The Alumni Achievement Awards recognize graduates of the University of Saskatchewan for excellence, leadership, and innovation in their achievements and contributions to the social, cultural, and economic well-being of society, which positively reflect on the University of Saskatchewan and the Alumni Association.

Alumni successes will be recognized through their exemplary contributions in fields such as:

Established in 1978, the University of Saskatchewan Alumni Association Awards honour the outstanding accomplishments of our alumni and attest to the excellence of the University of Saskatchewan educational experience.

Read the terms of reference for details.

Congratulations to our 2012 award recipients!
A reception was held November 2 at the Delta Bessborough Hotel in Saskatoon to honour and celebrate the recipients. 

View photographs from the event

Thank you to the following event sponsors:

Austin Beggs (BA’74) for his role in helping grow innovation and research in Saskatoon and throughout Saskatchewan.
	During his 28-year career at Innovation Place, Austin was part of the team that transformed the research park from two buildings with six clients into an internationally recognized cluster of 28 buildings housing 185 clients in three cities. These clusters of expertise, innovation and research contribute close to $1 billion to the provincial economy each year. As president of the Association of University Research Parks and a founding member of AURP Canada, Austin traveled the world interacting with numerous organizations while promoting Saskatchewan.
Dr. Sasha Bernatsky (BSc’88) for her contributions to internal medicine in the fields of rheumatology, epidemiology and research focused on improving the outcomes for persons with systemic lupus (SLE).
	Receiving medical and postgraduate training at a variety of Canadian universities, Sasha is an associate professor in the Department of Medicine at McGill University, where her current research focuses on an international cohort study of cancer and mortality in SLE with further assessments of risk factors for cancer in this disease. She is a scholar of the Canadian Arthritis Network and is a member of many national and international research networks.
Dr. Anne Doig (MD’76) for her leadership and commitment to family medicine and the medical profession.
	On top of serving patients in a full-time clinical practice for her entire 34-year career, Anne has served her profession through the Saskatchewan Medical Association, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan and the Canadian Medical Association—where she currently serves as past-president. She is also a clinical associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at the U of S and was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of STARS—Saskatchewan’s new helicopter air ambulance service.
Elaine Golds (BA’64) for her life-long commitment to volunteerism and environmental sustainability.
	After a short career doing biomedical research, Elaine has spent more than 20 years as a full-time volunteer devoted to environmental activities in British Columbia. She has become a familiar public figure in the Greater Vancouver area, dedicated to the education of citizens, business people, and elected officials on environmental issues that include forests, water and fish habitat. She has inspired many other volunteers to protect BC’s natural resources and is a regular contributor to local publications on environmental issues.
Digvir Jayas, FRSC (PhD’87) for his research and significant contributions to the agricultural industry.
	Digvir is registered professional engineer and registered professional agrologist. Holding a Canada Research Chair in stored-grain ecosystems, he conducts research related to drying, handling and storing grains and oilseeds and digital image processing for grading and processing operations in the agri-food industry. Digvir has authored or co-authored over 700 technical articles in scientific journals, conference proceedings and books dealing with storing, drying, handling and quality monitoring of grains. He is currently the vice-president (research and international) at the University of Manitoba.
Professor Emeritus Radhey Lal Kushwaha (PhD’67) for his service to the engineering profession—nationally and internationally.
