The Profession

The College of Education’s pinning ceremony is an opportunity for all teacher candidates, partners, and college alumni to acknowledge as a group, the teacher’s deep commitment to the profession and the critical relationships that exist between the teacher and student, family, community, and society.

Through this ceremony, we come together in solidarity, in community, and in mutual support of a noble purpose, of hard work, and of a profound commitment to a cause far larger than ourselves.

The pinning ceremony was designed to acknowledge the significant role of educators in our communities, and to do that, students, faculty, alumni, and dignitaries come together in solidarity, in community, and in mutual support of the teacher's work and of one another. Students of the Bachelor of Education program at the University of Saskatchewan receive this pin at the beginning of their third year.  As alumni of this program, you are invited to reaffirm your commitment to the profession by taking the oath and receiving a pin at any of our annual student or alumni ceremonies.  

For more information on the pinning ceremony, click here.

Wall of Honour

The Wall of Honour acknowledges the significant successes and contributions of outstanding alumni who have graduated from any of the College’s programs, from any graduation year. The Wall of Honour is a feature wall on the main floor of the Education Building and houses the names of all previous recipients and photographs of current recipients. Since 2007, the College has honoured over 70 alumni, all of whom have made outstanding contributions to education and beyond. 

The nomination process for the 2025 Wall of Honour is currently open. Nominations close December 6, 2024 at 11:59 pm Saskatchewan time. 

Nomination Form

Terms of Reference

Honourees

  •   William Cooke, B.Ed'60 (Education)
  •   Karon Shmon, B.Ed'80 (Indigenous Initiatives)
  •   Doreen Thorson, B.Ed'77 (Business and Philanthropy)
  •   Jennifer Stadnyk, B.Ed'86 (Community and Culture)
  •   Basil Hughton, B.Ed'78, M.Ed'92 (Athletics)

Honourees

  •   Kim Hebert, B.Ed'92 (Community and Culture)
  •   Jane Graham, B.Ed'62 (Business and Philanthropy)
  •   Kim Newlove, B.Ed'81 (Education)
  •   Darren McKee, B.Ed'97, M.Ed'08 (Indigenous Initiatives)
  •   Colette Bourgonje, B.Ed'85 (Athletics)

Honourees

  • Charlene Dobmeier, B.Ed'80 (Community and Culture)
  • Maureen Haddock, B.Ed'70 (Business/Philanthopy)
  • Velma Illasiak, M.Ed'10 (Education)
  • Sylvia Weenie, B.Ed'96 (Indigenous Initiative)
  • Dale Yellowlees, B.Ed'69 (Athletics)

Honourees

  • Kendal Netmaker, B.Ed'11
  • Karin Lofstrom, B.Ed'85
  • John Barton, M.Ed'87
  • Carol Greyeyes, B.Ed'88
  • Bernice Friesen, B.Ed'90

Honourees

  • Robert Hinitt, B.Ed'52 
  • Lorraine Isinger, B.Ed'70 
  • Judy Warick, B.Ed'75 
  • Gord Dobrowolsky, B.Ed'75 
  • Simon Bird, BEd'03, M.Ed'11

Honourees

  • Robert Barker, B.Ed'64 
  • Leah Dorion, B.Ed'94 
  • Jacquie Lavallee, B.Ed'02 
  • Rita Mirwald, Educ'67 
  • Glen Sorestad, B.Ed'63, M.Ed'76

Honourees

  • Willie Desjardins, B.Ed'85 
  • Marguerite Gallaway, B.Ed'73 
  • Susan Lamb, B.Ed'78 
  • Frank Roy, B.Ed'53 
  • Delbert Wapass, B.Ed'95, M.Ed'10

Honourees

  • Anthony Bidulka, B.Ed'91 
  • Dale Botting, B.Ed'77 
  • Lloyd Cenaiko, B.Ed'76 
  • Grit McCreath, B.Ed'91 
  • Fibbie Tatti, B.Ed'82

Honourees

  • Robert Allen Kilpatrick, B.Ed'56 
  • Mary Houston, B.Ed'50 
  • Tania Miller, B.MusEd'91

