Christine Osunde, CTSR ’00
While Mamprin’s career is at an all time
high with the creation of The Next
Institute, pursuing a doctorate and
working on new publications, another
alumnus, Christine Osunde, CTSR ’00,
has also tried her hand at the “how to”
book market as well.
journalism. Having graduated from
SAIT and then from the University of
Calgary with a degree in Communications,
she immediately accepted a job with a
Pyramid Production show called Inside
Movies before moving to A-Channel,
now Chum Television, in 2002.
Interview Ready and Interview
Like a Pro by Osunde, a graduate
from the Cinema, Television, Stage
and Radio program, have just recently
been released. “I had no idea I’d be
doing something fun like this,”
Osunde said.
Since the beginning Osunde has
covered an entertainment beat. It
became clear to her early on that
with only a few minutes with some of
the biggest stars, being able to do a
concise and informative interview is
a necessity.
Her books are practical to her
interviewing experiences in broadcast
Her books, therefore, serve as educational
tools on how to be interviewed and
how to interview.
“On a daily basis for almost seven years
doing interviews you get a good idea of
how to have a conversation with
somebody,” she said.
She admits some of her most challenging
interviews were with comedians because
of how unpredictable they can be.
In an interview with Howie Mandel
while he was filming a Boston Pizza
commercial he took her question sheet
and began reading the questions off
while the cameras were rolling.
“He totally turned the table on me,”
Osunde said.“It was actually pretty funny
and scary because comedians are so
sporadic you have no idea how they’ll
answer your question or what they’ll
say next.”
According to Osunde, it was
completely by fluke she ended up
writing two books.
She was covering a story about a
woman who teaches a book-writing
22 SAIT ALUMNI LINK
WINTER 2007
seminar in Calgary. As their
conversations continued it became
clear Osunde had a book in her.
“So it’s one of those things where
nothing is a coincidence but everything
fits,” she said.
While Osunde said she has no idea
if another publication is forthcoming in
the near future, she is excited to see how
her books are received. “I feel like I’ve
had a number of accomplishments but
at the same time I have lots of goals
and challenges still coming my way,”
she said.
Robert Boyd, BA ’86
While both Mamprin and Osunde used
their practical knowledge to produce
“how to” books, other SAIT alumni,
like Robert Boyd, BA ’86, have taken
on the fictional world.
“Some of the inspiration for the book
came from my own experiences on the
road after I graduated from high school,
except that I never hitchhiked,” Boyd
said. “The majority of the inspiration
came from my former roommate in the
last place I lived in Calgary.”
Boyd admits On the Road to Nowhere
was years in the making due to a busy
work schedule at Seanix Technology, a
computer manufacturing company in
Richmond, B.C. “I write in what little
spare time I have,” he said.
On the Road to Nowhere
by Robert Boyd: available at
www.granvilleislandpublishing.com
The Prairie Chronicles
by Robert Boyd: to learn about the
development of this project visit:
www.grainelevators.ca
Boyd explains his motivation for writing
his novel On the Road to Nowhere in
saying, “Perhaps what I like about writing
is that it gives me an opportunity to
express myself, like artists through
painting, and it allows me to be me.”
A semi-autobiographical story loosely
based on real events, Boyd introduces
the character Randy Watson who lives
in a fictitious town in northern B.C.
Watson is a troubled teen who runs
away and embarks upon a four-year
hitchhiking journey across Western
Canada in which Calgary and
Vancouver play important roles.
To learn more about books written
by some of SAIT’s alumni authors:
Guide to Effective Investor
Relations
by Andre Mamprin: information at
http://www.q3.ca/articles
Interview Like a Pro and
Interview Ready
by Christine Osunde: available at
www.christineosunde.com
Currently, he has several other projects
set for publishing in the next few years,
one of which is a “Stephen King style
mystery-thriller” centering around the
construction of the Coquihalla
Highway in 1984.
Making Your Dreams Your Destiny
by Judy Rushfeldt: available at
www.makingyourdreams.com
Another project Boyd is working on is
The Prairie Chronicles. This book journeys
through the changing face of small town
life on the prairies and includes short
stories, interviews and photography.
“I am only in the early stages right
now, since for obvious reasons, I can
only work on it when I travel to the
prairies,” Boyd said.
