WINTER 2010
Tom Mauro 2009 Distinguished Alumnus
Man of Action I The Serious Business of Humour I sait.ca/ alumnilink
2009 Outstanding Young Alumna Smita Acharyya n
o shares a laugh with our s l o
h 2009 Distinguished c i N
Alumnus, Tom Mauro. n a CONTENTS w E
10 My Way Linkages 2009 Distinguished Alumnus Tom Mauro talks about Director’s Message 2 how to build an empire, one satisfied homeowner SAIT News and Views 3-8 at a time. SAIT recognized as a great place to work Energy coup 14 Man of Action Postcards from Heidelberg Whether it’s running a business or designing high-end Hot invention needs some ice wheelchairs, Christian Bagg just does it. Self made woman creates a lasting WorldSkills legacy Highwood newest link in 18 The Serious Business of Humour soup-making chain Coat of Arms represents the 2009 Outstanding Young Alumna Smita Acharyya heart and soul of SAIT shares her love of laughter with audiences. Scanning new horizons in healthcare education Lights, camera… waiting 22 2009 President’s Gala for action SAIT rolls out the red carpet for 400 special guests at a gala evening to thank major contributors to the Services Promising Futures TM campaign. Awards and Honours 21 Inside the Events 30 Class Notes 32 Get Involved 34 Trojans’ Schedule 35 First Person 36
SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 1 xxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx
What a year! 2009 will go down in history as a stellar season of growth and ALUMNI LINK renewal for SAIT. Without you, our valued alumni, none of our achievements this EDITOR-IN-CHIEF past year would have been possible. From the hugely successful WorldSkills Brian Bowman 2009 to the launch of the Promising Futures TM Campaign — the stage is set MANAGING EDITOR Irene Chanin for the arrival of a new era at SAIT. To get a glimpse at our future, take a C0-EDITOR moment and visit sait-promising-futures.ca. Linda Symmes, Pierre Hamel Alumni have re-connected with SAIT this past year more than ever before. CONTRIBUTORS From homecomings, the Fun Festival, our new alumni Facebook, Twitter and Sergei Belski, Cathi Bishop, Laura Fetherstonhaugh, Turc Harmesynn, Melanie YouTube pages, Calaway Park, Skate with Santa, and a multitude of other Jones, Ric Kokotovich, Emily Kreiberg, means, alumni from around the globe are reconnecting and we couldn’t be Colleen Lavender, Stephanie LeBlond, happier about it! Your achievements are important to us too — so please James MacKenzie, Richard Manuel, Ewan Nicholson, Alison O’Connor, Lori Pichette, share them with us so we can celebrate with you. Stephanie Moore, Eric Rosenbaum, Kevin Udahl, Gaia Willis-Owen And speaking of pride, our buttons are bursting over this year’s recipient of the LAYOUT AND DESIGN Distinguished Alumnus Award. Tom Mauro may well be SAIT’s proudest alumnus Design Asylum ever — he has not only been immensely supportive of the Promising Futures TM PRINTING Campaign, but he also wears his affiliation to SAIT on his sleeve each and Commercial Print Craft every day. Smita Acharyya, our first-ever Outstanding Young Alumna, is a ON THE COVER courageous individual willing to break barriers and explore ideas and issues Tom Mauro, 2009 Distinguished Alumnus Photo by Ewan Nicholson affecting women and families today. Together, these two outstanding SAIT The Alumni Link is published three times a year grads are a testament to the quality of our alumni. by SAIT Alumni and Development as a service to SAIT alumni, donors, students, partners, And to ensure we’re meeting your needs, watch for an email survey on your faculty and staff. impressions and suggestions for AlumniLink. We want to keep this magazine Alumni Link invites your advertising, letters fresh, relevant and engaging and welcome your valued input. to the editor and comments. Please direct them to [email protected]. As always, keep in touch! We’ve enjoyed receiving your stories and invite you ALUMNI LINK to keep them coming! We’re open 24/7 to receive your story suggestions, SAIT Alumni and Development updates and feedback at [email protected]. 1301-16 Avenue NW Calgary, AB T2M 0L4 Email your Letter to the Editor: [email protected] We hope to see you again soon. I Ph: 403.284.7010 (address updates) or 403.284.8279 for all other inquiries Fax: 403.284.8394 Email: [email protected] sait.ca/alumni PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT Brian Bowman NO.40064317 Director, Alumni and Development RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT 1301-16 AVE. NW, CALGARY, AB T2M 0L4
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 SAIT’s External Relations Division collects information on behalf of SAIT, under the agreement, and who have a specific need to see your contact information for alumni, authority of Alberta’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the marketing or development purposes have access to your personal information. Post-Secondary Learning Act, for the purpose of administering alumni relations, marketing, and development programs for SAIT. Any information submitted by an Does SAIT Alumni and Development sell data? individual to SAIT may be used to update his or her record. Information gathered No, it does not. SAIT Alumni and Development enters into partnerships to provide for these purposes, is disclosed and used in compliance with Alberta’s Freedom benefits and services to its members and releases contact information to only these of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Individuals who submit information to partners. SAIT is at all times responsible for safeguarding your information. the External Relations Division acknowledge the above and consent to the collection I prefer not to be phoned and I only want to receive certain kinds of mail – of personal information. what do I do? Contact us at 403.284.7010 or [email protected]. It is our responsibility to ensure For more information or to make changes to your records, please contact that your information is accurate and treated according to your wishes. SAIT Alumni and Development at 403.284.7010 or [email protected].
2 SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 NEWS AND VIEWS
SAIT recognized NetWORK Want to find out what’s as a GREAT place happening on campus? to work Interested in alumni, branch or homecoming events? It’s no surprise that happy employees perform better. Then join us on Facebook, But a great work environment also creates a better learning environment, Twitter and YouTube. which is great news for SAIT students! SAIT Polytechnic was selected as one of Alberta’s Top 50 Employers for 2010 by Mediacorp Canada Inc. It’s completely free! Alberta's Top Employers is an annual competition recognizing organizations Our sites are all that lead their fields in offering exceptional places to work. Employers are maintained by the evaluated on the physical workplace and work atmosphere; health, financial and family benefits; vacation and time off; employee communications; Alumni and Development performance management; training and skills development; and community communications team. involvement. They are compared to other organizations in their field to determine which offers the most progressive and forward-thinking programs. If you have any questions SAIT’s 2009 Employee Survey yielded the highest ratings ever in the several about how to log on to any years the Institute has used that measurement tool — a record 70 per cent of these networks please of employees participated, and more than two-thirds rated SAIT as above feel free to contact us at average or one of the best places to work. Ranking high on the list for employees were vacation and maternity leave benefits and public transit [email protected]. subsidies. Employees also appreciated a program that promotes a work-life balance in which they can draw 85 per cent salary for four years and then SAIT Alumni: take the fifth year off — also at 85 per cent pay. Great for those who want Virtual Reunion to go back to school or pursue a personal goal such as extended travel. And for those wanting to continue their education, SAIT also offers financial support to employees toward tuition costs of post-secondary studies. I SAIT Alumni: by Cathi Bishop Virtual Reunion
SAIT Alumni
If you haven’t already, make the trip to campus and check out the Market Place. Features of the facility include a deli counter that sells meat cuts, a bakery counter displaying artisan bread (delivered fresh twice daily) and fresh baking, and coolers featuring to-go style main course and side dishes. Look for specialty culinary items such as veggie chips, almond paste, rolled fondant and specialty oils and spices. The Market Place is located on SAIT’s main campus in the John Ware Building and is open Monday – Thursday, 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. and Friday 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 3 AND
NEWS h c i v o t
VIEWS o k o K
c i R Energy Coup
SAIT’s already significant profile with the energy industry is about to get a lot bigger. The Institute has teamed up with PetroSkills, one of the world’s largest providers of technical training to the petroleum industry, to deliver operations and maintenance (O&M) training around the globe to petroleum field and plant operators. PetroSkills is an alliance of leading petroleum companies formed in 2001 to define industry standards for technical training. Its course catalogues go to a targeted audience of 140,000 engineers, geologists and geophysicists worldwide, but they want to expand into O&M training for field and plant operators — an area that is a core competency of SAIT. SAIT’s existing SOLIS product line — the SAIT Open Learning Instructional System for training oil and gas process operators — will form a large part of the O&M training. More will come from the MacPhail School of Energy and the School of Manufacturing and Automation. “SOLIS is currently our biggest single product in earned revenue, and PetroSkills will take it worldwide for us,” says Duke Anderson, SAIT’s Associate VP of Energy. “We’re not just licensing the curriculum to PetroSkills. We’ll be full This very entrepreneurial venture addresses partners,” Anderson explains. “This is a very entrepreneurial venture that addresses three of SAIT’s key priorities — strategic alliances and three of SAIT’s key priorities — strategic “ partnerships, workforce development and international positioning.” alliances and partnerships, workforce development and international positioning. Anderson expects industry will appreciate the flexible access the SAIT products allow, as they are designed for distance delivery. Duke Anderson ” PetroSkills programs are currently instructor-led at training sites around the world. See petroskills.com for more information. I
by Cathi Bishop
4 SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 l h a d U
n i v e K
, s i l l E
n a i r B Postcards from Heidelberg
(Top) Heidelberg’s Speedmaster press at WorldSkills Calgary. (Right) Competitor Simon Beauchamp from Lachine, Quebec represented Canada in the offset printing competition. (Far right) Clint Ferner, Western Region Sales Manager for Heidelberg Canada (on left) with Willem Sijpheer.
