Recognizing a remarkable individual for their distinguished achievements is a longstanding convocation tradition—and one Saskatchewan Polytechnic takes great pride in each year. Honorary 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.
The recipient of the Sask Polytech, Saskatoon Campus honorary degree in Applied Studies is 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.
“We are proud to recognize Tim Gitzel’s exceptional accomplishments in mining, business and our local community, and extend our heartfelt congratulations on this well-deserved honour,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO. “Tim is a true leader with a passion for the important mining sector in Saskatchewan and beyond. He is an inspiring role model for our students and has a true sense of what it means to give back to the place in which you were born.”
Congratulations on your honorary degree, Tim!