NAIT receives $250,000 donation from Stantec

Published on February 08, 2017

Of the $250,000 donation, $215,000 will support the Centre for Applied Technology, NAIT's newest facility

Edmonton-based architectural, engineering, and environmental services company Stantec has pledged $250,000 over the next five years to support NAIT and its students.

Of the donation, $215,000 will support the Centre for Applied Technology, NAIT's newest facility which opened in August 2016. Stantec was a key part of the construction of the building and the donation is another way for the company to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to NAIT, said Dan Lefaivre, executive vice president and chief financial officer.

“We understand the value of a robust Alberta post-secondary network—one that addresses the varied needs of our future workforce and industry alike,” said Lefaivre. “We are proud to say that many of our employees are NAIT graduates from a range programs—from civil engineering technology to landscape architecture technology to interior design.”

The remainder of the donation includes $10,000 to student scholarships and $25,000 to an industry mixer for the Women in Technology and Trades (WITT) program. The industry mixer allows NAIT students, primarily women, from a variety programs to learn from and network with women who have taken non-traditional career paths in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“With this event, students develop soft skills and exposure to networking opportunities,” said Stevie Fuhrer, WITT coordinator at NAIT. “Speaking with industry professionals has tremendous value to these students, as it builds their confidence and they glean practical insight on what to expect in the workforce.”

Stantec’s senior associate Kairi Pawlick provided the opening remarks at the November 2016 event where students practiced their elevator pitch.

“It was rewarding to meet students from such diverse backgrounds who want to get into industry,” said Pawlick. “Connecting with them to help them become more encouraged and empowered was exciting.”

Stantec’s donation contributes to Essential: The NAIT Campaign, the largest fundraising campaign in the polytechnic’s history. As a cabinet member, Lefaivre has an important role in the campaign.

“When Stantec was approached to join the campaign cabinet, the decision was an easy one,” he said. “The many intersections between our work at Stantec and NAIT make our partnership a natural fit. We look forward to building on this relationship in the future.”

Essential: The NAIT Campaign

Essential: The NAIT Campaign was launched in November 2014 to raise $100 million by 2018 to support student success, applied research and the construction of the Centre for Applied Technology. Opened in August 2016, the Centre is the largest capital project in NAIT’s 54 year history. For more information about Essential: The NAIT Campaign, visit www.nait.ca/giving


Shopping Cart Quick View
Open Shopping Cart