Saskatchewan Polytechnic is proud to recognize Jim Pattison with an honorary degree in Applied Studies at its Prince Albert Campus Convocation.
Mr. Pattison is a highly respected business leader and entrepreneur. He is the founder, chairman and CEO of The Jim Pattison Group.
“We proudly recognize Jim’s passion for business and his relentless work ethic—qualities matched only by his generous spirit and reputation for giving,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO of Sask Polytech. “We are honoured to recognize Jim’s entrepreneurial brilliance, steadfast leadership and commitment to the common good. Through his pursuit of excellence and deep-rooted generosity, he has left an indelible mark on our province.”
In 1961, Pattison launched his business with a General Motors - Pontiac and Buick dealership in Vancouver, B.C. Over the decades, he expanded beyond the automotive sector, first into radio broadcasting, then sign manufacturing and outdoor advertising, then into magazine and book distribution, followed by grocery retail, seafood processing, entertainment, packaging and more.
The list of honours and accolades received by Pattison is extensive. He has donated millions to causes in both Vancouver, where he was raised, and Saskatchewan, his province of birth. In 2017, he made the largest private donation by a Canadian citizen, contributing $75 million to establish the Jim Pattison Medical Centre in Vancouver. That same year, he gave $50 million to the Saskatchewan Children’s Hospital Foundation—the largest private donation in the province’s history. Two years later, the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital opened its doors in Saskatoon.
Congratulations on your honorary degree Jim Pattison.
Honouring individuals for their distinguished achievements is a longstanding convocation tradition at Sask Polytech. Honorary degree recipients model the institution’s vision and values. The contributions made by the members of this influential group help to empower a better Saskatchewan and inspire success in every learning journey.