2025 Student Experience
Award Winners
Club of the Year
Construction Project Management Students’ Association
About The Award
This award honours a club who demonstrates outstanding dedication to improving student life on campus. Whether the objective of the club is to help people develop skills, network or simply to meet new people and have fun, student clubs are an integral component of the student experience at SAIT.
We appreciate all of our engaged clubs and club members and thank those who took the time to apply.
About The Winning Club
This year, CPMSA achieved significant fundraising success, nearly tripling its previous efforts by raising almost $50,000.
Through effective team collaboration, strategic planning, and strong industry partnerships, they secured 25 sponsors, including major players like Fluor, PCL, Aecon, and EllisDon. By March 13th, they had raised $44,000, with plans to exceed $50,000 by year-end.
The funds raised enabled CPMSA to enhance its offerings, including hosting their largest-ever Industry Night with nearly 300 attendees, organizing 10 Lunch & Learns with top professionals, facilitating site visits for real-world experience, and launching the first BCPM Alumni Reunion.
These initiatives fostered student-industry engagement and created new career-building opportunities, setting a new benchmark for future teams to expand the club’s impact and influence in the industry.
DC Fleming Award Winner
Lance Lauren Santiago
About The Award
From 1934-1968, DC Fleming was a staunch advocate for SAIT and advocated tirelessly for SAIT students to industry and community leaders about the true value of a SAIT education, SAIT at that time was not respected as a post-secondary institution in the same way it is today.
The DC Fleming Award honors a student who demonstrates involvement in advocacy initiatives that raise awareness on issues that affect SAIT students, such as public transportation, safety on campus, and affordable housing.
Thank you to all of those who applied for this award, the difference you make in this community is appreciated and felt by those around you and those yet to come!
About The Winner
As Vice President of Saitsa and in leadership roles with the Calgary Student Alliance and CASA, Lance has successfully lobbied for significant policy changes, including funding for student work placements, Indigenous student support, and adjustments to financial aid and graduate funding.
His strength lies in blending strategic advocacy with compassion, always striving to create meaningful change and impact others’ lives. Lance is committed to advocacy, starting with their work in Junior Achievement Philippines, where they taught financial literacy and work readiness to young students.
After moving to Canada, he continued his advocacy by supporting vulnerable communities and fighting for student rights.
Disruptor Award Winner
Andry Castro
About The Award
Designed to encourage and support grassroots advocacy, the Disruptor Award recognizes a SAIT student who passionately commits their time and energy to initiative(s) that improve their community and drive change. Individuals can apply directly for this award, but nominations by others in the community are also taken into consideration when selecting a winner.
Saitsa thanks all those who applied or who took the time to nominate someone for this award.
About The Winner
Driven by a deep commitment to sustainability, Andry strives to integrate eco-conscious decisions into every aspect of my life. Their passion led them to volunteer with the SAIT Eco-Ambassadors Group, where they work to educate and inspire fellow students on reducing waste and conserving resources.
As a Student Leader since September 2024, Andry has had the opportunity to spearhead initiatives like Lunch and Learns, motivating the SAIT community to adopt sustainable practices both on campus and in their personal lives.
For Andry, sustainability is not just a set of habits, it’s a responsibility to the planet and future generations. Andry is dedicated to challenging the status quo, inspiring others to act, and creating lasting change.
JM Parker Award
Ahmad Baker
About The Award
A much-admired leader, JM Parker served the SAIT community in variety of leadership roles for twenty-nine years.
To honor the legacy of JM Parker, this award goes to one of our elected student leaders on our Board of Directors. The recipient must have strived to improve the SAIT student experience, fostered connections, inspired and encouraged other future student leaders, and engaged in leadership opportunities outside of their Director duties.
Saitsa appreciates all of the time and energy our Directors put into the organization - we literally couldn't exist or do what we do without you!
About The Winner
As President of Saitsa, Ahmad demonstrated strong leadership focused on inclusivity, transparency, and effective decision-making. He fostered a democratic board culture with the principle of "One Board, One Voice," ensuring all voices were heard.
His leadership also prioritized advocacy for increased funding for post-secondary institutions, collaborating with student unions from the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University to urge the Government of Alberta to invest in better educational resources and facilities. On a national scale, as Director of Advocacy for CASA, he led efforts to secure a $250 million annual investment in the Student-Work Placement Program and advocated for permanent student grants.
His work also resulted in significant policy changes, including a 20% apprenticeship hour requirement for recipients of federal housing grants. His leadership, strategic thinking, and commitment to student advocacy have had a profound impact on both local and national education policy.
Supporter Award
Armaandip Singh
About The Award
Only available to those who are nominated by others, the Supporter Award recognizes a student who demonstrates care, compassion and empathy for their peers. Whether it is in the form of free tutoring or mentorship, fostering personal growth, or supporting a fellow student in their journey, this award celebrates a student who selflessly and positively impacts those around them by simply being willing to be a 'supporter'.
Saitsa thanks all those who took the time to nominate a 'supporter' that's making a difference at SAIT.
About The Winner
Armaandip is a truly dedicated and supportive friend, making a positive impact on our student community. His kindness and leadership shine through in everything he does, whether he’s offering academic support through tutoring or providing emotional reassurance during stressful moments.
Armaandip’s genuine care for others makes him an invaluable part of our community, always willing to lend a helping hand and uplift those around him. His unwavering support and willingness to go above and beyond truly exemplify the qualities of a compassionate leader and friend.
Therese Murray Award
Smita Biswas
About The Award
Established in 2001, this award honors 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.
About The Winner
As a SAIT Outreach Wellness Leader (OWL), this individual has made a significant positive impact by championing mental health awareness and inclusivity on campus.
Recognizing the challenges faced by students, particularly international ones, they have worked tirelessly to provide support through various wellness initiatives. From organizing events that promote emotional, physical, and intellectual well-being to engaging in peer-to-peer conversations, they have fostered a campus environment where students feel valued, heard, and supported.
Their commitment extends beyond campus boundaries, as they’ve volunteered at events like the Met Gala for the LGBTQ+ community, further advocating for inclusivity and breaking down stigmas surrounding mental health. Through their efforts, they are helping to build a healthier, more inclusive community for all.
Marcel Carpenter Award
Steven Brierly
About The Award
Since 1986, Marcel Carpenter has demonstrated outstanding dedication to both SAIT and Saitsa; since 1990 Marcel has been an instructor and coordinator for SAIT and an advisor and mentor to the Saitsa team.
This award was first established in 2001, and while 2016 marked Marcel’s official retirement from SAIT, his spirit and dedication to the SAIT and Saitsa communities will continue to be recognized through this award.
This award is presented to a SAIT staff or instructor who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to Saitsa and the SAIT community.
The award intends to recognize those in the SAIT community who contribute to enhancing the community spirit on campus by being actively engaged in the promotion of Saitsa services, programs, operations and elections.
About The Winner
Steves dedication as a faculty advisor has had a profound impact on many and in particular the MSA YYC club.
More than just an advisor, Steve is a mentor, leader, and passionate advocate for student growth. Always available to provide guidance and encouragement, Steve helps students navigate challenges with confidence and initiative.
When the team faced a difficult period, he went the extra mile by inviting everyone for coffee, offering uplifting words, and gifting stars as a symbol of strength and resilience.
Steve’s genuine care and belief in the students make him a pivotal figure in their educational journey, leaving a lasting impression on both their personal and academic lives at SAIT.