Made with FlowPaper - Flipbook Maker
4 | ALUMNI PROFILE ON TRACK DECORATED ATHLETE LOUISE NESTERENKO NEVER GIVES UP AND ALWAYS GIVES BACK THROUGH HER ORGANIZATION, BOOKS BETWEEN FRIENDS THE MAGAZINE FOR SAIT ALUMNI • FALL 2025 10 | FEATURE STORY AGENTS OF TRANSFORMATION MEET SAIT’S 2025 ALUMNI AWARDS RECIPIENTS 48 | ON THE JOB CHEF JUN YOUNG PARK TAKES US INSIDE HIS GARDENIt’s hard to see unexpected events coming. That’s why there’s insurance. Unexpected events are a part of life. And they seldom come with a “heads up” warning (wouldn’t that be great?). So how can you be prepared for something you don’t see coming? With Manulife insurance plans. They can help protect you and your family against life-changing events that can happen at any stage of your life. Choose from Health & Dental, Term Life, FollowMe TM Health and more. Get your free quote today. Underwritten by The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company (Manulife). Get a quote today. Call 1-888-913-6333 or visit us at Manulife.com/sait Protection for what you don’t see coming. Manulife, Stylized M Design, Manulife & Stylized M Design, and FollowMe Health are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it, and by its affiliatesunder license. Available to Canadian residents only. © 2024 The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company. All rightsreserved. Manulife, P.O. Box 670, Stn Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2J 4B8. *Conditions, limitations and exclusions may apply. See policy for full details. Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request. VisitManulife.ca/accessibility for more information.08 PRO TIPS Research at SAIT’s School of Health and Public Safety suggests successful strategies for speaking up when it matters most. 10 FEATURE AGENTS OF TRANSFORMATION Meet SAIT’s 2025 Alumni Awards recipients — five graduates transforming their own lives, and the lives of others, through knowledge, innovation and leadership. 18 HANDS ON It’s still under construction, but the Taylor Family Campus Centre is already a living classroom for students from SAIT’s School of Construction. 22 FEATURE THE BIG IDEAS BEHIND BOLD FUTURES SAIT’s graduates played a key role in creating Bold Futures, the Institute’s new strategic plan. LINK goes behind the scenes to explore how the plan is addressing key issues identified by alumni. 38 INNOVATION SOUND SOLUTIONS FOR A HEALTHIER WORLD How researchers with SAIT’s ARIS team are helping Calgary start-up ZeroSound dial down the risks associated with industrial noise. 47 VALUE ADDED Discover the latest on perks, benefits and services exclusively for SAIT alumni. OKI, ÂBA WATHTECH, DANIT’ADA, TAWNSHI, HELLO. SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney. We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta. On the Cover: Our profile of former SAIT Accounting instructor Louise Nesterenko (BADM ’05) was inspired when LINK’s Creative Director Michelle Atkinson (NMPD ’03) ran into her while visiting Books Between Friends, the organization Nesterenko founded in 2003 to raise funds for Calgary charities. “She’s such an inspiring lady,” Atkinson says. “Her journey — from reinventing her life after injury to building a thriving, community-centered business — captures the forward-thinking and resilient spirit SAIT alumni represent. The photo shoot for this cover was super fun — Louise is a great sport. At one point, we were fanning Louise with a large piece of cardboard, trying to give her windswept hair. We were all laughing. I love how this photo turned out: showcasing this kick-ass 74-year-old in a power pose against a dramatic sky.” TABLE OF CONTENTS HARDERLEE PHOTOGRAPHY 1 THE MAGAZINE FOR SAIT ALUMNI SAIT.CA/LINK LINK is made possible through affinity programs with SAIT’s partner companies: Using the group buying power of SAIT’s 290,000+ alumni, these partners offer preferred insurance rates and comprehensive coverage. When you choose their products and services, you get low group rates and help support SAIT alumni programs and events. 