Senate Districts
The boundaries of the 14 electoral districts are as follows, and may from time to time be amended by Senate:
District 9
Tim Hoenmans was born, raised, and educated in Melfort before convocation from the University of Saskatchewan. He served on Melfort City Council for eight years from 2016–2024 and is a Mine Geologist in northern Saskatchewan. Previous experience with the assessment management agency and city council means a firm understanding of the relationship between governance, taxation, and budgeting. Hoenmans currently serves on the North East School Board as a Board Trustee.
Hoenmans believes in working with our educators to provide the best opportunities available and creating an environment that entices our graduates to be a part of our local community when they embark on their professional careers.
Funding education in today’s political climate includes responsible local decisions paired with visionary strategic planning, transparent budgeting, and robust relatable programs.
Hoenmans wants to see his two young children educated such that they have the real-world skills and knowledge to succeed, and therein lies the motivation for his Subdivision Nine.
Barry Lyons graduated with a BSP from the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition in 1988. An opportunity to work and raise a family in a small community took him to Nipawin in 1992. In 2012, other his career path took him to the Saskatoon Cancer Centre and then the Prairie North Regional Health Authority in North Battleford, before he and his spouse moved back to their home in Nipawin in 2019. Barry is currently a Director with Pharmacy Services In the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
Barry has had the opportunity to serve his profession as a past-president of both the Canadian Society of Healthcare-Systems Pharmacy - Saskatchewan Branch and the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals. He has been a Sessional Lecturer at the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition for much of the last 20 years. Barry has been president of the NorthEast Minor Baseball Association and knows the District 9 communities well, having travelled throughout the area with sports, leisure and work activities.
Barry's spouse, son, and stepson are all proud University of Saskatchewan graduates, and he looks forward to contributing to the governance and leadership of the University of Saskatchewan with the USask Senate.
Carmen MacKie works for the Saskatchewan Health Authority as the Immunization Coordinator and Public Health Nursing Supervisor. She supports the Public Health Nurses in Melfort, Nipawin, Tisdale and Hudson Bay. Carmen's primary role is to support coordination and facilitation of publicly funded vaccine for those communities. She also supports the orientation of new staff and provides clinical supervision. She is based in Hudson Bay with the Public Health team.
She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1998 from the University of Saskatchewan. Carmen worked in the Emergency Room in North Battleford and then transitioned to Public Health. She moved to Hudson Bay with her young family and worked in acute care for 15 years. In 2009, she accepted a job share in public health in Tisdale until 5 years later obtaining a full-time permanent position in Hudson Bay as a Public Health Nurse. Carmen has been in the Immunization Coordinator position since August 2024. She is very passionate about the health of her community and was awarded Citizen of the Year in 2021.
Carmen currently lives in Hudson Bay with her husband Scott. She has 3 grown children, loves to travel and spend time with family and friends.
Members-at-Large
Jenalene Antony holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Saskatchewan, where she studied under one of the early founders of Doctors Without Borders. Her professional background spans nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and institutional sustainability initiatives.
Her work at the University of Saskatchewan and with nonprofit organizations has centered on advancing social responsibility, environmental stewardship, and collaborative governance. She has also worked with CBC Saskatchewan as a photographer, writer, and filmmaker, highlighting health care and rural issues across the province.
Elected as a member-at-large in 2014, she brings experience and a commitment to principled governance as she seeks to continue serving the university community.
Jessica Borich is a systems strategist and governance leader committed to strengthening institutions through thoughtful oversight, innovation, and inclusive engagement. A Bachelor of Commerce graduate of the University of Saskatchewan, she is completing her first term on Senate and is seeking re-election to continue contributing strategic perspective and accountable governance to the university community.
Jessica brings nearly two decades of cross-sector experience spanning financial services, public policy, and social impact. As Principal of Prism X Strategy, she advises governments, post-secondary institutions, and international organizations on complex systems challenges, including climate resilience, economic development, and equitable community engagement. Her work integrates strategic foresight, impact measurement, and stakeholder governance to help institutions navigate uncertainty while remaining values-driven.
