Published on September 04, 2024
Although they graduated 50 years ago, Patrick La Forge, Grant Lovig and Gordon Dennis still enjoy youthful banter and friendly storytelling when they meet up. A connection that was formed in NAIT’s classrooms, hallways, lounges, and cafeterias during the early 70s, persists today partly due to their alumni group: NAIT Business Class of ’74.
“Our group didn’t come into being right after graduation,” says Gordon Dennis, president at Cascade Geotechnical Inc. “For the first 20 years, we were more disconnected. I decided this should change so began putting together an email list to keep in touch and relied on each reconnected member to reach out to additional classmates.”
One of the group’s first informal meetups had only 4 or 5 people who came together for beers and steak sandwiches. Now the group has at least 25 active members (35% of the original graduating class).
An inspired philanthropic idea
At one of those casual get-togethers, reminiscing about their school days led to an idea of how they could commemorate their post-secondary experience. It was fellow group member, Heather McSporran-Heil, who brought up the topic of giving back to NAIT students through philanthropy.
For several members, the idea made good sense.
“We thought it was a great way to do something nice with our money,” says Patrick La Forge, retired president and CEO at Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club, and managing partner at La Forge Management Corp. “The class has been quite successful in various industries, and some were already giving. Nevertheless, we decided to write some cheques and get started.”
Gordon also sent out an appeal to the group, allowing fellow members to quickly raise the $25,000 needed to set up an endowment that would fund student awards in perpetuity.
“I think our approach to fundraising worked because we had already developed fellowship and trust, and had similar motivations for giving,” says Grant Lovig, president and CEO at Epic Legacies Inc. “It seemed natural to give back to the current students of the school that brought us together.”
One student award recipients had this to say, “Thanks to the student award from the Business Class of ’74, I was able to complete the tuition fee payment for that spring which was a great help for me and my family. They also motivated me to excel in my studies and to further my volunteering activities, not just at school, but outside of NAIT as well.”
Edowment growth
Since its inception in 2022, the Business Class of ’74 Endowment Fund has grown from supporting 1 student annually to supporting 2 through interest re-investments and additional contributions from group members.
“Every year, around tax season, I send a note to the group reminding them of the option to top up our endowment. I position the endowment as a valuable source of support for students and of pride for the group,” says Gordon.
The group’s esteem of NAIT JR Shaw School of Business is demonstrated not only through their giving but also through their conversations with all who will listen.
“I’ve been a NAIT salesman since I graduated and have hired several grads in the businesses I’ve worked for,” says Patrick.
“It means a lot to us that we can help future grads with an award and contribute to a legacy of excellence.”
Business Class of ‘74 gets together and gives back
Reconnecting with classmates leads to lifelong friendships and continual support for NAIT students through endowed giving.
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