A sense of community defines the SAIT experience

From the moment Hugh Baker joined the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) over 10 years ago, he felt part of its community. Initially, because every person he met was welcoming and ready to help, and later, thanks to the sense of purpose he shared with his colleagues that put students first.

“That passion for helping the students accomplish their goals is top of mind for everybody at SAIT,” says Baker. “There’s a team player attitude that we’re here to support the student, and the best way to do that is by being there for your co-workers. So even if your role isn’t student-facing, we understand that we all play a big role in the greater student experience.”

That kind of support also applies to helping staff succeed at the Calgary-based institution. As communications coordinator, Office of the Registrar, Baker is on the front lines working with students, a job that aligns with his own values of helping people. He also recently assumed duties as a support person and coach for SAIT’s new Office of the Registrar contact centre, a role that he might not have applied for without the encouragement and support of his supervisors.

“My leaders actually presented me with the opportunity because of what they recognized in me,” says Baker. “By doing that, they gave me the understanding and confidence that this is something I can do, I have the necessary skills. The example my leaders set helps me mentor and support my team in the same way.”

Marcia Buchholz, vice president of people and culture, says SAIT fosters the career growth of its employees in several ways, including leadership development programs and a diverse range of learning opportunities.

“Our employees work directly with their leaders to develop personalized career goals throughout the course of the year,” says Buchholz. “We also provide professional development funding to faculty to make sure that they are getting what they need to be top of class – no pun intended – in delivering education.”

Additionally, SAIT has a very strong equity, diversity and inclusion program for employees and leaders, including support for the Indigenous community with educational programs like the Four Seasons of Reconciliation, plus cultural events such as powwows and Indigenous-focused workshops.

Collaboration and innovation are further keys to SAIT’s culture, including a variety of stakeholders who are integral to its community.

“SAIT is a true community, encompassing students, faculty, staff, alumni, industry partners, donors and even government, in terms of partnering for the future of Alberta – all of these are inextricably connected,” says Buchholz. “Collaboration really strengthens any outcome, so it’s understood at SAIT that when you’re rolling out any initiative, you must connect with all stakeholders to make sure that everyone has a voice.

“We’re actively involved across the province of Alberta, tightly woven into the fabric of the communities here, but also very connected internationally, most recently signing a partnership with the Technical University of [the] Shannon in Ireland,” she says. “There is such a strong sense of pride in what SAIT delivers, not just in Calgary, but in the province of Alberta as well."

That sense of pride extends beyond to the families of employees, who also feel welcomed and connected to the institution.

“My two sons love any opportunity to visit the SAIT campus,” says Baker. “My oldest is about to start high school next year, and he already wants to attend SAIT. They’re so proud of me and what I do here. I love the impact it’s had on them and the community at large.”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing this year's Alberta’s Top Employers winners, published January 28, 2025 in the Calgary Herald and Edmonton Journal. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, which reviewed but did not write its contents.