Green & White

U of S Alumni Association

Alumni Association President's Message

Being involved with the Alumni Association is an extremely rewarding experience as it affords you the opportunity to be part of a dynamic community, interact with other U of S alumni, and foster a lifelong relationship with the University of Saskatchewan.

In October, I had the opportunity to host the 2004 Alumni Association Awards and Dinner. It was a pleasure to meet this year's six award recipients who exemplify alumni excellence. Through their leadership, community involvement, and professional dedication they have enhanced the reputation of our alma mater and the alumni they represent. By engaging our scholarship and bursary recipients, current students also had the opportunity to meet with this amazing group of graduates.

The success of events like this one is grounded in the rich tradition of U of S graduates stepping up, getting involved, and making a difference. Volunteers gain and develop valuable skills through hands-on experience outside of their day-to-day responsibilities. They meet people from a variety of professions and help create a community that serves others. Being a volunteer promotes personal growth.

While you may not be able to be directly involved, you can still make a measurable difference through financial support, attending events, mentoring students, and spreading the word about the strengths of our wonderful institution. You can even nominate fellow alumni for awards of excellence. We need to recognize our graduates and promote their success. I invite you to join in and contribute to the exciting evolution of the University of Saskatchewan and its Alumni Association.

I would also like to take this opportunity to express how grateful I am to be working with such an outstanding group of individuals. I thank you for your involvement and I extend a warm invitation to all perspective volunteers.

Rob Theoret, BComm'94

Sharon Butala, Honorary Doctor of Laws

An accomplished author and supporter of the preservation of nature, Sharon Butala (BEd'62, BA'63, PGD'73) received an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree at the Fall 2004 Convocation ceremonies held at Centennial Auditorium on October 23. Butala was born in Nipawin and earned a BA in Art and a BEd from the U of S. She also earned a post-graduate diploma in the Education of Special Children, and became a faculty member of the U of S College of Education. Subsequently, she moved to Eastend, SK, where she embarked on a career as a writer, her subjects being the lives of rural people and the ecology of the short-grass Prairie.

She is the author of 14 books, among them a number of bestsellers. Her other honours include the Canada 125 Commemorative Medal and the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal. She is also an Officer of the Order of Canada.

The New Arts & Science Branch

On Thursday, December 2, the newly-created Arts & Science Alumni Branch burst onto the U of S alumni scene in Calgary hosting their first alumni function. Graduates from the 1950s to the class of 2003 gathered at Schanks Athletic Club South to enjoy fun, food, drinks, mini-golf, and, of course, the chance to share memories of their alma mater. The future of the Calgary Arts & Science Branch looks bright, and all A&S graduates in the area are invited to get involved. For more information, email branch representatives Tracy Hryhoruk at hryhoruk@shaw.ca and Richard Bell at richard.bell@blakes.com.

A&S grads gathered at Schanks Athletic Club South in Calgary

Road to Victory

It was a good year for the U of S Huskies. A win against the Saint Mary's Huskies in the Mitchell Bowl on November 20 guaranteed them a shot at the coveted Desjardins Vanier Cup in Hamilton on November 27. And U of S alumni and friends turned out in force to get behind their team and encourage them on to victory.

During the semi-final game on a chilly-Saskatoon afternoon, alumni and friends braved the cold with the help of the Alumni Association, who fortified fans with hot cocoa and 'dog biscuits' during the game. The Huskies were, of course, victorious and the focus shifted to Hamilton for the final showdown with the Laval Rouge et Or.

On November 27, more than 150 alumni and friends met at Slainte Irish Pub in Hamilton for a spirited social before heading off to the 2004 Desjardins Vanier Cup game at Ivor Wynne Stadium. In spite of a large U of S show of support, as well as alumni rallies in Saskatoon and Edmonton, Laval defeated the U of S Huskies 7-1, the lowest scoring Vanier Cup game in history.

U of S Huskies

Making Muskeg Lake

An hour and twenty minutes North of Saskatoon, the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation is a thriving community of 1500 people with strong ties to the University of Saskatchewan. That's why President MacKinnon (LLM'76), Special Advisor on Aboriginal Initiatives George E. Lafond (BEd'85), and others traveled to Muskeg Lake to meet with students, U of S alumni, and community leaders to discuss the ways in which this small, vibrant community can continue to actively participate in and contribute to the life of the University.