2C MEDIA PHOTO IN EVERY ISSUE 06 THE BUZZ Your source for SAIT stories across campus and beyond. 40 IN CASE YOU MISSED IT News stories, SAIT updates and alumni achievements from the past six months, just ICYMI. 43 LOOKING BACK Commercial restaurant equipment; hands-on experience in the student cafeteria — 75 years ago SAIT’s first professional cookery instructor launched a Commercial Cookery course and created the foundation for today’s School of Hospitality and Tourism. THE ROOTS OF RESILIENCE BRIAN BOWMAN, ASSOCIATE VICE-PRESIDENT, ADVANCEMENT In this issue, we celebrate the extraordinary achievements of five alumni who have not only overcome adversity but found their true calling — igniting careers that transform lives and uplift communities. There’s something powerful that happens when a person discovers what they’re meant to do. That spark — often born from hardship, reflection and resilience — can illuminate a path of purpose, innovation and generosity. The alumni being recognized with SAIT’s 2025 Alumni Awards (and thus in LINK’s feature story on page 10) have turned challenges into catalysts, and their determination has led to lasting impact. Their stories remind us that success is rarely linear. It is shaped by setbacks, strengthened by perseverance, and elevated by a spirit of continual learning and sharing. These individuals have not only built remarkable careers — they’ve built bridges, opened doors and inspired others to rise. As I reflect on their journeys, I’m reminded of the words of Maya Angelou: “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” That strength is amplified by additional alumni stories featured in these pages — people who are winning track and field medals at the age of 74, helping teens build their personal brands online, racing pigeons, and inspiring young chefs to grow their own ingredients. Let this LINK be a celebration of resilience, of finding your spark, and using it to light the way for others. 2 THE MAGAZINE FOR SAIT ALUMNI SAIT.CA/LINK IN THIS ISSUE: FALL 2025Stay connected @SAITAlumni Update your contact information by visiting sait.ca/alumni and clicking on Stay Connected. Check out the Alumni Business Directory at sait.ca/alumni/business-directory . Send us a Class Note by going to connect.sait.ca/classnote . FOCUS ON ALUMNI 04 PROFILE: LOUISE NESTERENKO Bachelor of Applied Business Administration ’05 20 PROFILE: JOE WHITBREAD Cinema, TV, Stage & Radio ’95 30 PROFILE: ARNEL LAURANILLA Cook ’16 44 CLASS NOTES 48 ON THE JOB: JUN YOUNG PARK Professional Cooking ’18 CONTRIBUTOR SPOTLIGHT Rob Olson (JA ’98) Taking Flight, pg. 35 The first thing Rob Olson did when assigned to photograph a 7 am release of racing pigeons was check what time the sun would come up. “I knew light levels would be low and it turned out there wasn’t a proper sunrise that day,” he recalls. “But the overcast skies added drama to the shots.” Using two cameras, Olson says the entire shoot was over in under five minutes — even with the fledglings circling around to sort out their direction before flying home. Olson started his career as a photojournalist with the Lethbridge Herald soon after graduating, then worked at a portrait studio. Today he works with commercial and post-secondary clients. He still enjoys seeing his work in print — and enjoyed reconnecting with former classmate Leah Hennel (JA ’98) for this joint photo assignment. “I asked, ‘How long does it seem since we were doing our final school projects?’ Leah said it felt like yesterday and, in some ways, it does to me, too. But in other ways I think, wow — that’s coming up to 30 years ago. “So this shoot was kind of a cool full-circle experience — literally and figuratively — with the pigeons racing from southern Alberta back to Calgary.” DAVID ROSSITER PHOTO CONTRIBUTORS 2C Media, Jennifer Allford, Nicole Brandt, Hanso Chang, Josie Chu, Nancy Cope, DIALOG, f11photo via Getty Images, HarderLee Photography, Leah Hennel (JA ’98, Honorary Degree ’21), Kate Künz (ACA ‘84) , Kokemor Studio, Ashley Naud (JA ’10) , Rob Olson (JA ’98) , Keagan Perlette, Pressmaster via Getty Images, Stuart Reece Photography, Jen Roney, Eric Rosenbaum, David Rossiter, SAIT Archives, Sal Sawler, Julie Sengl, Giselle Wedemire (GRDN ’23, JA ’13) , Michelle Woodard, Zamrznutitonovi via Getty Images, Aleksandr Zyablitskiy Via Getty Images Editor-in-Chief: Brian Bowman Managing Editor: Alison O’Connor Editor: Nancy Cope Online Editor: Nicole Brandt Social Media: Kelsey NIxon Creative Director: Michelle Atkinson (NMPD ’03) Copy Editor: Colleen Lavender Advancement Assistant: Lou Borromeo Advertising Sales: Astha Vohra Printing: BP Media Inc. Cover photo: Kokemor Studio LINK is published twice a year by SAIT Alumni and Development as a service to Southern Alberta Institute of Technology alumni, donors, students, partners, faculty and staff. LINK invites your comments and letters to the editor. Please direct them to alumni@sait.ca. SAIT Alumni and Development 1301 – 16 Avenue NW Calgary, AB T2M 0L4 Phone: 403.284.7010 Address updates: 403.284.7010 For all other inquires: Email: alumni@sait.ca sait.ca/alumni Publications Mail Agreement No.40064317 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circulation Department 1301 – 16 Ave. NW Calgary, AB T2M 0L4 3 THE MAGAZINE FOR SAIT ALUMNI SAIT.CA/LINK BEST OF DISTRICT 2024 platinum winnerON TRACK TO GIVE BACK TEXT BY GISELLE WEDEMIRE (GRDN ’ 23, JA ’ 13) | PHOTO BY KOKEMOR STUDIO 4 THE MAGAZINE FOR SAIT ALUMNI SAIT.CA/LINK ALUMNI PROFILE: LOUISE NESTERENKO INSPIRING ATHLETE LOUISE NESTERENKO CREATES COMMUNITY AND THROWS LIKE A MASTER. L ouise Nesterenko (BADM ’05) is an inspiration — last year, at age 74, the former SAIT Accounting instructor was named Outstanding Masters Athlete of the Year by the CALTAF Athletic Association. “It was such an honour,” she says of the award, which recognizes track and field athletes over the age of 35. “I think I won because I inspire people when they hear how active I am at my age and how much I’ve done.” And her winning streak continues — at the Sherwood Park Track Classic in July, she won three bronze medals for women’s discus, javelin and hammer throws in the 60–74 age division. But her decade-long path to competitive throwing — which includes javelin, shot put, weight, hammer and discus — was anything but a straight line. A long-time runner, Nesterenko suffered a broken right leg, not once but twice. She taught herself how to walk again after these setbacks and began throwing as a way of staying active without further injuring her leg. Then, in 2018, she endured three strokes that left her blind in one eye and partially paralyzed on her right side. After four months in hospital, she once again relearned how to walk. With time, hard work and modified throwing techniques, Nesterenko was able to resume competitive throwing in 2020, practicing daily at the private throwing area her husband made for her. “I love throwing. It melts stress away,” she says. “I miss running dearly, but as long as I’m moving, I’m happy. Being active is the reason I lived after my strokes.” She stays plenty active around Books Between Friends (BBF), her Calgary-based, volunteer-run, second-hand bookstore. For six hours a day, six days a week, she helps carry and sort boxes full of donated books that she sells for $1 to $4, with proceeds benefiting charities, causes and athletic clubs. In 2003, BBF started off as a single bookcase of used books for sale in the back of Alberta Computer Cable, a business Nesterenko owned at the time. Since then, BBF has grown, filling 3,900 square feet of retail space with puzzles, knick-knacks and 55,000 books. As of January 2025, it has donated over $1 million to charities like Calgary Veterans Services Society, Alberta Guide Dog Services, Four Feet Companion Foundation and Helping Families Handle Cancer. The store is a labour of love where Nesterenko forms connections with her volunteers and regular customers (whose kids often