According to Boyd this novel will take at
least three more years to publish due to
the abundant research and preparation
that is needed.
While the number of SAIT graduates continues to
grow steadily each year, the number of possibilities
for graduates is endless. SAIT alumni prove time and
time again their talents are not restricted to their
trade but rather flourish in many niches.
WINTER 2007
SAIT ALUMNI LINK 23
RED MILE SUCCESS
FEATURES
TEXT
MARCELINA JOHANSON, JA ’02
SAIT grads
at the
heart of
red mile
success
During the Calgary Flames’ exhilarating run for the
Stanley Cup in 2004, Melrose Café & Bar became
the “Heart of the Red Mile,” now an institute in its
own right on Calgary’s trendy 17th Avenue.
Thousands of fans gravitated to cheer on their
hockey heroes at that time and Melrose has since
been steadily building its reputation and success
thanks in part to another institute, SAIT Polytechnic.
24 SAIT ALUMNI LINK
WINTER 2007
This year, as Melrose celebrates its 15th
anniversary, owner Wayne Leong,
HRM ’83, reflects on his SAIT education
and the positive impact that hiring
SAIT graduates has had on his business.
Leong, whose interest in the hospitality
industry was sparked by the restaurant
his parents owned when he was a child,
chose the SAIT hotel and restaurant
program because it coupled practical
business administration skills like
day-to-day operations with culinary
arts such as food preparation.
“When you’re just starting out, you
have to be prepared to run everything
from human resources to marketing by
yourself,” said Leong. “My SAIT
education prepared me to wear many
hats while working hard to get a new
business off the ground.”
Leong, who gained experience as an
area manager for both McDonald’s and
Pizza Hut after graduating from SAIT,
coupled his passion for food with an
innovative business and entrepreneurial
spirit, when he launched Melrose in 1991.
He believes the best thing about being
an entrepreneur is the creative freedom
it brings.
“Anything you can imagine, you can
make a reality and that’s what’s so cool
about it,” said Leong.
He also encourages budding
entrepreneurs to work hard and take risks.
“Don’t be afraid to try and don’t quit when
it’s tough because that’s the difference
between the ones that make it and the
ones that don’t,” he said.
“We do a good job of looking after our
guests, one guest at a time,” said Leong.
“We have a really strong marketing
department that assists us in delivering
a really interesting experience for our
guests to have a good time, whatever
the occasion.”
Among the eight SAIT graduates
working at Melrose are its marketing
manager and assistant bar manager.
“I hire SAIT grads because, first of all,
I am a SAIT graduate and I believe in
the processes that SAIT instills in the
people they train,” said Leong.
Melrose’s marketing department is headed
by Tony Johanson, BA ’05. In just two
years, Johanson was promoted from
coordinator to marketing manager and
hired an assistant and five additional
employees to implement daily promotions.
His SAIT education helped him become
a well-rounded employee, overseeing a
multi-faceted and demanding area.
“It’s not a conventional everyday job,”
said Johanson, whose job includes
advertising, public relations, special
events, direct marketing, management
and graphic design. “I chose to go with a
smaller independent like Melrose because
I knew there was an opportunity to
really take something, develop it and
work with it and make it my own.”
“He [Tony] definitely brings a lot of
insight and helps drive and solidify our
brand as Melrose,” said Leong.
Johanson credits small classes and
instructors who have practical
experience in their fields for his success.
Chris Bolin, JA ’99
With solid business and culinary skills
developed at SAIT, Leong has grown
Melrose from a struggling independent
restaurant to a popular place for sports
enthusiasts, families, locals and tourists.
SAIT grads and students currently employed at Melrose:
Stephanie Bird, BA student
Promotional Team Member
Tony Johanson, BA ’05 (second
from left) Marketing Manager
David Fida, HRM ’05 (second
from right) Assistant Bar Manager
Wayne Leong, HRM ’83 (far right)
Owner/Operator
Brian Henderson, PCK ’93 (far left)
Head Chef
Charla McGee, HRM ’05 (middle)
Restaurant Swing Manager
Scott Hilgreth, AT student
Server
Jamie Negrello, HRM ’02
Server
“You get that great one-on-one attention,
where you’re not just a number,” said
Johanson. “You know your instructors
by name. A lot of the instructors have
direct experience and you really get an
opportunity to get inside their heads.”
