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Articles by Shannon Boklaschuk
English graduate receives prestigious awards from College of Arts and Science
Gillian Skjei earned numerous awards and honours during her time as an undergraduate student at the University of Saskatchewan (USask). This week, her graduation continued that trajectory of excellence. On Nov. 10, during USask’s Fall Convocation, Skjei received her Bachelor of Arts (honours) degree in English, with high honours, from USask’s College of Arts and Science, as well as two prestigious awards: the Rose Litman Medal in Humanities and the Dean’s Medal.
Accounting major to receive top Convocation prize from Edwards School of Business
SASKATOON, Sask. — Nitisha Arnam, who moved from Mauritius to pursue post-secondary studies in Canada, will be presented with the Goodspeed Award at USask’s Fall Convocation. Nitisha Arnam’s years of hard work and determination will be recognized during Fall Convocation at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) on Nov. 10, when she will be presented with an award that celebrates her academic achievements.
USask graduate student explores passion for regenerative sustainability
SASKATOON, Sask. — As a graduate student at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), Ryan Sojnocki had the opportunity to visit South Africa in 2025 and connect with local conservation organizations there. It was an eye-opening experience that he will cherish for years to come. “I never had dreamt of going to South Africa.
USask graduate student explores passion for regenerative sustainability
Ryan Sojnocki’s time in South Africa resulted in a short film that explores how different ways of knowing can come together to help people better understand complex socio-ecological issues. (Photo: Ryan Sojnocki) Ryan Sojnocki, who will receive a Master of Sustainability degree during Fall Convocation on Nov.
Community-service learning partnership supports literacy in elementary schools
SASKATOON, Sask. — A partnership between the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Library and a non-profit organization is supporting elementary students’ reading skills while providing USask students with valuable volunteer opportunities.
Accounting major to receive top Convocation prize from Edwards School of Business
Nitisha Arnam’s years of hard work and determination will be recognized during Fall Convocation at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) on Nov. 10, when she will be presented with an award that celebrates her academic achievements. Arnam, who will graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in accounting with great distinction, will receive the Goodspeed Award from USask’s Edwards School of Business for achieving the highest cumulative average in her cohort.
USask Library’s community-service learning partnership supports literacy in elementary schools
SASKATOON, Sask. — University students can volunteer to meet with learners in Grades 2 to 4 through the Spark program, coordinated by Foundations Learning & Skills Saskatchewan. A partnership between the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Library and a non-profit organization is supporting elementary students’ reading skills while providing USask students with valuable volunteer opportunities.
USask soil science class partners with Wanuskewin on restoration project
SASKATOON, Sask. — Students built a beaver dam analog in the opimihāw Creek to assist with controlled flooding, which can help remove invasive species. “Become the beaver.” That was Jessica Gunn’s mantra when she put on waders and climbed chest-deep into the cool water of the opimihāw Creek at Wanuskewin Heritage Park in mid-September.
USask Library’s community-service learning partnership supports literacy in elementary schools
As part of the Literacies in Community partnership, USask student volunteers can serve as reading guides who offer one-on-one literacy support to elementary school children over an eight-week period.
USask soil science class partners with Wanuskewin on restoration project
Students from the SLSC 450.3: Practical and Applied Restoration class, taught by Dr. Katherine Stewart (PhD), were excited to visit Wanuskewin Heritage Park in September.
USask collaborates with Siemens, Microchip Technology, and Mitacs to help build Canada’s future semiconductor workforce
SASKATOON, Sask. — Semiconductors are the foundation of major technology trends shaping the world today, including AI, communications, industrial automation, aerospace, and automotive innovation. When people around the world think about the semiconductor industry, Saskatoon, Sask., may not immediately come to mind—but that’s quickly changing, as the city’s “Silicon Prairie” reputation continues to grow.
USask to celebrate alumnus Tim Gitzel with honorary degree during Fall Convocation
SASKATOON, Sask. — Fall Convocation will be held on Nov. 10, 2026. The University of Saskatchewan (USask) will recognize the accomplishments of a celebrated Canadian and international leader in the nuclear energy sector during Fall Convocation. USask alumnus Tim Gitzel (BA’86, JD’90), chief executive officer (CEO) of Cameco Corporation, a global nuclear fuel and energy company, will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree on Nov. 10, 2026.
USask to celebrate alumnus Tim Gitzel with honorary degree during Fall Convocation
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) will recognize the accomplishments of a celebrated Canadian and international leader in the nuclear energy sector during Fall Convocation. USask alumnus Tim Gitzel (BA’86, JD’90), chief executive officer (CEO) of Cameco Corporation, a global nuclear fuel and energy company, will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree on Nov. 10, 2026.
