Honorary Degree Recipients Inspire Graduates
Saskatchewan Polytechnic honorary degree recipients recognized as leaders in their fields and communities
This year marks 20 years since Saskatchewan Polytechnic awarded its first honorary credential. This long-standing tradition recognizes remarkable individuals for their distinguished achievements and for modelling the institution’s vision and values. 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 the recent convocation ceremonies, their inspiring addresses to graduands encouraged all to work hard, aim high, and to become meaningful contributors to their communities.
Congratulations to the 2023 Sask Polytech honorary degree recipients:
His Worship, Greg Dionne, Mayor of the City of Prince Albert
Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Prince Albert Campus honorary degree in Applied Studies
Mayor Dionne is currently serving his third consecutive term as mayor. Throughout his tenure, our students and employees at Sask Polytech Prince Albert Campus have greatly benefited from his visionary and unwavering approach. As Mayor, Dionne has collaborated with provincial and federal governments to meet the needs of Prince Albert citizens. Under his leadership the City of Prince Albert has a new multi-recreational facility and the addition of a multi-story building to Victoria Hospital. In partnership with Husky Oil, he worked to build the final phase of Rotary Trail and brought a new spray park to Kinsmen Park.
Through his many years serving the citizens of Prince Albert, Mayor Dionne has participated on many boards and committees. He is currently involved with numerous local organizations including the Prince Albert Regional Economic Development Alliance, the Board of Police Commissioners, the Destination Marketing Fund Airport Advisory Committee, the Prince Albert Exhibition Association, Aquatic and Arenas Recreation Facility Steering and Fundraising Committees, and the Northern Lights Community Development Corporation. Learn more.
Brett Lauther, Saskatchewan Roughriders
Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Moose Jaw Campus honorary degree in Applied Studies
Over six CFL seasons Saskatchewan Roughriders kicker Lauther has made an indelible mark on the province of Saskatchewan, both on and off the field. Lauther burst on the scene for the Riders in 2018, when he made 90 percent of his attempted field goals – a Roughrider record – and was named a West Division All-Star. A consistent presence on the football field since then, Lauther has made 83 percent of the field goals he’s attempted over his career.
Lauther’s involvement in the community and his genuine connection with the fans have made him a cherished figure across Saskatchewan. Lauther serves as a Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation ambassador. His work with the foundation includes the Win with Wellness program, which has taken Lauther all over Saskatchewan to help students understand mental wellness, provide tips for managing anxiety and stress, and how to maintain supportive and healthy relationships. Through the Rider Reading program he reads and plays with elementary school students and teaches them the importance of literacy. This year, Lauther founded and helped organize the first annual Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation Winter Classic, a charity hockey game featuring past and present Roughriders, NHL alumni and other celebrity guests. The inaugural event raised $25,000 for KidSport. Learn more.
Former Chief Cadmus Delorme, Cowessess First Nation
Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Regina Campus honorary degree in Applied Studies
Delorme is the former chief of Cowessess First Nation. He was elected chief in 2016 at the age of 34. Three years later he was re-elected to a second term. Under his leadership, Cowessess First Nation has focused on political sovereignty, economic self-sustainability, and has moved forward on renewable energy, agriculture and efficiency in land use initiatives that have created both current and future business opportunities.
In 2021, Delorme faced one of his most challenging moments as Chief when Cowessess First Nation made headlines with the validation of unmarked graves near the former Marieval Indian Residential School—a project in which Sask Polytech researchers had the honour to assist. Shortly after, Cowessess First Nation made headlines again as the first First Nation to sign an agreement with Ottawa and the Province of Saskatchewan that returned jurisdiction over children in care to the First Nation. Federal legislation overhauling Indigenous Child Welfare was passed in 2019 and came into force last year.
Earlier this year Cadmus Delorme was selected as the chairperson of the new federal Residential School Documents Advisory Committee. Learn more.
Tribal Chief Mark Arcand, Muskeg Lake Cree Nation
Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatoon Campus honorary degree in Applied Studies
Since his election to the role of Tribal Chief of Saskatoon Tribal Council in October 2017, Tribal Chief Arcand has dedicated his work to reversing residential school effects through restoring cultural education and nourishing the gift of each child.
Tribal Chief Arcand has led the Tribal Council through many ground-breaking initiatives, including securing food security for members residing in Saskatoon and its member First Nations during the Covid-19 pandemic, community-wide vaccination clinics, and the Emergency Wellness Centre. He was instrumental in taking the lead and coordinating with federal and provincial governments and industry in implementing partnership and industry agreements. Learn more.
“We are proud to recognize the exceptional accomplishments of our four honorary degree recipients and extend our heartfelt congratulations,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO. “Their remarkable achievements and contributions to their communities have made a lasting impact on our province. They are inspiring leaders and incredible role models for our students, faculty, and staff.”
Congratulations to this year’s honorary degree recipients!
June 2023