Johanson, who also served as
VP Student Life and Development on
the SAIT Students’ Association for two
years and who is currently on SAIT’s
Alumni Association board, encourages
students to get involved inside and
outside the classroom.
“Get involved in the Business Club, join
the Students’ Association, work with
the Alumni and Development group,
really build your networking and get
that extra experience because that’s
what’s really going to give you the edge
when you get out into the workforce,”
he said.
Melrose’s assistant bar manager,
Dave Fida, HRM ’05, is proof that
getting involved is a stepping stone to
career success. Fida was hired in May
2005 with the help of Johanson’s
recommendation after the two met
through a campus club.
He is also quick to praise his program
for helping him in his position.
“Every course I took is valuable to my
job today,” said Fida. “I use everything
that I’ve learned.”
SAIT grads will continue to be an
integral part of Melrose’s future,
according to Leong.
“It’s a solid foundation and solid
institution that I’ve learned a lot from
and I can see it in many of the people
we’ve worked alongside over the last
15 years.”
WINTER 2007
SAIT ALUMNI LINK 25
Shape the future with a planned gift.
“Last year, with our children’s blessing, we included SAIT in our will. We chose SAIT
because it is student friendly, has small classes and lots of hands on guidance.
With about a thousand more good friends willing to make a difference, together we
could create an endowment of $500 million and cover the cost of a SAIT education
for all students. Please consider students at SAIT when you are wondering what to do
to make Calgary a better place to live.”
Larry and Gloria Macdonald
SAIT is Canada’s premier polytechnic, recognized globally for excellence in training, education and
innovation. What better way to have a lasting impact on the future than to leave your legacy with SAIT.
Think of the difference you can make.
Contact: Tara Gish 403.284.8908 or [email protected] for legacy gift information
www.sait.ca/alumniandfriends
26 SAIT ALUMNI LINK
WINTER 2007
ALUMNI SPEAK
SERVICES
alumni speak
TEXT BEN EADIE, AET3 ’01
“No human has travelled further under
their own power in one day than Greg
Kolodziejzyk.”
It’s a bold statement, but that’s basically
what it comes down to.
After many months of designing a
human powered vehicle, Critical Power,
and racing it all over Canada and the
USA, we can now say we’ve set two
world records – the 24 hour human
powered distance record and the
mega-meter record which is the fastest
time for 1,000 km (million meters).
Critical Power is a two wheeled
recumbent bicycle encapsulated by a
bullet-like streamlined body called a
fairing. The sleek body was computer
designed for maximum aerodynamic
efficiency. It is capable of achieving
speeds in excess of 100 kph and was
built to maintain a cruising speed of
50 kph on a flat road with effort levels
that would see a paltry 20 kph on a
typical mountain bike.
Greg Kolodziejzyk, EDT ’82, initiated
the project, designed the bicycle and then
I was brought in to design the outer
body. Once we had the whole design
completed, Greg raced the vehicle,
ultimately setting two world records in
Eureka, California on July 17, 2006.
Ben Eadie, AET3 ’01
two alumni team up to set world records
Critical Power’s bullet-like streamlined body.
a big way! All the hours spent in class
and hour upon hour of midnight oil
spent on tasks for classes that seemed
frivolous at the time paved the way for
this accomplishment. I am so glad I
persevered, we persevered!
Greg recalls, “We started the clock at
about 9:15 am on Wednesday, July 19th
and finished at the exact same time on
Thursday, July 20th traveling 1,046.94 km
(650.5 miles) beating Axel Fehlau’s
previous record of 1,021.36 km from 1995.
It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done!”
“Richard Bach said, ‘Sooner or later,
those who win are those who think
they can.’ I believe that is so true. There
is nothing special about me aside from
my tenacity and a bit of boldness. You
can accomplish anything if you really
want it, believe in yourself and are
willing to do the work,” says Greg.
For me, there’s nothing like having
three years of schooling pay off in such
Ben Eadie, AET3 ’01
To find out more about this and
another upcoming project, the Solo
Human Powered Atlantic Crossing,
visit us at:
http://www.adventuresofgreg.com/
http://www.mountain-wave.ca/
Wish us luck!
