July 12, 2019 Volume 26, Issue 11

Publication Mail Agreement #40065156

ON CAMPUS NEWS  [email protected]  news.usask.ca

ON BRAND The University of (USask) is rolling out a refreshed brand platform to share the story of the institution, on the heels of the implementation of the new university plan to be The University The World Needs. USask communications and marketing leaders are making a concerted effort to redefine the perceptions, expectations and reputation of the university, from local initiatives to national advertisements spotlighting the university’s place as a world leader in areas such as water and food research. We take a look at efforts to build the brand in this issue of On Campus News.

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» » » » ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT STERLING1970 1980 SERVICE 1990 SUPER SUMMER 5 2000 » 2010 » 20206 -12 13 Building the USask brand  JAMES SHEWAGA On Campus News is published 12 times per year by University of Saskatchewan The University of Saskatchewan Saskatchewan,” said Hunchak. Marketing and Communications. It is distributed to all USask faculty, staff, (USask) has been a world-leading “If the university plan is all about graduate students and members of university for years. It’s time to let BE WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS change for the future, then we governing bodies, as well as to others the world know about it. need to change how we talk about in the university community, related Building on the successful ourselves. The refreshed brand organizations, some Saskatchewan government officials and news media. launch of the new university plan to platform is how we are going to Subscriptions are available for $24 be The University The World Needs, across campus, it became very clear the country’s only synchrotron. tell that story, helping elevate the per year. Story and photo ideas USask senior leaders are taking a from students, faculty, staff, and USask is seen as a leader university’s profile and reputation.” are welcome. Advertising rates are fresh new approach to sharing the alumni that there is a real desire amongst Canadian universities in In the new world of post-sec- available online or on request. story of the institution, refreshing to speak proudly about what we do our commitments and actions for ondary education, the competition    and refocusing the USask brand to here, and about the accomplish- Reconciliation and Indigenization, for attracting funding and faculty, On Campus News aims to provide a redefine the perceptions, expecta- ments and achievements of this a critical role within the province staff and students, is more chal- forum for the sharing of timely news, tions and reputation of the university. university. Moving forward, we are and the country. USask is also expe- lenging than ever before, Hunchak information and opinions about “I think everyone would agree going to make sure the world knows riencing record enrolment, higher said. Changing the narrative of the events and issues of interest to the USask community. that the University of Saskatch- how great we are.” student satisfaction scores, and university by building the brand ewan is not as well known for its Ranked No.1 in the country and increasing diversity of the student and proudly promoting our aspi- The views and opinions expressed by writers of letters to the editor and strengths and its expertise outside 18th in the world in water research, body, faculty and staff, helping make rations and achievements is key to viewpoints do not necessarily reflect the province as it should be, and this USask is Canada’s only university the university one of the best untold positioning USask as an innova- those of USask or On Campus News. refreshed branding is how we intend that has two national research insti- stories in the country. tive world-leading institution on    to better tell the USask story,” said tutes located right on campus, with “Our new university plan the rise, committed to creativity, Gord Hunchak, associate vice-pres- the Vaccine and Infectious Disease maps out the university’s commit- connectivity, collaboration and We acknowledge we are on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the ident of strategic communications Organization-International Vaccine ments and aspirations, and has the community. Métis. We pay our respect to the First and chief communications officer. Centre (VIDO-InterVac), and the potential to redefine the percep- Nation and Métis ancestors of this “During the consultations held Canadian Light Source, featuring tions of the University of the SEE TELLING , PAGE 14 place and reaffirm our relationship with one another.

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EDITOR James Shewaga IN CASE YOU MISSED IT WRITER A lot happens at USask during the weeks when On Campus News isn’t published. Chris Morin Here are a few of the top stories from news.usask.ca:

DESIGNERS Brian Kachur Pierre Wilkinson New GIFS leaders CRCs established Fedoruk chair Student support EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Patrick Hayes Two internationally recognized Three Tier 2 Canada Research Chairs Prominent Saskatchewan business The University of Saskatchewan Fiona Haynes leaders of agricultural research and have been established at USask: Dr. leader Tom Kishchuk will serve has announced a new pilot project Sandra Ribeiro innovation have been named to Natalia Stakhanova (PhD), Canada as the new chair of the board of to support LGBTQI2S+ students. Stephen Urquhart top leadership posts of the Global Research Chair in Security and directors for the Sylvia Fedoruk Starting in September, self-identified David York Institute for Food Security (GIFS) Privacy; Dr. Michelle Johnson- Canadian Centre for Nuclear queer students living in the College at the University of Saskatchewan. Jennings (PhD), Canada Research Innovation (Fedoruk Centre) at Quarter residence may participate Dr. Steven Webb (PhD), a visionary Chair in Indigenous Community- the University of Saskatchewan in a project in which they can choose strategic research leader with Engaged Research; Dr. Tara Kahan (USask). Kishchuk, vice-president to live with other queer students. more than 20 years of expertise (PhD), Canada Research Chair in of operational support at Federated The students receive customized in developing and managing Analytical Environmental Chemistry. Co-operatives Limited, earned support, service and programming multidisciplinary enterprises and Three Tier 1 terms were renewed: Dr. bachelor’s and master’s degrees while also integrating into, and research and business opportunities, Ken Coates (PhD), Canada Research in mechanical engineering from benefiting from, all supports offered ISSN: 1195-7654 was named executive director and Chair in Regional Innovation; Dr. USask and is a graduate of the Ivey to members of the larger residence PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40065156 chief executive officer. Stephen Miroslaw Cygler (PhD), Canada Executive Program at the Richard community. The Residence Services Return undeliverable addresses to: Visscher, who received the Research Chair in Molecular Ivey School of Business. The Fedoruk Office has been working towards UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN Commander of the Order of the Medicine Using Synchrotron Light; Centre board also re-elected USask continued expansion of supports MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS British Empire honour in 2013, is the and Dr. Alexander Moewes (PhD), Vice-President Research Karen and education to benefit all students G16 THORVALDSON BUILDING new director of strategic partnerships Canada Research Chair in Materials Chad as vice-chair, a position she and increased programming in 110 SCIENCE PLACE , SK S7N 5C9 and chief operating officer. Science using Synchrotron Radiation. has held since 2011. areas of inclusivity. Email: [email protected] FOR MORE UP-TO-THE-MINUTE NEWS, VISIT: news.usask.ca @usask

2 JULY 12, 2019 PEOPLE OF THE PLAN The University of Saskatchewan’s new seven-year plan through to 2025 is entitledThe University the World Needs and has been gifted Indigenous names nīkānītān manācihitowinihk (Cree) and ni manachīhitoonaan (Michif), which translate to “Let us lead with respect.” In each issue of On Campus News in 2019, we take a closer look at the 12 major goals of the new plan by profiling individuals involved in the university’s commitment to Courageous Curiosity, Boundless Collaboration and Inspired Communities. In this issue we profile Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark, as he weighs in on the close connection between the city and the university.

