Advancing <a href="https://bitcomme.com/golden-business-forms-chooses-kodak-for-increased-productivity/” title=”Golden Business Forms Chooses Kodak for Increased Productivity”>business education in Saskatchewan
October 23, 2026 – Saskatchewan Polytechnic is proud to announce that its School of Business and Entrepreneurship will be named in honour of philanthropist and entrepreneur Merlis Belsher. His generous
$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. 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.