Kolodziejzyk (shown here) believes tenacity and boldness have been key ingredients to his success.
WINTER 2007
SAIT ALUMNI LINK 27
CLASS NOTES
SERVICES
class
notes
1970s
Kim Thirwall, TXT ’76, hosted a reunion for
the Telecommunication Technology class of
1976 at his home on September 30. Eight
alumni – Heinz Binter, Keith Hague, Gordon
Nixon, Grant Oster, Dave Petruska, Vince
Schauerte, Kim Thirwall, John Wakoluk –
attended and everyone enjoyed the chance
to reconnect at this event.
Sheri Forde, CTSR ’88, is married with two
children. She works at TSN – Toronto as a
bureau reporter.
Bette-Jean McElroy, CHT ’83, is
organizing a class reunion for the
Chemical Technology Class of 1983. If you
are interested in attending this 25-year
reunion in the summer of 2007, please
e-mail [email protected].
Michelle Schneider (Unreiner), CPO ’89,
works full-time as a gas field operator and is
also a trained massage therapist. She recently
gave birth to an adorable baby girl.
1990s
John Bartman, IIT ’95, and his wife
Melissa were proud to welcome two new
additions to their family on October 10,
Cole Daniel and Kalem James.
Congratulations to the happy family!
Darwin Risdon, ENT ’72, has been working
at SAIT since 1998 running four programs in
the Information and Communications
Technology department. He also has a
son and a daughter.
1980s
John Bartman, IIT ’95
Robyn Cahill, HRM ’85, dropped by SAIT
on a recent trip to Calgary. She has been
living and working in France for the past 20
years except for one year spent in Sydney,
Australia. She currently works as Manager,
International Publishing, London/Paris
Documentation Centres for Le Cordon Bleu
Culinary Institute.
Congratulations to the Bartman family on the birth of their twin sons, Cole Daniel (left) and Kalem James (right)!
28 SAIT ALUMNI LINK
WINTER 2007
CLASS NOTES
SERVICES
2000s
Shawn Karlson, JRAC ’00, is a senior
financial analyst at Fortis Alberta Inc. and
now has four children. He enjoys camping
with his family in tropical places when they
have the opportunity.
Shanna Nalini Moore, OAC ’02, OAD ’02,
enrolled at the University of Calgary after
completing her studies at SAIT. She also
works full-time for Suncor managing projects
in Fort McMurray. She is married and has
two children.
Celia Thirwall
Bond William Holden, EET ’03, is currently
working at ENMAX and participates on SAIT’s
EET program advisory committee. He is
considering teaching at SAIT some day once he
has more industry experience.
Members of the Telecommunications Technology Class of 1976 gathered together on September 30 for their
30-year reunion. Those in attendance were (left to right): standing - Gordon Nixon, Dave Petruska, Keith Hauge,
Heinz Binter; seated – John Wakoluk, Grant Oster, Kim Thirwall, and Vince Schauerte.
Send your
We reserve the right to edit submissions for
class notes to
photos, please note that high resolution
content, length and clarity. When submitting
images are required – we will attempt to use
[email protected].
in memoriam
submitted photos whenever possible.
SAIT notes with sorrow the passing of the following alumni and former
students, and our thoughts go out to their family and friends.
Gerald Baker
Gilbert Honey
Jean Paul Rioux
Timothy Cassin, CTSR ’92
Garnet Eriksson
Alois (Lou) Hornes,
SET ’78
Harold Sylven, EXT ’61,
RTP ’61, BXT ’91
Robert Gaskell, PT ’73
George Kaake
Suresh Shah
Stephen Gibson, PT ’79
Joyce Lloyd
Mark Gutwald, ENT ’98,
MNT ’99
Thomas Longmuir
Alexander Sharhan,
MADM ’64
Ole Olson, PT ’67
Johnathan Wolfe
WINTER 2007
SAIT ALUMNI LINK 29
INSIDE THE EVENTS
SERVICES
inside the events
SAIT donors
honoured
A permanent tribute to the supporters of SAIT’s
$80-million Invest in Technology campaign was
dedicated at a ceremony October 3.
