Giving back through relationships: Tony Bishop's lasting impact on NAIT students

Published on September 22, 2026

Former NAIT instructor Tony Bishop retired 20 years ago but is still influencing students’ lives through his giving.

NAIT looks a lot different than it did in 1996 when Tony Bishop participated in a staff exchange with Alberta Economic Development. He had been providing business counselling to companies across Alberta, and this experience helped him get hired at NAIT, where industry experience is highly valued. Through his 10-year tenure, Tony taught entrepreneurship, business management, marketing and sales management.

In addition to finding a place to hone his teaching skills and positively impact thousands of students, Tony also found life-long friendships with his co-workers.

“I really enjoyed the 10 years I was here,” says Tony. “I valued the camaraderie in the business department and collaborations in the classrooms. When I retired, I felt I should give back to the programs and institution that gave me so much.”

Giving rooted in relationships

Some of the first gifts Tony gave to NAIT students came in the form of business plan competition sponsorships. Since then, he has supported many programs in the JR Shaw School of Business, including hospitality management, culinary arts, and entrepreneurship and innovation.

The common thread through his giving is relationship, recognition and reciprocity.

“Where I give and why I give is all relational. There is a relationship, a trust factor and a personal connection. When you have those 3 things together, it certainly makes donating to a cause a lot easier.”

For example, the Ian Campbell Bursary Fund, available to second-year students enrolled in the Hospitality Management program, recognizes the contributions of Tony's former colleague, friend and chef, Ian Campbell.

In 2026, Tony established the Business Instructor Memorial Award, which honours the late Gord Smith, Al Alford and other former colleagues who made a positive difference in the lives of NAIT business students. Open to students across all JR Shaw School of Business programs, the endowed award will be awarded in perpetuity, creating lasting, dependable support for future generations of learners. 

Tony recalls receiving a bursary while returning to school as a mature student – an experience that reinforced the importance of helping others access education and opportunities.

“Giving does not have to involve a large amount of money; the act of contributing is itself meaningful. I hope to help not just students with the best grades but also those experiencing financial pressures, including mature learners who are often juggling multiple priorities.”

A simple way to give

To support his latest philanthropic initiatives, Tony donated securities directly to NAIT.

“I found donating securities to be a straightforward and effective way to give. There are financial and tax advantages and I’d encourage others to consider it as part of their charitable giving plans.”

Honouring the past, investing in the future

For Tony, giving back is about more than financial support. It is an opportunity to recognize the people who shaped his journey, honour colleagues whose legacies continue to inspire others, and help students overcome barriers to education.

“If you've benefited from a place, the people and the relationships you've built there, giving back is a meaningful way to show gratitude and help someone else succeed.”

Through his generosity, Tony's influence continues well beyond the classroom, creating opportunities for students and ensuring that the values of mentorship, community and support remain part of the NAIT experience for years to come.