COMMITMENT: BOUNDLESS COLLABORATION GOAL: EMBOLDEN PARTNERSHIPS (Invigorate the impact of collaboration and (Foster, expand, and diversify local, national, and global partnerships—with partnership in everything we do through governments, businesses, and civil society in rural, northern and urban strategic goals.) communities—rooted in reciprocal learning and the co-creation of knowledge) Clark: Championing city-campus collaboration JAMES SHEWAGA

University of Saskatchewan on university endowment lands. (USask) President Peter Stoicheff “The MOU came out of the is a firm believer that great cities recognition that on all of these deserve and need great universities. dimensions there is a chance for City of Saskatoon Mayor us to work more closely together Charlie Clark clearly shares that for our mutual benefit and for conviction. the benefit of our citizens, so The city and the university that made it very compelling and are continuing to build closer clear that while our partnership connections and collaborations has been strong, there is a lot of following the president and room for it to become stronger,” the mayor’s 2018 signing of a said Clark, who has been an avid memorandum of understanding supporter of USask since entering (MOU) that was truly unique in civic politics in 2006. “Now that the country. the conversation is going, I think “We were the first city to we need to be able to show the sign an MOU with our local outcomes very clearly and hold university as a partner that lays ourselves to account and make out infrastructure planning, sure that it becomes tangible. land use planning, research If those relationships form and projects, environmental protec- people see the shared opportu- tion goals, reconciliation—on all nity, I think we are going to have these different dimensions—with tremendous outcomes together.” practical steps that we can take to For Clark, what’s good for the work together,” said Clark. “We university is good for the city, with are talking about where we are at the students of today becoming and what our future is together.” the city’s leaders of tomorrow. The City of Saskatoon-USask “The more students who MOU followed on the heels of City of Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark has been a strong supporter of the University of Saskatchewan.  SUBMITTED bring their talents to the univer- similar agreements signed by the sity and become part of our university with the Saskatoon between the city and the univer- to the city contributing $4-million for local minor hockey teams. entrepreneurial community Symphony Orchestra and the sity has resulted in a number of in funding for the university’s The city and university are also and part of our business and Remai Modern museum, both also collaborations, from leading-edge new Merlis Belsher Place facility currently working together on land non-profit sectors and build lives the first of its kind in the country. research on brain wave activity that now annually provides 1,500 development and urban planning here, that’s good for everybody,” The strong relationshipduring symphony performances, hours of much-needed ice time proposals, including strategic infill said Clark. 

NEWS.USASK.CA 3 New hydrology program opens in 2020 Water security curriculum aligns with signature area of research

 SHANNON BOKLASCHUK

The Department of Geography cies needed for the 21st century.” and Planning has “incredible The new hydrology program strength” in water science teaching will also support the university’s and research, says Dr. Krystopher goals of Indigenization at the indi- Chutko (PhD). vidual course level, through the It’s that strength that makes the development of inclusive curricula. department a great place to house This will be achieved through the the University of Saskatchewan’s integration of faculty research on (USask) new program in hydrology. Indigenous issues into teaching, “In the future—around the world including the use and acknowledge- and in Canada—we need water scien- ment of data generated on Indig- tists,” said Chutko, a faculty member enous land, the development of  MARTIN LIPMAN/NSERC in the College of Arts and Science. experiential learning opportunities “We need people that know how in Indigenous communities, and water works, where it comes from, through the involvement of Elders in where it’s going, how it changes.” water-related teaching topics. Chutko played an integral Chutko said researchers role in leading a curricular change and water scientists are currently that has resulted in approval for concerned about how precipitation the Department of Geography and and water storage will be altered as Planning to replace its existing a result of climate change. Although major in environmental earth scientists understand what’s sciences with hydrology. The college happening to global temperature— will begin accepting students into Dr. Krystopher Chutko (PhD) helped lead the curricular change for the new hydrology program  AMANDA TERRY it’s going up—precipitation is much the hydrology program starting in in the Department of Geography and Planning in the College of Arts and Science. more variable and therefore not as the fall of 2020. well understood. The purpose of the change ewan and the changing snowpack in The new Bachelor of Science “These ambitions align well As for storage, Saskatchewan’s is to create an undergraduate the mountains. in hydrology program will leverage with the University Plan 2025 as rivers currently get most of their program that focuses on depart- “It all comes back down to undergraduate research opportu- we seek to empower students to water from glaciers, which “are mental strengths in water science water,” he said. “We’re trying to nities available through the Global take on one of humanity’s greatest melting fast and they’re going to and geomatics and that ensures build that foundation (among our Institute for Water Security, the challenges—to ensure everyone has disappear—maybe in our lifetime,” new curricula meet the knowledge students).” Global Water Futures program, a sustainable supply of safe water,” said Chutko. standards for professional geosci- Water security is one of USask’s Canada Research Chairs, indus- said Dr. Peta Bonham-Smith “Water isn’t something that you ence accreditation in Saskatchewan. six signature areas of research. As a trial chairs, and Canada Founda- (PhD), dean of the College of Arts can take for granted,” he said. “In Chutko said water is going to discipline, geography and planning tion for Innovation investments, to and Science. “This new program some parts of the world you could, be “a massive topic going forward, plays a leadership role in hydrology develop a pool of highly qualified also aligns with our college’s plan but everything’s changing.”  considering everything that’s research on campus and a collabo- undergraduate students capable to 2025, which includes a commit- happening with climate change.” He rative role in providing hydrology of pursuing graduate research in ment to new curricula. We will Shannon Boklaschuk is noted the flooding that’s occurred in training within interdisciplinary physical hydrology and careers in equip our students with the skills, a communications officer in the Ontario, the drought in Saskatch- water security programming. the water industry. knowledge and cultural competen- College of Arts and Science.

4 JULY 12, 2019 Every month in On Campus News, we highlight an exceptional graduate of the University of Saskatchewan in our new Alumni Spotlight feature. In this edition, we chat with former Saskatchewan Premier and USask Chancellor Emeritus Roy Romanow (BA’60, LLB’64).