Russ Peters, JA ’94
legal assistants’
chapter event
For the fourth year in a row we welcomed Robert
Half Legal as a sponsor of the Legal Assistants’
student and alumni event. On October 26 Legal
Assistant alumni and students gathered to hear
Kim Smith, LA ’00, and Patricia Garner from
Robert Half Legal discuss ways to manage a
legal career and the A to Z Business Etiquette
Guide. Attendees were warned about the dos
and don’ts of the legal profession like “whoever
gossips to you will gossip about you” and
“vacation used to be a luxury; however, in
today’s world, it has become a necessity.”
Christie Crowle, DT ’95
30 SAIT ALUMNI LINK
WINTER 2007
Guy Mallabone, Vice President External Relations, Irene Lewis, SAIT’s President and CEO, and John Aldred,
SAIT Board of Governors’ member and Executive Chairman and Director of Enerflex, are all smiles as they
celebrate the unveiling of the Invest in Technology Campaign’s Donor Recognition Monument October 3.
skating with santa
The Alumni Association must have connections
with Santa because he made a special appearance
on December 16 at their skating hour at the
campus ice rink. Santa and some Alumni
Association elves treated alumni and their families
to fun, games, cookies, hot chocolate and gifts.
Kids of all ages enjoyed this event and it was a
great way to kick off the holiday season.
The Alumni Association hosts two family events
a year. If you missed this event, watch for
information on the Family Fun Day at Calaway
Park this summer.
Christie Crowle, DT ’95
Christie Crowle, DT ’95
Irene Lewis, SAIT President and CEO, observed,
“I have walked this monument’s pathway
several times. Each time I am so inspired by
the testimonies of graduates. They speak of
dreams, of hope, of ambition and of gratitude.
All the testimonials are linked by the common
thread of transformation – students whose
lives have been forever improved.”
Chris Bolin, JA ’99
The monument, located on the northeast corner
of the Cohos Commons, features a pathway
winding through mature trees. Statements of
appreciation from students who benefit from
donor support line the pathway and lead to the
names of the more than 400 individual and
corporate donors who contributed $5,000 or
greater to the campaign, which raised $85 million.
INSIDE THE EVENTS
SERVICES
the hour’s
Stroumboulopoulos
stirs SAIT
“I’m speaking your language,” George
Stroumboulopoulos said when he spoke to
SAIT students on Friday, October 27, as part
of the Alumni Student Council (ASCENT) speaker
From the history of his career, to the life altering
experiences in Darfur, Stroumboulopoulos
appealed to the senses with his political savvy,
practical perspective and no-sugar-coated wit.
Kyle Turner, JA ’07
series. And speak their language he did.
Stroumboulopoulos (fourth from right) talked with students and alumni following his presentation.
Addressing a crowd of 300 at the Orpheus
Theatre at SAIT, his guy-next-door attitude
encouraged students and staff to engage in a
conversation with him as if he were an old
friend from high school.
With no stone left unturned and no topic too
risqué, Stroumboulopoulos kicked off the
ASCENT speaker series with a bang.
His presentation is just one of many events
ASCENT hosts each year to bring students and
alumni together for discussion and enrichment in
professional development.
Diane Klaver, JA ’07
Chris Bolin, JA ’99
aero centre event
After unveiling the Art Smith Aero Centre
for Training and Technology donor wall on
November 16, alumni, students and industry
heard from speakers from Boeing and Pratt
and Whitney. Hank Lous, Production Supervisor
with Pratt and Whitney, spoke about
developments in the aircraft engine business
and Bradley Till, Regional Director of Product
Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes,
discussed the new 787 Dreamliner and new
technologies that make it such a breakthrough
design. Kip van der Wal, AMT ’07, stated
that the speakers were outstanding and
very informative on the future of the
aviation industry.
Christie Crowle, DT ’95
WINTER 2007
SAIT ALUMNI LINK 31
INSIDE THE EVENTS
SERVICES
inside the events
SAIT president’s reception a medieval celebration
Entertainers delighted the crowd.
Chris Bolin, JA ’99
Lords and ladies were entertained by battling
knights, jesters, fire-spinners and a feast fit for
a king. SAIT’s culinary students presented
a feast of curried goat, roast beef, lamb
chops, and many decadent sweet treats.
Guests were also invited to wash it all down
with traditional mead.
Jay Westman and Irene Lewis greet guests as they arrive.