USask archaeology graduate honours relatives through research at residential school sites
SASKATOON, Sask. — Micaela Champagne (BSc’22), a Cree/Métis woman who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 2022, is CEO and co-founder of askîhk Research Services. A University of Saskatchewan (USask) graduate is utilizing her education in archaeology to help support Indigenous communities as the search continues for missing children at residential school sites across the country. Micaela Champagne (BSc’22) is CEO and co-founder of askîhk Research Services.
USask archaeology graduate honours relatives through research at residential school sites
Micaela Champagne pushes a ground-penetrating radar machine during a search at a residential school site in southern Saskatchewan.
Inspiring USask alumni to be honoured with achievement awards
SASKATOON, Sask. — The 2026 award recipients will be celebrated at a gala on Oct. 26 at Remai Modern. The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is pleased to announce the 2026 recipients of the Alumni Achievement Awards, one of the university’s highest honours. “On behalf of the USask community, I extend our congratulations to this year’s exceptional award winners,” said USask President and Vice-Chancellor Vince Bruni-Bossio (MBA’10, PhD’21).
Inspiring USask alumni to be honoured with achievement awards
The 2026 award recipients will be celebrated at a gala on Oct. 26 at Remai Modern By SHANNON BOKLASCHUK Aug 31, 2026 The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is pleased to announce the 2026 recipients of the Alumni Achievement Awards, one of the university’s highest honours. “On behalf of the USask community, I extend our congratulations to this year’s exceptional award winners,” said USask President and Vice-Chancellor Vince Bruni-Bossio (MBA’10, PhD’21).
Award-winning Métis scholar values experiences as a USask graduate student
SASKATOON — Kate Gillis (MA’24) made history when she was awarded the inaugural Gabriel Dumont Graduate Scholarship in Métis Studies during her time as a University of Saskatchewan (USask) graduate student. Receiving the award for 2020-21, valued at $20,000, was “incredibly meaningful and affirming,” Gillis said.
Take 5: Five facts about USask’s Prince Albert campus
PRINCE ALBERT — Did you know that the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has a campus in Prince Albert, the province’s third-largest city? Located on Central Avenue in the downtown area, the Prince Albert campus brings together, in a single location, USask educational programming that previously took place at various sites across the city.
Take 5: Five facts about USask’s Prince Albert campus
The opening of the central Prince Albert campus was an essential step in demonstrating USask’s commitment to providing high-quality post-secondary education to Indigenous and northern communities. (Photo: David Stobbe) Since opening in 2020, the campus hub has brought academic programming into a single site in the city of Prince Albert By SHANNON BOKLASCHUK Jul 28, 2026 Did you know that the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has a campus in Prince Albert, the province’s third-largest city?
Award-winning Métis scholar values experiences as a USask graduate student
USask graduate Kate Gillis (MA’24) is pictured at the most recent United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties in Brazil, where she was asked to speak on behalf of the North America Indigenous Peoples socio-cultural region.
‘This work will help shape Saskatchewan’s future’
SASKATOON — USask, MN-S sign agreement to further collaborate on community-engaged research, training, and other strategic areas. Amidst the backdrop of the annual Back to Batoche festival, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) and Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN-S) signed a Joint Statement of Intent to further advance their long-standing relationship through continued dialogue, coordination, and practical action.
‘This work will help shape Saskatchewan’s future’
The University of Saskatchewan and Métis Nation–Saskatchewan signed a Joint Statement of Intent on July 17, 2026, during the Back to Batoche festival.
USask mourns the passing of honorary degree recipient Irene Dubé
SASKATOON — The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is remembering the legacy of philanthropist and honorary degree recipient Dr. Irene Dubé (LLD’07), who passed away on June 9, 2026, at the age of 89. Irene Dubé was predeceased by her husband, USask honorary degree recipient Dr. Leslie (Les) Dubé (LLD’07), who passed away on March 13, 2024, at the age of 91.
USask mourns the passing of honorary degree recipient Irene Dubé
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is remembering the legacy of philanthropist and honorary degree recipient Dr. Irene Dubé (LLD’07), who passed away on June 9, 2026, at the age of 89. Irene Dubé was predeceased by her husband, USask honorary degree recipient Dr. Leslie (Les) Dubé (LLD’07), who passed away on March 13, 2024, at the age of 91.
Exploring culture and identity through beadwork
SASKATOON — Acclaimed Métis artist Corinna Wollf (BA’96, BFA’14, MFA’16), a former Saskatoon resident and three-time USask graduate, now lives and works in northern Italy. Expressing herself through beadwork has become second nature for University of Saskatchewan (USask) graduate Corinna Wollf (BA’96, BFA’14, MFA’16), a professional artist whose work will be showcased during a solo exhibition in Italy this summer.
Exploring culture and identity through beadwork
This artwork by USask graduate Corinna Wollf (BA’96, BFA’14, MFA’16), titled A Pack of My Own, was included in Wollf’s Master of Fine Arts show at USask and was featured on the cover of the Winter 2019 edition of Grain magazine. It is now part of a private collection in Saskatoon.
