Therese Murray Award

• 1 recipient/year, $1,000 award
• Essay submission (500-word max) & letter(s) of reference

History

Established in 2001, this award honours a treasured alumni of the SAIT community, Therese Murray. Through years of dedication and commitment to improving the SAIT student experience, Therese was involved in many initiatives that led to improved campus life experiences. Most notably, Therese was a member of the Disability Awareness Committee from 1989-1991; the committee won an award for their efforts towards improving accessibility on campus. The wheelchair ramps, automatic doors and Braille around campus are still with us today. Saitsa applauds the selfless philanthropic efforts of individuals such as Therese Murray through this award.

Application Criteria

In the spirit of Therese Murray, this award is presented to an individual whose donation of time, talent and/or funds contributes to the betterment of the SAIT community. While contributing to something greater than themselves, the recipient works selflessly to address the root causes of social issues experienced on campus such as: accessibility, social inequality, environmental, educational, economic, physical or mental health, economic, racial, etc.

Applicants are to identify:

• what social/systemic issue they have dedicated efforts to;
• why it is important to them;
• what their contributions have been to the issue (time, talent and/or funds) and their perceived impact;
• and how their efforts have contributed to creating a more inclusive, welcoming, or accessible campus.

Applicants are encouraged to indicate what, if any, Saitsa or SAIT resources they have utilized to support their philanthropic efforts. Applicants are required to submit a minimum of one, maximum of three, reference letters as well as any supporting documents.

Selection Criteria

Recipients of this award will have clearly demonstrated a passion towards contributing to a cause that is greater than themselves, and who have clearly demonstrated how their selfless efforts have positively impacted the SAIT community. The Awards Selection Committee is to heavily consider the combined total of time, talent and/or funds the individual has committed to the cause. Preference may be given to those who have utilized Saitsa or SAIT resources to support or promote their cause, and the impact it has had within the SAIT community.

Please note that any personal information included within this application form will not be given to sources outside the SAIT Students’ Association. Saitsa Executives and full-time staff are not eligible for Saitsa Awards.