Honouring individuals for their distinguished achievements is a longstanding convocation tradition at Sask Polytech

June 2025

Saskatchewan Polytechnic proudly continues its long-standing tradition of honouring individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their communities, industries and the province.

Honorary degrees are awarded to distinguished leaders whose achievements embody the institution’s vision and values. These recipients help shape a learning environment rooted in applied education and innovation, inspiring success in every learning journey and empowering a stronger Saskatchewan.

“We proudly acknowledge our honorary degree recipients for their unwavering dedication to their communities and extend our heartfelt congratulations on these well-deserved honours,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO of Sask Polytech. “Their outstanding leadership, and commitment to making our province a better place to live and work is truly inspiring.”

Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Moose Jaw campus honorary degree in Applied Studies – Rob Clark

Sask Polytech is proud to recognize Rob Clark with an honorary degree in Applied Studies at its Moose Jaw campus convocation.

A lifelong resident of Moose Jaw, Clark is a highly respected business leader whose career has been deeply rooted in media sales and management. He started at the Moose Jaw Times Herald in 2001 and spent 13 years there, including roles as publisher and provincial director of operations.

Beyond his media career, Clark has been a driving force in the local business community. He served on the Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce board for over a decade, including time as president, and has been leading the organization as CEO since 2015.

“We proudly acknowledge Rob’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the City of Moose Jaw,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO of Sask Polytech. “Rob has been a mainstay in the community, consistently championing Moose Jaw’s businesses and industries through his work in media and through his more than 10 years at the helm of the Chamber of Commerce. His dedication to community growth and collaboration is truly inspiring.”

Clark’s passion for community involvement extends beyond the workplace. For more than 35 years, he was actively engaged in the local sports scene as both a player and coach.

These experiences have allowed him to build meaningful connections, foster teamwork, and mentor others—creating lasting friendships along the way.

Clark has also held board roles with Tourism Moose Jaw, South Central Community Futures, the Downtown Moose Jaw Association and the City of Moose Jaw’s Economic Recovery Task Team. In 2021, Rob was awarded the Roger Phillips Chamber Builder Award from the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatoon campus honorary degree in Applied Studies – Kelly Lendsay

Sask Polytech is proud to recognize Kelly Lendsay with an honorary degree in Applied Studies at its Saskatoon campus convocation.

Lendsay is a highly respected Indigenous leader and social entrepreneur. He is a Canadian innovator and organizational development expert in Indigenous employment, workplace and economic innovation strategies.

“We proudly recognize Kelly’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to improving Indigenous employment opportunities across Canada,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO of Sask Polytech. “Kelly is a skilled communicator and facilitator, building partnerships and bridges between corporations and the Indigenous community. His dedication to advancing Indigenous inclusion and unlocking the full potential of Indigenous talent for companies across Canada is truly inspiring."

In 2020, Lendsay launched Luminary, a project to advance Indigenous innovation for economic transformation, employment and wellbeing. Luminary was one of 24 initiatives awarded funding from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s Strategic Science Fund. The program brings together academia, research agencies and Indigenous businesses to strengthen the Indigenous innovation ecosystem, drive economic growth and support job creation through research and innovation.

More recently, Lendsay was one of eight Indigenous leaders who contributed to the development of the National Indigenous Economic Development Strategy. In 2023, he joined the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management’s Institute for Corporate Directors as an adjunct instructor, where he led the inaugural session on Indigenous Governance and Reconciliation.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Regina campus honorary degree in Applied Studies – Victor Thomas

Sask Polytech is proud to recognize Victor Thomas with an honorary degree in Applied Studies at its Regina campus convocation.

Born and raised in Regina, Thomas is a distinguished leader in international business and public service. He is president and CEO of the Canada-India Business Council and also serves as chair of the Investment Advisory Counsel at Marval Capital Ltd., an investment firm focused on Indian public equities.

“We proudly acknowledge Victor’s visionary leadership, global impact and unwavering commitment to community,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO of Sask Polytech. “Victor’s efforts to strengthen trade and investment between Canada and India, and his commitment to making our province and country a better place to live and work is truly inspiring. He is helping to shape a stronger, more connected world.”

In the past 20 years, Thomas has held numerous leadership roles, including as chair of Precision AI and Innovation Place, and vice-chair of SaskEnergy. He was the inaugural chair of the Canadian Red Cross executive cabinet for Saskatchewan and co-chaired the Regina campaign for the Saskatchewan Ronald McDonald House expansion.

His global contributions include serving as chair of CARE Canada and CARE International in Kenya. He also chaired the Banff Forum, one of Canada’s preeminent public policy forums. In 2011, he became the youngest chair in the 135-year history of the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce.

Thomas continues to influence national policy as a member of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference, the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region – North American Advisory Council and Canada’s Energy for a Secure Future advisory council. He is also director emeritus of the Rideau Hall Foundation.

He has been recognized with the Public Policy Forum’s Emerging Leaders Award for Canada, Order of the Red Cross and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Prince Albert campus honorary degree in Applied Studies – Jim Pattison

Sask Polytech is proud to recognize Jim Pattison with an honorary degree in Applied Studies at its Prince Albert campus convocation.

Pattison is a highly respected business leader and entrepreneur. He is the founder, chairman and CEO of The Jim Pattison Group.

“We proudly recognize Jim’s passion for business and his relentless work ethic—qualities matched only by his generous spirit and reputation for giving,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO of Sask Polytech. “We are honoured to recognize Jim’s entrepreneurial brilliance, steadfast leadership and commitment to the common good. Through his pursuit of excellence and deep-rooted generosity, he has left an indelible mark on our province.”

In 1961, Pattison launched his business with a General Motors dealership selling Pontiacs and Buicks in the Greater Vancouver Area. Over the decades, he expanded beyond the automotive sector, first into outdoor advertising, then into magazine and book distribution, airlines, department stores, media, hockey franchises and more.

The list of honours and accolades received by Pattison is extensive. He has donated millions to causes in both Vancouver, where he was raised, and Saskatchewan, his province of birth. In 2017, he made the largest private donation by a Canadian citizen, contributing $75 million to establish the Jim Pattison Medical Centre in Vancouver. That

same year, he gave $50 million to the Saskatchewan Children’s Hospital Foundation—the largest private donation in the province’s history. Two years later, the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital opened its doors in Saskatoon.