Chris Bolin, JA ’99
Jayman MasterBUILT has a track record of
community building and philanthropy that is
as impressive as its business success.
For Jayman, lifelong learning is a priority and
as such, they have done much to promote
education as a means to meet the growing
demand for skilled labourers in construction.
The company has also done much to promote
socially and environmentally responsible
practices in the industry.
Chris Bolin, JA ’99
The fifth annual SAIT President’s Reception was
held on November 9 transforming Heritage
Hall into a medieval castle. “Queen Irene”
Lewis, SAIT President and CEO, presented the
2006 President’s Partnership Award to Jayman
MasterBUILT and knighted “Sir Jay
Westman”, BC ’84, President and CEO, in
recognition of Jayman’s many contributions to
SAIT and the construction industry.
“Queen Irene” knights “Sir Jay Westman.”
Chris Bolin, JA ’99
Proceeds from this enchanting evening raised
funds for the SAIT Opportunities Fund, which
helps provide students access to the latest
standards in technology, leading-edge curriculum
and high-quality teaching resources.
Christie Crowle, DT ’95
Guests get into the spirit of the medieval theme.
32 SAIT ALUMNI LINK
WINTER 2007
INSIDE THE EVENTS
SERVICES
president’s reception 2006 sponsors
platinum level
gold level
silver level
bronze level
WINTER 2007
SAIT ALUMNI LINK 33
GET INVOLVED
SERVICES
get involved
SAIT invites you to participate in these complimentary events and activities - students, alumni, donors, staff and other
interested individuals are welcome. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Christie Crowle at 403.284.7214
or [email protected].
*indicates a cost associated with this activity
february 2007
2-3
SAIT Open House
3
Trojan Family Event*
13
Environmental Technology Industry Night
22
Architectural Technologies Industry Night
march
get active with a
SAIT fitness membership*
Alumni, take advantage of some of the best fitness centre rates in
the city for you and your family at SAIT's Wellness Centre. Personal
memberships start as low as $50 for three months, and just $70 for
your family!
Your pass will give you access to the gym, weight room, running track,
racquetball and squash courts and the pool.
For more information, please visit: www.sait.ca/alumniandfriends,
phone 403.284.7010 or visit the Alumni and Development office at
MA113 Heritage Hall (Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm).
TBA
CTSR Alumni-Student Event
TBA
Fort McMurray Branch Event
12
2006 Distinguished Alumnus Reception
14
Spring Career Directions – www.studentemployment.sait.ca
or 403.284.7273 for more information.
21
Cinema, Television, Stage and Radio Industry Night
28
Victoria Branch Event
29
Vancouver Branch Event
april
TBA
Digital Graphics Communications Industry Night
TBA
Welding Engineering Technology Alumni-Student Event
3
ASCENT Leadership Dinner
17-20 Manufacturing and Automation Week
17
Machinist Technician Industry Event
25
Heritage Hall High Tea
YOUR PRIVACY and SAIT Alumni and Development
Who has access to my information?
The Official Word
Only individuals working or volunteering for SAIT, who have signed a non-disclosure
agreement, and who have a specific need to see your contact information for alumni,
marketing and development purposes have access to your personal information.
SAIT’s External Relations Division collects information on behalf of SAIT, under
the authority of Alberta’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
and the Post-Secondary Learning Act, for the purposes of administering alumni
relations, marketing, and development programs for SAIT. Any information
submitted by an individual to the Division may be used to update his or her
record. Information gathered for these purposes will be protected, disclosed,
and used in compliance with Alberta’s Freedom of Information and Protection of
Privacy Act. Individuals who submit information to the External Relations Division
acknowledge the above and consent to the collection of personal information.
Does SAIT Alumni and Development sell its data?
No, it does not. SAIT Alumni and Development enters into partnerships to provide
benefits and services to its members and releases contact information to only
these partners. SAIT is at all times responsible for safeguarding your information.
I prefer not to be phoned, I only want to receive certain kinds of mail –
what do I do?
Contact us at 403.284.7040 or [email protected]. It is our responsibility to
ensure that your information is accurate and treated according to your wishes.
34 SAIT ALUMNI LINK
WINTER 2007
For more information or to make changes to your record, please
contact SAIT Alumni and Development at 403.284.7040 or
[email protected].
