President’s Message

January 5, 2007

Exactly 100 years ago, the founders of the University of Saskatchewan articulated their vision of building a world-class institution of higher learning on the banks of a swiftly flowing river surrounded by prairie.

It was a bold vision, but one that has become a reality. Building on the ideas that first took shape in 1907, successive generations of students, faculty, staff and administrators have created a University with a rich and varied history of both teaching and learning. We have also maintained throughout those years an acute awareness of the important role we, as an institution, play in our community, our province and our country.

As we move through our anniversary year, I hope you share the feeling of still being connected to our past, and the original vision of our founders, for we are indeed a world-class institution on the banks of a prairie river. From here, we also look forward to our second century, and the new challenges and opportunities that present themselves.

We are called to continue to advance the original vision and we will do that by firmly establishing the distinguishing features for which the University of Saskatchewan will be known – international standards in all activities, academic pre-eminence, and a sense of place.

Throughout this centennial year, I invite you to join me in celebrating our successes with pride, and anticipating our future with excitement. The University of Saskatchewan is ready to move boldly into our second century, knowing our mission is to engage fully in all we do, to enlighten all we serve, and to explore all aspects of our world.

Peter MacKinnon, President
University of Saskatchewan