An alumna and former Teaching Fellow of the University of Pennsylvania’s Executive Program in Social Impact Strategy, Jessica is expanding her research focus at the intersection of strategic foresight, civic infrastructure, and social connection. Her work increasingly engages international collaborators, positioning Canadian institutions within broader global conversations.
Jessica approaches Senate service with rigor, curiosity, and a long-term lens—committed to ensuring the University of Saskatchewan remains innovative, accountable, and globally connected.
Bryce Kyle Bulgis was born and raised in rural Saskatchewan. Coming from the prairies, he was quite involved in his community all throughout grade school and excelled in his studies amid the busy farming seasons. This success led him to the University of Saskatchewan where he completed a B.Ed. and a B.A. (Hons) in English.
Since then, his teaching career has taken him to many places around Saskatchewan and abroad, but his travels have not caused him to forget where his post-secondary journey began. He has since transitioned into an academic advisor role for the College of Arts and Science where he monitors students’ progress and links them to supports every day to promote their success.
He is immersed in university policy and student affairs and knows that the senate would complement his advising position nicely, as he could provide a student-focused academic lens to the senate’s public-based view on the university. He would advocate for students and help ensure that they get the best education that they deserve while furthering the university’s aspirations to “be what the world needs.”
Tony is a retired Vice President Geologist with 33+ years of experience in the Oil and Gas Industry. Worked in western Canada and internationally in Texas and Mexico.
Tony was born in North Battleford Saskatchewan on Sept 21, 1962 to a farming family. Graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a BSc in 1985 and PhD in 1992. President of the Ore Gangue Student society 1984-85. Tony has delivered presentations to the Williston Basin Symposium, APEGA Geoskills Conference, Canadian Society of Unconventional Resources, geoLOGIC systems, Saskatchewan Geological Society, Saskatchewan Geological Survey, Memorial University, Dalhousie University, St Francis Xavier, Acadia University, University of New Brunswick, University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina, and University of Calgary. News media exposure with CBC Radio, Global News Calgary, Lloydminster News and appeared in print in North American Shale Magazine, The Bakken, Daily Oil Bulletin, Ottawa Citizen, Regina Leader Post, Saskatoon Star Pheonix, and Calgary Herald. 12 years Board experience: alternative energy, land surveying, environmental, and research companies. Member of the Canadian Energy Geosciences Association and held several key positions within the society, including Vice President, President and Past President and Chair of Board of Trustees CSPG Foundation. Currently residing in Salmon Arm, BC.
Paul graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1997 (PhD – education) and in 2008 with a Master of Laws. He taught English in France and worked as a lawyer in Ontario. Paul has studied, worked, and lived in Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Fluently bilingual (English/French), he has worked as a professor of educational leadership and law since 1994, with successive appointments at the University of Saskatchewan, the Université de Moncton, and since 1999 the University of Regina. He retires on April 30, 2026 and relocates to Saskatoon in May. During his career, Paul has published extensively, presented his research at numerous provincial, national, and international conferences, and served on many departmental, faculty, and university committees. At the U of R, he was the Associate Dean of Education (HR and Professional Development), the Associate Director of the former Institut Linguistique, and Director of the Office of Field Experience. Paul has a keen interest in policy, governance, and leadership, areas where he has acquired expertise through service, teaching, and research. He has strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills, and would welcome the opportunity to serve on the senate while making a positive contribution to the life of the university.
Bia de Freitas is a senior civil engineer and project leader based in Saskatoon, specializing in municipal infrastructure planning, design, and construction administration. She has delivered community infrastructure projects across Saskatchewan, working with municipalities, Indigenous communities, provincial and federal agencies, and multidisciplinary teams. Her work focuses on practical, sustainable solutions that support resilient and growing communities.