	Lal is one of the first recipients of a PhD in Agricultural Engineering in Canada.* His international activities and collaboration—that reach into Asia, Africa and South and Central America—has garnered much recognition from engineering bodies and industry to build upon the reputation of the U of S. He has made significant contributions to soil–machine interactions—and the transfer of resulting technologies to developing countries—particularly to mechanically neutralize anti-personnel and anti-tank landmines, an area in which he is co-holder of three patents. * Thanks to our friends at University Archives, we know Lal and William Ernest Muir (BE’62, PhD’67) were the first to receive this degree at the U of S. Although we cannot verify beyond a shadow of a doubt, their research indicates these were the first PhD-level degrees in Agricultural Engineering awarded in Canada.
Robert (Bob) McKercher, QC (BA’50, LLB’52) for his contributions to and the advancement of the law profession in Canada.
	Having practiced law in Saskatchewan almost his entire career, Bob—along with his brother, Donald—established the law firm now known as McKercher LLP. Bob served as president of the Law Society of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan branch of the Canadian Bar Association and the Canadian Bar Association. Bob and his wife of 60 years, Peggy, are proud U of S supporters, helping establish two lecture series in the College of Law and establishing the Huskie Academic and Athletic Award of Excellence.
Dr. Bruce McManus, FRSC, FCAHS (BAPE’67, MD’77) for his contributions to cardiovascular research and treatment.
	As a well-known and recognized cardiovascular researcher, Bruce has made many contributions in the areas of organ transplantation and heart injury and failure. Some of his most significant contributions include work regarding the diagnosis and treatment of heart muscle injury in relation to viral infection, and the prediction, diagnosis, treatment, and management of immune and inflammatory diseases in transplanted patients and in distinct forms of heart failure. Bruce holds numerous patents and has long been committed to mentoring scientists and clinical trainees.
Chancellor Emeritus Edward (Ted) Turner, CM, SOM (D/Agric’48, LLD (honorary)’89) for his leadership in agriculture and service to the University of Saskatchewan.
	Ted worked his way from the family farm to being president of the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. He was active in the expansion of the Wheat Pool’s commercial enterprises and served on several national committees and boards—including the Conference Board of Canada and as an advisor to the Economic Council of Canada. He was an advisor in negotiations of the Canada – USA Free Trade Agreement and other international agreements. Ted played a significant role in fundraising for the Agriculture and Bioresources building and the First and Best capital campaign.
Garrett Wilson, QC (BA’53, LLB’54) for his contributions to law, business, politics and literature.
	Before being named an honorary life member of the Law Society of Saskatchewan, Garrett practiced law for over five decades, serving as a Regina city prosecutor and counsel to the Regina Police Service. Both personal and business interests in wildlife led to an honorary lifetime membership in the Regina Wildlife Federation. Garrett also served the Liberal parties of Saskatchewan and Canada in a variety of roles, including campaign manager. All of his experiences contribute to his growing collection of literary works making Saskatchewan’s story accessible to all.
Young Alumni Achievement Award Natasha Haskey (BSNT’98, MSc’07) for her work improving the nutritional well-being of children.
	Natasha began her career as a registered dietitian working with Saskatchewan families in pediatric nutrition—a field in which she acted as a mentor to both students and professional dietitians. Starting with her graduate research, Natasha has developed a niche discipline of probiotics and inflammatory bowel disease that has led to a role on a multi-disciplinary team with the Saskatoon Health Region. She also provides fourth-year nutrition students with experiential learning opportunities as a clinical assistant professor with the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition.
Young Alumni Achievement Award Karl Miller (BA’98, BComm’01) for his contributions as an entrepreneur and businessman.
	Combining his education in business and regional urban development, Karl has successfully melded his passions to become a leader in real estate development in Saskatoon. Karl is a founding partner and president of Meridian Development Corporation, a Saskatoon-based company that has worked on high-profile projects such as the re-development of the historic King George Hotel, the Luxe condominiums on Broadway Avenue and the recently completed undergraduate student residences at the University of Saskatchewan.