Former Saskatchewan Premier Roy Romanow wrapped up his three-year term as chancellor of the University of Saskatchewan on July 1.  DAVID STOBBE Roy Romanow: Building the nation TARYN RIEMER

Roy Romanow (BA’60, LLB’64) was some time off to dip his toes into Romanow spent the next the United States of America,” said Studies. In 2016, he was honoured to always interested in politics, but the political world. He ended up three decades heavily involved Romanow. “The challenge always assume the role of USask chancellor, it wasn’t until the Saskatchewan becoming an assistant secretary in Saskatchewan and Canadian for Canadians is to try and to build a a term he completed on July 1. doctors’ strike of 1962 that his career on the Royal Commission on politics. After holding the position country from shoreline, shoreline to Romanow has thoroughly path was solidified. Hospital Privileges headed by USask of premier of Saskatchewan from shoreline.” enjoyed his term and his favourite “The Medicare strike was a alumnus Justice Mervyn Woods, 1991-2001, he served as the provin- Romanow said sticking to moments have always come during very, very contentious issue right which looked into whether or not cial chair—with Jean Chrétien being Canadian values, which he believes convocation ceremonies. across the country and especially in the doctors who had come overseas the federal counterpart—on the are sharing, caring and co-opera- “Every time I saw somebody Saskatchewan. I mean, when all the during the strike were qualified to be Constitution Act 1982 negotiations. tion with each other, are how we’ll coming towards me to get officially doctors except three went on strike, granted hospital privileges. Romanow also led the second Royal continue to strengthen Canada as admitted to the university, I saw in that gives you an example about “That was a fascinating project, Commission on the Future of Health one nation. their eyes hope, optimism, confi- how contentious this was,” said going around the province, listening Care in Canada, and was a member Although Romanow has had a dence and a belief that our univer- Romanow, who took the pro-Medi- to all of the evidence and being of the Security Intelligence Review large influence on Canada as a whole, sity had really equipped them to take care side of the debate. a small part in the preparation Committee (SIRC). he always kept a close connection to on the challenges of the world,” said Romanow, now chancellor of the final report because it was During his time in politics, his home province and to USask. Romanow. emeritus of the University of Mr. Justice Woods’ report,” said Romanow was able to visit all of “Without this university I never “It gives me great optimism that Saskatchewan (USask), would go Romanow. “After all that was over I Canada and the biggest challenge he would have had the experiences and the future of Canada is in great shape. on to a long and storied career in resumed law.” saw that the country faced 30 years the small contributions that I was And it gives me confirmation that our provincial and federal politics, When Romanow completed ago, and today, is nation building. able to make to the province and to university, in particular, remains as culminating in serving as the 12th his law degree in 1964, he started “We are a large country from the country,” said Romanow. one of the leading universities in the premier of the province of Saskatch- working at the law firm of Gold- a land mass perspective, but we So when he finished the Royal country.”  ewan from 1991-2001. enberg, Taylor and Tallis. In 1967, have a small population, 40 million Commission on health care, he was Back in the 1960s, Romanow Romanow decided to seek office for people roughly, and it’s unevenly thrilled when he was asked to become Taryn Riemer is was working on his law degree at the first time and was elected to the distributed. We are north of one of a senior fellow in public policy at a communications officer USask when he decided to take Saskatchewan Legislature. the major powerhouses in the world, USask in the Department of Political in Alumni Relations.

NEWS.USASK.CA 5 DECADESDECADES OF OF DEDICATION DEDICATION » 1960 » 1970 » 1980 » 1990 » 2000 » 2010 » 2020 Half a century and counting: A lifetime of achievement for College of Law professor SARAH TREFIAK

When Ronald C.C. Cuming began teaching at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) in the 1960s, email, podcasts and video-recorded lectures did not yet exist, law classes were taught out of the Murray Library, and Otto Lang was dean of Do I intend to retire soon? The answer the law school. Over the past half century, Cuming has witnessed a is absolutely not—I’m having too much fun. world of change at the College of — Ronald C.C. Cuming Law and has played a large role in changing laws around the world. Growing up in Estevan, the son of a sheriff, Cuming’s interest in the law was sparked by his father’s person of the Saskatchewan the law, what keeps him coming career in law enforcement. Personal Property Security Act, he back to work day after day? The “It was probably in Grade 11 co-authored the Enforcement of answer is simple: “I love the job,” he that I decided I wanted to pursue an Money Judgements Act, and was a said. “Every day is a discovery, it’s education in law,” he said. “The only technical advisor to the Canadian intellectually stimulating and I have catch was, I needed Latin to apply, Department of Transport in the the opportunity to associate with but Latin wasn’t offered in Estevan.” preparation of the Convention on intelligent and decent people. It’s a Luckily enough, a teacher from International Interests in Mobile very pleasant place to work.” Italy offered to teach him Latin after Equipment. Cuming has acted Cuming not only finds the class, and the rest, shall we say, is a as technical advisor to the World motivation to keep coming back, he long and storied history. Bank, the Organization of American is usually one of the first people in Joining the faculty at the College States, the Asian Development Bank the office, arriving every morning at of Law back in 1966, Cuming is the and other international agencies in 7:30 to teach his 8:30 am classes. longest-serving active professor at the the area of commercial law reform “By 10 o’clock I’m done teaching university. Fellow USask law school of developing countries, and in 2006 and have the rest of the day for alumnus Judge Samuel Goldstein— he was awarded a Lifetime Achieve- research and writing,” he said. recently profiled in the latest issue ment Award from the Canadian Bar Cuming has used that time of Thrive magazine—has spent 58 Association. wisely, but even he couldn’t have years teaching commercial law on a In 2016, the College of Law envisioned his lengthy career as a part-time basis as a sessional lecturer celebrated Cuming’s 50th year professor of law. In fact, he didn’t in the Edwards School of Business, of teaching with a reception really intend to become an academic with Cuming and Goldstein together and commercial law conference until a few short years ago. providing a remarkable 111 years of named in his honour. That same “I always had it in my mind legal expertise in education at the year, he was bestowed the highest that I was still just trying out law. university. honour in teaching at USask—the That is until about five or six years During his tenure on campus, title of distinguished professor. ago when I thought ‘maybe this is DAVID STOBBE Cuming has taught thousands of Ronald C.C. Cuming of the College of Law is the longest-  He has also received prestigious permanent,’” he said, with a chuckle. students and has introduced more serving active professor at the University of Saskatchewan. awards including the University “And the question is, do I intend to than a handful of new courses at the of Saskatchewan Students’ Union retire soon? The answer is absolutely college, ranging from bankruptcy Albania, Armenia, Bosnia-Her- three responsibilities: to teach, to Teaching Excellence Award and not—I’m having too much fun.”  law to personal property security law. zegovina, Egypt, Georgia, Ghana, research and to reform the law,” USask’s Distinguished Researcher Outside the classroom, his contribu- India, Iraq, Mexico, Nigeria, Saudi he said. Award. Sarah Trefiak is tions to the law have been felt across Arabia and Yemen. And reform the law he has. So after half a century of a communications officer the globe in countries including “I always say a professor has Cuming was a principal drafts- researching, teaching and writing in the College of Law.