Honourees

  • Dr Freda Ahenakew, B.Ed'79 
  • Fred Herron, B.Ed'69 
  • Dr Helen Horsman, PhD'95 
  • Dr Cecil King, B.Ed'73, M.Ed'75 
  • Dave King, B.Ed'72 
  • Ronald Kostyniuk, B.Ed'63 
  • The Hon Ken Krawetz, B.Ed'75 
  • Betty Anne Latrace-Henderson, B.Ed'80 
  • Sharon Maher, B.Ed'68 
  • Robert TF (Bob) Reid, B.Ed'71

Honourees

  • Pat Atkinson, B.Ed'77 
  • Sharon Butala, B.Ed'62 
  • Blaine Favel, B.Ed'87 
  • The Hon Joseph Handley, B.Ed'68, M.Ed'70 
  • Betty-Ann Heggie, B.Ed'75 
  • Diane Jones Konihowski, B.Ed'75 
  • Gene Makowsky, B.Ed'97 
  • Ann McCaig, B.Ed'61 
  • Dave Rodney, B.Ed'88 
  • Lyle Vinish, B.Ed'78

Honourees

  • Colette Bourgonje, B.Ed'85 
  • The Hon Dr Lynda Haverstock, B.Ed'72, M.Ed'77 
  • Dr Stirling McDowell, B.Ed'55, M.Ed'63 
  • Gary Merasty, B.Ed'91, M.Ed'03 
  • Barrie Wigmore, B.Ed'62

Class Notes

The College of Education is proud of its alumni and their accomplishments. Alumni can update their contact information and share recent awards and achievements with the College by emailing edalumni@usask.ca.

Netmaker, Kendal ( BA, 2011; B.Ed., 2011 ) 2015 - Indspire Youth Award; 2013- CBC Saskatchewan's Future 40; Nathaional Entrepreneur Award; Owner/CEO of Neechie Gear

Ross, Jana ( B.Ed., 2011 ) 2013 - Winner of CBC's Aboriginal Business Plan Competition, "Boom Box."

Meadows, Sally ( B.Ed., 2004 ) Sally Meadows (Bachelor of Education with Great Distinction, 2004) released her second CD "Red & White", a Christmas/New Year's album, in December 2013. Her first CD "Turn the Page" (2012) was shortlisted for a national writing award.Sally Meadows was shortlisted for a national 2014 Word Award in the category "Terence L. Bingley Award for Best Song Lyrics" for her song "This New Year" from her 2013 Christmas CD release "Red & White". The Word Awards celebrate excellence in writing for those who write from a Christian perspective. Sally also is an Artist-Ambassador for Compassion Canada, helping to eradicate poverty for children in 26 of the world's poorest countries.

Mintram, Bill ( B.Ed., 2009 ) - 2015 - CBC Saskatchewan Future 40

Pura, Lorraine ( BA 2001; B.Ed., 2003 ) - 2013 - Member of the core group, Iskwewuk E-Wichiwitochik ("Women Walking Together"), receipients of the Johanna Miller Peace Award

Tootoosis, Dion ( B.Ed., 2004 ) Cultural Liaison with the Aboriginal Students' Centre (ASC) at the University of Saskatchewan

Bidulka, Anthony (BA’83, BEd’91, BComm’91) is publishing his 12th novel, Going to Beautiful, May 2022. Bidulka’s “love letter to life on the prairies” delivers a story of grief and loss that manages to burst with joy, tenderness and hope. Redolent of his earlier works, Going to Beautiful brings us unexpected, under-represented characters in settings that immediately feel familiar and beloved. For his promotion of Saskatchewan through his books, co-founding Camp fYrefly Saskatchewan (a leadership retreat for gender and sexually diverse and allied youth), and volunteer and philanthropic efforts in the community, Anthony was recently honoured by the selection of a two-part park in Saskatoon to be named Bidulka Park and Bidulka Park North. Bidulka is the current chair of the USask Alumni Achievement Awards Committee. 


Carleton, Karen ( B.A., 1993 ; B.Ed., 1996 ) After earning a Master's in Education (Workplace & Adult Learning, 2007) from the University of Calgary, and a Master's of Science (Instructional & Performance Technology, 2009) from Boise State University in Idaho, Karen has had a variety of opportunities. She has published articles in both the International Journal of Management and Performance Improvement, spoken at a number of conferences, and been a self-employed consultant in workplace learning and performance. Karen is currently a Senior Training Specialist with SMS Equipment's corporate office, and teaches part-time online for Grant MacEwan University's School of Business, in the Human Resources Management program.

