Campaign highlights

From transformative gifts to inspiring personal donations, here are just some of the donors and initiatives that helped us cross the finish line of this historic campaign—shaping a stronger future for the people, projects and places at our university and beyond. 

Be What the World Needs Campaign Launch

The University of Saskatchewan ignited a bold new chapter with the launch of Be What the World Needs – a historic $500 million campaign, the largest ever in Saskatchewan. The campaign was more than a fundraising effort – it was a movement to transform our campus, spark discovery, and uplift communities. Launching on April 18, 2023, with $323 million already raised, the momentum was unstoppable. Together, we sought to support student success, Indigenous achievement, critical research, and visionary spaces, all rooted in the belief that together, we will help address the world’s greatest challenges and have a lasting impact on the people, places, and projects at USask and beyond.   

Ron and Jane Graham

Honorary Campaign Co-Chairs 

For decades, Ron (BE'62, DCL’13) and Jane (BEd’62, DCL’22) Graham have been champions for USask. Their commitment to funding scholarship, advancing athletics, transforming education and enhancing spaces for students has earned them the distinction of the most generous alumni donors in the university’s history. Ron and Jane proudly served as honorary co-chairs of the Be What the World Needs campaign. 

The Gitzel Family Fund for Mental Health

Thanks to USask champions like Tim (BA'86, JD'90), Bonnie (BEd'87), Ty (BComm'20) and Bailey Gitzel (BKin'23), students have increased access to mental health supports at USask. The family’s generous gift of $1 million to establish the Gitzel Family Fund for Mental Health provided additional funding for counsellors, group therapy delivery, and peer-health programming to ensure that USask students are positioned to thrive with holistic support throughout their educational journey.  

K.W. Nasser Courts

For decades, Dr. Karim (Kay) Nasser (PhD’65, DSc’16) and his family have been champions for USask, funding several initiatives to support students and infrastructure. An honorary degree recipient and a professor in the College of Engineering for 33 years, his most recent passion project was personal to him—to transform campus space and help foster love of his favourite sport.  
  
He developed a love for tennis, despite having to play on courts that were often in subpar condition while growing up in Lebanon. Remembering the importance of modern spaces and facilities for physical activity, Dr. Nasser made a $500,000 gift to repair and refurbish the tennis courts on campus for student, staff and community use.  
  
The newly upgraded courts now bear his name, K.W. Nasser Courts, and are the latest testament to his unwavering commitment to giving back to his university and enhancing his community.  

Maureen and Gordon Haddock

Maureen (BEd’70) and Gordon Haddock (BComm’72) have owned and operated more than 20 businesses together over the past 50 years. Maureen and Gordon have nurtured the next generation of entrepreneurs at USask in many ways. Through scholarships, mentorship, and initiatives like the Haddock Entrepreneurial Speaker Series and the Get a Bigger Wagon Young Entrepreneur Awards, the Haddocks have encouraged entrepreneurship as a path to good citizenship.  

Mobile Unit for Rural Health and Wellness

A transformative $11.5 million gift to the Canadian Centre for Rural and Agricultural Health helped to support several initiatives within the centre, including development of a state-of-the-art mobile unit for rural health and wellness. Designed to improve access to care and promote health equity, the mobile unit will deliver essential services where they’re needed most—bridging gaps and supporting healthier futures for rural populations.  

Lennard Fox Memorial Award

The Lennard Fox Memorial Award was created to honour the life and legacy of Lennard Fox, who dedicated 25 years to supporting students as a student accounts specialist at USask. Known for his kindness, patience, and unwavering belief in the power of education, Lennard left a lasting impact on everyone he met. This scholarship carries forward his spirit by supporting students in the Indian Teacher Education Program (ITEP), Indigenous Studies, and the Edwards School of Business. 

Merlis Belsher Place

The first major project of the Be What the World Needs campaign, Merlis Belsher Place, a multisport facility, came to life thanks to a visionary gift of $12.25M from Merlis Belsher (BComm'57, LLB'63, LLD'18). More than just a replacement for Rutherford Rink, the facility is the home of Huskie hockey, Saskatoon Minor Hockey, practice courts for Huskie basketball, the Ron and Jane Graham Sport Health and Science Centre, USask's convocation ceremonies, and more. In total, 436 donors rallied together to support this world class facility.  

Low-Sensory Study Room

Thanks to the generosity of University Library donors, a significant step towards fostering an inclusive, accessible environment for all students was made possible. The Low-Sensory Study Room in the Murray Library will support students who experience challenges around regulating external stimuli, such as sounds, light, and smells.

