Nathalie Atanasova

Nathalie Atanasova was born in Bulgaria. She followed undergraduate studies in International Studies in the Netherlands. She came to Canada in 2019 to pursue Master of Public Administration in the University of Saskatchewan. During her studies, she worked in the USask Admissions Office, where she was involved in assessing prospective student applications. 

After successfully completing an executive internship in the Government of Saskatchewan and graduating the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School (JSGS), Nathalie started her career as a planning and improvement analyst in the Ministry of Finance. In 2020, Nathalie won the Deputy Minister’s award for ‘Difference Maker’. She was also the co-chair of the Healthy Workplaces Committee of the ministry, which strives to implement the Canadian Standard for Psychological Health and Safety. 

She currently works as a planning and budgeting coordinator in the Ministry of Highways. Nathalie is also the treasurer of the JSGS Alumni Association Board of Directors. In this role, she manages budget decisions to establish and maintain the JSGSAA Award, which is presented annually to a JSGS graduate student. She maintains lifelong connections to school faculty, staff, students, and alumni to promote continuous learning and support strong and dynamic community across and beyond the province.

Tamara Buckwold

Tamara is a life-long learner with extensive experience in education. She grew up in Eston, Saskatchewan before moving to Saskatoon to study at the U of S where she earned her LLB.  She practiced law in Saskatoon before taking a life-changing job as sessional lecturer in the College of Law and experiencing the joy of teaching.  She continued to teach while earning her LLM, eventually becoming a tenured member of the Law faculty. In 2005 she accepted a position as Professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Alberta. Tamara has been actively involved in continuing education, serving as board member and Chair of the Legal Education Society of Alberta and, previously, on the board of the Saskatchewan Legal Education Society. She holds the Law Society of Alberta/Alberta Bar Association Distinguished Service Award, the University of Alberta Faculty of Law Tevie Miller Teaching Award and, for her efforts promoting equality and diversity, the University of Alberta Law Students Association Most Involved Professor Award. Tamara and husband Bruce are resuming full-time residence in Saskatchewan following her recent retirement as Professor Emerita.  They are proud parents to Ben and Adam and have two lovely daughters-in-law and three adored grandchildren. 

Kyle Drever

In 2007, Kyle graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering (Biotechnology). During his time at USask, he was heavily involved with the Chemical Engineering student society and with volunteering with Engineers Without Borders (even winning the prestigious Lego Volunteer of the Year award in 2005).  

After graduating from USask, Kyle worked as an engineering consultant out of Calgary, flying across the globe to help clients reduce emissions. In 2013, he went back to school to get his MBA at Queen’s University and was president of his class. Upon receiving his master’s degree, Kyle returned to Saskatoon to work in healthcare and technology. Currently, Kyle works for the Saskatchewan Health Authority as a Project Lead on an ambitious software consolidation and upgrade project.

Since returning to Saskatoon, Kyle has been involved in the community, notably as a past President of the Saskatoon chapter of Saskatchewan Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (SYPE). He is currently the Chair for the Northern Saskatchewan Children’s Festival.

Kyle hopes to bring his experiences with client consultations, navigating project constraints, board management, and his community volunteering enthusiasm to the USask Senate.  

Wayne Evanisky

Wayne was born in Biggar, Saskatchewan and grew up nearby on a farm.  He attended elementary school in a one room schoolhouse until grade 8 and then finished school at Biggar Composite High School.  Wayne graduated with a BComm at the U of S, and obtained his professional CPA CMA designation.

Wayne is recently retired after a career of over 35 years with a Canadian financial institution.  Twenty of those years were spent in Agriculture Lending, which allowed him to meet many people from around Saskatchewan and Alberta. 

Wayne has been involved with many volunteer activities over the past decades.  Most recently, he served on the Board of Directors of the U of S Alumni Association and is a past President. Wayne also served as Secretary Treasurer for his church.  Previously, his interest in sports led him to become a coach for hockey, baseball, and soccer. While coaching baseball, he participated in both the Saskatchewan and Alberta Summer Games, and was a Zone Governor for the Saskatchewan Baseball Association. 