GET INVOLVED
SERVICES
june
may
2
celebrate alumni excellence
2007 distinguished
alumnus
award nominations
The Distinguished Alumnus Award was created in 1988 to honour
SAIT alumni who have proven leadership skills and have made an
exceptional contribution to business or industry. The award will be
presented to a SAIT alumnus who demonstrates:
•
•
•
•
proven leadership skills
exceptional achievements in business or industry
outstanding contributions to the community
support for SAIT
Family Fun Day at Calaway Park
july
fall 2007
continuing education
calendars available*
Many exciting new courses are being offered starting this Fall and
continue throughout the year. Be sure to pick up the new course
calendar, available on stands throughout the city. Or to browse the
calendar and register online, please visit:
www.sait.ca/coned
TBA
Chuckwagon Hoedown*
TBA
Alumni Association Annual General Meeting
6-15
Friends of SAIT Chuckwagon on the track at
the Calgary Stampede.
Take an active role and nominate someone you know for this
prestigious award.
Nomination deadline: 4:30 pm, Friday, May 11, 2006
For more information:
403.284.7011
23
www.sait.ca/alumniandfriends
Toronto Branch Event
30-31 Graduation
WINTER 2007
SAIT ALUMNI LINK 35
ALUMNI ADVANTAGE
SERVICES
Benefit from opportunities
designed specifically for SAIT
use your
alumni advantage
SAIT is proud to offer its alumni the following benefits and services:
home and auto insurance
health, dental and life insurance
low rates on SAIT fitness centre passes
credit cards
great prices on computers and software
computer accessories
guided transportation services
discounts on vehicle purchases
discounts on accommodation
at SAIT’s residence
web search services
travel program
deals on hotels, perfume, vacation rentals,
airfares, car rentals and cruises
diploma frames
alumni clothing
career services
networking events
For more information:
36 SAIT ALUMNI LINK
WINTER 2007
www.sait.ca/alumniandfriends
1.888.284.8399
alumni and get great value
on products and services,
expand your career connections,
and stay up-to-date on the latest
developments in your industry.
Our partners in providing these benefits are:
WINTER 2007
SAIT ALUMNI LINK 37
outstanding
alumni
SAIT has many outstanding alumni
who are setting the industry
standard. Congratulations to these
alumni and their companies for these
recent public and industry accolades.
aircraft maintenance engineers
hall of fame
canadian christian booksellers
association author of the year
Barry Hewko, AME ’70, was inducted into the hall of
fame recently, in recognition of his many contributions to
the industry. Throughout his career, Hewko has worked as
a technician, engineer, co-owner and consultant for companies
such as Rocky Mountain Air Services, Klondike Helicopters,
Tundra Helicopters and Vancouver Island Helicopters.
Judy Rushfeldt, JA ’79, received this honour in recognition
of her work in writing Making Your Dreams a Reality.
BJ Services Co. Canada – Edward Wilson, PT ’79, is
Manager of Sales
Bonavista Energy Trust – Keith MacPhail, PT ’81, is
President and CEO
Burlington Resources Canada Ltd. – Paul Hana, PT ’76,
is Manager
Calfrac Well Services Ltd. – Douglas Ramsay, PT ’77,
is President and CEO
Canada Safeway Ltd. – Ronald Avery, BA ’93, and
Allan Kiwan, AT ’81, are both managers, Derrick Clay,
CB ’88, is Bakery Manager and Diane Fleury, DT ’92,
is Floral Manager
EnCana Corporation – Dennis Blas, CT ’70, is Manager,
Technical Services
Morrison Moutain Homes (Jason Ager, AT ’86, is
Vice President of Business Development and Gary Moro,
CVT ’92, is Vice President, Operations) was honoured
with the Ralph Scurfield Builder of the Year Award.
