Recognizing remarkable individuals for their distinguished achievements is a longstanding convocation tradition—and one Saskatchewan Polytechnic takes great pride in each year
June 2024
Honourary degree recipients often model the institution’s vision and values, and Sask Polytech notes that the contributions made by the members of this influential group help cultivate an educational environment focused on applied learning and innovative research to empower a better Saskatchewan and inspire success in every learning journey.
“At our 2024 convocation ceremonies we proudly acknowledge our honourary 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 and world a better place to live and work is truly inspiring.”
Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Moose Jaw campus honorary degree in Applied Studies – His Worship, Clive Tolley, Mayor of the City of Moose Jaw
Born and raised in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Tolley is a proud Moose Javian. He is an alumnus of A.E. Peacock High School, the University of Regina and Sask Polytech.
Tolley has always been deeply involved in the Moose Jaw community, volunteering as a hockey, baseball and softball coach for 25 years. His hockey coaching accolades include a championship with the Moose Jaw Kinsmen Midget Flyers, serving as assistant general manager and assistant coach of the Moose Jaw Canucks in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, and national team head coach for the Turkish Ice Hockey Federation.
Tolley served one term as a city councillor from 1988 to 1991 and participated in numerous volunteer boards and committees. His professional career includes roles with the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan, and he served as the Vietnam country manager for the United Kingdom Border Agency at the British Embassy in Hanoi.
Prior to being elected mayor, Tolley was a chartered mediator and arbitrator for more than 20 years. Tolley has been mayor since 2021.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Regina campus honorary degree in Applied Studies – Jason Dittmann, president and owner of MicroAge Regina
Born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan, Dittmann is proud of his prairie roots. Dittmann is an alumnus of Luther College High School and completed his bachelor of administration at the University of Regina in 1999.
Dittmann began his information technology (IT) career in 2000 and is currently the president and owner of MicroAge Regina. Under his leadership, MicroAge Regina has grown into a highly respected IT services company across North America.
Dittmann and his team have achieved numerous accolades, including multiple Channel Futures MSP 501 World rankings and seven consecutive years as one of the top 50 Managed IT Providers in Canada. In 2018, MicroAge Regina was honored with a Paragon Award for Regina Business of the Year.
In addition to his professional success, Dittmann is dedicated to his community. He has volunteered with the Regina and District Chamber of Commerce for over 15 years and currently serves as the board of directors past chair.
Dittmann believes his own journey of continuous learning, through formal courses, peer mentorship and acquiring knowledge from experts, has offered pathways to success over the years.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Prince Albert campus honorary degree in Applied Studies – Chief Tammy Cook-Searson of Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB)
Elected as an LLRIB councillor at age 25, Cook-Searson served three terms before being elected as the band’s first female Chief in 2005. She is currently serving her seventh consecutive term. As a part of her role as Chief, Cook-Searson is president of Kitsaki Management Limited Partnership which manages the band’s economic development activities.
Chief Cook-Searson was instrumental in helping lobby for funding to build a wellness, treatment and recovery centre in La Ronge. The centre provides northerners with access to mental health and addiction support services, blending treatment with traditional Woodland Cree teachings.
Having grown up on her family trapline near Brabant Lake in northern Saskatchewan, Chief Cook-Searson is exceptionally proud of her First Nations heritage. She is an advocate of culture and language and maintaining strong ties to the land.
Chief Cook-Searson serves on the boards of the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, Cameco Corporation, Saskatoon Airport Authority and the Assembly of First Nations. She is also an active member of the Prince Albert Grand Council and Federation of Sovereign
Indigenous Nations. As a Canadian Ranger with the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, she assists with search and rescue operations in the region.
In recognition of her leadership in developing solutions for social challenges, advocacy for Indigenous issues and community service, Chief Cook-Searson has been recognized with several accolades including the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business – Woman in Leadership Award, the Canadian Armed Forces Special Service Medal and Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Chief Cook-Searson has a graduate diploma in management and is currently working towards her master of business administration degree.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatoon Campus honorary degree in Applied Studies – Tim S. Gitzel, president and chief executive officer of Cameco Corporation
Appointed to his current position in July of 2011, Tim Gitzel joined what is now one of the largest global providers of uranium in 2007 as chief operating officer. He has extensive experience in Canadian and international uranium mining activities through more than 30 years of senior management and legal experience. Prior to Cameco, he was executive vice-president for the mining business unit of Orano in Paris, France with responsibility for global uranium, gold, exploration and decommissioning operations in 11 countries. He also served as president and chief executive officer of Orano’s Canadian subsidiary.
Gitzel was born and raised in Saskatchewan and has both a Bachelor of Arts and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Saskatchewan.
He currently serves on the boards of the World Nuclear Association, Washington-based Nuclear Energy Institute, the Business Council of Canada and The Mosaic Company. He is a member of the IAEA’s Standing Advisory Group on Nuclear Energy, as well as the advisory councils for the Canada-India Business Council, the Edwards School of Business, the University of Saskatchewan College of Law and Saskatchewan Polytechnic President’s Circle. He is past chair of the World Nuclear Association, past president of the Saskatchewan Mining Association, and has served on the boards of Mining Association of Canada, the Canadian Nuclear Association, Sask Energy and the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
Gitzel was co-chair of the Royal Care campaign raising funds for the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon and served as vice-president, communications for the 2010 World Junior Hockey Championships.
As well, Gitzel serves as Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan to Saskatchewan and is Co-Chair of the Kazakhstan Canada Business Council.
Named one of the 100 Alumni of Influence from the University of Saskatchewan in 2007, Gitzel is a recipient of the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal and of both the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Medals.
Congratulations to the 2024 Saskatchewan Polytechnic honourary degree recipients!