One colour is good. Two colours are the printing industry. In recent years “In purchasing the new Heidelberg even better. But four colours are best the DCG program has upgraded its offset press,” says Academic VP — especially when outfitting a print computer hardware and software and Gordon Nixon, “SAIT continues to shop with a first-class offset press other printing related equipment. send the message that we deliver to help prepare Digital Graphics world class education and training by Communications (DGC) students for Arranging to install the massive and outstanding instructors with industry successful careers in the industry. sophisticated piece of machinery is experience on equipment that is That’s why SAIT has purchased a a complicated process, according current with industry.” new cutting edge four-colour printing to Sijpheer. The industry is also excited about the press from Heidelberg Druckmaschine n “We have to make sure our facility new addition. Marie Eveline, executive AG, the Germany-based world-leading in the Senator Burns Building can director of the Canadian Printing manufacturer of hi-tech printing accommodate the new press. That’s Industry Sector Council (CPISC), says equipment. WorldSkills Calgary 2009, not as easy as you might think. The acquisition of the press is “a huge the massive international trades floor in the press room needs to plus” for SAIT and its DGC students. competition in Stampede Park last accommodate the weight of the “It’s difficult in our industry to find September, played a big part in bring - massive machine and we’re making training programs, and there aren’t ing this new press to SAIT according to sure the building’s electrical system many that have the most modern Willem Sijpheer, the Academic Chair of can provide sufficient power.” equipment.” SAIT’s Journalism and DGC program. Heidelberg’s Speedmaster presses “WorldSkills organizers always make It will take a crew from Heidelberg are in such high demand that both sure competitors have top equipment about a week to assemble the presses used at the competition were to use,” says Sijpheer. “They arranged new arrival, which is about 19 feet sold even before they arrived in for Heidelberg to ship two of their top- (5.8 metres) long, just under 6 feet Calgary. However, the company has of-the-line Speedmaster presses to the (1.8 metres) high and tips the arranged for SAIT to receive a shiny Calgary competition. When I found out scales at a robust 11,020 pounds new one for a bargain price. The press about that, I started to investigate (5000 kilograms). usually retails for approximately ways to keep one of those presses in $750,000; however Sijpheer’s stature The plan is for students enrolled in Calgary and to bring it to SAIT after within the Canadian printing industry the winter 2010 semester to be the WorldSkills.” and his long relationship with first DGC students to operate the SAIT has been working hard to keep Heidelberg resulted in SAIT acquiring new printing press. I pace with changing technology in the press at a substantial discount. by Eric Rosenbaum
SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 5 NEWS AND VIEWS
Hot invention needs some ICE
SAIT lab technician Paul Lavallee was on a river trip in 2003 when his invention was born. Lavallee grew frustrated with the melted ice flooding the bottom of his cooler, and the proverbial light bulb went off in his head. He dreamed up the Ice3, an ice-pack designed to enclose a six-pack. Six years later, Ice3 is being featured Paul Lavallee hopes people will warm up to his new invention, the Ice3. in Fortune Small Business magazine as “the next little thing,” and large- Now Lavallee is the one giving expert Lavallee insists to have a successful scale companies like Canadian Tire advice to entrepreneurs. business you must have a good are showing big interest in the product. support network to back you up. “D on’t do your own patent applicatio n,” But Lavallee says it’s been a long “You have to have some cash to do says Lavallee. “You need a lawyer to road, and he’s still working hard. this kind of thing,” says Lavalee. be able to define the product in a “I’ve got seven investors and “I do seven-and-a-half hours a day at focused way, but still broad enough they’re all friends and family.” I SAIT, and then I do another five to to cover all the possibilities that six hours a day on (Ice3),” he says. people might try to copy.” by Laura Fetherstonhaugh “You need passion and persistence.” Lavallee also warns entrepreneurs that Do you have an invention? Check Lavallee worked in construction and patents can take years to process and out these sites for some preliminary as a truck driver before coming to SAIT can be incredibly expensive. However, patent information. at age 36 to develop other parts of he says the LAUNCH! program — ottawapatentagency.com his mind. Through SAIT, he met Craig which gives away over $70,000 to Elias from the hit TV show Dragon’s three aspiring entrepreneurs and their adamspatent.ca Den. Elias ended up encouraging and teams — will be great for assisting bdc-canada.com/bdc/services/ advi sing him to pursue his idea for Ice3. with some of those expenses. patent_registration.htm
Self Made Woman creates a lasting WorldSkills legacy l On the west side of the oldest building on campus, you can find the newest addition to the SAIT e m a
campus. Commissioned by the City of Calgary as a tribute to the students participating in WorldSkills H
e r r
2009, the sculpture titled Self Made Woman is meant to inspire young people, and especially young e i women, into carving out a career in the trades. “The trades are still very much dominated by men and P we wanted Self Made Woman to build aspirations for more women to join,” says sculptor Paul Slipper. Slipper, along with Cam Small and Amiel Logan, were commissioned to create a sculpture and, in the spirit of WorldSkills, allow the public to witness the process. They went a step further and set up an outdoor studio at Olympic Plaza so everyone walking past could glimpse the ongoing work. Weighing in around 1500 pounds, the eight-foot sculpture depicts a woman carving herself out of a block of stone. “We were all very pleased with how she turned out, but in addition to that what we also took away from the commission was just how unique the whole experience was,” says Slipper. “We make a lot of noise and a lot of dust, but being able to carve in Olympic Plaza and the public reception we got is something none of us will forget.” The statue is now on long-term loan to SAIT in recognition of the huge commitment made by the institution to the competition. Once the Trades and Technology Complex is completed, Self Made Woman will move to her more permanent location in front of the West wing. I by Pierre Hamel
6 SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 Coat of Arms represents the heart and soul of SAIT SAIT’s Highwood Dining Room newest link in soup-making chain
When the Soup Sisters program “There was a great ambience in the began in March 2009, it consisted of a kitc hen that night,” Allemeier says. “Food group of gals from diverse backgrounds does that though; it unites people.” with one thing in common. They were The night proved a success when more a “group of women who gave from than 200 servings of delicious and the heart.” nutritious soups were delivered to The With this principle in mind, these Doorway the following Monday morning. ladies — who called themselves Soup Sisters — began congregating to Although the launch itself had only guys In recognition of SAIT’s rich history of almost make batches of homemade soup in the kitchen, Broth Brothers events 100 years, the institute has unveiled its at The Cookbook Co. Cooks on 722 are open to all genders and take place official coat of arms. With input from faculty, 11th Avenue S.W. from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the Highwood staff and students the coat of arms reflects Dining Room for those who are SAIT’s role, history, values and hopes for Soup Sisters events were hands on interested. the future. soup-making sessions that culminated Crest: The wreath is composed of the school in the provision of many liters of When booking a Broth Brothers evening, the Highwood requires a commitment colours of red and blue. The open book calls delicious and nurturing soups to students to come and learn, and represents of at least thirty group members, at a women and children in need at the past accomplishments and unwritten cost of 45$/person. The Highwood then Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter. future. The wolf in aboriginal symbolism provides the facilities, the ingredients With the success of their pilot program, characterizes a teacher. it didn’t take long for the guys to want and the professional chef. Arms: The lightning flash represents the in on it. Lauren Bishop, Earned Revenue electrical energy produced by a dynamo, This fall, in response to rising demands Coordinator for the School of Hospitality which is a symbol of technology in a broad for broader participation in their Soup and Tourism, is delighted the Soup sense. It also represents the energy applied Sisters events, the Broth Brothers Sisters program approached the by students. The wings symbolize the flights program was born. Saturday, September Highwood for their expansion plans. of practical imagination and elevated mind 26, 2009 marked the official launch “It’s not about the money for us with that turn ideas into results. of the Broth Brothers program. this one,” says Bishop. “This program Motto: Meaning “I take in hand and educate,” is our feel good gift to the community. The event was hosted in SAIT’s this evokes not only a school’s viewpoint If we can provide a bowl of soup to Highwood Dining Room under the towards each student, but also a student’s people in need, and that bowl of soup training and supervision of acclaimed responsibility towards oneself. brings