6 JULY 12, 2019 » 1960 » 1970 » 1980 » 1990 » 2000 » 2010 » 2020 DECADESDECADES OF OF DEDICATION DEDICATION

USask Professor Dr. Dennis Lehmkuhl (PhD) spent  SUBMITTED decades researching aquatic life in the North and South Saskatchewan River systems. Dr. Dennis Lehmkuhl (PhD) celebrated 50 years of conducting research and teaching at USask on July 1.  JAMES SHEWAGA Cheers to 50-year career for Lehmkuhl JAMES SHEWAGA

Dr. Dennis Lehmkuhl (PhD) came ponds as a youngster, collecting frogs agriculture, as well as reliable water real problem with black flies, which ture of water released from dams, to the University of Saskatchewan and bugs in what started as a hobby sources for urban populations like are terrible biting flies, and they with helping save a river system in 50 years ago as a young biology and became a passion and a profes- Saskatoon. Lehmkuhl’s findings— were literally killing cattle,” said Japan: “The Hienuki River would be a researcher eager to explore rivers sion. Shortly after earning his PhD, published in 1972 in the Journal Lehmkuhl. “But we found the way dead river,” she wrote. “The river has and the life they sustain. he arrived in Saskatoon and imme- of the Fisheries Research Board of to control it. Our program produced been supporting life of local residents He never expected to still be here diately began exploring the South Canada, Volume 29—helped lead several graduate students and there is for thousands of years. Dr. Lehmkuhl a half century later, now regarded as Saskatchewan River, documenting to dam engineering changes that no black fly problem in Saskatchewan saved our river.” one of the world’s experts on aquatic how pollution and pesticides and the regulated the temperature of water anymore, so I am happy about that.” So, what’s next for Lehmkuhl? life in the Saskatchewan River system. new Gardiner Dam were affecting that is released, to protect aquatic For Lehmkuhl, working with Retirement plans include travel, “I still can’t believe it. I came aquatic life up and down the river. life downstream on the river. and mentoring graduate students is particularly to Japan, where his for the interview back in May of “It was summertime when I In 1987, Lehmkuhl also helped one of the things he is most proud wife Makoto is from. But once a 1969 and here we are today, 50 years came and I went down to the river the provincial government use of from his tenure at USask. He researcher, always a researcher, later,” said Lehmkuhl, who turns 77 and started looking around and the naturally occuring bacterial mentions the likes of Joseph Short- and Lehmkuhl hopes to do a little on August 22. “I didn’t anticipate unfortunately I found the city’s pesticide Bacillus thuringiensis house, his first graduate student exploring out in the field—or along being here this long, but I found such sewage outlet and then upstream I to control a chronic black fly who went on to become the biology the river, to be precise. interesting aquatic biology here that found something strange with the problem in a large area northeast of department head at Laurentian “I will partly travel the world, it never occurred to me to leave.” water so cold and clear, and of course Saskatoon, centred around where University, as well as Doug Smith, Japan especially,” said Lehmkuhl, July 1 officially markedthat was the result of the new dam,” the North and South Saskatchewan who has gone on to a successful whose three children all attended retirement day after 50 years at Lehmkuhl recalled. “The Saskatch- River meet. The provincial agricul- 40-year career in the biology depart- USask and whose son Paul now USask for Lehmkuhl, who was the ewan River system is one of the most ture department credited Lehmkuhl ment at USask, and international works on campus. “I’ll be reading second-longest serving full-time unique systems in terms of aquatic and his students working on the student Rie Miyazaki, who followed all the books that I bought and employee on campus, trailing only insects, but a lot of species are now research project for eliminating up Lehmkuhl’s research on the effects didn’t have time to read, and I’ll be law professor Ronald C.C. Cuming, gone, unfortunately.” the pests, which were feeding on of dams on aquatic life in Japan. checking out a couple of sample sites who is in his 52nd year of teaching. The Gardiner Dam was built in and killing young calves, costing In her 2006 thesis, Miyazaki that I have been curious about and Raised in rural South Dakota, 1967 to control flooding, produce producers millions of dollars a year. credited Lehmkuhl’s 1972 discovery now have the time to do it. So, I am Lehmkuhl grew up exploring local electricity and provide irrigation for “The province was having a on the need to regulate the tempera- looking forward to it all.” 

NEWS.USASK.CA 7 DECADES OF DEDICATION » 1960 » 1970 » 1980 » 1990 » 2000 » 2010 » 2020 Love of collections keeps long-time librarian inspired

 SEAN CONROY When Donna Canevari de Paredes began her career as a librarian at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), she didn’t actively set out to work at the same institution for decades, let alone live so far away from Connecticut where she grew up. But life rarely follows a carefully crafted plan. “In the beginning, of course, I never intended to be either in Saskatchewan or at USask for this long,” she said. “But, as with most of life, it just happens.” Now the head of the Murray Library, Canevari de Paredes came to campus in 1974 after completing her master’s degree in library and information science at Columbia University in New York. Forty-five years later, after decades of advance- ments and enhancements in the University Library, and libraries in general, she is not only the longest- serving library employee, but the longest-serving female employee at USask. Canevari de Paredes was inspired to pursue librarianship by the familiar factors that move so many: a love of reading, books, and research. “My first degree was in history. It was during my undergraduate years that I considered and learned more about the possibility of librar- ianship as a profession,” she said. Librarian Donna Canevari de Paredes is the longest-serving active female employee at the University of Saskatchewan, with 45 years on campus.  JAMES SHEWAGA “But the start was actually in my childhood, during which I was graduate, graduate, and research research support resource for him various educational backgrounds, still a positive part of my life,” she already an avid fiction and non-fic- programs; and served on multiple during his university years here, and student learning specialists, and said. “Those very much include tion reader and public library user.” university committees as well as to be able to mentor him in navi- librarians,” she said. “For librarians, the key components of what was Throughout her 45 years with with the faculty association. gating university library research in our professional practice is the key important to me in the beginning: the University Library, Canevari USask also holds a special place his studies beyond USask,” she said. component of our position, as well continued ability to use my profes- de Paredes has made a number for Canevari de Paredes personally. As the role of the library and as our involvement in research and sional judgement in many ways, of significant contributions. She It is here that she met her husband, the librarian has changed through scholarship.” and a continued role in the devel- has helped develop the library’s Eudoxio Paredes-Ruiz, who is now the years, Canevari de Paredes After decades of service to opment and management of our humanities collections, espe- librarian emeritus. Years later, firmly believes that the importance the library and to the campus collections, both traditional print cially in support of English, Slavic she had the opportunity to work of the library has expanded, along community, Canevari de Paredes collections and digital resources of and history programs; worked as closely with her son, Felipe, a USask with the demands of supporting has many motivating factors all types, specifically in support of founding editor for a journal high- alumnus who earned degrees in law USask students and researchers. that continue to make her work the humanities.”  lighting selected University Library and classical, medieval, and renais- “We have many employees and rewarding. collections; established partner- sance studies. all are skilled in what they do: IT “There are so many reasons Sean Conroy is the communications ships with faculty to support under- “It was special for me to be a specialists, library assistants with why my position at the library is officer at the University Library.

