Students topped Fox’s focus while on campus

A new student award at USask will honour the memory of Lennard Fox, who spent 25 years as a student accounts specialist working with students to help them overcome financial barriers and achieve academic success.

Fox was a partner, dad, moshum (grandad), poet and world bronze-medalist in slo-pitch. But for many, he will be remembered as a committed and compassionate man who touched the lives of countless USask students – many of whom arrived in Saskatoon as international students or from remote areas.

When Fox passed away unexpectedly in July 2022 at the age of 57, his family and partner Louise Ferguson, were overwhelmed, but not surprised, by the outpouring of support from the campus community and former students.

“We weren’t surprised, but I think Lennard would have been,” said Ferguson. “I don't think he fully understood the impact that he had on the students. However, when a student did show appreciation for what he’d done—whether it be a message, a voicemail, or email—he was always very, very touched by that.”

Ferguson recalled one gift in particular she received after Fox’s passing which made her truly appreciate the affect he had on USask students.

“He worked a lot with international students, so if they were visiting their home country, they would often bring him back a gift,” said Ferguson.

“Even after he passed, a gift was delivered for him by one of the students he had helped. It was a sash embroidered with his name; the words ‘In Kindness’, which he used in his email signature; a heart (the Ghanaian symbol of love, goodwill, and consistency); and a rib cage (the Ghanaian symbol of endurance and resourcefulness). You could see a lot of thought had gone into it.”

Tannicka Reeves, a Western College of Veterinary Medicine student from Whitehorse, Yukon, met Fox in 2014. Over the years, he helped her navigate student central and paying tuition.

“Lennard was the person who I always felt was in my corner and on my side—an advocate if I ever needed one,” said Reeves. “He was an integral part of me feeling welcome and cared for on campus, and I imagine a lot of students feel the same way.”

While Fox’s area of focus was student finances, Ferguson said he often went above and beyond to make sure students felt supported in all areas, often reaching out to colleagues to secure additional resources or lending a sympathetic ear.

“He was such a great shoulder to lean on,” said Ferguson. “He just had that ability to really listen to people—well, everyone except me,” she joked.

Fox’s reputation of kindness and compassion extended beyond his role as a student accounts specialist. Whether it was picking up a coffee and doughnuts for a student or cracking a joke with his colleagues in the hallways, his genuine care for others was evident.

“It was just what he did,” said Ferguson. “He didn't think he was going out of his way. He didn't think he was doing anything extraordinary, but Lennard had a unique ability to make a person feel like they were the most important person on the planet,” a sentiment that was expressed by many people at his funeral, she added.

In honour of his commitment to student success, Ferguson, along with three of Lennard’s daughters, Tashina, Lisa and Gina Paskimin, established an award to support and inspire students.

The award will be given out based on academic achievement and rotated between three programs thoughtfully chosen by Ferguson and Fox’s daughters.

In the first year, it will be awarded to an undergraduate student in the Edwards School of Business, representing Lennard’s background in business administration.

The following year, it will go to a student in ITEP (Indian Teacher Education Program) as Lisa is an alumna of that program.

Finally, in the third year, it will be awarded to a student majoring in Indigenous Studies.

“We want it to be given to a student who shows an interest in learning about not only Canadian Indigenous history and culture, but the history and culture of Indigenous peoples worldwide,” said Ferguson. “I think that would have been important to Lennard.”

To be eligible for the award, students must be in their final year of study to show commitment, just as Fox exhibited commitment throughout his career.

While the award is set up to last only three years, the amount could be increased, or future awards could be added, if additional donations are received.

“We don’t know for sure how much, if any, additional funding it’s going to generate, but if there was enough to keep the award going, that would be wonderful,” said Ferguson. “It won’t be the same as Lennard being hands-on or being there to listen, but it’s a way to continue the good work he did with students for all those years.”

“We want Lennard to be remembered for his passion for ensuring student success, but above all his kindness. He was just so kind.”

---

Contributions to the Lennard Fox Memorial Award can be made online or by phone at 306-966-5186.