Bia serves as President of Western Canada Water, a professional association representing water and wastewater practitioners across three provinces, two territories. In this role, she contributes to governance oversight, strategic planning, and member engagement, reinforcing her commitment to transparency, collaboration, and thoughtful decision making. Bia also advocates for equity, diversity, and inclusion in engineering and supports initiatives that encourage women and underrepresented groups to pursue careers in STEM.
A proud alumna of the USask College of Engineering, Bia's connection to the University began in childhood after immigrating to Canada when her father pursued his PhD at USask. This early experience shaped her appreciation for the University's impact on students, families, and the wider community.
Bia is seeking election to the USask Senate as a Member at Large to contribute her governance experience, professional background, and community perspective in support of the University's continued success.
Clint, a native of Moose Jaw Saskatchewan attended the University of Saskatchewan from 1969-1973 earning both a science and law degree. He has had an illustrious law career for over 50 years with many notable trial and appeal decisions including appeals in front of the Supreme Court of Canada.
He was counsel in many leading class action cases throughout Canada including the Indian Residential Schools class action.
In 2017 he was awarded the Champion of Justice Award by The Alberta Civil Trial Lawyers Association in recognition of his championing the causes of justice, thereby protecting and furthering the rights of the individual.
Between 1990 and 2022 he taught mediation at Mount Royal University. He is also a Chartered Mediator and regularly mediates disputes throughout Western Canada.
As a past president of the University of Saskatchewan Alumni Association (Calgary Chapter) he has maintained a class connection with the University.
Dr. Delasi (Del) Essien is a Registered Nurse with over 15 years of public, not-for-profit, and senior government experience in several regions across Canada. Del has extensive administrative and academic experience and has been dedicated to leading through innovation at all stages of her career. Her expertise includes institutional-wide leadership in the areas of teaching excellence, program and curriculum development, accreditation, instructional design, experiential learning, and change management.
As a lifelong learner, Del holds multiple degrees and certifications including a Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Manitoba, a Master of Nursing in Education/Leadership from the University of Saskatchewan, a Doctorate of Philosophy in Social Studies from the University of Regina with a research focus on Indigenization, reconciliation, and decolonization, and certificates in Adult Teaching and Learning and in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
Del is a true advocate of education and leadership and has dedicated herself to inspiring students and professionals to achieve personal, academic, and career growth. Her advocacy work has been recognized both nationally and globally.
Del is a Certified Global Nurse Consultant, a certified Change Practitioner, a published author, an avid lifestyle blogger, and is currently the Executive Director of the Association of Professional Nurses of Saskatchewan.
Dr. Chase Figley grew up in Saskatoon and earned a BSc. Honors degree in Chemistry at the University of Saskatchewan (2005) before completing a PhD in Neuroscience at Queen's University (2010) and then a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University (2013). He is currently a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Radiology and the Associate Director of the Manitoba Multiple Sclerosis Research Centre at the University of Manitoba. In addition to his many research and academic responsibilities, he has also taken on active leadership roles in postsecondary education, including university governance (i.e., currently serving second terms as an elected member of the University of Manitoba's Rady Faculty of Health Sciences Faculty Council, Senate Committee on Academic Computing, and University Senate - the latter of which is the primary academic governing body at the University of Manitoba, akin to the University of Saskatchewan's University Council). Both of his parents and all three sisters are also proud UofS alumni (in Education, Engineering, Commerce, Law, and Veterinary Medicine). Given his deep roots in Saskatchewan and his background in postsecondary education (including university governance), he will bring a wealth of experience and a strong voice to the University of Saskatchewan Senate.
Dr. Qasim Gill Gill is a public policy professional and researcher with plenty of experience in higher education governance, student leadership, and public service. He earned his PhD in Public Policy in 2024 from the University of Saskatchewan, where his research was focused on university governance, institutional autonomy, and government–university relations.