8 JULY 12, 2019 » 1960 » 1970 » 1980 » 1990 » 2000 » 2010 » 2020 DECADES OF DEDICATION the YWCA Women of Distinction Award in 2014 and the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) Louis St. Laurent Award of Excellence in 2015. A pioneer in her profession at a time when there were only three female faculty members in the College of Law when she started, I was around the Bilson was admitted to the bar in Saskatchewan in 1984, served campus in my childhood and as editor of the CBA’s Canadian then later as a student and Bar Review for 10 years, and was awarded the designation of Queen’s faculty, so it has always been Counsel for Saskatchewan in 2000. a special place for me. As dean, she led the creation and implementation of the College of — Dr. Beth Bilson (PhD) Law’s first strategic plan, while also contributing off campus when she was appointed chair of the federal task force on pay equity in 2000. During her more than half a century on campus, she has watched the university undergo expansion and transformation, both in its skyline and in its student body. “There have been a lot of physical changes, but I would say the diversity of the university has been the biggest change, in terms of the students and also the faculty and staff,” she said. University Secretary and College of Law Professor Dr. Beth Bilson (PhD) has spent 40 years working at the University of Saskatchewan.  DAVID STOBBE “Part of that is the huge increase in the number of Indigenous students and there weren’t very many in my early experience at the university. So, it has been wonderful to see so many USask has always been home for Bilson more and I think the university has been enriched by the increase in the JAMES SHEWAGA number of Indigenous students, and also by the number of international Dr. Beth Bilson (PhD) first strolled onto the picturesque she filled three times throughout her “I didn’t consciously set out to students.” illustrious career. be a pioneer for women particularly, So, what’s next for Bilson? She campus of the University of Saskatchewan (USask) “(USask President) Peter I just did things that seemed inter- would like to write about the history when she was just six years old. Stoicheff always says the College of esting to me,” she said. “As it turned of the university, and the College Law has had three female deans in its out, I was the first woman in certain of Law in particular. But Bilson is history and they have all been Beth roles, and I am quite satisfied about also currently enjoying her role as Little did she know that 66 years July 1 marked a remarkable Bilson,” she said with a chuckle. that, and I have had women say that University Secretary, in which her later she would be a key member of 40 years as a faculty member in the Bilson’s remarkable resume also they were impressed by that and wealth of institutional knowledge the university’s leadership team, a College of Law for Bilson, who has includes serving as the first female that was something that was mean- serves her well working in university leading law scholar and the longest- spent the last two and a half years chair of the Saskatchewan Labour ingful to them. I wasn’t setting out governance with executive leader- serving active female professor on on secondment serving as Univer- Relations Board, twice serving as the to demonstrate that women could ship and the members of the Board campus. sity Secretary. Bilson began her first female acting dean of law, and do anything in particular, although of Governors, Senate and Council. “We first came here in 1952 time at the university 56 years ago one of only two individuals to serve I was quite confident that they could. “I think one of the things that when I was six when my father as a young student when she earned as a dean on three separate occasions. But I think in retrospect, it has been I have always enjoyed about univer- became the dean of the College the first of three degrees—bache- A teaching trailblazer dedicated an interesting career.” sity-level activity is the different of Commerce, so it has always lor’s (1967), master’s (1970) and law to supporting the advancement of Indeed. A highly regarded vantage point on the institution and felt like home here,” said Bilson. (1977), followed by a PhD (1982) at women in academics and the legal scholar and extensively published having an understanding of how the “I was around the campus in my the University of London. Bilson profession, Bilson has been a role expert in administrative and institution as a whole operates and childhood and then later as a student began teaching law at USask in 1979 model and mentor for young female labour law, Bilson has earned a how complicated it is,” said Bilson. and faculty, so it has always been a and 20 years later was named the students and staff on and off campus number of honours and distinctions “It’s been interesting work and I special place for me.” first female dean of the college, a role for years. throughout her career, including enjoy it.” 

NEWS.USASK.CA 9 DECADES OF DEDICATION » 1960 » 1970 » 1980 » 1990 » 2000 » 2010 » 2020 Remarkable tenure for Kulshreshtha JAMES SHEWAGA

Take a moment to turn back time 50 other day, unless it’s a weekend,” he years to 1969: Pierre Trudeau was said with a chuckle. prime minister and Justin Trudeau For the record, Dec. 1 is a Sunday hadn’t been born yet, astronauts this year, but no doubt he will be landed on the moon for the first back in the office the very next day in time, the the Agriculture Building, a stunning lost to the Ottawa Rough Riders in $100-million facility completed in the 57th Grey Cup, and the No.1 1991 that Kulshreshtha cites as one song on the charts was “Sugar, of the major changes he has seen on Sugar” by The Archies. campus during his tenure. It was also that year that a “Now we have all the depart- bright young agriculture professor ments in the same place and that JAMES SHEWAGA taught his first course at the Univer- was a good change for everybody,” College of Agriculture and Bioresources Professor Dr. Surendra Kulshreshtha (PhD)  sity of Saskatchewan (USask). said Kulshreshtha, who was born in will celebrate 50 years on campus at the University of Saskatchewan on Dec. 1. Half a century later, Dr. Surendra India and earned his bachelor’s and Kulshreshtha (PhD) is still one master’s degrees there before moving sustainable practices by producers cultural and Resource Economics we are learning new techniques that of the first into the office and overseas to complete his PhD at the that support both economic develop- and also an associate member of are being adopted and serve the one of the last to leave, teaching, University of Manitoba. ment and environmental protection. the School of Environment and agriculture industry and save the researching and mentoring young As for the agriculture industry, “The major change is that we Sustainability. “Now there is more environment at the same time.” graduate students in the College of Kulshreshtha has seen many positive are getting away from wheat depen- canola and lentils in the agriculture Kulshreshtha has contributed Agriculture and Bioresources. changes, from diversification of dence,” said Kulshreshtha, who is a production system, which is a big to several international projects While he has enjoyed his time crops to the implementation of professor in the Department of Agri- change. And in biophysical sciences, in India, Indonesia and Zambia, on campus, Kulshreshtha never working with the likes of the imagined he would still be here at Canadian International Develop- the age of 78. ment Agency and the United Nations “If you had asked me that Environmental Program (UNEP). question 20 years ago, I would have “I worked on greenhouse gas said no way!” he said with a smile. mitigation with UNEP, and my India “But I enjoy the job and I really like to project was on subsurface drainage do my research and talk to graduate and water management, which is students and train them and see very important for all countries, them getting somewhere in their life. including India,” he said. “So those I look back on my graduate students would be two things that were very who have achieved quite a bit and important for me.” that brings me a lot of satisfaction … For his lifetime of service, And I have a graduate student now Kulshreshtha was named a fellow who will probably be here until 2021, of the Canadian Agricultural so until then it is very hard to even Economics Society in 2004, arguably think about retirement.” his most prestigious honour. Officially, Kulshreshtha will “That was one of the highlights, celebrate his 50-year anniversary on certainly,” he said. “To me, it has Dec. 1. always been important to give back “For me, it will be just like any and I am very proud of doing that.” 