Wayne currently lives in Saskatoon with his wife Marilyn, whom he met while attending the U of S.  Their three adult children are also alumni, having each received multiple degrees, and currently work in their professions in Saskatoon.

Aaron Genest

Dr. Aaron Genest holds a B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Saskatchewan. He works for Siemens Software in Saskatoon where among other roles, he represents Siemens as President of SaskTech, an industry advisory organization to government and education stakeholders. Dr. Genest is deeply involved in the University of Saskatchewan, sitting on the Dean’s Advisory Committee in Engineering, as an appointee to the Intellectual Property Working Group to the OVPR, and as a member of the Signature Areas Steering Committee. He works closely with the U of R and Sask Polytechnic in addition to various government ministries in Saskatchewan and federally.

Dr. Genest is a committed member of the larger technology community serving as a mentor for the co.labs and Cultivator technology incubators and as Executive in Residence for Foresight Cleantech Accelerator. In these roles he helps leaders of start-ups and early stage companies navigate technical, governance, talent acquisition, and sales challenges. He continues that mentorship in his involvement with USask’s SIGMA entrepreneurship program and as a mentor through the USask Connects graduate mentorship program.

Dr. Genest is married to Dr. Emily Jenkins (Professor, WCVM) and has three sons.

Travis Inglis

Travis Inglis graduated from the University of Saskatchewan, College of Engineering in 2016. Since graduating Travis has worked in consulting industry over the passed 7 years, working with clients across the province. As a junior partner in a newly founded engineering firm, Travis is responsible for safety policy, procedure, and practices, serving as the Occupational Health and Safety Chair and the companies Radiation Safety Officer. Since becoming Construction Lead and Saskatoon’s Office Manager, Travis has led all new hire engagements and offers.

In his personal life, Travis spends much of his time volunteering. He is an active member of the Saskatoon Kinsmen club, is a big brother mentor with the Big Brothers Big Sister Club and is currently serving on a number of engineering specific committees such as the association of consulting engineering (ACEC) Saskatchewan’s Careers in Consulting, ACEC-SK Young professionals group, and ACEC-Canada Young professionals committee. In his spare time, Travis commutes regularly to Yorkton, Saskatchewan – where he is active in assisting his family in operating a fifth-generation grain farm. Travis continues to strive to become a contributing participant in his community and hopes to make a valuable impact on the people, organizations, and institutions he serves and interacts with.

James Ingold

After convocation from U of S with a B.A. History, James Ingold has been working as a business professional working for iQmetrix Software Development to identify, prioritize, and break down features to transform the wireless retail industry.

Beyond this, James has contributed as a volunteer leader with many local, provincial, and national organizations. During his tenure as Chair of SaskCulture, James contributed to lottery negotiations with the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, which secured significant continued funding for provincial arts and cultural organizations and programming. With the National Trust for Canada, James spearheaded a governance review to help the organization further its cause of heritage preservation. With Creative Kids Canada, James helped the young charity remove financial barriers to arts activities for children and youth. In his various roles on boards and committees, James has always sought to stimulate thought in others, foster collegiality, and build shared visions.

Saskatchewan’s long history of entrepreneurship, volunteerism, civic engagement and multiculturalism is an example that James seeks to honour and support. Though still early in his career, he has continued to grow in respect for how visionary thinking and strong strategic decisions can have a large positive impact on a community.

Nicholas Kaminski

Nicholas C. Kaminski is a practicing structural engineer and Assistant Department Head with KGS Group, a multi-disciplinary engineering firm. He holds a B.Eng. and an M.Eng. from the University of Saskatchewan and obtained his PMP designation with the PMI.

Mr. Kaminski’s governance experience includes current and past service on numerous boards of professional, regulatory and public sector organizations including as an incumbent Senator with the University of Saskatchewan, Councillor with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS), Board Trustee with the Saskatoon Public Library and Board Member with the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies of Saskatchewan (ACEC-SK).