During his PhD studies, Dr. Gill was actively involved in student leadership. He served as Vice-President (External Affairs) of the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) at the University of Saskatchewan. During his one-year term, he represented graduate students on several university committees, including the Governance Committee, the Presidential Committee, and the University Council. He spent his term during one of the most challenging periods for universities, which was the COVID-19 pandemic, where he advocated for graduate students on both internal and external platforms while contributing to initiatives that supported student well-being, governance participation, and academic community engagement. Before this role, he served as International Student Director at the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, where he strengthened connections within the student community and promoted engagement among international students on campus.
Dr. Gill currently works with the Government of Canada; his academic and professional experiences reflect a strong commitment to public policy, higher education, and the role universities play in shaping inclusive and vibrant communities.
I was born in Saskatoon and completed my pre-university education in this city. I graduated from the College of Medicine in 1985 (University of Saskatchewan) and then trained as a general surgeon at the University of Calgary. After working as a surgeon in Calgary for six months, I returned to practice general surgery in Saskatoon for 17 years, both privately and then as a faculty member in the College of Medicine.
In 2008, I entered the College of Law and completed a law degree and a Master of Laws in Health Law (Thesis: “Accommodation of Religious and Cultural Differences in Medical School Training”). I then practiced emergency medicine part time for 12 years and family medicine from 2012 to current day. I taught ethics and medicolegal issues in the College of Medicine for many years, and I am currently a sessional lecturer in the College of Law teaching an Advanced Health Law seminar. I am married with three grown children, and my husband and children have all completed degrees at the University of Saskatchewan. I feel extremely grateful to this excellent university for the many opportunities that it has provided for me and for my family.
As a proud two-time graduate (BSc’84, PhD’94), a 2015 Alumni of Influence Award recipient and a member of the USask Alumni Advisory Board, my connection to USask is lifelong. I seek election as a member-at-large to the USask Senate to bring my global professional perspective to the Senate to support the Be What the World Needs vision.
I have co-founded biotech ventures and serve as LevGo’s VP Innovation and as the Bio+Health track Chair UC Berkeley’s SkyDeck accelerator and fund. At the intersection of science and entrepreneurship, I have decades of experience navigating global innovation ecosystems with collaborative leadership that leads to real-world applications and world-class solutions. Living in California for 30 years while remaining deeply tied to Saskatchewan (parents, brother, sister, cabin, farm, Opus), I represent prairie-influenced, global alumni.
If elected, I aim to provide strategic guidance to ensure that USask remains a leader in higher education and enhances the social and economic welfare of Saskatchewan and of the world. My priorities are: (1) Enhancing the Pan-Canada and Global Alumni Voice and (2) Supporting Academic Excellence. I look forward to continued contribution to USask remaining a leader in the welfare of Saskatchewan and of the world.
Ben earned his B.Sc. (1988) and Ph.D. (1993) from U Sask. Following an NSERC post-doctoral fellowship he continued his research and taught at U Alberta and U Penn. As opportunities arose he transitioned to industry, broadened his expertise, and addressed real world environmental challenges. In the private sector, Ben applied the strong scientific foundation he developed at USask, while refining his communication and stakeholder engagement skills. He became adept translating complex scientific concepts for diverse audiences. His teaching philosophy is rooted in a transdisciplinary approach that he practiced throughout his career and trained students and staff to think critically and solve problems collaboratively. This perspective enabled innovative, sustainable, nature-based solutions to be developed and implemented for environmental issues. His career path and volunteer leadership of two international organizations cross-cut the academic, industry, and government, sectors, provided him with extensive governance and organizational management experience, including collaboration with leaders and government bodies worldwide. Ben taught and mentored students at Canadian, American, and Asian universities, and collaborated with prominent industries resolving environmental issues. He believes strongly in the responsibility to share his knowledge and skills, and serving on the Senate aligns closely with his commitment to education, sustainability, and public service.
