Tedi the Yeti
A Brief History
1900
A Star Is Born
A very small, very cute yeti is born, but hides away from all budding civilizations, as is customary with his species.
However, this Yeti is different– he is enamored with humans and spends time in the countryside, watching them from afar. He soon begins to understand their languages and ways of living.
1921
From Yeti to Tedi
The Yeti decides it's finally time to live the life he always dreamed of. He is accepted as a student into recently founded PITA (the Provincial Institute of Technology and Art).
He officially adopts the name “Theodore Yettison”, and is soon a beloved presence on campus, affectionately known as ‘Tedi the Yeti’.
1922
First Student Government
Tedi helps form the first Student Government of campus. Created in order "to control activities outside of the shop and classroom.” It costs to join, and this initiative "promotes literary, athletic and social activities."
These are the foundations of student-led government that will go on to become Saitsa in 50 years!
1928
Big Ted on Campus
The Student Government publishes its first yearbook known as the ‘Tech-Art Record’. Tedi is head of the yearbook committee, and makes sure to look very studious in his first official school photo.
1960
Pita No More
PITA is renamed to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). Tedi thinks PITA sounds more delicious, but grudgingly accepts this name change.
1970
Saitsa is Coined
The Student Government officially takes the name ‘the SAIT Students’ Association’, aka ‘Saitsa’. No thanks to Tedi who wanted to call it the “Super Happy Students Association”.
1980
Campus Centre Opens
‘Student Activities Building’ is replaced with The Campus Centre. It becomes home to a number of Saitsa offices, including publications & the Weal, Spartacus Lounge, and the Saitsa run Friday night pubs. Tedi was often found partying at Sparty’s and tearing up the dance floor on Friday nights.
1982
Missing in Action
Tedi mysteriously disappears from SAIT campus and ends all contact with his human associates. People wonder if he has given up on the human lifestyle due to his dismay with disco– or if he had perhaps fallen in love and run away with a paramour. He is deeply missed by everyone at SAIT.
1990
An Unsolved Mystery
After a rigorous search turned up no clues, the official explanation was that Tedi had returned to a life of quiet contemplation in the mountains of Banff National Park. As time passed, the last of his classmates, their children, and grandchildren, eventually graduated... Tedi the Yeti became a distant memory, with some wondering if he had ever existed at all.
2021
Changes For Saitsa
Fast forward into the new millennium, and in this year the SAIT institution announces that they will soon begin demolition on the ‘Campus Centre’. Saitsa’s operations and the Odyssey relocate, and the Gateway closes and becomes ‘Gateway FoodTruck’.
2022
Notorious T.E.D.I
It was a great surprise to all when Tedi emerged from the rubble of the Campus Centre during decommissioning. According to Tedi, he got caught snoozing in class, so he retreated to a favourite crawlspace napping spot. What was supposed to be a quick nap ended up lasting an incredible 40 years! Humans can be a very tiring species to befriend.
Present Day
As the newly crowned Saitsa Mascot, Tedi is excited to share his enthusiasm for education with a new generation of SAIT students. Unlike his distant cousin Big Foot, Tedi loves being the centre of attention, so if you see him on campus, don’t be shy! Tedi loves giving out high fives and hugs and is excited to be in a selfie with YOU!
Tedi's Initiatives
Click below to learn more about how Tedi's working to enhance the student experience at SAIT