Participating in a series of meetings, presentations, and social events with everyone from elementary students to Elders, the small U of S delegation had the chance to experience first-hand the dynamic social and cultural life of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation. As George E. Lafond remarked, "The visit was a tremendous success. We not only reinforced the commitment of this University to the Aboriginal communities throughout this province, but had the opportunity to strengthen our relationship with a community deeply committed to education."

Peter MacKinnon visiting with students after a presentation to elementary school teachers and students

Ulife 101 graduates

University Life 101

Since 1999, students have had the opportunity to take a university course that teaches them how to succeed in�well, university courses. This may seem strange at first, but proof of the program's success lies not only in increased student-retention rates, but in the smiling faces of the 412 students who successfully completed the course.

On November 27, University Life 101 held its graduation ceremonies in Arts 241 (formerly Place Riel Theatre). The Alumni Association's President-Elect, Joy Crawford (BComm'93) joined in the celebrations and delivered a congratulatory message on behalf of the Alumni Association, which is one of the event's sponsors. "It was incredible and so much fun," explains Crawford. "The University Life 101 program has had tremendous impact for a lot of people."

A woman in Chernihiv region of Ukraine votes in the Dec. 26 presidential election - which Canadian observer and U of S Assistant Professor Ludmilla Voitkovska, right, believes was the first free election in the woman's lifetime. (Photo: Ludmilla Voitkovska)

Toward a Democratic Ukraine

As the result of a visit to Ukraine in mid-November, U of S Assistant Professor of Languages & Linguistics Ludmilla Voitkovska (PhD'99) found herself playing an important role over the past two months at a key point in her native country's history.

Voitkovska became an international observer watching the corrupt November 21 second round of presidential elections, which led to weeks of popular protests in the streets of the capital, Kyiv. After nearly two weeks of mass demonstrations and political maneuvering, the Ukraine Supreme Court ordered the new December. 26 presidential election just as she was returning to Saskatoon.

After being select as a Canadian observer for the final December 26 election, Voitkovska participated directly in Viktor Yushchenko victory over former President Viktor Yanukovych.

On voting day, we were up at 5:00 a.m. and at one polling station at 7:15 a.m. and oversaw the sealing of the ballot box. We then toured all eight polling stations in our territory." Voitkovska says they were then instructed by their team leader to go to a polling station for absentee ballots - "which was one of the major vehicles of fraud in the November 21 election." According to Turner, the election appeared to be fair.

"I was very happy I got to see this," Voitkovska says, "and also very sad. [H]ad it happened earlier, I would not have had to leave my country. I do not want young people to ever be held by the same force that held me."

On the Dec. 26 third-round election day for Ukraine's president, Voitkovska, rigfht, watches as ballots are taken from a ballot box and counting begins. (Photo: Ludmilla Voitkovska)

Find the Work You Love!
Love the Work You Have!

While starting a new job can be one of the most stressful times in your life, it can be equally stressful if you're settled into a career in which you experience little satisfaction and fulfillment. With this in mind, the Student Employment and Career Centre, in partnership with University Advancement, is offering graduates an opportunity to reassess their careers and connect them to the things that matter most in life. Over the course of a 2-day workshop (February 11 and 12 or March 4 and 5), alumni will have the opportunity to learn valuable skills that will assist them in the development of greater connection to and satisfaction with their careers. For more information about this workshop, contact the U of S Student Employment & Career Centre (SECC) at 966-5003 or visit www.students.usask.ca/support/employment/alumni/workshops

Sunday, February 6
Second Annual Chinese New Year Dinner in Ottawa
hosted by ICAN (Inter-University Capital Alumni Network)
Yangtze Restaurant, Ottawa
$40.00/person (tax and tip included), cash bar
Limited seating available
To order tickets, please call University Advancement no later than January 21,
at 1-800-699-1907 and provide credit card information and contact telephone number.

Thursday, February 17
Pan-Canadian Alumni Reception &Gala Dinner
Hosted by Consulate General of Canada in Atlanta
Keynote Speaker: Ken Taylor, Former Ambassador of Canada to Iran
Four Seasons Hotel, Atlanta , GA
$65 (US) RSVP to caroline.lavoie@international.gc.ca

Friday, February 18
All Canadian Universities Alumni Dinner in Coral Gables , FL
Co-hosted by McGill University and McMaster University
With Guest Speaker Dr. Sandra Witelson
Omni Colonnade Hotel
$55 (US) RSVP by February 8 to sophia.johnson@mcgill.ca

Saturday, April 9
All Canada University Association of Washington , DC Area Event
Hosted by York University
Watch for details in February.