Queer Housing Lounge

More than just a space, but rather a home where students can find community and be able to express themselves freely, the Queer Housing Lounge was opened thanks to generous support from donors Herb McFaull and Anthony Bidulka (BA'83, BComm'91, BEd'91). “We believe that this inclusive space is a positive step towards providing the 2SLGBTQ+ students living in residence with a place where they feel supported,” the couple stated.  

Livestock Forage Centre of Excellence

USask and its partners launched the $38-million Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence, a world-class complex of field and science laboratories that will be a powerhouse for innovative research, teaching and industry engagement in all aspects of livestock and forage production. With a $5 million gift from A&W and other support from Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada), Merck Animal Health and Farm Credit Canada, the facility is delivering on its vision to facilitate innovative change in the livestock and forage industries that promotes sustainability, quality, profitability and environmental stewardship — from soil to forage to animals to people. 

Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO)

In the midst of a pandemic, hundreds of generous gifts were made to establish VIDO as Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research—a national centre that will support the response to future human and animal infectious diseases through creation of CL4 containment labs and a new animal housing facility. Leading gifts included $1 million contributions from Gordon & Jill Rawlinson, Joseph Alfred Remai Family Foundation, Malcolm & Marilyn Leggett, Ron & Jane Graham, The Frank & Ellen Remai Foundation, and the Paul Albrechtsen Foundation.  

Prairie Business Summit

Generously funded by the Brownlee Family Foundation, the inaugural Prairie Business Summit took place in Saskatoon in May 2025. The premiere event brought together more than 360 global thought leaders, industry experts and innovators to shape the future of business and discuss the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI). 

Bev Hughes

Bev Hughes, a passionate animal advocate and philanthropist, has made a lasting impact on veterinary education at USask’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) with $1.29 million in donations towards the Be What the World Needs campaign. Inspired by a deeply personal experience with her cat Tessie and the compassionate care provided by a WCVM graduate, Hughes established the BJ Hughes Scholarship to support entrepreneurial veterinary students. Her generosity also led to the creation of the BJ Hughes Centre for Clinical Learning, a state-of-the-art facility that enhances hands-on training for veterinary students.

Stuart and Mary Houston

The Houston family’s generous legacy gifts have created lasting impact across multiple disciplines. Their support established the Houston Professorship in Ornithology, created awards for medical imaging research, supported the Houston Family Trust for Evidence-Based Public Policy, and supports the annual Houston Lecture at the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy. Their thoughtful philanthropy continues to advance research, education, and public policy at USask. 

Joan Snyder

A transformative bequest of 2,240 acres of land from Joan Snyder to the College of Agriculture and Bioresources will provide new hands-on learning opportunities, ensuring a strong future for agricultural education. In addition to her deep connection to the land, Joan was a proud supporter of Huskie women’s hockey, reflecting her commitment to empowering female athletes both in the classroom and on the ice. Her legacy will continue to inspire and support generations to come. 

ohpinamake

Thanks to the generous support of Jim and Marian Knock, the University of Saskatchewan established ohpinamake, a new prize recognizing excellence in contemporary Indigenous art. Meaning “to lift others” in Cree and Michif, ohpinamake honours Indigenous artists whose work uplifts community, culture, and identity. This meaningful gift reflected both the Knocks’ and USask’s shared commitment to reconciliation and to celebrating Indigenous voices through the arts. 

The Shklanka Chair in Precambrian Critical Minerals Systems

The Shklanka Chair in Precambrian Critical Minerals Systems will advance cutting-edge research into ore-forming processes and mineral systems vital to the green economy. This endowed chair, housed in the Department of Geological Sciences, was made possible through a transformational $3 million gift from USask alumni Dr. Roman (BA'51, BComm'53, MA'57) and Patricia (BSHEC'58) Shklanka. Their generous support will also help mentor students and build future workforce capacity, aligning with Saskatchewan’s Critical Minerals Strategy and USask’s commitment to sustainable resource development.

Giving Day

A 24-hour burst of generosity and community spirit, Giving Day brought together alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends to support meaningful causes. In 2024, the initiative saw remarkable success, with over 400 donors raising $319,446 for student awards, research, and campus priorities. With matching gift challenges and a strong sense of collective impact, Giving Day has become a powerful tradition that highlights the difference a united community can make in just one day. 

Pollinator Health Research Chair

The Campaign launch event was buzzing thanks to a live demonstration from the Pollinator Health Research Chair in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Made possible through generous contributions from a coalition of donors, this chair position, currently held by Dr. Sarah Wood (PhD, DVM), underscores a shared commitment to safeguarding pollinator populations vital to global ecosystems and food security.  

