SASKATOON, Sask. – Saskatchewan Polytechnic has announced that its School of Business and Entrepreneurship will be named in honour of philanthropist and entrepreneur Merlis Belsher.
His $5-million gift will support the new Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus and help shape the future of business education in Saskatchewan.
“Following completion of my education in Commerce and Law at the University of Saskatchewan, my career was based on manufacturing of precast concrete products supplied throughout Saskatchewan,” says Merlis Belsher.
“As a lawyer and accountant, I know firsthand how instrumental education has been to my career in the manufacturing industry. Supporting education has long been a focus of our philanthropy. I’m delighted to contribute to Sask Polytech’s new campus and to have my name associated with the School of Business and Entrepreneurship.”
“We are deeply grateful to Merlis for including Sask. Polytech in his remarkable legacy of giving and for championing the development of the new Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO of Sask Polytech.
“Merlis is a visionary whose leadership and business insight align seamlessly with the ideals of our School of Business and Entrepreneurship. His name will remain a symbol of innovation, leadership and excellence for generations to come.”
A long-time advocate for Saskatchewan’s business community, Belsher is investing in the next generation of business leaders, polytech leaders say. His gift will empower and inspire students in the Merlis Belsher School of Business and Entrepreneurship through modern learning spaces, innovation hubs and hands-on experiences that prepare graduates for success in a rapidly evolving economy.
Belsher’s connection to Sask Polytech runs deep. In 2019, he was awarded an honorary degree in Applied Studies in recognition of his outstanding business achievements and community service. His entrepreneurial journey began with the acquisition of a Saskatoon-based manufacturing company, Weldon’s Concrete Products, which he and his team grew into one of Western Canada’s most diversified precast concrete operations before its sale in 2008.
In addition to his business achievements, Belsher has made significant contributions to health care, education, and charitable organizations. Some of his accolades include the King Charles III Coronation Medal, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Saskatchewan, King's Counsel designation from the Law Society of Saskatchewan, Senior Life Membership from the Law Society of Saskatchewan, designation as Fellow from the Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants of Saskatchewan, the SABEX Hall of Fame Award by the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, and inductee to the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame Award.
The new Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to consolidate outdated facilities into a modern, technology-rich learning environment. It will expand program capacity and equip students with the skills needed for current and emerging industries.
Programs under the Merlis Belsher School of Business and Entrepreneurship will be offered across Sask Polytech’s campuses in Saskatoon, Regina, Moose Jaw and Prince Albert, reinforcing Belsher’s province-wide impact.
This gift is a cornerstone of the Time to Rise campaign and has helped Sask Polytech reached over 80 per cent of our $100 million goal for the Time to Rise campaign. Learn more about the campaign and the new Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus at timetorise.ca.