Pengrowth Corporation – Clayton Radu, CT ’86, is
Manager, Information Systems
Petro-Canada – Gary Bilinski, CT ’71, is Manager of
Computer Operations, Arthur Congdon, PT ’66, is
Completion Superintendent, Gary Olinek, AMT ’73, is
Director of Avionics, Kent Paterson, BA ’92, is Senior
Account Manager
Enerflex Systems Ltd. – Hans Van Der Laan, EDT ’73,
is Manager of Procurement
Enerplus Resources Fund – Richard Parsons, BA ’70,
is Controller, Ralph Whenham, PT ’70, is Manager
of Operations
Shaw Communications – Steven Cousine, ENT ’71, is
Technical Manager, and Heidi Hughes, HRA ’98, is
Product Marketing Manager
Epcor Utilities – Ralph Ettenauer, BA ’78, is Manager
Total Energy Services Ltd. – Larry Coston, PT ’73, is
President and CEO
Forzani Group Ltd. – Douglas Grieder, CT ’92, is a manager
Husky Energy Ltd. – Miles Nielsen, CHT ’72, is Chief
Steam Engineer, David Spratt, BA ’77, is Downstream
Accounting Manager and Robert Shepherd, PT ’79, is
General Manager, Oil Sands
Imperial Oil – Dean Perryman, AST ’89, is Manager
Jayman MasterBUILT – Jay Westman, BC ’84, is President
and CEO
Murphy Oil Ltd. – Richard Archacker, CNT ’96, is
a manager
Nova Corporation – Glen Mohan, PT ’82, is Project Manager
Paramount Resources Ltd. – Marc Brener, PT ’81, is
Marketing Manager
Parkland Income Fund – Jack Donald, AST ’58,
is Chairman
PCL Constructors Inc. – Larry Bennett, BA ’81, is
Materials Manager; Alan Kuysters, CVT ’83, is
Construction Manager; Peter Stalenhoef, PET ’75, is
President and Grant Symon, CVT ’79, is Manager,
Special Projects
These awards celebrate great entrepreneurs, such as
Regan Davis, PPT ’86, President and CEO, Flexpipe
Systems Inc. who was selected as the winner in the
Emerging Entrepreneur category.
Penn West Petroleum – Gonzalo Gegunde, MET ’86, is
Plains, Production Manager
Precision Drilling Corporation – Hank Swartout, PT ’72,
is Chairman, President and CEO, Dale Tremblay, BA ’75,
is Senior Vice President, Finance and CFO, and Lea-Anne
Wilke, CT ’97, is Manager, Software Development
Finning Inc. – Peder Lodoen, CAIT ’61, SET ’61, is
Agriculture Industry Manager
2006 ernst & young
entrepreneur of the year awards,
prairies region
Judy Rushfeldt
746 communication squadron
awards
Jeffrey Stewart-Taylor, BM2 ’90, POW ’91, EET ’91,
QUAA ’98, HVAC ’03, PLCC ’04, was recognized as
Top Soldier for the year and Jason McNeil, ELT ’00 was
recognized as the Top Shot for the year.
TransAlta Corp. – Bob Keys, AET2 ’54, William Paynter,
IXT ’61, and Alexander Marwood, PET ’79, are all
managers, and Stephen Snyder, Honorary Degree
Recipient ’03, is President and CEO
TransCanada – Eric Galipeau, IET ’88, is
Projects Manager
Trican Well Service Ltd. – Murray Cobbe, PT ’70, is
President and CEO, Gregory Nufer, IET ’74, is Manager
of Business Development, Frank Van der Velden, PT ’84,
is Sales Manager, Production Services and David York,
PDT ’85, is Manager of Sales
Trimac Transportation Systems Ltd. – Brent Peters, CT ’89,
is Project Manager
Vermilion Energy Trust – Lorenzo Donadeo, WET ’77, is
President and CEO
WestJet – Michael Compston, AMT ’72, is Manager of
Maintenance Facilities, Jacklynn Holmes, GISO ’98, is
Manager of Research; James Homeniuk, AMT ’90, is
Chair, WestJet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Association,
David Scott, POFC ’86, is Manager of Maintenance and
Ronald Whalen, AMT ’75, is Manager of Technical Training
Jill McNeil
The following companies, with alumni in senior leadership
roles, were recognized on the 2006 list:
Harry Mah Photography
alberta venture 2006 venture 100
+ the next 50
canadian home builders
association, alberta – 2006
awards of excellence
Jason McNeil (left) and Jeffrey Stewart-Taylor (right).
the word guild 2006 writing awards
Judy Rushfeldt, JA ’79, won in the Christian Living
Non-Fiction category.
We are proud to celebrate
and promote the successes
of our alumni. Please send
your achievements to
[email protected].