Graduate student Andrea De Roo speaks to Greystone Circle members about how a scholarship created by a bequest gift helped her to realize her academic passion

Greystone Circle holds annual event for members

The sun was shining over the Boffins Club patio on Tuesday June 24 for the annual gathering of the University of Saskatchewan’s Greystone Circle members.

By Kelsey Topola

First introduced in the 1990s, the Greystone Circle is the University of Saskatchewan’s society to honour individuals for their current and future gifts to the U of S. This year’s event was hosted by the Greystone Circle’s patron member and U of S Chancellor Emerita Vera Pezer. “Many of you are alumni and have made a commitment to help others follow in your footsteps because of what your university education has done for your own life,” said Pezer, “Whatever your reason, we all share a common commitment to supporting the excellence of our university.”

Guests were treated to an array of student talent with musical performances by pianists Anya Pogorelova and Richard Chan, both students in the Department of Music, as well as speaker Andrea De Roo. De Roo, who is a graduate student in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources, spoke to donors about how scholarships established through bequest gifts allowed her to devote her time to her passion: plant sciences.

Interim President Gordon Barnhart was also on hand for the event. "I want you to know how important the Greystone Circle, and every one of you here today, is to us" noted Barnhart. "You are making a real difference for students, for researchers, and for our entire campus.  Thank you for being here to let us celebrate you and your support." For more information about planning a charitable estate gift and becoming a member of the Greystone Circle, contact the Planned Giving Office at giving@usask.ca.