Celebrating President Stoicheff’s legacy of leadership - News
Renowned Canadian artist Phil Richards and USask President Peter Stoicheff are pictured beside the president’s official painted portrait.
Giving Day 2025: High-achieving USask student sets sights on future robotics career - News
For University of Saskatchewan (USask) engineering student Sahas Mittal, receiving major scholarships in his first year of studies was “transformative.” “By easing the financial burden of university, it has given me the freedom to focus more fully on my classes while also getting involved in opportunities outside of the lecture hall,” he said.
Giving Day 2025: Graduate student’s research aims to improve health outcomes for people living with dementia - News
University of Saskatchewan (USask) graduate Heather Alford (BusAdm’19, BA’22, MSc’25) knows firsthand the positive impact that scholarships, awards, and research funding can have on a post-secondary student’s academic journey. She’s sharing her experiences in advance of USask’s annual Giving Day, which will be held on Sept. 10 and will enable USask’s community of donors, alumni, faculty, staff, and students to come together in support of critical research, student success, and more.
USask alumna reflects on her time as university’s 16th Chancellor - News
Grit McCreath (BEd’91), a graduate of the College of Education, said she feels like “one of the luckiest people in the world” to have had the opportunity to serve her alma mater By SHANNON BOKLASCHUK Jun 27, 2025 For University of Saskatchewan (USask) graduate Grit McCreath (BEd’91), becoming USask’s Chancellor was “a perfect segue” after serving as a public-school teacher and administrator for 32 years in Saskatoon, Toronto, Calgary, and Edmonton.
A match made at USask - News
Rhodes Scholars Rachel Andres and Colin Dyck discovered their love for science—and their love for each other—while pursuing undergraduate degrees at the University of Saskatchewan By SHANNON BOKLASCHUK Jun 4, 2025 The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is a special place for Rhodes Scholars Rachel Andres (BSc’23, BEd’23, BSc’24) and Colin Dyck (BE’25). USask is where they earned their undergraduate degrees. It’s where they pursued their passion for science.
Drumming and singing brings healing and connection for Two-Spirit USask graduate - News
Jennifer Lenny (BEd’24), who earned a Bachelor of Education degree through the Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program (SUNTEP), is a member of the Spirit Strong Singers By Shannon Boklaschuk Jun 25, 2025 During the month of June, and throughout the year, University of Saskatchewan (USask) graduate Jennifer Lenny (BEd’24) raises awareness about decolonization and their lived experiences as a Two-Spirit person living and working on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis.
Connected to community - News
USask graduates Osemis Isbister-Bear (CIBA’00, BComm’03, MNDG’15) and Warren Isbister-Bear (BA’16) are Saskatoon professionals and volunteers who are dedicated to making a difference By SHANNON BOKLASCHUK May 29, 2025 Osemis Isbister-Bear (CIBA’00, BComm’03, MNDG’15) and Warren Isbister-Bear (BA’16) are Two-Spirit spouses and University of Saskatchewan (USask) graduates who share a passion for their professions and a commitment to Cree culture and community engagement.
‘A truly enriching academic experience’ - News
As a student in USask’s School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS), Marlis Merry (MSs’21) learned about the pressing issues that concern our planet and became inspired to make positive change By SHANNON BOKLASCHUK May 14, 2025 Marlis Merry (MSs’21) believes her graduate education at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has empowered her to “become an effective sustainability changemaker.” Before coming to USask, Merry, who was born and raised in Richmond, B.C., earned a Bachelor of...
‘Writing makes my life meaningful’ - News
Alumnus Dr. Yuan Changming (MA’92, PhD’96), who studied English at the University of Saskatchewan, is an award-winning poet, writer, editor, publisher, tutor, and translator By SHANNON BOKLASCHUK May 5, 2025 Dr. Yuan Changming (MA’92, PhD’96) is grateful for the outstanding education he received at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) as a graduate student in the Department of English in the 1990s.
USask student follows family footsteps
SASKATOON — New USask student Janessa Mirasty is set to follow in the footsteps of many of her family members, who have graduated with Bachelor of Education degrees during the 51-year history of the Indian Teacher Education Program. When Janessa Mirasty begins her studies at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) in September, she will become part of a family legacy.
USask graduate passionate about developing life-saving medicines - News Original
Award-winning pharmacologist Chukwunonso Nwabufo (GPSC’18, MSc’19) has been recognized by Canadian Immigrant Magazine for his contributions to health-care innovation By SHANNON BOKLASCHUK Aug 22, 2024 University of Saskatchewan (USask) graduate Chukwunonso Nwabufo (GPSC’18, MSc’19) has been honoured by Canadian Immigrant Magazine for his contributions to health-care innovation, by being named one of the 2024 winners of the 16th Annual Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards.