Trish's career and passion are rooted in the agri-food industry. Currently, she is serving as the Associate Vice President of Ag and Lubricants with Federated Co-operatives (FCL), where she provides long term strategic leadership for the ag business across the Co-operative Retailing System (CRS). Trish joined Federated Co-operatives (FCL) in 2015, leading agronomic training and innovation for the CRS. In 2018, Trish became the Director of FCL's Crop Supplies Department and then in 2020, the Associate Vice President of Ag and Home.
Prior to FCL, Trish worked in the industry as an agronomist advising farmers on crop production practices, in agronomic research, and as a sales manager for a seed and crop protection company. She has a BSA and an MSc from the University of Saskatchewan, specializing in Soil Science, is a Professional Agrologist, a Certified Crop Advisor, and a 4R Nutrient Management Specialist. She has been on the Board of the Prairie Certified Crop Advisors, led the Nutrients Committee with Fertilizer Canada, President of the Blairs Crop Solutions (2024 to 2026) and is currently on the Executive Board of Directors for CropLife Canada. Trish, her husband, and three sons are involved in the family farm at Melfort.
Born and raised on a grain/cattle farm in Porcupine Plain, SK, I convocated with my B. Ed degree from U of S in 1990 and began my teaching career in Calgary AB. I completed my M. ED degree in 2014 in Educational Leadership. Over the last 35 years, I have been highly involved in the Alberta Teachers’ Association and have served on their Provincial Executive Council for the last 6 years working for the 50000 public education teachers in Collective Bargaining, Professional Development and Teacher Welfare while continuing to teach elementary classes. I have worked on the Teacher Education Certification Committee for many years working with Deans of Education to improve the working conditions of students in their practicums across the province. As I retire this spring, I would like to greatly give back to the University that made this career possible and support the University community and its students in its governance. As a life long Die-Hard Roughrider Fan wearing and bleeding Green here in Alberta, I would be honoured to hold the position of Member-at-large Representative and contribute my life experiences in this role my favourite school, the University of Saskatchewan. Thank you for your consideration.
I would be honored to serve as a voice for the alumni and with experience in academia, the university's administration, and industry I feel I would be well-placed to do so.
I grew up in Saskatchewan, obtained a B.Sc. in Physics (2011) from the U of S and joined the Saskatchewan Research Council before returning to the university to complete my M.Sc. in Physics (2017) and to work in the Student Recruitment Department. I have since worked as a research scientist in the aerospace industry, collaborating with institutions and universities across Canada to develop and implement new technologies that improve the lifetime and reduce the emissions of aircraft and power-generating engines.
There has perhaps never been a more difficult time for our alumni to establish themselves post-convocation. As a member of the U of S Senate, I would wherever possible promote practical solutions to the challenges of the university and to those that new alumni face in particular. Thank you for your consideration.
Having recently retired as a Judge of the Provincial Court of Saskatchewan as well as a Deputy Judge of Yukon and the Northwest Territories I want to give back to our University and Province. Raised in St. Gregor, I completed Grade 12 at St. Peter’s College in Muenster. I attended the U. of S. where I earned a B.A. and J.D. After articling in Saskatoon I worked as a lawyer in La Ronge, Prince Albert, and Saskatoon. In 2009, I was appointed as a Judge to Wynyard and later transferred to Saskatoon as Chief Judge. As a lawyer and judge I have worked in over 65 communities in every corner of Saskatchewan in English and French. My wife Lorna (B.Ed St. Francis Xavier University, N.S., M.Ed Dalhousie, N.S.) and I have three adult children. Two have degrees in Engineering, Education, and Medicine from the U. of S. and one has a B.Ed from the University of Regina and a M.Ed from St. Francis Xavier.
I studied Spanish in Mexico, Guatemala and Peru. I am currently studying German.
I coached our children’s soccer teams, was a board member of their youth camp and the Saskatoon Children’s Festival.
