Alberta's Top Employers (2025) Magazine - Flipbook - Page 64
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ALBERTA’S TOP EMPLOYERS (2025)
A sense of community defines the SAIT experience
F
rom 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
Staff and faculty at SAIT offer students one-on-one instruction to ensure they have the support they need to
excel.
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.”
That passion for helping
the students accomplish
their goals is top of mind
for everybody at SAIT.
— Hugh Baker
Communications
Coordinator, Office of
the Registrar
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