Dorion, Leah ( B.A., 1999 ; B.Ed., 1994 ) 2014 Saskatchewan Book Award nominee in the catagory of SaskEnergy Children's Literature Award for "Michif Translation by Norman Fleury The Diamond Willow Walking Stick: A Traditional Metis Story About Generosity."on receiving the 2013 The First Nations University of Canada Aboriginal Peoples' Publishing Award for her book "The Diamond Willow Walking Stick: A Traditional Metis Story about Generosity" Saskatchewan Book Awards

Grabinsky, Kurtis ( B.A., 1992 ; BSPE, 1996 ) Promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant and Detachment Commander of the Revelstoke RCMP Detachment in 2013. Recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal in 2012.

Griffith, Donald ( B.Ed., 1990) 2013- Special Recognition Award (Jazz Festival)

Hrycay, Sherri ( B.Ed., 1994 ) Milliner and owner of Sova Design. Her creations will be showcased at the International Hat Festival in October of 2014 in Paris, France.
Johnston, Theresa ( B.Ed., 1990 ; B.A., 1994 ; BUSADM, 1999 ) Theresa Johnston (Percy) (BEd90, BA94, BAC99) and Dwight Percy (BComm76) recently married and are now living at their summer cabin at Meeting Lake Regional Park in Saskatchewan while spending winters in Palm Springs, California. They are business partners in their communications business, Percy Communications.

Lewis, Kelly ( B. Ed., 1990) WISE (Wildlife, In-Trust, Safekeeping, Education) Foundation Volunteer Instructor Conservation Award

Makowsky, Gene ( B.Ed., 1997 ) 2013 - Inducted into the Saskatchewan Roughriders' Plaza of Honor; 2015 - Inducted into CFL Hall of Fame

Meier, Bradley ( B.Ed., 1992 ; BSPE, 1991 ) NHL referee since 1999; was chosen to work the Sochi Olympics where he did several important games as well as the gold medal game.
Montgomery, Janine ( B.Ed., 1996 ; Ph.D., 2008 ) Awarded 2013 Psychology Department Teaching Award, University of Manitoba; 2013 University of Manitoba Annual Outreach Award
Muench, Dave ( B.Ed., 1991 ) on receiving the Academic Advising Award (Education) University of Saskatchewan Students' Union (USSU)
 


Ackerman, Jacqueline ( B.Mus.(Mus.Ed.), 1989 ; M.Ed., 2009 ) Received the 2014 YWCA Women of Distinction Award, Education Award catagory, from YWCA Saskatoon.


Bartman, John (B. Ed., 1987) - Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal


Bodnarchuk, Alvin (BSPE, 1984 ; B.Ed., 1985 ) 2011 - U of S Athletic Wall of Fame Inductee; 2013 - Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame inductee


Bouvier, Rita (MEDUC 1984) - 2013 - member of the core group, Iskwewuk E-Wichiwitochik ("Women Walking Together"), recipients of the Johanna Miller Peace Award


Bradley, Shane (B.Ed., 1995 ; BSPE, 1988 ; M.Ed., 2006 ) 2013 Saskatchewan Sport Award Coach of the Year

Elliott, Dean (B.Sc., 1996 ; B.Ed., 1987 ) 2013 -  Friend of the Professions Award APEGS

Hall, Ian (B.Ed. '82; Ph.D. '94). Currently chairing the Establishment Board of Trustees for a new elementary school that is to open in Wanaka, New Zealand at the start of 2020 (New Zealand) school year.

Lafond, George (B.Ed., 1985 ) 2013 - The Peter Lougheed Award for Leadership in Public Policy

McInnes, Stacey (B.Ed., 1983 ) Stacey McInnes ( née mcKechney) B.Ed '83 currently beginning her 30th year teaching. She is beginning her 20th year at Carievale School where she teaches grade 2/3 as her home room and 2-8 core French. She is lovin' life by following Calgary Flames, playing tennis and golf, traveling, or hanging out at home with husband Colin and dog "Kipper".