Shawn Rempel’s leadership extends from Saskatchewan to the international stage. A three-time University of Saskatchewan graduate (B.Sc. (Kin): 2003, MBA: 2014, JD: 2023), he has been elected to governance roles at the provincial, national, and global levels of sport; serving as President of Triathlon Saskatchewan, as a Board Member of Triathlon Canada, and now on World Triathlon’s Legal and Constitution Committee, where he contributes to constitutional reform, policy development, and strategic oversight affecting the sport worldwide. Across these roles, he has worked on executive recruitment, multi-year strategic planning, and governance modernization within Olympic-cycle organizations, bringing disciplined judgment to complex, high-accountability environments.
Professionally, Shawn has served as a senior executive with a private financing firm and was called to the Bar by the Law Society of British Columbia in 2023. Earlier in his career, he worked on campus in student recruitment and with Huskie Athletics, mentoring student interns and student-athletes while supporting nationally competitive programs and major university events. Although he has lived outside Saskatchewan since 2022, he remains a proud ambassador for USask. He brings to the Senate a governance-informed, alumni-rooted perspective shaped by law, business, athletics, and meaningful campus engagement.
Bruce Richet, P.Eng.
Retired from 40 years of progressively senior roles with three international Consulting Engineering firms, this community minded leader has also managed to guide eight non-profit organizations and sports/ club programs, including elected offices of Town Councilor & Mayor.
As an executive on the National business scene, he has directed teams in 16 offices totaling 550 in Infrastructure/ Development/ Planning and Technology Systems with annual fees exceeding $60M.
He has developed competencies in Strategic Planning, Governance, Communications, Finance/ Risk Management and People/ Cultural Relationship Skills. He has built a successful reputation developing business relations/ partnerships with entrepreneurs and Indigenous groups.
As a principled leader he values ethics, integrity and continued lifelong learning with effort in giving back through volunteerism. Currently he is a Board Director for Engineers of Tomorrow, Lifelong Learning Canada, nationally and Light of the Prairies, Saskatoon Engineering Society, locally. See LinkedIn and Green/White profile July 23/24!
He currently has been involved with engineering student mentorship programs and in elevating the exposure of Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) to K-12 education and especially to those disadvantaged.
He desires to continue his efforts towards making the Senate a true “USask/ Community” window of engagement and action.
Adrian’s professional journey is rooted in a deep appreciation for Saskatchewan’s landscape and the practical resilience of a family farm upbringing. Beginning his post-secondary education with a trade certificate from Saskatchewan Polytechnic before earning a Bachelor of Commerce in Management from the Edwards School of Business, Adrian brings a unique, multi-disciplinary perspective to institutional growth.
With an extensive background in managing large-scale facilities and business operations, Adrian specializes in the strategic oversight of complex systems. He has built a career on transforming innovative ideas into sustainable, long-term processes. Skills directly applicable to the University Senate’s role in academic policy and institutional integrity. Now a dedicated member of the Saskatoon business community, Adrian is seeking a seat on the University Senate to ensure the University of Saskatchewan remains a global leader in innovation while remaining a grounded, accessible institution for future generations. With strong commitment he aims to steward a university that will continue to offer the same transformative opportunities to his two young children that it provided to him.
Palash Sanyal (ICD.D, CPF, PMP, GCB.D, MEng, MSc, MWS) is an governance consultant, board director, and educator with deep roots at the University of Saskatchewan. He has deep history of working with First Nations in Saskatchewan and Alberta, and Inuit communities in Nunavut. Palash previously worked with the Global Institute for Water Security and taught with the School of Environment and Sustainability.
Palash currently serves on multiple national boards across insurance, infrastructure, water security, and Indigenous governance. He teaches management and governance at the Haskayne School of Business and SAIT, and also does corporate training worldwide.He holds the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors and is completing the Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional (AIGP) designation. He is the author of the forthcoming book "A Seat at the Table",a book focused on governance and serves as Licensee and Organizer of TEDxSaskatoon.
Palash brings a practitioner's lens to governance, a scholar's commitment to evidence, and a genuine investment in the university's mission and community.