His academic training in governance includes certificates in Public Sector Governance with the University of Regina and Not-for-Profit Governance from the Institute of Corporate Directors and the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. He is currently a Chartered Director (C.Dir.) Candidate with the Degroote School of Business at McMaster University and the Directors College. He has completed executive programs including the Executive Leadership Programme with Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford.

Nicholas is a recipient of various provincial and national awards including the prestigious Allen D. Williams Scholarship and most recently, a 2021 Emerging Leader Award with Construction Canada. He believes his relevant academic background, governance and leadership experiences would judiciously serve the U of S.

Nicholas John Stanislaus Kinar

Nicholas was born in Saskatchewan and believes in the benefits of regional education: he received a BSc (Honours) degree (2005), an MSc degree (2007), and a PhD degree (2014)—all three degrees from the University of Saskatchewan. To contribute to the academic community, he remained with the U of S as a postdoctoral scholar and then as a research scientist with the Global Institute for Water Security and the Centre for Hydrology. As a student, he won several awards including the prestigious American Geophysical Union Horton Research Grant and the Canadian Geophysical Union Don Gray Award (named in memory of the eminent University of Saskatchewan hydrologist). Nicholas is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and an editor associated with several journals including the UK-based Consilience Journal that explores the intersection between science and the arts. Nicholas has taught undergraduate classes in the College of Arts and Science and writes journal articles on novel classroom activities. As a researcher, he designs electronic circuits used for measurement of hydrological phenomena and conducts outreach activities associated with scientific societies including a Hydrology Paper of the Day on Twitter (@KinarNicholas) that is followed by prestigious universities, researchers, institutes, publishing companies and government consortiums.  

Gordon Kirkby

I am respectfully offering my candidature for the office of Member-at-large for the University of Saskatchewan Senate in 2022.

I am gratefully married to author, Mary-Ann Kirkby and together we have one son, Levi.

Life has blessed me with varied experience which permits me to contribute in a meaningful way to the life of the University of Saskatchewan. I have served as City Councillor and Mayor for the City of Prince Albert and Member of Parliament for Prince Albert Churchill River. I also was privileged to serve on the University of Saskatchewan Board of Governors in the early 1990's. I was recognized by the Chiefs of the FSIN for my work in race relations and social justice.

While an MP, I served as chair of the Aboriginal Affairs and Natural Resources Committees and later as Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Justice.

I am currently engaged in the practice of law in Prince Albert and am part owner of a company which is marketing very highly advanced cybersecurity software.

In my spare time, I am an avid fisher and cross-country skier among other activities.

My experience is offered to give back to the University of Saskatchewan some of which it has given to me. I thank you all for considering me.

Lauren Kirychuk

Lauren Kirychuk is a proud University of Saskatchewan graduate, and even prouder first-generation Saskatchewanian/Canadian. She grew up with her three siblings, her mother - a teacher, her father - a grain buyer, residing in a small towns near Yorkton.

Her ties with the University of Saskatchewan are significant. Lauren holds University of Saskatchewan Degrees in B.A (’86) and B.S.A. (’89), as well M.Ed from the University of Calgary (’11). Besides herself, two of her siblings, her mother, and her son, are also graduates of the University of Saskatchewan.

Lauren worked many years in agricultural finance in Saskatchewan and across western Canada before moving into higher education as an instructor, curriculum developer, faculty developer, and finally as Associate Dean of a college business school. Currently Lauren is a member of the Assessment Review Board for the City of Calgary and continues to be involved in higher education through teaching, writing, and research.

Lauren’s connection to the University of Saskatchewan and province remains strong with continued ties to both. She sees the University as an important representative of the values of the people of Saskatchewan and looks forward to contributing to growing the strengths of the University of Saskatchewan.

Jodie Foster Mirosovsky

I, Jodie Foster Mirosovsky, am a Saskatchewan born girl, raised on a grain farm near Rosetown, Saskatchewan.   In 1989, I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics from the University of Saskatchewan.  Very shortly after, the College was closed and integrated into the College of Education and the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition.   

A determination to make use of my home economics education led myself and three other rural Saskatchewan home economists, namely, Barb Sanderson ’74, Betty Ann Deobald ’73 and Alma Copeland ’61),  to form TEAM Resources to continue our mission to empower families.