10 JULY 12, 2019 » 1960 » 1970 » 1980 » 1990 » 2000 » 2010 » 2020 DECADES OF DEDICATION Cancer researcher retired but still inspired JAMES SHEWAGA

For someone who retired back in 2002, Dr. Jonathan Dimmock (PhD) sure has a funny way of not showing up for work. The 82-year-old University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher and professor emeritus celebrated his retirement on June 30, 2002 after 35 years as a professor in the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition. Two days later, he was right back in his lab and office, where he has spent the past 17 years conducting cancer research full time. So, after 52 years on campus, what keeps him coming back every day? “It’s the research on anti- cancer drugs, that is what interests me and what we continue to work on,” said Dimmock, who walks to work and back home every day, 60 minutes in each direction, all year round. “Cancer is over a hundred different diseases and we have had some successes with drugs and surgery and so forth, but there is still much that needs to be done. And I will probably just keep going as long as I can.” Dimmock has been honoured by the university for his ongoing commitment to research at USask, earning the 2017 University of Saskatchewan Retirees Association Continuing Contribution Award, Fifty-two years after starting his career at USask, Professor Emeritus Dr. Jonathan Dimmock (PhD) continues to conduct cancer research.  JAMES SHEWAGA recognizing retirees who continue to make research, scholarly, artistic the Maunders McNeil Foundation to non-malignant or non-cancerous in research grants and contracts. So ewan Students’ Union Teaching or service contributions at an excep- Inc., in continued support of his cells, so we are pursuing this quite that is a massive change.” Excellence Award in 1998 and was tional level. research to create tumour-selec- vigorously.” Born in England, Dimmock awarded a Doctor of Science from For his part, Dimmock is appre- tive anti-cancer compounds for Research is not only Dimmock’s began his career at USask in 1967 the University of London in 2001. ciative of the support he continues chemotherapy treatments, part of passion, but also the biggest change and rose to full professor in 1976, “That was based on 119 publi- to receive from the university and a $450,000 research grant over five that he has seen during his time creating a course on drug design cations and three patents and a from external funding agencies. years. Dimmock said the research is on campus. and co-authoring a book entitled An book, so I was honoured to receive “The University of Saskatch- proving promising. “The big change unquestion- Introduction to Drug Design in 1997. it,” said Dimmock, who has now ewan has been very good to me and “We are working on several ably, has been the emphasis upon Throughout his career, been a part of 242 publications and they have allowed me to continue projects, one of which has been to research today,” he said. “When Dimmock has collaborated with received 5,523 citations throughout to have an office and to have labs take a compound forward through I came here 52 years ago, if my colleagues in Belgium, Japan and his career. “But I think the high- to keep going. And since I retired, a number of different screens,” he memory serves me correctly, in the the United States at the prestigious lights for me have been working I have been funded externally, so I said. “We have shown that it kills 1967 era the total funding for the National Cancer Institute, with his with the graduate students, the don’t think I cost the university very cancer cells and kills them selec- university for research from external research group’s studies on malaria post-doctoral fellows and the much,” he said with a smile. tively. In other words, we have grants and external contracts was followed up at the Walter Reed Army research technicians. I have always Most recently, Dimmock was found that the compound is toxic about $5.5 million dollars. In 2017 Institute of Research. Dimmock enjoyed the research and working awarded $180,000 in 2018 from to the cancer cells, but far less toxic to 2018, it was $642 million dollars received the University of Saskatch- with our students.” 

NEWS.USASK.CA 11 DECADES OF »DEDICATION 1980 » 1990 » 2000 » 2010 » 2020 Celebrating Sharma’s record of research

KRISTEN MCEWEN

When University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher Dr. Rajendra Sharma (PhD, DSc) received the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 2004, he thought back to one of the biggest supporters in his scientific career: his father. While Sharma was growing up in small town in India, his father My father used to say would read in newspapers about the discoveries that scientists were that it takes too much time to making around the world. He gain wisdom, but it takes such wanted his son to be one of them. “He would say, ‘You have to little time to share knowledge. become a scientist,’” Sharma said. — Dr. Rajendra Sharma His father’s wishes came true. Sharma went on to complete his PhD in biochemistry at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, and later moved to Boston, Mass., for a post-doctoral fellowship at Tufts University. In 1976, he moved to Canada— first to Winnipeg and then to Calgary. Sharma was then hired at USask in 1991 to rejuvenate basic science research within the College of Medicine’s Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Throughout his career, Sharma’s lab has purified and characterized more than two dozen proteins from various species. Through the purification process, he discovered College of Medicine Professor Dr. Rajendra Sharma (PhD, DSc) received the Saskatchewan Order of Merit award in 2004.  KRISTEN MCEWEN close to a dozen new activator and inhibitor proteins, and established cancer. We can save lots of people researchers around the world, to been published in the journal Cell work, visiting hospitals as well as their biological and physiological from undergoing a colonoscopy, make milestone discoveries. Calcium (2018), and the other two long-term care centres which may functions. that is expensive and painful,” “My father used to say that published recently in the Journal of not often receive visitors. The distinguished professor Sharma said. it takes too much time to gain Molecular Biology and Therapeutics. Sharma is very proud of his continues to excel in the field of While there is no replace- wisdom, but it takes such little time Sharma acknowledges the Indian roots and heritage and cutting-edge colorectal cancer ment for the procedure, Sharma to share knowledge,” he added. contributions and dedication of still makes visits to his hometown research, among other areas. and his team created a way to use Now 77, Sharma is currently post-doctoral fellows, research overseas. In 1995, Sharma and his team the enzyme as a marker to see if serving as editor-in-chief for assistants, graduate students and “I’m very thankful to my discovered that a protein enzyme colorectal cancer is present. This test the Journal of Molecular Biology summer students in his laboratory. colleagues at the College of labelled N-myristoyltransferase has been licensed and is currently and Therapeutics. He has gained When he does decide to finally Medicine who have supported (NMT) is active and present in being developed at Bertech Pharma expertise in the world of scientific step away from research, Sharma me in my endeavours,” he said. “I cancerous colon tissues, and appears Ltd., an Edmonton company that is journals, publishing nearly 250 full- said he plans to spend time with his wouldn’t be where I am today if it in the early stages of colorectal conducting clinical trials. length papers and 154 national and wife, his three daughters and their were not for my family.”  cancer, which has a high mortality When it comes to research, international abstracts. families. He would like to pass on rate worldwide. collaboration is key, Sharma Four decades of his research the spark of research and the love of Kristen McEwen is “My idea was to identify a said. He has developed ties have also been summarized in three learning to future generations and a communications co-ordinator marker for the early detection of with numerous colleagues and review articles, one of which has he also wants to take up volunteer at the College of Medicine.