As a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan and a lifelong resident of Prince Albert, USask has played an important role in shaping my academic path and my broader perspective. Studying at USask allowed me to learn alongside students from across the province, including many from smaller communities like my own, and gave me a deeper appreciation for how universities support opportunity throughout Saskatchewan.
Being both a recent student and now an alum has made me think more about the influence universities have beyond the classroom. Universities shape not only education, but also the opportunities, resources, and connections that continue long after graduation.
I value the importance of alumni perspectives in helping guide the university’s future. Senate provides an important space for alumni to remain connected to the university and contribute to conversations about its direction and role in the province. As someone who plans to continue my education and build my career in Saskatchewan, I care about the long-term strength of institutions like USask and the initiatives they provide for students across the province. I would be honored to contribute the perspective of a recent graduate and support USask’s continued growth and engagement with students, alumni, and the wider community.
Jennifer Webb (Briane) graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. During her undergraduate years she was active in creating positive learning spaces, serving on the University Senate and as President of both the Arts and Science Students’ Union (ASSU) and Gays and Lesbians at the U of S (GLUS). She also worked with the University of Saskatchewan Alumni and Development Association. Jennifer has been involved in volunteer and community work throughout her life, including many years with Girl Guides of Canada and community engagement through several nonprofits.
After graduating, Jennifer spent twenty years living and teaching in South Korea. Thirteen of those years were spent teaching in international schools, and seven years teaching English, while also earning a Master of Education through the University of Phoenix. During that time she developed a strong interest in innovative approaches to teaching and learning across cultures.
Since returning to Canada in 2021, she has worked as a substitute teacher while building WebbSprout Learning Programs, an educational initiative supporting students who struggle in traditional school systems. Her work focuses on identity, belonging, and helping young people develop confidence, agency, and the tools to thrive.
The Nominee graduated with a B.A. and a LLB Degree in 1973, both from the University of Saskatchewan. He articled and began practice with the law firm of Griffin, Beke & Gilbert in Regina. After finishing his articles, he practiced with several firms as either an associate or a partner. In 1978, he established his own firm Willows Howe & Willows. In 2012, he and several associates amalgamated to establish the law firm of Willows Wellsch Orr & Brundige, now known as Willows LLP. He retired March 31, 2026.
During his 53 year career, he successfully articled a number of students into the practice of law which is a source of pride for him. He belonged to a number of volunteer Boards such as the Regina Museum, Heart Fund and Luther College Gym Fund. He also presided over a number of the Law Society organizations either as a President or Director.
In his personal career, he ran as a Provincial Candidate in 1978. He served as a campaign manager for several Provincial Ministers' Campaigns, several Mayoralty Campaigns and two federal campaigns for the Minister of Finance. His personal joy was coaching basketball for 17 years in Church League and high school.
He is married to Barbara (53 years) and has 2 children Stephanie and Jonathan with 3 grandchildren. They continue to reside in Regina.
Amara Zuhaib is a scientist, entrepreneur, and community leader based in Saskatoon. She earned her PhD in Chemistry from the University of Saskatchewan. And has remained deeply connected to the university community ever since.
During her time at USask, Amara served as president of the Pakistani Students’ Association and was recognized with the Graduate Students’ Association community Excellence Award for her contributions to student life and community engagement. Over the past 15 years, she has volunteered extensively to support new international students, providing mentorship and guidance to help them transition successfully into academic and community life.
Amara has also been an active volunteer with the Pakistan Canada Cultural Association, contributing to initiatives that promote cultural understanding, community collaboration, and social engagement across Saskatchewan.
Today, Amara is an entrepreneur committed to supporting economic growth and job creation in Saskatchewan. She believes universities play a critical role in connecting research, education, and community development.
As a proud USask alumna, Amara hopes to bring her experience in research, leadership, community service, and entrepreneurship to the University Senate. She is committed to strengthening their relationship between the university, its alumni, and the broader Saskatchewan community.