An important career milestone is achieved for 2,000 Saskatoon students
May 27, 2024 – Today and tomorrow Saskatchewan Polytechnic celebrates the achievements of its graduates and recognizes outstanding award recipients at the Saskatoon campus convocation ceremonies. More than 2,000 students were invited to attend, marking the next steps of their professional journey. Sask Polytech graduates are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their respective fields. One out of every 19 jobs in Saskatchewan are supported by the activities of Sask Polytech, its students and alumni.
“It is an honour to celebrate our Saskatoon campus graduating class of 2024,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO. “Your dedication, perseverance and countless hours of hard work have paid off. I encourage each one of you to make your mark and to continue to embrace Sask Polytech’s RISE values: respect, integrity, sustainability and excellence. Use your skills and Sask Polytech’s values to change the world and our communities in your own way. Congratulations! I wish you every success on your career journey.”
As part of the convocation tradition, Sask Polytech recognizes extraordinary individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and embodied the institution's vision, mission and values. Sask Polytech’s vision is to empower a better Saskatchewan and its mission is to inspire success in every learning journey. Congratulations to the Saskatoon campus award recipients.
Calista Levesque is the recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Bronze Medal for the highest average in the Saskatoon campus Adult 12 program.
Benjamin Neudorf, a graduate of the Power Engineering Technology program, is the recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Collegiate Bronze Medal for the highest average at the Saskatoon campus.
Than Luong, a graduate of the Hotel and Restaurant Management program, receives the Innovation Award. Luong is passionate about making the hospitality industry more sustainable. He has worked on two applied research projects at Sask Polytech including exploringn edible cutlery's feasibility in the hospitality industry and studying snow's potential for water sustainability.
Several faculty members in Saskatoon are honoured for their commitment to teaching. Anne Robins, an instructor in Therapeutic Recreation, receives the Indigenization and Reconciliation in Teaching Award for incorporating TRC Calls to Action #87-91 into sport and recreation course curriculum. John Hancock, who teaches Occupational Health and Safety, is the recipient of the Innovations in Teaching Award for creatively incorporating video into his courses. Renaye Zdunich, an instructor in Literacy and Adult Education, receives the Teaching Excellence Award for inspiring students and creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment.
Two Applied Research Awards of Excellence are awarded at Saskatoon convocation this year. Chris Thomson, Agricultural Equipment Technician program head, is recognized for his work on a multi-faceted project to help with both the equipment used in wild rice harvesting and in training needed to maintain the specialized equipment. Linda Martin, Therapeutic Recreation program head, is honoured for conducting a needs assessment for the delivery of recreation therapy services in schools for students with high and complex needs.
On Tuesday, Sask Polytech awards an honorary degree in Applied Studies to Tim Gitzel, president and CEO of Cameco.
Sask Polytech is known for producing exceptional graduates and has over 6,000 students that are eligible to graduate across all four campuses this spring. Sask Polytech plays a vital role in fueling provincial growth by providing qualified, work-ready graduates to meet labour market demand. This is demonstrated by consistently high graduate employment rates. Sask Polytech currently has a 95 per cent graduate employment rate and 92 per cent Indigenous graduate employment rate.
The Saskatoon campus ceremonies are broadcast live so graduates, family, friends and the polytechnic community who are unable to attend in-person can participate. To view the livestream or previously recorded video please visit www.saskpolytech.ca/convocation.