In 1996, our group received a contract with the Western Producer to write a column known as “How do you manage?”.  This column in the farm living section of the Western Producer has a casual, chatty approach often sharing events from our lives with the reader. The focus is on recipes and healthy eating with a sprinkling of consumer information, family finance, parenting and educating on the importance of a healthy home environment, which would lead to individuals that thrive in society. 25 years later we are still contributing to the publication.  Along with TEAM, I actively farm with my husband and son.  My other two children live in Saskatoon, my second son a Power Engineer and my daughter in her first year of Arts and Science (Chemistry) at the U of S.  Life goes by so quickly, I would like to contribute by serving on Senate for the next term as a member-at-large.

Audrey Mowchenko

Audrey Mowchenko received degrees from the University of Saskatchewan, a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy (with Distinction), and Emily Carr College of Art and Design, a Bachelor of Fine Art. She worked as a licensed physiotherapist in hospitals, specialized in sports medicine in private practice, and developed a business in graphic design.

A multisport athlete, she competed nationally in biathlon and internationally in rowing. With a spirit for adventure and understanding, she backpacked through Europe on an art scholarship, experiencing different cultures, and communicating in different languages. These experiences, combined with life on the family farm, founded her pursuit of healthy lifestyle and community values.

Audrey’s lifelong commitment to learning and service on boards and organizations has actively supported grassroots development in arts, education, sports, youth and health services wherever she has lived, worked or studied. She has worked with seniors groups, Olympians, and the disadvantaged to make a difference. The opportunity to assist and extensively travel throughout Canada in the promotion of experiential access to an indigenous medical program was particularly educational.

Audrey’s home is Saskatoon with her family and friends, doing graphic design and running the occasional half-marathon.

Roland Nordick

I hold B.A. and B.ED. degrees from the U of S.  In my 37-year career I taught one year in Alberta and the remaining years in Lloydminster and Saskatoon.  While teaching in Saskatoon, I participated in the development of the Alternate Education Curriculum as well as the development of English Language Arts Courses for On-line teaching for the SPSD.

Professionally I have served as President of the Lloydminster Teachers’ Association. As an Executive member of the Saskatoon Teachers’ Association, I received the SASKATOON TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION SERVICE RECOGNITION AWARD for exemplary service to the teachers of Saskatoon.  Upon retirement I joined the Executive of the Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon Chapter.

My community involvement included the position of President of READ SASKATOON, receiving CANADA’S LITERACY VOLUNTEER AWARD, in recognition of outstanding community service and achievement in the field of literacy.  I also served as the President of SASKATOON NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH, member of my Parish Council, as well as 20 years as a member of the JLCA Board of Directors. Currently I am Vice-president, PROBUS Club of Saskatoon.

My Professional affiliation(s), as well as years of service on various Community Boards has provided experience pertinent to this nomination.

Jeremy Ring

Jeremy Ring has been a resident of Saskatoon since 1992, completing his Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics (2007) and Bachelor of Commerce (2009) at the University of Saskatchewan. Actively involved in student associations throughout his seven years on campus, he spent considerable time listening and advocating on behalf of students from all colleges, collaborating closely with university administration, and striving to create an increasingly impactful student experience. Notably, from 2007 to 2009, Jeremy represented students as the Vice-President, Operations & Finance with the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union (USSU).

Since his convocation, Jeremy has worked in the Human Resources field in Saskatoon with local and global companies in leadership roles, while continuing to share his experiences with students in the Edwards School of Business. He continued his growth and development by attaining his professional designation as a Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and completing his Master of Arts in Leadership Studies through Royal Roads University in 2017.

Personally, Jeremy has a busy family life with two young boys, is active in the sports community with his wife Aliya, and volunteers on his local community association board.

Noel Roche

I was born in Ireland and emigrated to Canada in 1986. Since ‘86 my wife Hazel and I have called Saskatoon home. I have a Master of Education in Educational Administration from the College of Education, University of Saskatchewan. We have two boys, Owen and Thomas and both also convocated from the University of Saskatchewan. Our family stays very active as we believe in healthy lifestyles. We travel whenever possible and hiking trips are a regular and enjoyable activity for us.