Alumni Achievement Award Recipients

2012

Austin Beggs, BA’74
Dr. Sasha Bernatsky, BSc’88
Dr. Anne Doig, MD’76
Elaine Golds, BA’64
Digvir Jayas, PhD’87
Prof. Emeritus Radhey Lal Kushwaha, PhD’67
Robert (Bob) McKercher, BA’50, LLB’52
Dr. Bruce McManus, BAPE’67, MD’77
Chancellor Emeritus Edward (Ted) Turner, D/Agric’48, honorary LLD’89
Garrett Wilson, BA’53, LLB’54

Young Alumni Achievement Awards:
Natasha Haskey, BSNutr’98, MSc’07
Karl Miller, BA’98, BComm’01

2011

B. E. (Bev) Allen, BSP’73
Tony Dagnone, BComm’65
L. David Dubé, BA’84
Rui Feng, PhD’92
Edward Hudek, BSA’40
Ken Linnen, BE’72
Terrence Veeman, BSA’62

In 2011, the format of the awards changed, eliminating the previous categories of awards.

Alumni Award of Achievement
1979 Mr. W. Hugh Arscott, BComm’48
1980 Dr. J. Francis Leddy, BA’30, MA’31, PhD, LLD’65
1981 Dr. Howard T. Fredeen, BSA’43, MSc(Alta), PhD (Iowa)
1982 Mr. Henry J. Fast, BSc’40
1983 Dr. Clayton O. Person, BA’49, MS’51, PhD (Alta)
1984 Dr. Jack Shaw, BA’34
1985 Mr. Norman K. Rebin, BA’59
1986 Mr. Lyman R. Hill, BEd’68, P/G Dip Ed. Admin’70, MEd’79
1987 Dr. Neil S. Crawford, BA’51, LLB’54
1988 Dr. Robert G. Robertson, LLD’59, BA (Oxford), MSc (TOR)
1989 Professor Jack L. Summers, BSP’49, MSP’52 (Iowa)
1990 Mrs. M. Lorraine Hill, BSN’60, M/Cont. Ed’79
1991 Mrs. Marian A. Younger, BA’28, BComm’53
1992 Mrs. Ann L. Schulman, BSN’65
1993 Dr. V. Elizabeth Dowdeswell, BSHEc’66, MSc (Utah), LLD’94
1996 Dr. G.W. (Scotty) Cameron, BComm’55, LLD’97
1997 Mr. F.J. Hartley Fredeen, BSA’43, MSc’51
1997 Mrs. Margaret Fredeen, BSN’47
1998 Dr. Gwenna M. Moss, BSHEc’59, MSc (WIS)’68, PhD (WIS)’70
1999 Mr. Gordon A. Wilson, BSA'48
2000 Mr. Harold H. MacKay, BA'60, LLB'63 (DAL)
2001 Mr. William Thomas (Tom) Molloy, BA'64, LLB'64
2002 Dr. Vera R. Pezer, BA'62; MA'64; PhD'77
2003 Dr. Louise Forsyth, BA'55; MA'63 (UWO); PhD'66 (UWO)
2004 Dr. Ernest (Ernie) Walker, C.M., S.O.M., BEd'71, MA'78, PhD'80 (TEX)
2005 Dr. Bryan Harvey, BSA'60, MSc'61, PhD'64 (CAF)
2006 Dr. Glen Baker, BSP'70, MSc’72, PhD’74, DSc’00 
2007 Mr. W. Brett Wilson, BE'79
2008 Dr. Russ Kisby, BAPE'63, LLD'96
2009 Dr. Malcolm Wilson, MSc'77, PhD'81
2010 Dr. Ernest Olfert, BA'65, DVM'69, MSc'76

 Alumni Honour Award
1998 Ms. Arlis McQuarrie, Dip PT'73; BPT (ALT)'77; BA'79
1999 Ms. Ruth Smillie, 1st year BFA, 1973-74
2000 Mr. William Thomas (Tom) Molloy, BA'64, LLB'64
2001 The Honorable Allen B. Sulatycky, BA'62, LLB'62
2002 Dr. Milkha Singh Aulakh, BSc'72 Guru Nanak Dev Univ (India), MSc'74 Punjab Agric Univ (India), PhD'83
2003 Dr. Sharon Butala, Bed'62; BA'63; PGD'73, LLD'00 (Regina)
2004 Dr. John Leonard (Len) Gusthart, BEd'69, BA'71, MEd'75
2005 Ms. Tania Miller, BMusEd'91
2006 Dr. William (Bill) Waiser, S.O.M., MA'76, PhD'83
2007 Mr. Don Bateman, BE'56