them back to a happier place, chef and SAIT instructor, Michael Supporters: The winged dragon is an emblem that’s priceless.” All Broth Brother Allemeier. of both the knowledge to be acquired and of events also include: a bowl of soup to alchemy, the process of changing base metal “It’s a grassroots program and that’s enjoy afterward, accompanied by a into valued gold or more broadly making a what I liked about it,” Allemeier says. side salad, a scone or French bread, miraculous transformation. The coronets “I think food should be a right, not a 2 glasses of wine chosen by the containing the floral symbol of wisdom, the privilege, so it was pretty exciting for Highwood Dining Room to complement hazelnut, symbolize the idea of wisdom taming me to be a part of it.” the soup and a keepsake bag to ignorance, represented here by the dragon. Like its sister program, Broth Brother take home. In the school colours, the dragons allude to Heritage Hall, the building that features events donate their finished products Yet, according to the Soup Sisters to a charity of choice. dragons as an architectural display and and Broth Brothers website, the most which has housed so many programmes in The Brother’s designated soup important thing you can take home is the history of SAIT. In addition, the wings recipients live at the Doorway; a place the sense of gratification that comes recall the one-time use of the school building of refuge in Calgary for young adults from helping others. Or as Allemeier by the Royal Canadian Air Force, as well as aged 17-24 who have made the choice puts it: “For the cost of going to a the raptors that fly over the campus daily. movie and dinner, you can still have a to transition from street culture into The staff represents a pole used to erect mainstream society. At the launch, dinner and do something good for the a teepee, as well as the lodgepole pine Allemeier was in charge of wrangling community.” To book a Soup Sisters emblem of Alberta. The sandstone evokes 30 grown men in the kitchen to or Broth Brothers event, go to the foundation upon which the students produce an entire freezer worth of five [email protected]. I build their knowledge and skills to make different kinds of soup for charity. by Emily Kreiberg their place in society.
SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 7 NEWS AND VIEWS
Scanning new horizons in healthcare education s e l i M
r
SAIT students in the Advanced Diagnostic Imaging program now o v e r
have access to equal — or even better — technology than is T currently available in the public health care system thanks to government and industry partners. SAIT’s diagnostic imaging programs received $4.7 million in capital funding from Alberta Advanced Education and Technology for one SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) gamma camera, two SPECT/CT cameras, ten Nuclear Medicine Technology Computed Tomography workstations, three digital x-ray systems and seven ultrasound machines. Along with the new equipment, the diagnostic imaging programs received an additional $500,000 for program redesigns and curriculum enhancement. The funding will also allow SAIT to accept more students to these sought after programs. “Our technical health care programs have some of the highest application numbers,” says Dr. Allen Billy, Dean of SAIT’s School of Health and Public Safety. “By 2011, there will be more than 100 students enrolled on an annual basis in the diagnostic imaging programs. These graduates will help meet the high demand for healthcare professionals throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.” Students with training in diagnostic imaging can have healthcare careers as x-ray technologists, sonographers, nuclear medicine technologists and radiation safety officers. I by Cathi Bishop
Lights, camera … waiting for action
It sounds almost too good to be true. From ACTRA’s Tina Alford to “What we need is a solid, After nearly 30 years of talking about Calgary Economic Development indigenous, Canadian-driven industry,” it, Calgary might finally get a film Film Commissioner Luke Azevedo, he said. “You look at the success of studio. And not just any old studio.In many Calgary film insiders say they shows like Flashpoint and Being Erica. conjunction with the Gemini Awards, dare to believe this time, the plan for If we can capture more of that work Lindsay Blackett, Alberta’s Minister a new studio is going to stick. And if it like we have with Heartland — those of Culture and Community Spirit, becomes a reality, more SAIT students are the projects that employ a hundred announced a film and television studio will be able to find work close to home people at a time.” complex is in the works for Calgary. and pursue their dreams without A stronger Calgary film industry means It will include a 30,000 square foot leaving the province. a stronger Calgary economy. That’s a sound stage and a 45,000 square foot Johnson said a studio like this would concept Johnson said Minister Blackett digital hub for multimedia, computer have a tremendous practical impact has been instrumental in getting graphics and animation work. on SAIT students, particularly those in across to the province. But Minister Blackett says it’s not a Film and Video, Television Production “He’s been able to make them look at sure thing yet. Government funding and Multi-Media. “I think it’s going to film as an industry that generates work and private sector involvement hasn’t be a lot easier for students to stay and revenue,” Johnson said. “Not just been sorted out. Does that mean it’s here and make a good living,” he said. a drain on the public purse.” just another plan in a decades-long “We’ve always been able to attract line of unsuccessful proposals? films that require spectacular outdoor Paul Villaruel, a second-year television scenery. But it’s seasonal — essentially major in SAIT’s broadcasting program, “Right now, it’s just a land deal,” said April to October. Having a sound stage said he is excited about the potential Laurie Johnson, a SAIT Film and Video means year-round activity.” for the Calgary job market. “The new Instructor. “But that’s significant. My studio would be great for possible perception is just about all the studio Though a studio would attract more job opportunities,” Villaruel said. proposals that have never come to big Hollywood pictures, it would also “The sooner it’s ready, the better for fruition died because of land. And the strengthen the local scene. Johnson up and coming film and TV students fact that the proposal comes from said that’s key to the Alberta film to get out there and do their thing Minister Blackett himself, gives it industry’s survival. in the industry.” I huge credibility.” by Gaïa Willis-Owen
8 SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 9 How to BUILD AN EMPIRE, one satisfied homeowner at a time by Colleen Lavender
Tom Mauro loves action, adventure, cars and quality construction. The founder of luxury builder Albi Homes will happily jump on a plane today to play golf with a buddy in Atlanta tomorrow, and has been known to pull the casings off of door frames in homes his company has built, if the quality isn’t up to his standards.
It’s no wonder, then, that the life anthem of this the 2009 Distinguished Alumnus is Frank Sinatra’s My Way . Mauro sang with a band for eight years, and barely hesitates when asked to name his favourite song. For through it all, he’s truly done it his way. “Two thousand years ago, I would have been known as an artisan, but today, I’m called a carpenter,” says Mauro. “I have no problem with being a carpenter, and that background has certainly served me very well in my career, but I think it could be a stumbling block for young people joining the trades. As an artisan I have an eye on consistent quality in the homes we build. I care about everything — the plumbing, how good the boiler room looks, and yes, the finishing carpentry. My workers know that if the casings are on the floor after I’ve been through for a look, they haven’t done the job I expect.”
continued on next page…
10 SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 n o s l o h c i N
n a w E
SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 11 n o s l o h c i N n a w E How to BUILD AN EMPIRE, one satisfied homeowner at a time
…continued from previous page
This exacting quality is evident in the elegant office Albi Homes occupies in Southeast Calgary. Built less than a year ago and still being developed, it showcases the very finishing and elegance that owners can expect from one of Albi’s homes. Given his Italian heritage — Mauro was two when his family moved to Canada from the small Italian village of Albi — you might expect that he came from a long line of artisans, and that his children have followed in the same footsteps. In fact, it was Mauro’s brother-in-law, a master carpenter himself, who set Mauro on his path and insisted he be trained. “My brother-in-law said he would give me a job, but first I had to do an apprenticeship. I agreed, but I think I thought it would be temporary. By my third year at SAIT I started to see that I was getting to be good at carpentry. I wasn’t the best in the class, but my strength was in learning how to do things faster. It was the entrepreneur in me — by working faster I could accomplish more and be more successful.” He graduated from SAIT in 1977 and by 1978 he had started his own business as a contractor. Suddenly, he found himself in the middle of the worst recession to ever hit Calgary. That didn’t deter Mauro. Instead, he switched gears and started from the ground up building elegant new homes. “I began with the idea that I would build two or three quality homes per year and that would be enough.” Never one to be satisfied with good enough, Mauro’s enterprise grew quickly. Today the home builder has a staff of 70 people, and they average a yearly build of some 150 homes across Calgary communities.