I had a career in pre-K-12 Education, with roles that varied from teaching to administration. I retired in June 2020 as the Deputy Director of Education in Prairie Spirit School Division. It was an honour to work alongside many great colleagues throughout my career serving the best interests of students. I believe strongly in the power of education to provide children with the building blocks for a successful and rewarding life. Education is also critical to the well-being of liberal democratic societies. My application to join the University of Saskatchewan Senate would allow me the opportunity to continue to contribute to education in Saskatchewan.

Kelly Strueby

I graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours Economics) in 1984. 

I currently reside in in Richmond Hill, Ontario and have worked in municipal government (finance) for most of my career since graduating. Born and raised in Humboldt, I am proud of my Saskatchewan roots, and maintain a strong connection to the area. 

I was a volunteer with the University of Saskatchewan Alumni Association from 2013 to 2021, serving in a variety of roles, including the Board of Directors, chairing the Achievement and Engagement sub-committee responsible for selection of Alumni Award recipients, and later, executive roles as the Vice-President and President of the Alumni Association from 2016-19. 

I also was part of a committed group of volunteers and staff who worked to strengthen alumni engagement through the new Alumni Advisory Board and was honoured to serve as its inaugural Chair in 2019-20.

I am very appreciative of the education I received at the University of Saskatchewan and believe in the life-changing power of education. I would be honoured to continue to be involved with the University as a member of the Senate. Thank you!

Chris Unsworth

Chris Unsworth’s family has tilled the same land in Saskatchewan for more than 100 years and that same work ethic is something Unsworth proudly displays today in the local business scene.

His work ethic served him well as a student and as a student athlete. Unsworth was part of the Huskies men’s basketball team that won a national title in 2010.

After his graduation in 2012, he has eagerly continued to serve as a volunteer in USask events such as convocation and with Huskie Athletics. The connection back to campus is important to Unsworth. He has served the Alumni and Advisory board for nine years, most recently as Chair from 2020-2022

In entrepreneurial enterprises, Chris has worked in software and as a consultant with IMAGINiT Technologies in Saskatoon. He is currently launching his own company and pursuing a global impact.

Darlene Clarke

Darlene Clarke views membership in University of Saskatchewan’s Senate as a District Member as part of her lifelong obligation to create pathways to quality education and a promising future for others.  

Born in Manitoba, Darlene obtained degrees from Brandon University B.A. (1973), University of Saskatchewan B.Ed. (1993), and University of Regina M.Ed. (Administration) (1999). She enjoyed a career as a teacher and administrator.  She also worked as the education development officer for the Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Saskatchewan Provincial Council.

Professionally, she has been PD chair and vice-president of her local teachers’ association, vice-president teachers’ special subjects council, and many extra-curricular high school activities.  Locally and provincially she has served as a church vestry member, assistant commissioner Scouts Canada, member SK Arts Council Grant Board, chair Relay for Life, president Midsummers’ Art Festival, and opened her family home as a shelter for battered women.  She compiled and edited a Ukrainian Business terminology glossary (30,000 copies) for USask, which was displayed at Expo in Vancouver, employed as a textbook in Ukraine, and serves as a valuable resource for Canadians doing business in Ukraine. 

Currently Darlene is president of the Calling Lakes Choir, member of WA WA Shrine Ladies Auxiliary and the Qu’Appelle Valley Art Club (painter), and volunteers for Diabetes Canada.   

In recognition of a lifetime of local and provincial volunteer work, Darlene was awarded the Canada 150 Commemorative medal.  Two of her three children are USask graduates. 

Teresa Farrell

My name is Teresa Farrell, and I am a virtual educator with South East Cornerstone Public School Division.  I earned my Bachelor of Education, Post-Degree Certificate in Special Education, and my Master’s in Curriculum Studies from the University of Saskatchewan.  The U of S is home to me.  When I am not busy with my professional commitments and interests, I help on our grain farm, drive my children to their sporting events, and dabble in the kitchen. 