Ridout, Gwen (B.Ed., 1986) - 2013 Inductee into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame

Prowse, Patricia ( M.Ed., 1990 ; B.Ed., 1980 ; B.A., 2006 )  YWCA Women of Distinction Leadership & Management Award Saskatoon 

Settee, Priscilla (B. Ed., 1987; PHD, 2007) - 2013 - member of the core group, Iskwewuk E-Wichiwitochik ("Women Walking Together"), recipients of the Johanna Miller Peace Award

Shiplett, Arlene (B.Mus.(Mus.Ed.), 1986 ) on receiving the YWCA Women of Distinction Education Award Saskatoon YWCA
Shmon, Karon (B.Ed., 1980) 2018 - Education Wall of Honour recipient (Indigenous Initiatives)  

St. Denis, Verna (B.Ed., 1982 ) 2013 - Special Recognition Award - Canadian Teachers' Federation2014 Provost's Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Education - University of Saskatchewan


Taman, Barry (BSPE, 1982 ) With wife, Kelly Folk, has recently become owner of one of Canada's premier lapel pin production company's : Laurie Artiss Ltd. - The Pin People in Regina. They are the Official Licensee to TO2015 Pan Am Games and our Canadian Olympic Team.
Vermeersch, James (B.Ed., 1982 ) 2013 - Fellow of the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada.
 


Beerling, Dennis ( B.A., 1970 ; B.Ed., 1970 ) CTV Saskatoon Citizen of the Year for 2013


Benko, Lyle (B. Ed., 1972) - 2013 - APEGS Friend of the Professions Award


Cathro, Lorraine ( Ph.D., 1993 ; M.Ed., 1980 ; B.Ed., 1976 ) Dr. Lorraine Cathro, BEd'76, MEd'80, PhD'93, has published her family history/memoir book titled Roots and Adventures: A Prairie Childhood.

Clarke, Darlene (B.A., 1973; Prof. A, 1972, B.Ed., 1993; M.Ed. 1999) Canada 150 Commemorative Medal Recipient

Cipywnyk, Paul ( B.Ed., 1983 ; B.A., 1978 ) After serving for several years as an alternate member of the Salmon Enhancement & Habitat Advisory Board to the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Paul Cipywnyk became a full member in November 2012, and was elected to the executive as Secretary and Chair of the Communications Committee.

Coffin, Robert ( BSPE, 1974 ; M.Ed., 1997 ; B.Ed., 1975 ) On April 26, 2014 Bob Coffin was inducted into the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame in the builder catagory.


Danielson, Daniel ( B.Ed., 1972 ; M.Ed., 1988 ; B.A., 1984 ; P.G.D., 1986 ) 2013 - The Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (SWDC) - Director
Dobrowolsky, Gord ( B.Ed., 1975 ) Named one of the "Men of Influence" for 2014 by SaskBusiness magazine.


Gauthier, Wayne ( B.Ed., 1974 ; B.A., 1976 ) Wayne Gauthier recently retired from the Wolf Creek School Division, near Red Deer, AB, after 40 years of teaching. He has also taught with the Greater Catholic School Division in Saskatoon, the Govan School Division near Raymore and the Chemainus School Division, on Vancouver Island.


Haensel, Regine ( EDUC, 1970 ; B.A., 1969 ) Regine Haensel has just published her second book, "Queen of Fire," Book One in the new fantasy series, "The Leather Book Tales," available on Amazon.com, and soon at McNally Robinson Book Sellers. Her previous book, a collection of linked short stories about German immigrants in Saskatchewan in the 1950's was published in 2012 and is available at McNally Robinson Book Sellers, and Sask Made Marketplace.
Heggie, Betty-Ann ( B.Ed., 1975 ) On Jan. 16, 2014 Betty-Anne Heggie was elected to the Board of Directors for Allana Potash Corp.
Horn, Ronald ( BAPE, 1975 ) on being inducted into the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame
Hritzuk, Eugene ( M.Ed., 1981 ; BAPE, 1971 ; B.Ed., 1972 ) On November 1, 2014 he will be inducted into the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame.

Keegan, Brian ( B.Ed., 1974 ; BAPE, 1967 ; EDUC, 1967 ) On August 16, 2014 he will be inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame.
Krismer, Robert ( P.G.D., 1990 ; B.Ed., 1973 ; B.A., 1995 ) on being appointed 2013 U of S Senate Elections - U of S Senate District 8 Representative (Acclaimed; 2nd Term)

Kunz, Francis (B. Ed., 1973) - 2014 Saskatchewan Protective Police Services Medal

McDougall, Donald ( BED, 1973 ) CTV Regina Citizen of the Year for 2013
McGregor, Rob ( B.Ed., 1978 ; BSPE, 1976 ) Presently working with the Abu Dhabi Education Council, U.A.E. After 2 years with the College of Education at U. of S. as a Internship Failitator, we moved to th Middle East where we have been for the past year and a half.I work as an Academic Vice Principal in a Gr. 10-12 boys' school with an enrollment of about 1500. The Job entails responsibility for teacher professional development, teacher evaluation, student assessment and curriculum advisement.