12 SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 Does a luxury home builder and trained carpenter spend his spare time Nominations open for tinkering in the garage? Not this one, it turns out. He hung up his hammer the 2010 DISTINGUISHED some years ago, and calls himself an excellent delegator. Then there’s S the fact that Mauro no longer has a garage, having moved to a downtown ALUMNUS and OUTSTANDING condo with his wife Debra, to better suit their busy lives as empty YOUNG ALUMNUS AWARDS: nesters. But when Mauro recently needed new locks on his condo door, N he enjoyed his trip to the hardware store to buy the tools he needed, and January 1 – June 30, 2010 relished getting the job done.
SAIT is proud of the impact O “I no longer have an active role at Albi,” says the semi-retired Mauro, alumni make locally, nationally I “but I’m plugged in 24/7, always available to answer questions and solve problems that might come up. Whether I’m on the golf course in Phoenix and internationally. The or at my home in Sylvan Lake I’m available to my family and my team.” Distinguished Alumnus award T was created in 1988 to honour In fact, his family is his team. Albi is truly a family business, employing A Mauro’s wife of 26 years, Debra Mauro, as well as their two sons. Mauro SAIT alumni who have proven shares a great portion of his success with Debra, crediting her with being leadership skills and who make a good strategic thinker, and important to the positioning and recognition N an exceptional contribution to
of the Albi brand. Perhaps that life anthem, with apologies to Old Blue I Eyes, should really be Our Way. I business or industry. The award is presented to a SAIT alumnus
who demonstrates: M The more you give, • Proven leadership skills
The more you get O • Exceptional achievements Mauro’s philosophy of philanthropy is pretty simple: in business or industry the more you give, the more you get. “To give while N you’re alive is a lot of fun,” says Mauro. “I like being
• Outstanding contributions able to see the difference this money can make.” to the community
Tom and Debra Mauro support organizations that • A history of support 0 help women and children in need, restoration for SAIT
projects at the Vatican, and education. 1 For information on past “SAIT is such a good fit for us and our industry,” says recipients or to nominate Mauro, a proud alumnus and employer of SAIT-trained 0 an alumnus for 2010, visit workers. “About 60 per cent of our staff are SAIT grads sait.ca/alumni. so we definitely want to support quality education 2 and access for as many students as possible.”
The issue of access was one that really caught Mauro’s attention when he was approached by SAIT to be a Founding Builder as part of the Promising Futures TM campaign.
SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 13 Whether it’s running a business or designing high-end wheelchairs, SAIT alumnus Christian Bagg just does it. by Melanie Jones
14 SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 hen Christian Bagg opens the door of his home, here’s what you can expect W to see: disarming smile, really big dog, fluorescent yellow-green accent wall. Once you get past the smile and the dog, an affable Great Dane named Foster, you’re likely to encounter his passions: a Cervélo road bike frame hanging in his living room, two climbing walls and a basement machine shop, where he designs and builds high-end wheelchairs for Marvel Wheelchairs, a company he co-owns with tattooed Paralympian Jeff Adams. The fact that Bagg uses a wheelchair himself is almost an afterthought. It’s safe to say Bagg isn’t your average machinist. It’s also safe to say he’s never let a wheelchair slow him down. He didn’t always build chairs. Back in the day, he spent most of his time on his mountain bike or snowboard. In April 1996, when he was 20 years old, he entered a big air snowboarding competition, but the air got too big to handle. “As soon as I hit the ice, I knew I’d never walk again,” he says, matter of fact. A couple months in Intensive Care, a few more using a wheelchair that didn’t fit his lanky 6’4” frame, and Bagg took matters into his own hands, using the skills he picked up from SAIT’s machining program. Bagg built his first chair a year after his accident and hasn’t stopped since. “You are totally reliant on the technology that you’re in,” he says of people who use wheelchairs. “Race chairs or sit-skis — all this is equipment made by a machinist. This is why I make chairs. I’ve seen so many people who are stuck. They want to do something, but they don’t have the equipment to do it.” His ‘build it and they will come’ approach landed him a job with Stryker, a medical equipment company, and ultimately to creating Marvel Wheelchairs three years ago. But he credits his experience at SAIT for much of his success. “The ability to make a chair and test it any time I wanted was huge. That’s what I got from SAIT,” he says. “If I had gone to Harvard for a business degree, I wouldn’t be this far ahead in the making wheelchairs game. I literally wake up with an idea and I make it.” s r i a h c
His abilities speed up product development, which for most l e e
companies is glacially slow — an arduous ‘design by committee’ h W
l
process that can take weeks, even months, to bring a single idea to life. “If I wasn’t e v r a machinist and I didn’t have the machines and those skills, we couldn’t be as nimble. a M It’s what allowed the chair to be so different: it was easy and quick to take risks. And it didn’t cost anything, either.” The other reason the chair is unique is because of Bagg’s passion for cycling — ironic, given the reason he went into machining in the first place was to build bikes. (Well, that and his dad, Peter Bagg, worked at SAIT for 37 years, as an instructor, as a coordinator and finally as Dean of Manufacturing and Automation.)
continued on next page…
SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 15 …continued from previous page
Marvel’s chairs feature mountain-bike-inspired suspension and adjustability to maximize user comfort and a groundbreaking frame design. “I came up with the frame sitting on this couch looking at that bike,” he says, pointing to the Cervélo frame hanging on his wall. “The rear triangle of a bike has always been the perfect design for strength. This frame is basically the back half of that bike turned upside down.” But, the relationship with Cervélo Cycles goes beyond mere inspiration. “I made a prototype of the chair and we met with Phil and Gerard (White and Vroomen of Cervélo). They were interested and we made a handshake deal that we would do...something. So, Jeff and I just started showing up at the Cervélo office,” he says, laughing. “We pushed really hard. They weren’t really ready for what we wanted to do, but we just did it.” The chairs are now sold across Canada, the U.S. and in the Middle East. Just doing it is how Bagg seems to live his whole life, whether it’s business or sports or adjusting to life in a chair. “You’ll talk to people at dinner or at a bar and they’ll have this idea of what they want to do with their life. Everyone has great ideas and plans, it’s just some people do it and some people don’t,” he says.“I think the difference is that I do it.” I
16 SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 17 n o s l o h c i N n a w E
18 SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 A young filmmaker shares her love of laughter with audiences by Colleen Lavender
In Smita Acharyya’s life story, next to “Career Motivator” in the credits, the name will be “Grandmother.” Growing up, Acharyya’s grandmother would insist the whole family drop everything to watch the Saturday night Bollywood film that aired on Calgary TV. Later they explored all the Bengali films they could get their hands on in local video stores. “I had to learn Bengali to speak to my grandmother and to understand the movies,” explains Acharyya, SAIT’s inaugural Outstanding Young Alumna Award recipient. “Bengali films are so far from the big Bollywood song and dance movies; I equate a Bengali movie with a Canadian film, when compared with a Hollywood blockbuster.” From Bollywood to Hollywood and everything in between, Acharyya’s love of movies grew. At the age of 15, her mother bought a video camera to record the family’s trip to India. Acharyya learned the camera from top to bottom on her own, discovering all that it could do and how the functions and features could enhance the filmmaking. She chronicled the trip and was surprised and flattered when her uncle in India copied some of her techniques and shots in his own movie that he sent to the family when they returned home. But film wasn’t to be her destiny quite yet. First there was a detour as a Pre-Med student, the career path her mother was eager for her to travel.