A few of my career highlights are: Being deployed to Ukraine with Canadem as an International Observer for the 2019 election.  I take pride in learning firsthand that election observation is one of the most transparent and methodical ways to promote and encourage democracy and human rights. 

I participated in a teacher’s study tour in France and Flanders with The Gregg Centre for the Study of War and Society.  This experience elevated my historical thinking and my teaching of war and the Canadian experience. 

Another notable experience was participating in the Teacher’s Institute on Canadian Parliamentary Democracy.  This learning opportunity focused on the inner workings of Parliament.  I returned to my classroom with renewed energy to teach democracy, governance, and citizenship in a meaningful and engaging way. 

Learning with students is the most rewarding part of teaching.  I enjoy planning, organizing, researching, and reflecting in a way that cultivates inquiry.  There is no end to learning.  This is my personal and professional aspiration. 

District 7

Jennifer Brooks

With 20+ years of professional experience, Jennifer Brooks is a public sector strategist, advisor and advocate, currently working with Carlton Trail College to provide strategic development, communications and performance management services that build institutional awareness, connections and trust.

She holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Saskatchewan’s Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, and her work has been central in several, award-winning initiatives. From advising federal, provincial and municipal bodies to communicating the strengths, challenges and opportunities of rural communities to a diverse range of audiences, Jennifer is passionate about working with engaged agencies and organizations, guiding efforts so that all parties become more focused, overcome obstacles, tackle tough challenges and reach ambitious goals.    

Closer to home, her range of interests have led her to support Junior Achievement, her local school-community Council, as well as the Girl Guides of Canada. A former CBC Saskatchewan Future40 nominee, Jennifer was first elected to the Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance’s Board of Directors in 2014, and recently completed an eight-year governance term with the organization, including successfully leading the organization as Chair through the initial two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

She resides in Humboldt, SK with her family.

Jean-Michel DeVink

I was born and raised in New Brunswick, where I completed my bachelor’s degree in Forestry and Environmental Management. I moved to Saskatchewan in 2003 to start my PhD in Biology at the University of Saskatchewan, which I completed in 2007. Since graduating, I have worked in a variety of sectors, including with the federal government as a regional biologist, in private consulting working on environmental assessments for major projects across Canada, and more recently as a member of the senior leadership team managing national conservation programs for Ducks Unlimited Canada.

As a volunteer, I’ve recently served on the Saskatchewan board of directors for the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and as a school board member for l’École Canadienne Française in Saskatoon. I am also an Adjunct Professor in the School of Environment and Sustainability, where I periodically teach and mentor graduate students.

My wife, two boys and I live near the USask Livestock and Forage Center of Excellence in the R.M. of Blucher (District 7), where we are active in the community. I have a keen interest in education, sustainability and policy, and am a proud member of the USask community.

Rebecca Malo

I have called Warman home since 2003, after growing up in small town Alberta.  My proudest moment was graduating from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Commerce degree while my husband and two teenage boys watched.

I now work as an Auditor for Jensen Stromberg Chartered Professional Accountants, where I specialize in municipal audits.  My favorite part of the job is helping Administrators, who frequent work in isolation.

Dion Martens

Dion Martens loves the University of Saskatchewan and believes strongly in its role in serving the public good and advancing the aspirations of Saskatchewanians.

Dion has in-depth familiarity with the diverse perspectives and needs of rural Saskatchewan, as a rural resident with an acreage near Hague, and as Executive Director of Saskatchewan Egg Producers, a farmer-run organization that oversees and promotes our province’s egg farming industry.

Having previously worked as USask’s Director of Research Excellence and Innovation, responsible for research ethics and community and industry partnerships, Dion understands the complexity of USask’s governance and administration.

Dion spent eight years working in the Saskatchewan Legislature and served as policy director for a leading non-partisan think tank, the Public Policy Forum in Ottawa.

He earned a PhD from the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy at USask and a Master of Public Policy from Simon Fraser University. He also completed Crisis Leadership in Higher Education training at Harvard University’s Kennedy School.

