USRA Members and Awards Celebration

The USRA awards recognize individuals who have made important contributions to the USRA, the university and society.

This award recognizes meaningful and significant contributions of a USask individual retiree toward achieving one or more of the commitments of the university’s foundational document Ohpahotân | Oohpaahotaan (Let’s Fly Up Together) Indigenous Strategy. 

Dr. Peter Butt, a retired clinical associate professor of family medicine, has significantly shaped medical education, policy, and practice in Saskatchewan, expanding physician services across northern Saskatchewan and playing a leading role provincially and nationally as an addiction medicine expert. Over his more than 30-year career, his work at USask and within the provincial health system has advanced compassionate, evidence‑based care for individuals and communities affected by substance use disorders.  A strong advocate for Indigenous health, he has strengthened pathways toward health equity, cross-cultural understanding, and reconciliation, making a meaningful and lasting contribution to Indigenous people and their communities.

As Dr. Butt was unable to attend the awards celebration, he will be presented with his award at the fall USRA Annual General Meeting.  

This award recognizes and expresses appreciation to persons who have retired from the university, but have continued to make research, scholarly, artistic or service contributions, whether associated with their previous work, at an exceptional level.

Dr. Lea Pennock served as USask Registrar, University Secretary, and Director of Student Information Systems. After retiring in 2013, she has undertaken a wide range of consulting and scholarly activities and has remained actively engaged in consulting and research work. A dedicated community contributor, she continues to be widely respected for her expertise in governance, higher education, and environmental stewardship. Her volunteer efforts extend to global citizenship and community support, including participation in refugee sponsorship initiatives and leadership in community wellness activities.  She is the coordinator of USRA’s Globe Walk Team – the Intensely Vigorous USask Retirees – helping to address the needs of older adults. Her enthusiasm, generosity, and community spirit exemplify the value of lifelong contribution.

A highly respected artist, educator, and community leader, Miranda Jones has made a lasting impact on the Saskatchewan arts community.

Through her work with USask’s Community Arts & Design program (now the Community Arts and Artisanship Certificate), Miranda played an important role in providing access to arts education and serving as a mentor to emerging artists. Known for her colourful depictions—both realistic and abstract—of birds and animals, she has held numerous solo and group exhibitions in Regina, Saskatoon, and beyond, and her work has been commissioned by Parks Canada, the Saskatchewan Legislature, and other organizations. As a highly regarded yoga instructor and advocate for wellness, she inspires others through both her teaching and example. Her leadership in national and international arts networks, her dedication to community‑based projects, and her commitment to sharing knowledge through teaching and retreats demonstrate a remarkable continuation of creative and artistic excellence.

This award recognizes USRA members who have made a significant contribution over a long period to the University of Saskatchewan Retirees Association and the university community. 

Through a distinguished career in computer science spanning more than four decades, Dr. Rick Bunt has been a long-time contributor to professional bodies both nationally and internationally.  As Professor Emeritus, he has continued to serve the university and USRA. After joining the computer science department in 1972, he built a distinguished academic career, serving as Department Head, Associate Dean for Science, Chief Information Officer, and Associate Vice-President for Information and Communications Technology (ICT). He was an early and influential supporter of the development of Canada’s crucial digital research infrastructure and the role universities play in its advancement. He has brought to the association his outstanding understanding of all things ICT and has continued to generously share his wisdom advising USRA.

This award honours and expresses appreciation of persons who have retired from work at the university and, after their retirement, have been recognized for outstanding scholarly, artistic or service contributions. Such contributions will have been recognized by international, national, provincial or local bodies. 

Well known as a horticulturist, educator, and author with a lifelong passion for gardening, Dr. Williams has had a profound influence on prairie horticulture and community education. She is also renowned for her dedicated humanitarian work helping underprivileged girls in Tanzania. She was appointed Horticulture Extension Specialist in 1989, completed a MSc in Agricultural Extension, and became widely known for her engaging teaching style and commitment to outreach. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Sara was inducted into the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2013 and awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws from USask in 2015. Through her dedication, expertise, and enthusiasm, she has inspired countless individuals to connect with the land and appreciate the beauty and resilience of prairie landscapes. 

Visit the USRA website to learn more about these awards and read about other worthy recipients over the years.