A Gathering of Friends

Beginning a week of celebrations to mark the grand-re-opening of the U of S Bookstore, His Honour the Honourable Dr. Gordon Barnhart (BA'67, PhD'98), U of S Chancellor Vera Pezer (BA'62, MA'64, PhD'77), U of S Chancellor Emeritus Thomas Molloy (BA'64, LLB'64, LLD'09), member of the U of S Board of Governors Grit McCreath (BEd'91) and Paralympic medalist Heather Kuttai (BA'94, MSc'09) gathered at Palliser Garden—a little known oasis tucked beside Marquis Hall on the U of S campus—to share their bond to the U of S and their literary experiences.

The tales shared were as diverse as the authors themselves, but one thread tied them all together—affinity and affection toward the University of Saskatchewan and the Bookstore. After brief comments from each author, speakers mingled with guests to share common experiences with old and new acquaintances alike, discussing the role the Bookstore played before, during and after their time on campus.

It was a day in the garden like no other.

About the authors:

His Honour Dr. Gordon Barnhart is the 20th Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan and is recognized as one of the nation's leading experts on Canadian parliamentary process. He taught at the U of S and served as U of S secretary from 2000-05. Peace, Progress and Prosperity, the first detailed biography of Walter Scott, Saskatchewan's first premier, is arguably his most recognized published work.

Vera Pezer, sports psychologist and member of the Saskatchewan Sports and Canadian Curling Halls of Fame, is the current chancellor at the U of S. She started working at the U of S in 1966 and served in many capacities, including professor, director of student counseling and assistant dean at the College of Arts and Science. She has authored two books, her most recent being Smart Curling: How to Perfect Your Game Through Mental Training.

Thomas Molloy has played a key role in many landmark Aboriginal claims settlements in Canada and has earned a reputation as a leading expert treaty negotiator. He served as U of S chancellor from 2001-07. He wrote the award winning book The World is Our Witness: The Historic Journey of the Nisga'a into Canada.

Grit McCreath served on the U of S Senate and now sits on the U of S Board of Governors. She has received considerable recognition for her work in education and in the not-for-profit sector. She co-authored Waskesiu and its Neighbours: A Casual Illustrated History, a celebration of Prince Albert National Park's 80th anniversary.

Heather Kuttai is a three-time Paralympic medalist and proud mother of two. She currently works as manager of human resources, marketing and communications at the Saskatchewan Abilities Council. Her book Maternity Rolls: Pregnancy, Childbirth and Disability recounts her experiences as a paraplegic and mother.

About the Bookstore renovations:

"The Bookstore has undergone some major renovations. We have brought in new products and we have enhanced our online store," says Mark Jagoe, director of retail services at the U of S. One thing that has not changed is the extensive collection of professional and technical reference material. "Being a university bookstore, we have material you just can't find anywhere else in the province. And we also have a wide variety of general reference material too."

Complementing the collection of books, the Bookstore sells U of S and Huskie branded clothing and merchandise and has a comprehensive selection of art supplies.

Re-opening celebrations continue until Aug. 21 with daily special guest authors, displays and in-store specials.

The U of S Bookstore is open to the public six days a week, or online 24 hours a day seven days a week. For more information visit www.usask.ca/bookstore.