call her Nana Louise). Her charitable nature can be traced back to her childhood — Nesterenko’s mother had experienced poverty, a disability caused by polio, and limited opportunities to meet others or make friends. Knowing how social interaction might have improved her mother’s life sparks Nesterenko’s drive to give back and create community today. “I have a need to help others because of where I came from,” she says. “I help because I should and because I can.” Working closely with her coaches, 74-year- old athlete Louise Nesterenko has adopted new throwing techniques that have won her multiple medals and taken her to July’s National Senior Games in Des Moines, Iowa. Here she demonstrates her javelin stance — including a bent throwing arm — at Calgary Rotary Challenger Park, a barrier-free recreational facility accessible to all regardless of age or ability.Go behind the scenes of this cover photo shoot at sait.ca/link. 5 THE MAGAZINE FOR SAIT ALUMNI SAIT.CA/LINK ^ A March 2025 SAIT update for donors to BILD Alberta Scholarships for Construction Careers outlines the success of these student awards — established in 2022 — in training more tradespeople to meet Alberta’s housing demands. To date it has distributed 352 awards worth a total of $651,250 to 242 students, with 97% of awards supporting students with demonstrated financial need. THE BUZZ Your source for what’s happening across campus and beyond. Looking for stop- the-press information on SAIT news and events? Find it at sait.ca/alumni. SAIT OPENS IMPERIAL ENERGY INNOVATION CENTRE In May, Imperial — one of Canada’s largest energy companies — donated a $37-miillion research lab facility to SAIT. The 40,000-square-foot Imperial Energy Innovation Centre is located in Quarry Park and is the single largest corporate donation in SAIT’s history. The Centre is a state-of-the-art energy research and innovation facility for applied energy research, student-industry collaboration and innovation in Canada’s energy sector. It will operate under SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) Hub, one of Canada’s top five research colleges. At the facility’s official opening in September, Imperial announced an additional investment of $300,000 to drive student-led innovation through the Imperial Innovative Student Project Fund. “This is a significant day for the future of sustainable energy innovation, and SAIT is ready to develop new talent and inspire future leaders at the Imperial Energy Innovation Centre,” says Dr. David Ross, SAIT President and CEO. “The development of an Imperial Innovative Student Project Fund will equip students with resources and pathways to engage directly with industry and ensure the Centre has the people and talent needed to reach its full potential.” The fund will provide financial support for students to move an idea from theory into practice, undertake classroom-based capstone projects, and discover real- world solutions to major challenges across industries. “Following on our donation of the Imperial Energy Innovation Centre — the single largest corporate gift to a post-secondary institution in Alberta — we are pleased to extend the positive impact for students through the Imperial Innovative Student Project Fund,” says John Whelan, Chairman, President and CEO, Imperial. “This new fund extends our partnership with SAIT and its students, expands student research opportunities and supports the next generation of STEM leaders.” BY THE NUMBERS: CELEBRATING SPRING CONVOCATION 5 ceremonies were held in late June. 3,357 graduates joined the SAIT alumni family. 2,300 proudly crossed the stage during those ceremonies. 557 were SAIT alumni receiving additional credentials. NICOLE BRANDT PHOTO NOTED AND QUOTED “Apprenticeship enrolment [at SAIT] has grown by 42% over the last five academic years. Enrolments in the 2024/25 apprenticeship year is 8,686, which is 1,600 seats over the previous year. This represents the most apprentices … scheduled to attend SAIT since 2016/17. At this current pace … we anticipate exceeding 10,000 annual apprenticeship seats in the next two years.” 