U of S MBA Information Sessions:
All Sessions: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Prince Albert
Tuesday, February 1
Salon C, Prince Albert Inn
3680 - 2nd Avenue West

Regina
Tuesday, February 8
Room 210, Assiniboia Club
1925 Victoria Avenue

For more information:
Ph: (306)966-8678, Email: mba@commerce.usask.ca
Website: www.commerce.usask.ca/programs/mba

The President's Tour with Peter MacKinnon

February 28 - March 3, 2005
• Kingston, ON
• Totonto, ON
Monday, March 21, 2005
• North Battleford, SK
Wednesday, April 6, 2005
• La Ronge, SK
May 9 - 12, 2005
• Nova Scotia
• New Brunswick
• Prince Edward Island

L to R: Don Davidson, Gary Vassie, Doug Normandin, Ernie Hamilton,Brian Hayward, Bill Schnitzler, Gary Chappell; sitting: Clarke Campbell, Al Smandych, Bruce Frankard, Fred Oliver

Staying In Touch

Why lose touch with classmates from your university days? This is a difficult question for graduates from the Chemical Engineering Class of 1969 and the Bachelor of Science Nursing Class of 1954, since both have made great efforts to gather as often as they can for Class Reunions. Last summer was yet another example of their fierce loyalty and deep commitment to one another.

The Class of '69 met for their 35th reunion in July 2004 at Lake Diefenbaker, while the Class of '54 reunited in Swift Current on August 20th. Congratulations!

L to R: Ilse McCaw, Vi Drummond, Merle Coates, Sonja Wheeler, Betty Mann

A Reunion to Remember

The weather was perfect as 45 graduates of the College of Law Class of 1979, along with spouses and guests, gathered in Saskatoon for the Thanksgiving weekend for their 25th anniversary class reunion. Festivities began on Friday evening with a reception at the MacPherson, Leslie & Tyerman lounge. Reunion participants received gifts, which included CDs with photographs from the "good old days" and a t-shirt proclaiming, "I survived the Class of '79 reunion."

On Saturday, guests gathered for an excellent lunch at Boffins in Innovation Place, and then attended the main event: a gala dinner and dance at the Riverside Country Club. Complete with toasts and awards, the dinner reacquainted classmates and renewed old friendships. Highlights included the toast to the graduates from Cindi Gaucher and the awarding of "Miss Congeniality" to Doug Moen.

The weekend concluded with brunch at the 'Top of the Inn' on Sunday morning. As one graduate put it, "It was like the last 25 years never happened." Thanks to the organizing committee. Extra CDs and t-shirts are available to members of the Class of '79 on a first-come, first-served basis at mewellsch@sasktel.net.

To view hotel information and a PDF of the Reunion postcard, CLICK HERE (PDF)

Honoured Year Classes Celebrating during Reunion Activities June 23-25 2005:
(Please contact your class/college representative for up-to-date information, or if you would like assistance to arrange for your class to reunite in 2005, please contact the Alumni Relations Office in University Advancement at 306-966-5186, or 1-800-699-1907 or e-mail: Alumni.Office@usask.ca)

CHECK OUR WEBSITE AT www.usask.ca/alumni

Welcoming alumni and guests back to Saskatchewan in 2005 to celebrate the Province's 100th Anniversary

For more information on other class/college reunions being held in 2005, CLICK HERE!

Remembering Our First Lady of Canadian Theatre

While Frances Hyland's (BA'47, Hon. LLD'72) passing this summer at the age of 77 was a devastating loss to the Canadian theatrical community, her lasting contributions to both film and theater, as well as her efforts to improve working conditions for Canadian actors, won't soon be forgotten.

During a prolific career that spanned more than 50 years, Hyland starred in and directed numerous productions at the Stratford and Shaw festivals, and appeared in films, regional theatre, and various CBC television features, such as Road to Avonlea. She also appeared with Chief Dan George in the premier production of George Ryga's The Ecstasy of Rita Joe (1967) in Vancouver.

Disdainful of the idea of leaving Canada for the U.S. and its promise of more money, Hyland was a vigorous champion of greater status and higher pay for Canadian actors. In 1994, she won the Governor General's Performing Arts Award, at which time Governor General Ray Hnatyshyn dubbed her the first lady of Canadian theatre.

Did you know�

University of Saskatchewan graduates are eligible for a number of discounts on a wide variety of university services. Check out www.usask.ca/alumni under Alumni Services & Benefits for a current list of available discounts. Watch for your chance to win an iPOD.