Dion served on the provincial and national boards of the Alzheimer Society, participated in the Person-2-Person Visitation Program at the Regional Psychiatric Centre, and volunteered with children and youth in Grenada, Northern Ireland, the Philippines, Rwanda and Eswatini.

Brian Rugg

My name is Brian Rugg and I live with my family in the town of Colonsay, SK.  I currently farm with my family, operating a pedigree seed farm producing and retailing pedigree Wheat, Barley, Flax, Field Peas along with other grains to other farms.    I graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor in the Science of Agriculture from the College of Agriculture in 1997.  I have been employed in the Agriculture industry in Saskatchewan since graduation.  I have a Professional Agrologist designation and in 2010, I achieved a Certified General Accountant professional designation (now Chartered Professional Accountant).  In addition to farming, I am currently a Partner with Grant Thornton LLP providing accounting services for all types of small and medium size businesses.  I enjoy being active in my community, and currently sit as a Councillor in the RM of Colonsay.  I enjoy travelling and attending sporting activities for myself and my kids.

Faith Nash

I completed high school education at North Battleford Comprehensive High School in the French immersion program in 1986.  I attended the University of Saskatchewan and attained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1989 and then attended the University of Regina where I earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree in 1992.

I have worked in the areas of Social Services and Health Services for my career. I currently work as a Director of Primary Health Services for the Saskatchewan Health authority where I have six managers that report to me and I oversee the operations of six different health facilities in the rural area of the North West part of the province. I am a LEAN leader and recently completed a “Coaching Clinical Microsystems” course at Dartmouth Institute, NH. I am a lifelong learner.

My biggest joy is being the parent of two wonderful children and wife to my husband. I enjoy all sports and outdoor activities and time with family is a priority.

Loretta Pete Lambert

Ms. Pete Lambert is a mother, aunt, grandmother and wife. She is from the Little Pine Cree Nation. Loretta’s education includes degrees in education and a Juris Doctor in Law. She is currently a practicing lawyer and has taught elementary, secondary and post secondary school. She possesses Professional Teaching Certificates from the provinces of Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. Loretta is a proven successful education administrator. She managed and coordinated the creation of the website http://www.creedictionary.com, archiving the Cree Language based on two dictionaries: one from Dr. Arok Wolvengrey, First Nations University of Canada and from Dr. Earle Waugh, University of Alberta. Loretta was an elected Board Member with the Greater Catholic School Division and an appointed Board Member of the Many Nations Cooperative Board. Her experience on these boards shows proven success in governance and leadership.

Gerald DesRoches

Gerald is a business consultant and has been based out of La Ronge since completing his B.Comm in 1994 and MBA in 2001. He volunteers in the community and is also a part-time firefighter.

Johnny Walker

A member of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, Johnny has dedicated his career of 22+ years to working with Indigenous organizations after graduating from the UofS.

Johnny Walker’s accomplishments consists of a Commerce degree from the UofS, a Chemical Laboratory Technician Diploma from Sask Polytech, a Security Guard Certificate from the Canadian Commissionaires, a Business Certificate from Sask Polytech and a Certificate in Indigenous Business Administration from the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College / UofS. Most recently Johnny completed the Kiskēyihtamowina Board Governance Program from First Nations University of Canada, the MBA Essentials Program from the University of Toronto, and the Leadership Certificate Program from the University of Waterloo.

Johnny’s exceptional career includes Director of Post-Secondary Education for PBCN for 8 years, CEO & Acting Director of Operations for the Prince Albert Grand Council for 10 years, Director of SIIT Prince Albert Campus for 1 year, Director of Operations for Wahgoshig First Nation in Northern Ontario for 2 years and Chief Operating Officer for Curve Lake First Nation in Southern Ontario for 1 year. Johnny is currently with FLFN Ventures Inc. as their Chief Executive Officer

Johnny was also a former UofS Senator from July 2009 - July 2012.