Applied Genomics and Pre-breeding Chair

With leading support from the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission, the newly created Applied Genomics and Pre-breeding Chair in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources was a major step forward in strengthening Canada’s agricultural research capacity. This vital investment underscores the organization’s deep commitment to supporting innovation and sustainability in wheat production. This partnership highlights the powerful role of producer-led organizations in shaping the future of agriculture through research and collaboration. 

Cathy Roozen

A long-time supporter of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Cathy Roozen generosity helped the college acquire state-of-the-art technology and equipment to advance animal medical innovation. Her interest in the college's research programs led to the establishment of the Allard Research Chair in Oncology. Roozen’s support of clinical oncology made it possible for the college to purchase a LINAC machine and PET-CT scanner, Canada's first PET-CT unit for animals. This new medical imaging technology has the potential to benefit both animals and humans by enabling early detection of cancer, brain disorders, heart disease, and other conditions.  

Jarislowsky and BMO Chair in Regenerative Agriculture

Thanks to the visionary support of the Jarislowsky Foundation, BMO Financial Group, and the Carthy Foundation, a new Chair in Regenerative Agriculture was established, marking a major advancement in sustainable farming research. This collaborative investment reflects a shared commitment to restoring soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and building climate resilience through innovative agricultural practices. This partnership exemplifies how philanthropic and corporate leadership can drive transformative change in food systems and environmental sustainability. 

Nutrien

As the largest single gift to the Be What the World Needs campaign, Nutrien’s transformational $15 million donation to the University of Saskatchewan marked a bold investment in the future of sustainable agriculture and education. The gift will establish the Nutrien Centre for Sustainable and Digital Agriculture, fund scholarships for students in agriculture and engineering, and support Indigenous and community engagement through the kihci-okâwîmâw askiy (Great Mother Earth) Knowledge Centre. It also included the creation of a modern lecture theatre in the College of Engineering and the Nutrien Future Fund, further strengthening a decades-long partnership dedicated to global food security and innovation. 

Oẏateki Partnership

The Oẏateki Partnership is a transformative collaboration between the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, and Gabriel Dumont Institute, aimed at reshaping education and employment systems for Indigenous youth. With generous support from the Mastercard Foundation, this initiative was grounded in Indigenous leadership and community engagement, working to create culturally relevant, sustainable pathways to success. The partnership was a powerful step toward systemic change, empowering Indigenous learners and strengthening opportunities across Saskatchewan. 

IDEAS Expansion

The College of Engineering’s IDEAS (Innovation, Design, Engineering, Applied Science) expansion is reshaping the future of engineering education through a bold, multi-phase initiative. With the support of multiple generous donors, phase one of the project includes the creation of a dynamic new design hub, extensive classroom and laboratory renovations, and enhanced collaborative learning spaces. These upgrades are designed to foster innovation, hands-on learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration – equipping students with the tools and environment they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. 

Grit and Scott McCreath

Grit (BEd'91) and Scott (BComm'69) McCreath have generously contributed more than $2 million to USask, supporting student scholarships, academic programs, and the enhancement of student learning environments. Their philanthropy is visibly reflected in two key spaces on campus: the Grit & Scott McCreath Library Learning Commons and the Grit and Scott McCreath Active Learning Classroom in the College of Education. The McCreaths have been passionate advocates for USask, serving on the Campaign Cabinet in addition to Scott's role as Executive in Residence in the Edwards School of Business, and Grit's role as USask Chancellor. 

Gordon and Jill Rawlinson

Gordon (BComm’68, LLD’19) and Jill (LLD'23) Rawlinson personify what it means to be community builders, with a remarkable record of philanthropy and business success. They generously supported a number of initiatives throughout the campaign, including research at VIDO, a major renovation to the Rawlinson Indigenous Student Centre, and creation of the Gordon Rawlinson Finance and Trading Room – a true showpiece of modern finance education that houses 16 state-of-the-art Bloomberg terminals.

Cameco

In a landmark act of generosity, Cameco gifted $10 million to USask – the largest single donation in the company’s history. This visionary investment will fuel the development of a new undergraduate Nuclear Fuel Cycle program, a graduate certificate in Energy and Resource Management, and initiatives that inspire northern and Indigenous students to pursue STEM education. As the world looks to nuclear energy as a cornerstone of a cleaner, more sustainable future, this gift underscores the powerful partnership between Cameco and USask – one rooted in shared values, innovation, and a commitment to shaping a brighter tomorrow.