…continued on next page
SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 19 …continued from previous page
“I think my mom had a crush on a I looked at the SAIT course catalogue While her student film does make her doctor when she was younger, and and saw that an instructor in the laugh — “it’s funny because it’s so that’s why she wanted me to become Cinema Television Stage and Radio bad!” — Acharyya’s strength truly one,” Acharyya jokes. “I took three (CTSR) program was a movie lies in comedy. Quite appropriate for years of classes that would prepare projectionist I knew from working at a woman whose name in Bengali me for med school and hated every Famous Players.” She took it as a means “smile” and who chose to be second of it. I quit right before finals sign and applied. married by an Elvis impersonator in in my third year.” Las Vegas, just for the fun factor. Acharyya is grateful that her two years Her father told her that she had to at SAIT exposed her to all aspects of Acharyya likens her filmmaking go to school to complete “something” film, TV and more, in order to better journey to her brief brush with and offered to pay for any instruction understand the connection between skydiving. She’s not sure what of her choosing. “My dad was begging the various industries. She adds that possessed her to invest in discount me to go back to school. So I took an one thing she didn’t learn during her skydiving, but she signed up for a aptitude test to learn what I should studies is the amount of paperwork two-for-one jump package. The first be doing with my life. It told me involved in making movies, in order to time, she leapt from the plane with I could be a domestic apply for funding and grants. Finding abandon. But when the aircraft picked engineer or ‘something the money to complete projects is a her up for the second plunge, she in the arts.’ big hurdle young filmmakers need to couldn’t do it. She knew what was overcome in order to gain recognition involved, what was at stake and and, in turn, command bigger budgets just couldn’t let go. for subsequent movies. In he r directorial debut Second Coming “When I come back to SAIT as a guest in the Second Grade, Acharyya just lecturer, paperwork is something I’m jumped. Subsequent films haven’t going to touch on for students!” come quite as easily, but have the benefit of maturity, experience and film community support behind them.
Roll credits… sampling of Smita Acharyya’s body of work
Second Coming in the Second Grade – If a Hindu girl eats the bread of Christ from a Catholic church, does Jesus live in her tummy? Does this mean she has to be good forever? Acharyya’s directorial debut. Co-produced with Acharyya’s twin, Rita, this was the first of many collaborative projects for the sisters.
Downsizing – getting into a smaller size wedding dress means a lot to this bride, who wants to drop three sizes in nine weeks in order to wear her dream dress. Nominated for “Best Short” by the Alberta Motion Picture Industry Association. n o s l o Enough – a short film in music video style about finding the true meaning h c i N
of Christmas. n a w E Sorry Girl – the most recent of Acharyya’s films, the story follows a woman who can’t stop apologizing. Every time she does, she gets an electric shock from the collar around her neck. Acharyya developed the story at the prestigious Women in the Director’s Chair workshop in Banff and won Best Screenwriter, Drama under 30 Minutes at the 2009 Alberta Film and Television Awards.
The Baby Cliff – an interactive, web-based series of shorts in which viewers get to have a say in the script, casting, and more. Check it out at thebabycliff.com.
20 SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 AWARDS & HONOURS
The film community has been Stephanie Schnepf tremendously important to Acharyya, Stephanie Schnepf (Professional Cooking ’06) and she’s been as eager to give as won the Canadian National Jeunes Commis she has to receive. Shortly after Competition in Victoria BC in October. It was her graduating from SAIT, she became a exceptionally well presented plates in the Black member of Women in Film and Box style competition that gave her the edge. Television – Alberta, serving for five There were nine competitors from across Canada years on the board, including one competing for their respective provinces. Stephanie term as President. She has mentored will compete next in the international competition other up-and-coming filmmakers, in Helsinki, Finland in September 2010. She is and engages SAIT students and currently working at Olives/Hotel Arts Group. alumni in her projects. “I never refer to a film as ‘my baby,’” Wayne Marshall says Acharyya. “Why would I ask you Wayne Marshall, instructor for the MacPhail School of Energy, won the to help raise my baby? Filmmaking is Instrumentation Professional of the Year award from the Calgary Section of a collaborative effort, and everyone involved in the industry is very the International Society for Automation (ISA). ISA is a leading, global, non - passionate, no matter what their role profit organization that is setting the standard for automation by helping over is. I always say ‘our film’ because 30,000 worldwide members and other professionals solve difficult technical everyone has a stake in it.” problems, while enhancing their leadership and personal career capabilities. Acharyya is now excited about a move to Vancouver with her husband, SAIT Academic Chair Wins a National Printing Industry Award and completing the script for her The Canadian Printing Industries Association (CPIA) has presented Willem first feature film: adorable Hindu Sijpheer with a Distinguished Service Award for outstanding achievement grandmother moves to Canada and and leadership in the printing industry. Sijpheer is the Academic Chair for embraces Christmas with more SAIT’s Journalism and Digital Graphics Communication program (see fervour than Martha Stewart… Postcards from Heidelberg story, page 5). He immigrated to Canada from hilarity ensues… I the Netherlands in 1968 when he began working at a small print shop in Edmonton. Sijpheer has held a number of positions in print shops. He has also attended and worked for colleges and universities in Alberta where he helped develop a number of graphic arts programs. Introducing the Outstanding Young Wendy Tynan Congratulations to Wendy Tynan, former SAIT employee in the Alumni and Alumni Award Development department for her honour as one of Avenue Calgary’s Top 40 New this year to SAIT’s celebration Under 40. Wendy was recognized for her commitment to her profession — of the contribution made by she coordinates communication between nine government ministries to past grads is the Outstanding implement long-term crime prevention initiatives and, on her vacation time, Young Alumnus/a Award. The award volunteers 16 hours a day at the Calgary Stampede. Wendy is currently the will be presented annually to a special advisor to the Alberta Minister of Justice and Attorney General. SAIT alumnus/a who has: • Graduated from SAIT in the John Dumonceaux last 10 years and is 35 years John Dumonceaux (Business Administration ’94) won the WorldSkills contest or younger open to all alumni who visited the SAIT Alumni booth at the competition last September. John won a free trip for two to England to attend the WorldSkills • Proven leadership skills London 2011 competition. Congratulations! • Exceptional achievements in their field of endeavour FrancoMedia • Outstanding contributions to Kevin Franco, Ryan Ferrier (New Media Production and Design ’07) , Sandor the community Fekete (Computer Technology ’98) at FrancoMedia won platinum at the To nominate an outstanding international Ava Award, which is the top honour from the Association of young alumnus for 2010, head Marketing and Communications Professionals (ACMP). They received the top to SAIT.ca for details. honour for an alternate reality game (ARG) they created, called Experience the Node. Congratulations to this very talented group of alumni.
SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 21 SAIT rolls out the red SAIT rolled out the red carpet — literally — for about carpet for about 400 400 special guests at a gala special guests at evening to thank and pay tribute to major contributors who are helping gala evening… to build the boldest and biggest expansion by Eric Rosenbaum in the Institution’s history — the Trades and Technology Complex. President’s Gala 2009 was one event in October that kicked off the public phase of the Promising Futures TM Campaign to raise $75 million for the Complex.
…continued on next page
22 SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 a i
The Trades and Technology Complex will truly d e M
e
position SAIT as one of the world’s leading d
“ a J
, l a
polytechnic institutions. These buildings will u n a M be filled with the dreams, enthusiasm and d r a h c creativity of generations to come. i R Irene Lewis ”
Top: Students from the School of Hospitality and Tourism serve exquisite, delicate desserts. Centre and left: Youth Singers of Calgary perform. Bellow: Models of the Trades and Technology Complex displayed in high-tech gallery.
SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 23 …continued from previous page
Visitors received the royal treatment, as staff and student volunteers greeted and guided them from their cars in the brand new parkade below Cohos Common, through historic Heritage Hall, into a glitzed-up Heart Atrium. Before dinner, SAIT President and CEO Irene Lewis cut the ribbon on a high-tech gallery in Macdonald Hall which displayed models, drawings and computer animations showcasing bold innovative designs of buildings that will shape the Institution’s future. Gibbs Gage Architects, the firm responsible for the design, sponsored the gallery, and the principal architects Wade Gibbs and Doug Gage were on hand to discuss their designs.