12 JULY 12, 2019 De Ciman spending summer with Rattlers

 JAMES SHEWAGA Chan De Ciman couldn’t imagine “I think I will be a better leader having a better summer job. and a better player, from going The 21-year-old fourth-year against these guys every day in player with the University of practice,” he said. “And obviously men’s basket- the leadership role is a big thing that ball team and Edwards School of I need to step into, going into my Business student is getting his first fourth year with the Huskies. I think taste of professional as a we have a good young core of players member of the new Saskatchewan and a bunch of guys who are team- Rattlers of the fledgling Canadian first guys who like to share the ball Elite Basketball League (CEBL). and get up and down the court, so “Right from the first day, it’s I think we will be a fast-paced, fun been quite the experience, getting to team to watch.” know the guys, like (former Huskies His first taste of pro basketball star) Michael Linklater, seeing how has left De Ciman hungry for more, they carry themselves every day and he hopes to pursue it in the and prepare as professionals,” said future. But first, De Ciman is focused De Ciman, a 6-foot-2 starting guard on leading the Huskies to a champi- with the Huskies, who was picked onship and on earning his commerce by the Rattlers in the first round degree, after transferring from engi- of the league’s inaugural U Sports neering to business last year. draft. “The whole thing has been a “I definitely want to try the whirlwind for me just learning from pro route, after I get my degree,” pro players, how they travel, how they said De Ciman. “I know I can’t play take care of themselves, their eating basketball forever, so I would like to habits. It’s been a great experience.” go into accounting or management The CEBL’s agreement with Huskie men’s basketball standout Chan De Ciman is suiting up for the Saskatchewan Rattlers this summer.  GETMYPHOTO.CA or maybe start my own business. U Sports requires each team to dress I have my options open, but I like one university player every game, “The experience is great, so it’s but just being at practice every day Huskie graduates Lawrence Moore business a lot. I have made a lot of with each player earning scholar- a good summer gig for me. There are and learning from them has been a and Evan Ostertag also members of new friends and I like the profes- ship money—rather than salary—in a lot of things on my plate because dream come true,” said De Ciman. the Rattlers’ organization. sors and the classes. My engineering order to keep their eligibility intact. I am taking summer classes as well “They all have a lot of experience and De Ciman said his summer skills and math skills and my orga- For De Ciman, the scholarship and trying to balance the Rattlers I am just learning and picking up tips with the Rattlers will help him nizational skills have really trans- support will be a huge help for the with my Huskie practices and that I can take back to the Huskies.” step into a leadership role with the ferred over well, so I am happy with upcoming Huskies season. workouts, so it’s a pretty full day. But De Ciman is part of a huge Huskies this fall. my decision.”  “Every game I get a certain all in all, it’s been a good summer.” Huskie connection on the Rattlers, amount of money towards tuition, De Ciman suffered a sprained coached by former USask men’s so it’s a good situation,” said ankle during Rattlers training basketball head coach Greg Jockims, HUSKIE HIGHLIGHTS: De Ciman, who made the U Sports camp—held in the new Ron and who guided the Huskies to a national All-Rookie Team in his first year Jane Graham Gymnasium at Merlis title in 2010. Current USask head Megan Ahlstrom and Kyla Shand of the Huskies women’s basketball and started all 24 games last season, Belsher Place—and hasn’t been able coach Barry Rawlyk and assistant team are suiting up for Canada at the 2019 FISU World University Games averaging 10.9 points and 4.5 to start a game yet, but is training Chad Jacobson are also on the Rattlers from July 3-14 in Naples, Italy. Track star Courtney Hufsmith and men’s rebounds per game while helping with the team every day and soaking coaching staff, while Linklater is volleyball all-star Dylan Mortensen of the Huskies are also representing Canada, with USask students Kirsten Van Marion competing in fencing lead the Huskies into the conference up the experience. joined on the roster by former Huskie and Alayna Chan in table tennis. semifinals. “I haven’t been able to play fully, all-Canadian Shane Osayande, with Feel like you’re the home team, IHG® even when you’re on the road. Game Changing Give your group a Game Changing Advantage. advantage Holiday Inn Express & Suites Saskatoon East - University (Proudly located on campus). Book your group today! 306.954.1250

NEWS.USASK.CA 13 Renovated psychology clinic improves experience

SHANNON BOKLASCHUK

Renovations to the University of practicum with Stacey at the USask Saskatchewan (USask) Psychology Psychology Clinic. Clinic have made the space more Castillo valued learning user friendly—both for clients and alongside her peers at the clinic, as for the PhD students who train well as from people with more expe- there, says the clinic’s director. rience and training. “It’s just a nicer area to work in “Overall, it had a really nice feel,” and to welcome clients into,” said said Castillo. “It had almost a feel of Dr. Adam Stacey (PsyD), who is also private practice, just because Adam an assistant professor in the College wasn’t in session with us and he gave of Arts and Science’s Department of us that autonomy. It was really great.” Psychology. Many of the clinic’s clients The $265,000 renovation are USask students. However, the project, which began last summer, clinical psychologist trainees also see reconfigured the clinic’s layout, clients from the larger community resulting in improved space for beyond campus borders, including group therapy sessions and for both adults and children. teaching. There is also a waiting and Stacey said having the clinic at reception area, three client meeting USask is important for the clients rooms, new washrooms and a kitch- accessing services as well as for the enette space. As well, the clinic is in clinical PhD students who train there. the process of implementing an elec- “I think it’s essential for our tronic health record system that will program to operate well,” he said. reduce its environmental footprint “You probably wouldn’t be comfort- while enhancing the security of able going to surgery and seeing a client information. surgeon who had only read about CHRIS PUTNAM “I think our students really Dr. Adam Stacey (PsyD) is the director of the newly renovated University of Saskatchewan Psychology Clinic.  surgery from a book. So, it’s a similar enjoy working in the space now,” thing. At some point, our students said Stacey. “The one that we were using in USask’s clinical psychology PhD actually supervise our first-year need to learn by doing. This space The clinic, which is housed the past just really wasn’t working at program are “quite applied in students working with their first allows us to do that in a way that can in the Arts Building, looked dated all,” said Stacey. “So this one allows nature,” meaning students study clients,” said Stacey. be educational and helpful for our prior to the renovations and was us to record and code and re-watch areas such as child assessment and Dyana Castillo is one of USask’s students, but then safe and benefi- also less functional. It lacked private videos of my students working mental health counselling. They clinical psychology PhD students cial for our clients as well. We really washrooms as well as up-to-date with clients. I don’t actually see a begin seeing clients during their who just completed her second wouldn’t be able to run as a program technology, meaning students in the lot of clients in this space; mostly I first year of studies, which provides year of studies. Following her first without a space like this.”  clinical psychology program had to supervise our students. So that has them with an opportunity to learn practicum—at a rehabilitation record client sessions on laptops. A made that role, which I actually how to develop therapeutic relation- program at Saskatoon City Hospital Shannon Boklaschuk is new recording system was put in really enjoy, a lot easier.” ships and to use assessment tools. for people involved in motor-ve- a communications officer in the place during the renovation process. Stacey said the courses in “Our third-year students hicle collisions—she enrolled in the College of Arts and Science.

