Lorne Wright, the president of Wright Construction, began his career in the family business in 1981. Although a new graduate from the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Commerce, he soon recognized the need for a more practical side to his education and enrolled in the Sask Polytech (then SIAST) local carpentry apprentice program.
He continued to work at various aspects in his role on construction sites, eventually working up to a supervisory role. While working, Lorne managed to complete his apprenticeship program. Shortly after earning Journeyman Carpenter status in 1985, Lorne took the hands-on field knowledge he had acquired into the office. Guided by his late father, Cliff Wright, Lorne quickly developed the skills essential to leading a successful construction company.
Lorne’s unique educational background, combining business and carpentry, has proven to be the formula behind his success. He has enjoyed engaging with his peers in many industry associations, including the local and provincial General Contractors Associations and the Saskatoon Construction Association.
Today, Lorne’s company employs more than 200 people—many of them Sask Polytech graduates—and Wright Construction signs are prevalent not only here in Saskatoon and around Saskatchewan, but also across the prairies.
Since the first honorary diploma was awarded in 2003, Sask Polytech has been recognizing extraordinary individuals who model the institution's vision and values. The contributions made by the members of this elite group help cultivate an educational environment focused on applied learning and innovative research.
View past recipients online.
Published June 2018.