Dr. Lorne Babiuk (BSA’67, MSc’69, DSc’87, DSc’14)

Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Lorne Babiuk (BSA’67, MSc’69, DSc’87, DSc’14) is an internationally recognized leader in Canadian vaccine research who has devoted his career to safeguarding the health of people and animals at home and abroad. His contributions to immunology, virology, and vaccinology have led to the development of vaccines that have significantly impacted global health outcomes by reducing mortality and morbidity.

Born in Canora, Sask., Babiuk earned Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Master of Science degrees at the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) before receiving his PhD at the University of British Columbia and an earned Doctor of Science degree in veterinary microbiology at USask. Babiuk began his professional career at USask in 1973 in the Department of Veterinary Medicine at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), where he became a full professor in 1979. In 1980, he joined the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) at USask, where he held various positions that culminated in his appointment as director in 1993. Read more.

Dr. Tom Warkentin (PhD’92)

Lifetime Achievement Award

A renowned plant breeder, Dr. Tom Warkentin (PhD’92) has been instrumental in meeting the evolving needs of the agricultural sector, particularly as demand for plant-based protein continues to rise around the world. Through his breeding program, Warkentin is ensuring farmers have access to plant varieties that are not only productive but aligned with industry standards for food processing and nutrition. His work also addresses major agronomic challenges, such as root rot in peas—a disease that significantly affects crop yields in Western Canada.

Warkentin earned his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Master of Science degrees at the University of Manitoba before coming to the University of Saskatchewan (USask), where he earned his PhD in 1992. In 1999, he joined USask as an associate professor and in 2008 he became a full professor. Today, at the Crop Development Centre (CDC) within USask’s College of Agriculture and Bioresources, Warkentin’s research is centered on developing high-performing pea and soybean cultivars tailored for Western Canada and northern U.S. regions. He also leads the Field Pea and Soybean Crop Breeding and Genetics program as the Ministry of Agriculture Strategic Research Program (SRP) Chair. With a strong foundation in both conventional and genomic breeding techniques, Warkentin aims to enhance crop resilience, disease resistance, and end-use quality. Read more.

Piya Chattopadhyay (BA’95)

Outstanding Impact Award

Award-winning Canadian broadcast journalist Piya Chattopadhyay (BA’95) is known as one of the country’s most trusted voices in public broadcasting. With a career spanning more than two decades in radio and television, she has built a distinguished reputation for thoughtful, probing journalism that brings diverse voices and complex issues to the forefront of public conversation.

Born and raised in Saskatoon, Sask., to parents who immigrated to Saskatchewan from India in 1968, Chattopadhyay earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political studies at the College of Arts and Science at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) in 1995 before studying journalism in Toronto. Her education at USask laid the foundation for a career in broadcast media that has been defined by intellectual rigour, curiosity, and a strong commitment to public-service storytelling. Read more. 

John Desjarlais (BE’11, MBA’15)

Outstanding Impact Award

As a professional engineer, John Desjarlais (BE’11, MBA’15) is committed to seeking solutions that address some of the challenges and opportunities faced by society, including Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan and across Canada. A Néhinaw-Métis citizen from Cumberland House, Sask., and a respected leader in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and business, Desjarlais facilitates sustainable economic development that respects Indigenous sovereignty and advocates for equitable inclusion in the natural resources sector.

Desjarlais’ career path in the natural resources sector began in 2001, when he completed classes at the Northern Professional Access College (NORPAC) and a certificate in radiation and environmental monitoring at Northlands College in La Ronge, Sask. Shortly thereafter, he began his career in the mining industry, working with Cameco—one of the world’s largest uranium producers—for 16 years in a variety of increasingly senior roles. While at Cameco, Desjarlais decided to study at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree at the College of Engineering in 2011, followed by a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree at the Edwards School of Business in 2015. Read more. 

Bryce Boynton (BSN’17)

One to Watch Award

Bryce Boynton (BSN’17) is a registered nurse and a leader in Saskatchewan’s health-care system who is passionate about creating positive environments for patients and nurses alike. Since graduating from the College of Nursing at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) in 2017, Boynton has made a difference in urban, rural, and remote communities and has worked in a variety of settings, including in public health, primary care, home care, mental health and addictions, and dental care.

In 2025, Boynton was elected as the president of the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN)—a remarkable achievement at this relatively early stage of his career. In his role with SUN, which represents more than 11,000 registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses, and nurse practitioners across the province, Boynton leads with openness, collaboration, and respect for those he represents, as well as for the patients and the clients they serve. His ability to navigate complex perspectives, foster collaboration, and ground discussions in evidence has earned him widespread credibility among SUN members, policymakers, and external partners. Read more.

Cianna Murray (BSKI’17, BEd’18)

One to Watch Award

Cianna Murray (BSKI’17, BEd’18) is an accomplished international ice hockey referee whose career has been defined by excellence, leadership, and a lasting impact on the growth of the game. Beginning her officiating journey at just 12 years old, Murray has since become one of Canada’s top officials, representing the country at multiple Olympic Winter Games and IIHF Women’s World Championships.

Murray grew up in Cudworth, Sask., and earned two degrees at the University of Saskatchewan (USask): A Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2017and a Bachelor of Education in 2018. Currently teaching Grade 7 in rural Saskatchewan, Murray is committed to education and to community, bringing her passion and dedication from the rink into her work as a teacher in the classroom. Beyond her elite officiating career, she has dedicated time to mentoring young officials, particularly girls and women, through clinics, camps, and one-on-one guidance, helping to create inclusive pathways in a traditionally male-dominated sport. Her volunteerism also extends to local hockey programs and schools in Saskatchewan, where she shares her experiences and inspires young people to pursue their dreams. Read more.

Award design

The use of greystone is intentional in our Alumni Achievement award. You might recognize it as the defining feature found on many USask buildings.

Past recipients

Who are Alumni Achievement Award winners? They are leaders in their fields and being what the world needs.

• View photo album of 2025 event