Cathy Wheaton

Hello, tansi, Ɂedlanet'e. My name is Cathy Wheaton Bird. I am running for University of Saskatchewan, Senate representative for District 12. I have seen university education help our residents become teachers, nurses, policy-makers, managers and leaders in our communities. Today many students do not need to leave our communities to become educated. More programs are being delivered right in our communities. University education constantly evolves. I want to ensure university education is accessible to our community members. University education has changed my life tremendously. Prior to university, I struggled with poverty raising my three children. University opened doors for me. I left the north in 1993 to pursue a Bachelor of Arts and convocated in 1998. In 2012 I continued my education. I obtained a Masters of Northern Governance and Development while living in La Ronge. Both degrees are from the University of Saskatchewan. I worked as a professional in many areas including employment programs, university instructor, post-secondary education, and as a director for my First Nation. Today I work for Saskatchewan Health Authority as an educator on mental health. My story has been repeated by the many other graduates of University of Saskatchewan. I see university graduates helping people in our communities in so many ways. As senate member, I will strive to be a persuasive voice that articulates our unique interests. Thank you for reading my statement.

Bryce Bulgis

My name is Bryce Kyle Bulgis, and I was born and raised in rural Saskatchewan. Coming from the prairies, I was quite involved in my community of Choiceland all throughout grade school and really got to understand the importance of supporting one another and how close people can be in a small-town environment. I was also vehemently dedicated to my studies, as I understood the necessity of a good education and its benefits for people in the modern world. After graduating high school, I went to the University of Saskatchewan and excelled in my studies, completing a B.Ed. and a B.A. (Hons) over seven years and really applied myself to the university culture and support network, working and volunteering in various roles. Since then, my teaching career has taken me to many places, but my travels have not caused me to forget my post-secondary roots, which is why I would be honoured to represent district 11 for the university senate, so I can put forth my community and area’s best interests to try to advocate for incoming university students whom I used to be while also representing the university to the rural areas.

Barb Gustafson

Barbara Hazelwood Gustafson has had a lifetime connection to the U of S. As a student, she studied full-time and part-time, through off-campus, on-campus, correspondence and online courses, to complete four degrees: B.Ed. (1983); B.A. (1987); MBA (2001); and PhD (Ed. Admin., 2015). She also received the CACE certificate in 2006. She is a proud U of S mom, as well, as her three children hold four degrees in total in Education, Engineering and Arts.

Barb previously served on the U of S Senate from 1999-2002 and from 2019-2022. Other board and community involvements include: Prince Albert city councillor (2003-2006); Prince Albert Credit Union Board member (1996-2006); Clarence Campeau Development Fund (Metis Development Corp.) board member (2007-2016); founding president of the Prince Albert and Area Community Foundation (1999-2016); and more than 30 years with the Canadian Federation of University Women.

Professionally, Barb is the Special Advisor to the Provost at Saskatchewan Polytechnic and serves on the Saskatchewan Higher Education Quality Assurance Board (SHEQAB) and the provincial K-12 Curriculum Advisory Committee. She lives in Prince Albert with her husband, Grant, and is a lifelong resident of that area, tracing her family roots back more than seven generations in Saskatchewan.

Nicole Anne Sawchuk

Nicole was born and raised in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, to a French Metis family. 

She completed her Arts & Science degree through the University of Saskatchewan in 1998, with a Sociology major.  In the Summer of 1998, she attended the Program of Legal Studies for Native People in Saskatoon, and then commenced her legal education at the College of Law through the University of Saskatchewan in the Fall of 1998.  

After obtaining her Bachelor of Laws Degree in 2001, Nicole and her husband returned to Prince Albert to build a family and for her to establish her legal practice.  She is also a certified Mediator and Arbitrator.  Nicole is a sole practitioner with a very busy law office in Prince Albert, who employs a junior associate and three support staff.  

Nicole is very supportive of her children’s education and extra-curricular activities.  She demonstrates the importance of community involvement having become a certified volleyball coach in 2017, for girls’ youth volleyball in Prince Albert, in addition to sitting on the board of Directors for Prince Albert Volleyball Association and the Saskatchewan Volleyball Association, where she also sits on the Governance Committee.