6 THE MAGAZINE FOR SAIT ALUMNI SAIT.CA/LINK NEW AND NOTEWORTHYOFFICE OF APPRENTICESHIP NOW OPEN In July, Alan Maclean (ELP ’04) was named Director of SAIT’s newly created Office of Apprenticeship. This office reflects SAIT’s ongoing commitment to education and leadership in the apprenticeship sector. Aligned with Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act — which broadens apprenticeship pathways beyond skilled trades — it will streamline the administration of 27 apprenticeship programs across five SAIT schools and ensure the Institute responds to changing market demands. INSPIRING A NEW GENERATION OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT TECHNICIANS As SAIT’s 2024/25 Cadmus Trades Teaching Chair, instructor Erik Sartison (AHET ’15) will focus on engaging Alberta secondary students in an electric go-kart competition hosted by Edison Motors in British Columbia. Students will be engaged in both the design and hands-on construction process, exposing them to various opportunities available in trades as well as other programming at SAIT. With an additional emphasis on new and future technologies, Sartison hopes his Cadmus project will inspire the next generation of top students and technicians. STATE-OF-THE-ART CYBER RANGE TO OPEN One of the most anticipated facilities scheduled to open this fall at SAIT Downtown (shown here) is the Cyber Range. An immersive environment for learners and industry alike, it will feature a Command Centre capable of simulating a variety of cyberattack scenarios. Watch for more details in the Spring issue of LINK! REAL FUTURES= REAL RESULTS Since the public launch of SAIT’s Real Futures fundraising campaign in February, more than $125 million has been raised towards our goal of $150 million. 159 people made their first- ever donation to SAIT. 322 generous donors gave up to $1,000, proving every contribution makes a meaningful impact. 107 faculty and employees demonstrated their personal commitment with donations to Real Futures. 139 donors were SAIT alumni wanting to give back to their alma mater. 75 scholarships, student initiatives and programs were established through Real Futures, helping more students attend SAIT. ALEKSANDR ZYABLITSKIY VIA GETTY IMAGES KATE KÜNZ PHOTO Scan this QR code to learn more about Real Futures. PRESSMASTER VIA GETTY IMAGES DIALOG PHOTO Photo of SAIT Downtown 7 THE MAGAZINE FOR SAIT ALUMNI SAIT.CA/LINK CAMPAIGN CHAMPIONS Meet the volunteers lending their expertise to help support and ensure the success of Real Futures, the largest fundraising campaign in SAIT’s 109-year history. “For me, this campaign is personal. As a SAIT grad, I know education opens doors. As a CEO, I know the importance of a skilled, diverse workforce. As a Campaign Cabinet member, I understand the urgency in providing more people with more learning opportunities. If this resonates with you, consider learning more or getting involved: sait.ca/realfutures.” GURSH BAL (AELP ‘16, OYA ‘19) Co-Founder, Zeno Renewables CABINET MEMBERS RANDY UPRIGHT Real Futures Campaign Chair | CEO, Manpower Services Alberta GURSH BAL (AELP '16, OYA '19) Co-Founder, Zeno Renewables TONYA FLEMING Manager, Private Markets & Innovation, Alberta Securities Commission DEAN KOELLER President and CEO, Calvert Home Mortgage Investment Corporation SHELLEY KUIPERS (PT '87, DA '21) CEO, General Partner at The51 KIRK MUISE Regional President, Alberta & Territories, RBC GRANT WILDE Executive Chair, BlueMarvel AI CAMPAIGN EXECUTIVE DR. DAVID ROSS SAIT President and CEO HEATHER MAGOTIAUX Vice President, Student Affairs and External Relations JANET WELCH Vice President, Academic BRIAN BOWMAN Associate Vice President, Advancement CHERIE BOWKER Dean, School for Advanced Digital Technology TANIA BRANDSTROM Director, Advancement Operations & Campaigns ANTHONY SALEKIN Associate Director, Development RACHAEL LEHR Principal Gifts and Campaign ManagerNext >