President Lewis thanked donors to the Promising Futures TM Campaign and talked about the importance of the Complex to SAIT’s future. “The Trades and Technology Complex will truly position SAIT as one of the world’s leading polytechnic institutions”, said President Lewis.” These buildings will be filled with the dreams, enthusiasm and creativity of generations to come.” The new expansion will help prepare more graduates for the workforce and inspire students to reach even more ambitious career goals, meet the needs of business and industry, and generate billions of dollars for our economy.
As Chairman of the Promising Futures TM Campaign, Keith MacPhail talked about his SAIT education and how it started him on the road to becoming the Chairman and CEO of Bonavista Petroleum Ltd. The goal of the Trades and Technology Complex is to give others the same chance he had. “It will ensure that the young people who knock on SAIT’s door for entry will find a place. It’s about expanding SAIT’s ability to give many more young people the same chance I had — to build their careers in trades and technology.” Hospitality and Tourism students wowed the honoured guests with a sumptuous five-course meal. Guests commented that they’d be hard pressed to find a five-star restaurant in Calgary with better food and service. There was also first-class musical entertainment courtesy of Canadian Idol winner Kalan Porter and the Youth Singers of Calgary. I
Clockwise from top: Kalen Porter performs; Standing from the left, Tom Mauro of Albi Homes, Glynn Hendry of Qualico, Alan Norris of Carma Developers, Jay Westman of Jayman MasterBUILT, Scott Haggins of Cedarglen Homes and Al Morrison of Morrison Homes; Hospitality and Tourism students plate a course; “Living statues” strike a pose.
24 SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 l a
The Trades and Technology Complex will ensure that the u n a M
young people who knock on SAIT’s door for entry will d “ r a h c i
find a place. It’s about expanding SAIT’s ability to give R many more young people the same chance I had — to build their careers in trades and technology. Keith MacPhail ”
THANK YOU SAIT Polytechnic would like to thank the following sponsors for their invaluable assistance in making the 2010 President’s Gala so memorable. We look forward to seeing everyone at next year’s event.
SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 25 22 SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 e r o o M
e i n a h p e t S
, e i z n e K c a M
s e m a J
When visitors to SAIT were greeted by tall colourfully costumed stilt walkers, they knew it wasn’t going to be a typical Saturday on campus. Hundreds of Calgarians gathered for the Promising Futures TM Fun Festival. We had the best time! My 5 year old loved all the activities. My friends There was a carnival atmosphere in the Heart Atrium and “ brought their 4 year old and 8 year the Colonel Walker hanger with a jumping castle, magicians, old and they really enjoyed it too. face painting, candy floss and other treats for the kids. Our I was impressed by the organization staff and volunteers presented “mini-camps” where young and old conducted hands-on SAIT skills-based science experiments and and variety of things to do. We took picked up some photo and cooking tips. And we threw the doors open advantage of the free passes to the at the Campus Centre where visitors had free use of the gym, pool and hockey game that night and had a bowling alley. blast there too. Thanks so much for all your efforts and please pass TM The Promising Futures Fun Festival wasn’t all just kids stuff. this on to the other organizers. There was plenty for the grown-ups to do including free Trojans men’s hockey and men’s and women’s volleyball. The Festival Joy Stillwell ” was topped off with a rock concert at the Gate, where baby boomers and students danced the night away to Canadian rock stars Trooper. The purpose for the Fun Festival was to show off the designs of the new state-of-the-art Trades and Technology Complex. Many visitors took the opportunity to wander through the gallery in Macdonald Hall to look at the models, drawings and the hi-tech digital animation of the huge Complex that, when it’s built, will not only transform SAIT but also enhance the surrounding northwest Calgary neighbourhoods. I by Eric Rosenbaum
SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 27 24 SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010
l l a w o
D m c M
e o n i x a
M
o
r
s
s
a
l
c
g
n
i
v
i
l
A
A “green” greenhouse The garden will be organically maintained by a volunteer team of students, faculty and staff. In addition, the School of Hospitality and Tourism and Applied Research and Innovation Services are Simon Dunn (left) and Andrew Hewson look forward to the expanded learning opportunities working together to encourage funding and obtain SAIT’s culinary garden will offer. approvals for a solar-powered, soap bubble greenhouse. This type of greenhouse is not only environmentally friendly and less expensive to operate than a conventional greenhouse, it makes Many chefs believe that true flavour begins in year-round growing possible. Typical greenhouses the ground, not in the pan — and that to become have polycarbonate side walls, which are less a great chef, the garden can be as important as energy efficient than an average residential window. the classroom. Insulating these greenhouses requires roll-out Imagine students crushing fresh mint for blankets or enormous heating bills. cocktails, plucking ripe saskatoon berries for jam In a soap bubble greenhouse, the walls and roof are or harvesting tomatoes for pasta sauce. That’s the filled with soap bubbles — in about eight minutes. idea behind the School of Hospitality and Tourism’s It takes up to 12 hours for the bubbles to dissipate. culinary garden, to be built along the south side With a programmable timer, soap bubbles act as an of the John Ware Building and the patio of the insulator in the winter and during chilly fall or spring 4 Nines Dining Centre. evenings, and even provide shade from strong “We need to connect cooking students — our summer sun. The soap bubbles will be routed into future chefs — with food. Believe it or not, so grey water recycling and hardy ground cover plants, many students have no idea where carrots or which will help purify the water. potatoes come from. We send them to the fridge for parsley, and they come back with basil,” says Leader in learning Chef Instructor Andrew Hewson who, along with SAIT’s culinary garden will be one of the first in fellow Chef Instructor Simon Dunn, has volunteered Canada set in a post-secondary environment. to lead this project. “But if you didn’t grow up with “This unique teaching tool will be a hands-on way a garden, how would you know?” to source quality ingredients, help students Expected to be complete by spring, the culinary understand regional ingredients and seasonal garden will be a 4,200 square foot showcase of menus, and provide them with a sensory experience perennial herbs, edible flowers, lettuce, tomatoes, that will stay with them forever,” Chef Hewson adds. root and vine crops, fruit and berry bushes — as “It’s also a great opportunity to get students, well as a woodstone oven, covered counter space, alumni, faculty, local producers, industry partners patio, arbour and walking paths. In addition to an and community groups working together to innovative teaching lab, it will also be a beautiful produce and promote healthy, regional cuisine backdrop for promoting SAIT and its culinary arts in a sustainable way.” I to prospective students and partners. by Lori Pichette
SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 29 INSIDE THE EVENTS
Imperial Oil presents a unique gift to SAIT’s aviation students
SAIT President and CEO Irene Lewis, students and faculty accept the keys from Imperial Oil for the Bombardier Challenger jet. l
It’s not every day that a Bombardier This donation will serve to benefit The jet, no longer required to meet e u n Challenger 01-3A lands at the both students and industry. It will Imperial's corporate travel needs, was a M
d r
doorstep of the Art Smith Aero Centre. enable more than 250 SAIT students given an overhaul two years ago where a h c Last November Imperial Oil donated its annually to train on an aircraft with the avionics were replaced with more i R private jet valued at $8-million to be modern avionics and be even better modern technology. The gift also used as part of the curriculum for the prepared when entering the workforce. included over $50,000 in spare parts School of Transportation’s Aircraft The twin engine jet was in use for over and group support equipment, such Maintenance Engineers Technology, twenty years, and decommissioned as a tow bar for taxiing the plane, Avionics, Technology and Aircraft so it could be donated to SAIT and jacks to lift the aircraft and ground Structures Technician programs. enable valuable hands-on learning. handling devices. I by Alison O’Connor i k
s Chinook Lodge Town Hall l e B i e Chinook Lodge was proud to welcome friends, supporters and donors to the g r e
S second annual Town Hall Meeting on November 17. The annual meeting reports on the year’s activities, shows how community support aids student success and engages the community in shaping the future of the Lodge.
The event was opened by Aboriginal Elder Casey Eagle Speaker, who led the group with an opening prayer, followed by an Honour Song. Corporate donors, students, alumni and SAIT staff attended the event emceed by Lee Haldeman, Associate Vice President Academic Development. Two student speakers, Buddie Dixon (Petroleum Engineering Technology) and Kelli Morning Bull (Television Production), explained how the services at the Lodge helped them to adapt to campus life and succeed in their studies.
