It’s the People of USask who enable us to be what the world needs.
Our alumni, donors, researchers, students, staff, and faculty all play a part in fulfilling the USask mission of Being What the World Needs. The People of USask photoblog series shares the stories of these unique individuals.
Connie Gerwing (BEd’78, MEd’81) is a believer in lifelong education. During her first time as a student at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), she earned her bachelor and master of education degrees. She taught for a few years and then created a career at Saskatchewan Polytechnic (formerly SIAST) as an education counsellor, where she supported students in their education journeys and taught a few classes. Now in retirement, Gerwing has returned to USask, both as a student and as a donor. This spring, Gerwing will graduate with a bachelor of arts degree majoring in history.
Dr. Asit Sarkar’s passion for the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has grown over the years. He retired after 37 years of service in the Edwards School of Business as a professor, department head, associate dean, and acting dean.
Matt Petrow (BComm’10, MPAcc’12) is the chief financial officer at Coconut Software in Saskatoon. It’s a business that provides customer engagement software, mainly appointment scheduling and video banking solutions for financial institutions.
Lori Delorme is an Indigenous Student Success Lead at the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre. She celebrated 25 years working for the University of Saskatchewan (USask) in 2022.
Bruce Sinclair (BEd’92), a University of Saskatchewan Métis drama professor, is Indigenous Storyteller-in-Residence for 2023 at the University Library. He is a Métis theatre artist, teacher, student of the nehiyawewin (Cree) and Michif languages, and teaches drama at USask to SUNTEP\ITEP\ISAP students. We asked him a few questions about the importance of words and writing.
Dr. Zita Seshie (PhD’19) has always had a passion for education. As a young girl in Ghana (West Africa), she was taught about the importance of a love for learning. Her mother was uneducated but had a passion to ensure her children received the best education possible. Dr. Seshie’s upbringing is what continues to inspire her to pursue a life of learning and to conduct research in social justice of the right for girls to receive an education in Africa.
Karina Lenko (BSA’22) grew up in Calgary, hearing stories about the University of Saskatchewan (USask) campus from her mother. She is a third generation USask graduate after her mother, Brenda Kurtz Lenko (BE’86), and her grandfather, Victor Lenko (BSPh’60, BA’70).
Nat Banting (BEd’10, BSc’10) is a Saskatoon-based educator that teaches mathematics full-time in with Saskatoon Public Schools and works as a mathematics education lecturer for the University of Saskatchewan (USask) and St. Francis Xavier University.
Alana Pancyr (BFA’13) is an artist and actress living in Toronto. As a multimedia artist, she has created digital works and pieces using the mediums acrylic and oil paint. Since her time as a student at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), Pancyr has acted in many on-stage and on-screen productions, such as The Handmaid’s Tale and Murdoch Mysteries.
Jessie Buydens (BA’00, BA’03, LLB’06, LLM’08) has always taken the opportunity that was presented to her and worked hard to have the best possible outcome.
“My parents really valued education and really supported us to go to university. Deborah received so much through her education at USask and I think she really wanted to make sure others had the opportunity to achieve their university education opportunities and goals.”- Verla Chatsis (BA’84, BSP’85)
Mays Al-Dulaymi (PhD’18) obtained her Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from Al-Zaytoonah University in Jordan before coming to USask to pursue her master’s degree.
Bryan McCrea (BComm’09) and Evan Willoughby (BE’10) met at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) and quickly evolved from business partners to friends.
Christine Marie (BEd’10) is a proud SUNTEP and University of Saskatchewan (USask) alumna. She embraces her Métis and Filipino ancestry in all her roles, as a teacher, entrepreneur and mother to two boys.
T.J. Warren (BEd’19, MEd’20) is a high school teacher (Indigenous Studies, Art and English) in Big River First Nation in northwestern Saskatchewan. He’s originally from Red Mesa, AZ, and is a proud member of the Diné Nation.
A strong passion for history, an affinity to serve his country, and a strong devotion to justice inspired WO Sean Mihalcheon (JD’19) to join the Canadian Forces and become a barrister and solicitor.
A passion for history, a love for Canada, and wanting to be a part of something greater than himself is what inspired Capt. Sheldon Maerz (BSA’86) to join the Canadian Forces.
Since her time as an undergrad student at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), the Honourable Dr. Lynda Haverstock (BEd’72, MEd’77, PhD’85) has been a trailblazer in several fields and an inspiration to many. She now celebrates the distinction of being a 2022 Golden Grad.