Alumni Excellence in Aboriginal Initiatives Award
2005 Mr. Orest Murawsky, BA'71, BEd'74, MEduc'75
2006 Ms. Marie (Sharon) LaFlamme, BEd'91, PGD'01
2007 Mr. Richard Dubé, BMUSED'94
2008 Mr. Gordon Martell, BEd'91, MEduc'98
2009 Mr. Cort Dogniez, BEd'79, PGD'92
2010 Dr. Cecil King, BEd'73, MEduc'75

Alumni Humanitarian Award
1998 Ms. Grace Davis Pine, BSc '30, Med. Cert. '31
1999 Mr. Gordon A. Wilson, BSA'48
2000 Mr. Ivan D. Yaholnitsky, BA'79, MA'86
2001 Mr. Douglas C. Hodson, Bcomm'81, LLB'84
2002 Mr. Norman Rebin, BA'59 Mrs. Delva Rebin, BA'58
2003 Mr. Peter Zakreski, BA'61
2004 Mr. David Rodney, BA'87, BEd'88
2005 Ms. Eileen Skinnider, LLB’87, Dr. Marie Skinnider, MD’87, & Ms. Kathleen Skinnider, BSN’91
2006 Dr. Ann McCaig, C.M.; A.O.E, BEd’61, LLD'01
2007 Ms. Sylvia Cholodnuik, BSHEC'85
2008 Mr. Levi Goertz, BE'04
2009 Mr. Lorne Gelowitz, S.V.M., BA'83
2010 Mr. Garth Herbert, Bcomm'91

Alumni Service Award
1998 Mr. Glenden (Glen) W. Hass, BSA’60; Ed Dip’65; BEd’66; MCEd’76
1999 Mr. Gordon A. Wilson, BSA'48
2000 FOCUS (Friends of the College of Engineering, University of Saskatchewan) - Calgary Chapter
2001 Mr. Robert E. Brack, BSA'52, MSc'61 (WIS)
2002 Ms. Patricia (Pat) F. Currie, BA'59; MA'62
2003 Dr. Donald Stefiuk, BSC'73; MD'77
2004 Mr. Kenneth Ready, BSP'53
2005 Ms. Catherine Gryba, BSPE’84
2006 Dr. David Keegan, BA’60 (Cum Laude), MD’64
2007 Ms. Carrie Allen, BA'00
2008 Dr. Don Hamilton, BSc'68, DVM'70, PHD'74
2009 Ms. Susan Milburn, Bcomm'78, MBA'80
2010 Ms. Laurel Krause, BSHEc '75, BEd'77

Alumni Mentorship Award
1999 Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation
2000 Mr. Richard L. Johnson, BSN'70, BA'86
2001 Nutana Collegiate, Saskatoon
2002 Ms. Patricia (Pat) A. Thomas, BCOMM'89 (U os S), CA'80 (Sask), CACE'00 (UVic)
2003 Mr. Alan Thomarat, BA'95
2004 Mr. Jerold (Jerry) J. Peters, BA'87, BEd'88, MEd'96 (VIC)
2005 Professor Margaret Crossley, BA’82, MA’84, PhD’89
2006 Dr. Thomas Hadjistavropoulos, MA’87, PhD’91
2007 Mr. Brent Banda, MBA'01, BCOMM'97
2008 Dr. Jocelyne Martel, MD'90
2009 Ms. Betty-Ann Heggie, BEd'75
2010 Dr. William Frischke, DVM'76

Outstanding Young Alumni Award
2000 Dr. Aaron James Marshall, BSc'92, PhD'97 (TOR)
2001 Mr. Trent McConaghy, BSc'99, BE(EL)'99
2002 Mr. Christopher (Chris)D. Labrecque, BSc'99;BE(EP)'99
2003 Mr. Benjamin Voss, BE'99
2004 Ms. Garnette Weber, BSPT'96 and Mr. Daniel Weber, BSC'96
2005 Mr. Amit Gupta, BE(EE)’99, BSc’99
2006 Dr. Thomas Yu, DMD’03
2007 Mr. Andrew McCreath, BA'99
2008 Mr. Chad Hamre, BE'05
2009 Dr. Alika Lafontaine, MD'06
2010 Ms. Kelly-Anne Riess, BA'02