Passionate about student clubs

Trevor Sawatzky (left) is enriching university experiences for undergrads like Haskayne School of Business student Steven Yuen.

By Beth Frank
Trevor Sawatzky, BComm’04, says he was a bit of a junkie for student clubs while attending U of C. “I think I served in all the [Haskayne School of Business] clubs at least once,” he says. “I know I spent more time there than in class.”

The 26-year-old says the experience helped him in many ways—by making contacts, building self-confidence, getting planning and budgeting experience and developing leadership skills. Now a commercial real estate analyst, Sawatzky, is encouraging other students at Haskayne to experience the rich life of student clubs and extra-curricular activities through the Trevor Sawatzky Undergraduate Scholarship.

Established with a $10,000 donation from Sawatzky and matching provincial government funds, this endowment will provide $500 scholarships to undergraduates who have “fostered a positive experience for Haskayne students through involvement in clubs or student events and initiatives.”

“I’ve enjoyed some early success in my career, and through investments, and I got so much out of my experience at school that I really wanted to give something back,” Sawatzky says.

Steven Yuen well knows the benefits of student clubs. President of Haskayne’s Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship (ACE) club, he says the experience has changed his mindset and given him a platform to see his potential. “Now, I don’t see obstacles.”

The fourth-year student has already started his own marketing and communications design business and has helped ACE grow from four members to 131 in three years.

“Our goal is to get people to do what they are passionate about and then help them to see the opportunities,” says Yuen.

Being involved in clubs also helps with classroom learning, says Yuen. “Once you’ve had the practical experience, then the theory really makes sense and that way you never forget it.”