Elder Casey Eagle Speaker (left) shares “I am so grateful for the Lodge and for the people who work here,” said Morning a moment with Al Browne (facing) Bull, who is in her fourth semester at SAIT. “I don’t know what I would have and Lynn Calfrobe (right). done without them. I definitely wouldn’t have made it this far.” I
30 SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 Cheer on SAIT instructors and alumni as they run the torch relay for the 2010 Olympic Games.
Greg Smith, an instructor in the Open House database administration (DBA) October 30, 2009 program, will be a torch bearer on Jan uary 19 in Strathmore . SAIT has maintained its long-standing tradition He’ll start his 300 meter run on of welcoming guests to campus by hosting Westchester Road heading towards Open House last October. the Town of Strathmore Office “Open House provides people with a wonderful at around 2:00 pm. opportunity to get a glimpse of life at SAIT,” said Bryce McCormick (Advanced Gord Nixon, Vice President Academic. “Faculty Accounting ’97) will be running a Skating with Santa members and industry experts were on hand to 300 metre stretch of the relay that December 12, 2009 answer questions about career options and the goes through Airdrie, Alberta. Cheer interactive demonstrations provided a true him on January 19, 2010 at 5:30 Forget the sleigh! Didn’t you know? sense of what certain careers could be like.” pm. His segment begins along Santa prefers good old fashioned skates. At least this is true when SAIT’s Open House had program information in Main Street by the Mac’s. he visits the SAIT campus. the areas of: Business, Construction, Energy, Russell Sherman (Hospitality Health and Public Safety, Hospitality and This year’s Skating with Santa Management) is running his leg Tourism, Information and Communication event was — as always — one of of the race on January 20 at Technologies, Manufacturing and Automation, the more anticipated alumni events and Transportation. 5:30 pm in Canmore on Spray of the season. Jolly old St. Nick Lakes Road. laced up his skates and joined Applied research examples, hands-on chemistry alumni and their families on the experiments, delicious culinary samples and Jim Szautner, Academic Chair for ice Saturday, December 12. the chance to “try a trade” were among some the Diesel Equipment Technician of the many fun activities set up on SAIT’s (DET) and Heavy Equipment Hot cocoa, popcorn and hot dogs campus. I Technician (HET) in the School were on the menu and each guest of Transportation will be a torch was given a special Christmas bearer on January 15. Watch for ornament to remember the fun him in Beaumont, AB at 9:18 am. they had with Santa on the ice.
Sparkies Unite! SAIT Industrial Electricity Class of 1949 Reunite Sixty years after graduation and the Industrial Electricity Class of ’49 is still getting together to catch up with each other, remember their time at SAIT (or the Provincial Institute of Technology and Art, as it was known then), and celebrate their successes. “Old times, good times and memories were shared by all,” said George Turner, one of eight graduates able to attend the reunion held in Cranbrook on September 14 and 15. “We realized just how fortunate we are to all be together once more.” This is the seventh time in the last sixty years that this class has gathered as a group. The first reunion took place in Calgary, thirty- seven years after graduation. “At this reunion, we were privileged to have as our guest, Mr. A.T. Miller — one of our former instructors,” n
Back row, left to right: Howard Persinger, Ted Gourley, g i
said Turner. “To our delight he took us on a tour of our old s
George Turner, Les Duckett, Jack Segstro. Front row, e D workshops at SAIT.” Since then they have met in various places c
left to right: Ted Hurl, Don Vanstone, John Coulton i h including Kamloops, Drumheller, Nelson and Golden. p a r g o t
This year’s celebration brought eight of them together in Cranbrook, o h P
s
BC where they visited the railway museum, walked around the Bavarian l l e
Plaza in Kimberley and toured the Heritage Village at Forte Steele. I W
SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 31 CLASS NOTES Send your Class Notes to [email protected] or look for SAIT Alumni: Virtual Reunion on Facebook
Gina Gurung (Radio Television Weidong Hou (Accounting ’05) Broadcast News ’08) is working as a welcomed a little girl to his family. 2000s freelance videographer for Calgary Elaine Hou was born on August 12, Flames coach Brent Sutter. She does 2009. Congratulations! Jordan Brown (Business Administration the video for home games, the Lucas Armitt (Cabinet Making ’08) ’04) is presently managing the logistics jumbotron and press conferences. division of a grain brokerage firm in has started his own residential and Lethbridge but is also using his SAIT Rosemary Fleming (Bachelor of Applied commercial custom cabinetry business training to design, manage, and market Business Administration ’07 ) is excited called Orange Tree Wood Designs his own line of apparel, which is to announce that she has written her operating in Calgary and Cochrane. showing early success in the clothing first book, Marathon Magic. The book — www.orangetreewooddesigns.com. field. www.appetiteblonde.net. for anyone who has always wanted to run a marathon but doesn’t know where Ashley Pederson (Auto Body Technician to start — will take readers from the ’03) is now one of very few female first day of training to the finish line. auto body technicians with a red seal Flemming has been a committed runner 1990s ticket. Pederson, who knew from an herself for about thir ty years and still early age that she wanted to work with runs marathons today. M Bryce McCormick (Advanced automobile sheet metal, is currently Accounting ’97) will be one of many working for Tom Racz and Pat Roy at proud Canadians bearing the torch in The Rod Shop in Calgary. For her the 2010 Winter Olympics Torch Relay. latest project, she is finishing up McCormick will be running a 300 the bodywork on a customized metre stretch of the relay that goes 1968 Camaro. through Airdrie, Alberta. He won the Adrian Wong (Computer Technology opportunity through a contest by Coca ’03) has been working as a new sales Cola. To prepare for this honour, consultant for Big Lakes Dodge since McCormick says he has been hitting September 2009. After graduation, the gym and working out as much as Wong ran his own computer business he can. Cheer him on January 19, in High Prairie and developed medical 2010 at 5:30 pm. His segment of the software for a software company in race begins along Main Street by the St. Albert. His career has also brought Mac’s. Bryce will be the 157th torch him to the hospitality industry, working bearer that day, for a cross-country at hotels, restaurants and licensed relay that started 82 days before! M establishments and to the oilpatch where he maintained and optimized gas wells and compressors and monitored maintenance crews and Doug Cousins (Carpentry ’03) co-owns roads as required. a company with his brother, James Stephanie Leblond (Photography Cousins (Carpentry ’03) called Cousins Certificate ’09) is now a busy event, Concrete and Construction Inc. They wedding and portrait photographer. serve commercial clients in Calgary and She has also excited to report that surrounding area. Doug is married to she has been passing on her skills Kelly and the proud father of 2 children — James is 28 months, and Jessica is by teaching event planning students Boudewijn Slingerland (Drafting Design 9 months. James is married to Becky about photography. M ’94) owns his own company called and the proud father of Tyler who is 3, Refied that’s a general contractor and Brianne who is 5 years old. and cabinetry business specializing www.cousinsconcrete.ca in high end homes. Heidi Walter-Hall (Food and Nutrition Management ’00) is married to Peter Hall and they have two wonderful children, Helena is four, and Evangeline is two. They currently live in Prince Rupert, BC