Experiences as a Schulich Leader opens doors says USask grad
1 / 1 Through her undergraduate thesis project, Olivia Stewart (BSA’24) demonstrated that a common weed found in Saskatchewan—kochia—is a viable source of cellulose. Here she is pictured with kochia prior to processing. Photo courtesy Olivia Stewart Advertisement
USask graduate grateful for experiences as a Schulich Leader - News
Olivia Stewart (BSA’24), who received a Schulich Leader Scholarship in 2020, graduated from USask with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree (honours) during Spring Convocation in June 2024 By Shannon Boklaschuk Jul 10, 2024 When University of Saskatchewan (USask) graduate Olivia Stewart (BSA’24) received a telephone call four years ago informing her that she was one of Canada’s newest Schulich Leaders, the good news came as a big surprise.
Hard work, dedication, determination pay off for Libby Epoch
SASKATOON — Award-winning Huskie student-athlete Libby Epoch earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree and a Certificate in Professional Communication during spring convocation. As a youth growing up in Moose Jaw, Libby dreamed of becoming an engineer. Earlier this month, Epoch’s dream officially became reality.
USask mourns the passing of Dr. Leslie Dubé
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is remembering the legacy of Saskatoon philanthropist Dr. Leslie (Les) Dubé (LLD'07), who passed away on March 13, 2024, at the age of 91. "On behalf of the University of Saskatchewan, I would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to the Dubé family, and to their many friends and colleagues," said USask President Dr. Peter Stoicheff (PhD).
USask Appoints New Executive Director of the School of Public Health for a Three-year Term
Dr. George Mutwiri (DVM, PhD) says his "current view of leadership is one where all are involved in determining the future of our overall health and well-being." (Photo: Submitted) Dr. George Mutwiri (DVM, PhD) believes there's truth to the adage that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." As a professor and senior leader in the School of Public Health (SPH) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), Mutwiri has witnessed firsthand how preventative measures, such as vaccination,...
Reaping the benefits of practical on-the-job experience
SASKATOON — USask’s Computer Science Professional Internship Program enables students to apply the skills they learn in the classroom to the workplace Chi Vu reflects on “the incredible personal growth” that she’s experienced as an intern at a local digital products and services firm. Vu, a third-year student in the College of Arts and Science at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), is currently enrolled in the Computer Science Professional Internship Program (CSPIP).
Dr. Angela Jaime appointed vice-provost, Indigenous engagement
SASKATOON — Dr. Jaime, an enrolled member of the Pit River Tribe of northern California, previously held the role of interim vice-provost, Indigenous engagement at USask. Dr. Angela M. Jaime (PhD) has been appointed to the role of vice-provost, Indigenous engagement at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) for a five-year term, effective Dec. 1, 2023, to Nov. 30, 2028.
USask introduces course on environmental health
SASKATOON — A new USask College of Nursing course is inspiring students to advocate for environmental sustainability to improve the health of people and the planet. A new course at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is inspiring nursing students to learn more about how they can support ecological health for the benefit of people and the planet.
Biology professor earns USask Distinguished Teacher Award
SASKATOON — Dr. Neil Chilton (PhD) became fascinated with biology as a child growing up in Australia, where he collected crabs on the beach and watched birds in the forest. That early interest in living things led him to study biology at the University of Adelaide. He received a Bachelor of Science degree there in 1981, before going on to earn a Bachelor of Science (honours) degree and a PhD at Flinders University in 1982 and 1991, respectively.
Biology professor to receive USask Distinguished Teacher Award
Dr. Neil Chilton (PhD) became fascinated with biology as a child growing up in Australia, where he collected crabs on the beach and watched birds in the forest. That early interest in living things led him to study biology at the University of Adelaide. He received a Bachelor of Science degree there in 1981, before going on to earn a Bachelor of Science (honours) degree and a PhD at Flinders University in 1982 and 1991, respectively.
Cranston appointed vice-provost, students and learning
Cranston, a scholar-educator, administrator, author, speaker, and leader, has joined the University of Saskatchewan (USask) as vice-provost, students and learning. Cranston, who most recently served as dean and professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina (U of R), began his five-year term as part of USask's senior leadership team on Aug. 1, 2023. Dr. Jerome Cranston (PhD) is USask's new vice-provost, students and learning, and a professor in the College of Education.
Walsworth appointed USask's vice-provost, faculty relations
By Shannon Boklaschuk Dr. Scott Walsworth (PhD), a labour-relations expert, researcher, author, and professor at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), has been appointed as USask's new vice-provost, faculty relations. Dr. Scott Walsworth (PhD), a professor in the Edwards School of Business, will serve as USask's vice-provost, faculty relations for a five-year term.
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