Mutala, Marion ( B.Ed., 1979 ; P.G.D., 1994 ; M.Ed., 1995 ) Marion Mutala third book in her trilogy, " Babas Babushka: A Magical Ukrainian Wedding" was nominated for a High Plains Book award in the Best children's book category .www.babasbabushka.ca
Paquin, Eugene ( B.Ed., 1977) - 2017 Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal

Stroh, Peter ( B.Ed., 1975 ; B.A., 1970 ; M.Ed., 1985 ) Retired after 35 years with Saskatoon Catholic Schools. Completed 2 terms as president Saskatoon STS. Currently Alumni Association President.

Wilson, Joan (B. Ed., 1977) - 2012 Saskatchewan Volunteer Award 

Wilson, Ross ( B.A., 1970 ; B.Ed., 1973 ) Member of the U of S Athletic Wall of Fame and Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame;  Elected for the period 2012-2016 as the Mayor of the Resort Village of Lumsden Beach, SK. Re-elected for the period 2016-2020 as Mayor of the Resort Village of Lumsden Beach, SK; Currently the Canada West Universities Athletic Scheduler; Served as Athletic Director for Huskie Athletics from 1991-2006.


Anholt, Roger ( B.Ed., 1967 ) 2013 Saskatchewan Sport Award Coach Dedication Award - Male


Butala, Sharon (B. Ed., 1962; BA, 1963; PGD, 1973; DLITT, 2004) - 2012 Cheryl and Henry   Kloppenburg Award for Literary Excellence


Buzowetsky, Judy ( B.Ed., 1967 ; BSHEC, 1967 ) Elected onto the 2013 - 2014 Alumni Association Board of Directors (Elected) University of Saskatchewan


Cross, David ( B.Ed., 1974 ; B.A., 1967 ; EDUC, 1969 ; M.Ed., 1982 ) on receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubillee Medal


Haensel, Regine ( EDUC, 1970 ; B.A., 1969 ) Regine Haensel has just published her second book, "Queen of Fire," Book One in the new fantasy series, "The Leather Book Tales," available on Amazon.com, and soon at McNally Robinson Book Sellers. Her previous book, a collection of linked short stories about German immigrants in Saskatchewan in the 1950's was published in 2012 and is available at McNally Robinson Book Sellers, and Sask Made Marketplace.


Jones, Phyllis ( B.Ed., 1960 ) 2013 Council of the Federation Literacy Award recipient
Kachkowski, Cecilia ( B.Ed., 1964 ; B.A., 1974 )  2012 - "Best in Canada" in Fund Raising, Charity and Community Cookbooks for her book "Cooking with Cherries¿from The Prairies" Gourmand Work Cookbook Awards

Keegan, Brian ( B.Ed., 1974 ; BAPE, 1967 ; EDUC, 1967 ) - 2014 inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame.


Pettit, Reta ( B.Ed., 1966 ) 2012 - Governor General's Caring Canadian Award


Stevens, Fern ( B.A., 1934 ; EDUC, 1935 ) Celebrated her 100th birthday in July of 2013. A lifelong love of theatre and public speaking was evident throughout her time as a student at the University of Saskatchewan and in the early 1930's she was a recipient of the Bryant Oratorical Competition Award. She married John H. Stevens of Atlanta, GA in 1940 and raised three children. Mr. Stevens ran the advertising agency of Lowe & Stevens, and together they took on leadership positions to build the Southeastern Savoyards (now The Atlanta Lyric Opera.) Mrs. Stevens was both a business woman and an educator. She ran her own fashion company, Fern Moar Fashions. A close friendship with Eva Lovett started a two decade long affiliation with The Lovett School in Atlanta, GA (one of Atlanta's premier private schools) both as an educator and volunteer Her lifelong love of education cumulated in her obtaining a Master's of Education degree from Georgia State University.
 

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