32 SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 In Memoriam 1980s SAIT notes with sorrow the passing of the following alumni and former students, instructors and employees, and our thoughts go out to their Elizabeth (Beth) Castle (Dietary family and friends. Service Technology ’86) has written a book called Oxygen Mask: Breathe Kevin Neil Anderson Albert Pelle Easier About Your Relationship With Technical Engineering ’77 Former instructor Heavy Food. It’s about the emotional and Duty Diesel Department psychological aspects of weight loss, Archie Raymond Boyd losing weight and keeping it off. Mechanical Draftsman ’48 Albert E. (Dutch) Plomp Watch for it on The View as part of Graduate the North American radio tour. One Matthew Ryan Brewer client has lost 200 pounds! Journeyman Automotive John Henry Westlake Service Technician ’07 Former instructor and Head Richard Poitras (Retail Meat Cutting of the Electronics Department ’87) is semi-retired and living in Dennis James Cornish Delisle, Saskatchewan. He would like Computer Technology ’00 Glen Alexander Cameron Former instructor Electronics to catch up with any old classmates John Dul Department and International from the retail meat cutting program. Former instructor in the Communications Program If you graduated from this program Electronics Department which and would like to organize a reunion, is now the School of ICT Richard Jarrod Black call us at 403.284.7010 or email Business Administration alu [email protected] . John Campbell Fahrner and Accounting ’95 Graduated in ’37 Gary van der Ploeg Jan Foster Former instructor of the Former EMS program coordinator Instrumentation Engineering and instructor in the School of Technology program in the 1960 Health and Public Safety MacPhail School of Energy Gary Lee Gray Stanley Craigan 1970s Electrician ’08 Business Administration Bruce Hill Irene and Gildo (Jeep) Santucci and Accounting ’79 Mechanics and Electrician (Millinery early 1960s and TV Doreen Viola Hollings Production late 1970s) have been Herbert Johnson Friend of SAIT married an incredible 56 years. With Mechanic, Former instructor of Frieda Erna Wiebe two sons and the family business — Journeyman Sheet Metal Santucci Enterprises Ltd. — they Graduate Murray Wallace Kirk have lived a lot of life and are eagerly Wilfred Glen Waterhouse Professional Cooking ’86 anticipating retirement. In addition to Former SAIT employee their many interests here in Calgary, Allan Lang Ronald Jens Eriksen the couple likes to spend much of WCOM ’78 their time at their cottage in Former SAIT employee Kevin George Lawson Edgewater, BC. The two were on Vernon Noble Heavy Duty Mechanic, campus for the Promising Futures™ Computer Technology ’69 Fun Festival in October. M Business Skills Certificate ’94 Anthony Garry (Tony) Anselmo Maurice MacDonald Friend of SAIT SAIT Volunteer Janet Mary Foster Edward Frank Louis Mandeville Former instructor of the Graduate Pre-Hospital Emergency Thomas Larkin O'Connor Care Program Graduate Barbara Gwen Atkinson Joseph Clement Boeckx Rehabilitation Therapy ’04 Journeyman Bricklayer
SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 33 GET INVOLVED
January April 18-22 SAITSA Welcome Week 2 Good Friday – SAIT Closed Location: Campus wide 5 Easter – SAIT Closed Visit sait.ca for more information and concert listings at the Gate. 8 Business Students Awards Night Location: Macdonald Hall, Heritage Hall This event by invitation only. February 9 Business Students Alliance (BSA) Networking Dinner 5,6 SAIT Open House Location: Macdonald Hall in Heritage Hall Location: Heart Atrium Time: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Visit sait.ca for more information. 11 Distinguished Alumni Awards Presentations May Location: Macdonald Hall, Heritage Hall This event by invitation only. 20,21 Graduation Location: Jubilee Auditorium 15 Family Day – SAIT Closed Visit sait.ca for more information or tickets.
17 Aboriginal Student Symposium 24 Victoria Day – SAIT Closed Location: Campus Centre, SAIT Call 403.210.4028 for more information. 26 Heritage Hall High Tea This event by invitation only. TBD Engineering Design and Drafting Technologies (EDT) Industry Night TBD Aboriginal Student Graduation Celebration Call 403.210.4028 for more information.
March June 3 Travel and Tourism’s Global Passport Club Industry Night 12 Family Fun Day at Calaway Park The event will also include the 4th Annual Registration opens April 30 at sait.ca. Student Showcase and Silent Auction. Location: Senator Burns Building Time: 5:30 pm
16-20 Men's National Basketball Tournament Location: Campus Centre, SAIT Visit saittrojans.com for more The SAIT Petroleum Engineering information and game schedule. Technology program is turning 50! 25 Energy Students Awards Night To celebrate, we’re holding a 50th Anniversary Location: Macdonald Hall, Heritage Hall Reunion and Celebration for all PT alumni, faculty This event by invitation only. and staff from the past 50 years in April 2011. Mark your calendars! TBD Civil Engineering Technology (CVT) Industry Night We are trying to find all of our PT alumni so spread the word and have them call 403.284.7040 or TBD Indian Taco Feast email [email protected] to make sure they are Location: Chinook Lodge, SAIT Main Campus on the invitation list. Call 403.210.4028 for more information.
34 SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 From Men’s Basketball Nationals to Alumni
Branden Stewart (Travel & Tourism ’08) is a Trojan, as was his mother, M Colleen Stewart (Industrial Engineering ’86) , who played basketball for the women’s team. Branden’s father, M SAIT will be hosting the Canadian Colleges Dwight Stewart is an assistant coach on the men’s basketball team. Athletic Association (CCAA) national men's basketball championship from March 18 – 20, 2010. This marks the first time that SAIT will be hosting the CCAA Fabian Warner (Business Administration ’06) finals since they began in 1975, and it's also plays basketball with the Trojans and the first time the national college men's hoops his brother, championship is being held in Calgary since 1982. M The 1986 Men’s Basketball Team (Champions) Kevin Warner are returning to SAIT for Nationals. The Trojans will is a current student in the recognize them by wearing retro jerseys for the plumbing program. opening game of the tournament.
Basketball Time Opponent Saturday January 16 W 6pm/M 8pm Mount Royal College Landon McHugh is a current Trojan, Friday January 22 W 6pm/M 8pm Red Deer College whose father, Saturday February 6 W 6pm/M 8pm Lethbridge College M Friday February 12 W 6pm/M 8pm Briercrest Saturday February 13 W 6pm/M 8pm Briercrest Ira McHugh (Carpentry) is a SAIT alumni. Friday February 19 W 6pm/M 8pm Medicine Hat College Landon’s cousin, M Rob St. Denis (Management) is a former Trojan on the men’s basketball team.
Women’s Hockey Time Opponent Friday January 15 7pm Red Deer College Saturday January 23 6pm Mount Royal College Friday January 29 7pm Grant MacEwan Saturday February 6 6pm NAIT Saturday February 20 2pm Red Deer College
Men’s Hockey 2010 Friday January 8 7pm Augustana Friday January 22 7pm Briercrest HOCKEY Saturday January 23 2pm Briercrest Saturday January 30 6pm Concordia Schedule Friday February 5 7pm Mount Royal College Friday February 12 7pm NAIT
SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010 35 FIRST f o h t a o
PERSON r t S
y r r e G
Construction Manager, EnMax SolAdobe Turc Harmesynn i
n I started with the Solar Decathlon Project back in May 2007 when SAIT started looking for interested people to come to a project design charette. Several tables were set up and after a short speech or two we began brainstorming. I was interested in anything creative — be it marketing, home design, systems design — it all piqued
h my interest. Our group consisted of interior designers from Mount Royal, mechanical engineers and architects from U of C, and me, the only architectural technologist at the time. i
s Our team worked hard and gained support from the Province, the City and our respective schools. The partnership of SAIT, Mount Royal, U of C and ACAD was
unprecedented — it was the first time these schools had ever worked together on a student-led project. SAIT was the first to offer its support, seeing the building of w a solar powered house as a great fit for its hands-on learning style. My role became more build related — focusing on the “build ability” of the design and
o integration of the mechanical systems. All of this new knowledge added to what I was already learning in my classes at SAIT. With my classmate Kimberly Murfin, we drew a first full set of construction plans. We developed construction details for a house r that must disassemble and reassemble multiple times, and ensure it would all fit d on the back of a truck for the 2,500 mile journey to Washington, DC. Since I had the most overall knowledge of the projects drawings and eventual s goals, I was hired as the construction manager. I was confident with the responsibility even though I knew this would be a lot of work. It turned
… out to be far more work than anyone had imagined. Soon I was working with volunteer students in architecture and engineering, explaining how to use power tools and coordinating the building of the home. We would seek advice from our industry partners on how to do things that were new to everyone — the homes’ physical design, the integrated solar, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and control systems, all theory to most, but something we had to learn and build together. We all worked long hours on the home. I averaged 300 hours a month during our build phase to complete this project. But it was worth it when we finally got it to DC and placed sixth (out of 20) in the competition. I know the project could not have succeeded without all of the help from the many departments here at SAIT. Thank you. I
36 SAIT ALUMNI LINK Winter 2010
PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40064317