and for funders and donors. We want of the university. The platform will key signature areas of research—be USask on the top of everyone’s list.” define the look and tone of USask’s considered a global leader. Telling the university’s story The brand platform will feature external advertising, and all of the “The University of Saskatch- striking, and sometimes unex- university’s digital channels, inter- ewan is a world-leading university,” FROM PAGE 2 pected, images and descriptions nally and externally. The transition said Hunchak. “We are ranked at of the people of USask and their to the new platform will roll out the top in food and water research, “The post-secondary environ- for, what it’s great at, and why should positive impacts on the world, gradually over the last half of 2019. and we are recognized as a leader ment has changed over the past couple they get involved with the university. grounded in the compelling call Hunchak said a key consider- in our commitment to Indigenous of decades to be incredibly compet- If we tell the story properly, our goal to action of “Be What The World ation is to strike a balance between Peoples and communities. These itive, whether that is for research is to have all of those groups excited Needs.” The unique typography, being grounded in the values and are only some of stories that we funding, or for students, staff, faculty, about the prospect of being involved colours, and shape of the signature humble work ethic of the people of need to share. Our branding is or for donors,” said Hunchak. “And with the University of Saskatchewan. campus building signs are utilized the province, while not shying away about telling the university’s story, what all of those groups want to There are a lot of choices out there for as a subtle yet powerful visual from taking a place among the great and inspiring others to be what the know is what the university stands students, for faculty, for researchers, connection to the location and roots universities in the country and—in world needs.” 

14 JULY 12, 2019 University Staff Excellence Awards

LANA ELIAS Director of Science Outreach, College of Arts and Science

Lana Elias, in the very nature of her background to create original and in northern Saskatchewan. She oversees work as director of science outreach exciting science programming for the Science Ambassador Program that in the College of Arts and Science, children. She ensures this program- deploys 22 science ambassadors who embodies the university’s Mission, ming aligns with provincial science spend five weeks living in 12 remote Vision and Values. curricula, in order for the university’s Northern communities, sharing science science outreach activities to support experiments with more than 2,400 Elias runs outreach programs that the academic progression of the class. First Nations and Métis students and provide engaging, hands-on scientific She has also raised almost $1 million in more than 100 teachers. Elias also experience for students and teachers, external funding to help deliver innova- co-ordinates Nutrien Kamskénow, a encourages creativity and builds tive learning opportunities and pay for 13-week program that has reached connections with the community. Her equipment for schools where limited more than 8,000 youth since she began commitment to reconciliation, diversity financial resources could not provide as director in 2011. Her efforts have and sustainability shines through her for such opportunities. not gone unnoticed, as her programs work with Elders and school officials Each year, Elias and her small staff train a have received numerous national and to indigenize curriculum by including team of more than 50 dedicated under- international accolades. culturally responsible science education. graduate and graduate students to Elias’s innovative, inspirational and As a former science teacher, Elias has work with roughly 8,000 school children impactful work make her a worthy a thorough understanding of the K-12 on campus, in Saskatoon community recipient of the 2019 University Staff education system and draws on her schools and in Indigenous communities Excellence Award.

DARRELL SOLIE Mechanical Engineer, Infrastructure, Planning and Land Development

Darrell Solie’s dedication to the campus disruptions. He works mainly with eager to help out when others seek community is evident in how he goes mechanical systems that are needed to his input or advice (which is a daily about his daily work. keep our buildings running. He enjoys occurrence). If he doesn’t know the Solie approaches each challenge from the challenge of finding creative solu- answer, he uses his vast connections on several perspectives, most notably tions, with opportunities to work on campus, and in the community, to seek from the client’s point of view. He seeks buildings that range in age from nearly a solution. His ability to bring teams out everyone’s opinions to get the best new to almost a century old. Solie is together and make everyone feel their possible outcome for all, building a also committed to the sustainability of opinions are valued and respected, positive team environment. He often the campus. Whether it is looking for does not go unnoticed amongst his challenges his co-workers to see “what energy efficiencies or ways to reduce peers. they can bring to the table” and values water usage, he uses his creativity Solie’s determination, collaborative everyone’s opinion. to challenge assumptions and find leadership and dedication to effec- solutions that are practical and cost-ef- Many of the projects that Solie works tive campus operations makes him a fective. on go unnoticed, but that means they worthy recipient of the 2019 University are being done right, with minimal Solie’s door is always open and he is Staff Excellence Award.

NEWS.USASK.CA 15 Pack your bags and set your sights on memory lane, because this year’s On Campus News back page features landmark moments and events from our storied 110-year history.

Have a particular event you’d like to see featured? Let us know about it at [email protected]. With files from University Archives and Special Collections. JULY 1937 UNIVERSITY’S FIRST PRESIDENT RETIRES

A new era in the history of the University of Saskatchewan began on July 1, 1937 when J.S. Thomson replaced the only president the university had ever known.

Walter C. Murray was hired as the university’s first president back in 1908 and led the establishment and development of the university over the next 30 years until his retirement in the summer of 1937. Initially reluctant to take on the new role to start Saskatchewan’s first university completely from scratch, Murray accepted the appointment on August A-5537 20, 1908, leaving Dalhousie University Walter C. Murray, the first president of the University of Saskatchewan, in his office in 1937. where he was serving as a professor educational policies, to leading the served as a director of the influential university has had only one president,” to become the visionary president of hiring of the first faculty members. Carnegie Foundation and was stated Thomson, who went on to a university that only existed on paper active in the church throughout his serve 12 years as president. “My at that time. In addition to leading the University lifetime, playing a key role in the predecessor, Dr. Walter C. Murray, of Saskatchewan, Murray served establishment of the United Church came without ceremony, almost After Saskatoon was chosen as the on a variety of local, provincial and of Canada. unannounced, to make a university location for the university on April national boards and organizations, where no university existed. I doubt 7, 1909—selected over Regina, played a leading role in two national After three decades as president, if he was ever installed in office. But Moose Jaw, Prince Albert and the Royal Commissions, and was one filling his shoes was going to be no the trust that comes to me today is Battlefords—Murray quickly got of the founding members of the easy task, as Thomson noted in his his bequest.” to work in leading the foundation National Research Council, helping installation address on Oct. 29, 1937. of the University of Saskatchewan, bring much-needed research Murray passed away in Saskatoon on overseeing everything from planning funding to campus. Murray also “During its thirty years of life, this March 24, 1945 at the age of 78. and construction, to shaping