A former petroleum technology student in Calgary is pumping $10 million into the school that started him down the road to energy riches.

The contribution to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) by Bonavista Energy Trust president and CEO Keith MacPhail has set a new standard for an individual alumni contribution to a Canadian college or technical institute.

MacPhail says he was inspired to donate to SAIT Polytechnic because his education provided the foundation for his career in the oil industry.

"The program was focused on the oil industry which was an area I had grown to like over the summers that I spent working in it," MacPhail says. "It was a great experience that provided me with an injection of confidence."

Shannon Oatway, Business Edge
Bonavista Energy Trust president Keith MacPhail discusses his $10-million contribution to SAIT.

In recognition of the contribution toward trades and technology training, SAIT's energy department will be renamed the MacPhail School of Energy - Canada's first energy school.

"As an educator, you hope the classroom experience and curriculum you provide to students brings them success in life," says Irene Lewis, president and CEO of SAIT. "It is heartwarming to know that Mr. MacPhail's SAIT experience helped bring him success and encouraged him to give back so generously."

The Alberta government also announced it will match the contribution with an additional $10 million when funds become available through the province's Access to the Future Fund.

The $3-billion fund promotes private-sector donations to enhance and sustain access to affordable and high-quality post-secondary learning opportunities.

"These matching commitments to SAIT come at a time when growth in industry, especially the energy sector, is unparalleled," notes Advanced Education Minister Dave Hancock.

Lewis adds the $20 million will help SAIT add more student spaces to better address skilled labour shortages in the energy industry.

SAIT plans to double the number of seats it will offer in energy, construction, manufacturing and automation and transportation?by offering an additional 2,735 student seats in certificate, diploma, and applied degree programs as well as 5,898 more apprenticeship seats.

"I have had a great career and am proud to give back," says MacPhail, who graduated from SAIT's petroleum technology-geology program in 1981.