Belsher said his advice to future students in Saskatchewan is to “follow what you want to do (and) your heart.” (Image Credit: Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)

By Mia Holowaychuck

Expanding program capacity and skills

Merlis Belsher donates $5M to Sask Polytech Saskatoon campus

Oct 25, 2026 | 12:00 PM

Saskatchewan Polytechnic is naming its School of Business and Entrepreneurship after Saskatoon philanthropist Merlis Belsher.

On Thursday, it was announced that Belsher made a $5 million contribution toward the Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus.

“The new Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to consolidate outdated facilities into a modern, technology-rich learning environment.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,” Saskatchewan Polytechnic said in a media release.

According to the release, programs under the Merlis Belsher School of Business and Entrepreneurship will be offered at the school’s Saskatoon, Regina, Moose Jaw and Prince Albert campuses.

Belsher said it feels “humbling” to have the School of Business and Entrepreneurship named after him.

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“I can’t really express any other word,” he said.

Belsher said his advice to future students in Saskatchewan is to “follow what you want to do (and) your heart.”

Belsher said business and entrepreneurship are the future in Saskatchewan.

“Hopefully this school of business and entrepreneurship will train and teach so that people can follow their dream and have their own business,” he said. “Can’t ask for anything more.”

Saskatchewan Polytechnic president and CEO Larry Rosia said Belsher’s investment is a tremendous boost to the school’s capital campaign, which aims to raise $100 million for the Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus. The campus will be located at Innovation Saskatchewan on the University of Saskatchewan campus.

Rosia said the donation is not only beneficial for the campaign, but for Saskatchewan students.

“We’re the work in the workforce, and our whole purpose is to build a better Saskatchewan,” Rosia said.

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Mia Holowaychuck

by Mia Holowaychuck

Merlis Belsher donates $5M to Sask Polytech Saskatoon campus

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