Giving Day supports USask Comprehensive Campaign as new school year begins 

Whether you are a new student or an alumnus who graduated decades ago, nothing quite compares to the excitement of beginning a new academic year at USask.  

From the beauty of the leaves changing colour in the bowl, to the camaraderie at the first Huskies games of the season, students, faculty, and staff know there is something magical about September. And now, a new day dedicated to celebrating philanthropy will look to build on that excitement by showcasing people and projects at USask who have the potential to Be What the World Needs. 

On Sept. 12,  USask will host Giving Day – a one day event bringing campus and the larger university community together in support of the Campaign for USask launched earlier this year.  

One of the initiatives USask Giving Day will focus on is Indigenous Student Achievement Pathways (ISAP) – a program that directly enriches the academic experiences of future Indigenous leaders.  

For USask students like Eileen Lennie-Koshman, a student from the Department of Indigenous Studies and ISAP Undergraduate Leadership Award recipient, donor-funded awards and bursaries can make all the difference when juggling the needs of a family with the associated costs of a post-secondary education. In an environment of rising costs and inflationary pressures, receiving a bursary means Lennie-Koshman can work fewer hours and focus more on her studies. 

“You have no idea the pure joy we feel when we know we have received an award—it's like Christmas. And though we may not always have the words to give our thanks, it means the world that donors contribute to our success here at USask,” said Lennie-Koshman, a mother with roots on Treaty Six Territory. 

In addition to supporting the ISAP program, the university is looking to support a wide-range of featured Giving Day projects that represent the four campaign pillars of supporting Indigenous achievement, inspiring student success, conducting critical research and building new, visionary spaces. 

“Whether it’s a small contribution, a monthly gift, or a more substantial donation, every act of generosity plays a crucial role in supporting future discoveries, ideas, solutions and people at USask who will make the world a better place,” said Peter Stoicheff, USask president and vice-chancellor. 

Thanks to generous gifts from several USask alumni, donations to featured projects on Sept. 12 have the opportunity to be matched dollar-for-dollar*.  

“Today, you can maximize the impact of your gift. Whether you are a long-time supporter, or are thinking about making your first gift today, supporting the project or area you are most passionate about will strengthen our ability to tackle the world’s most pressing issues,” added Stoicheff. 

For many students including Lennie-Koshman, receiving donor support can also be a strong catalyst for paying it forward, as she currently donates the gift of time to work as a peer mentor for first-year ISAP students. 

“As an Indigenous student, as a woman and as someone with physical and learning disabilities, I want to serve as a beacon for other students. If I can do it, so can they.” 

Visit give.usask.ca to learn more about the people and projects you can support and to make your donation to the Campaign for USask today. 

*Matched up to a designated dollar amount until the match amount is expended. Full details at give.usask.ca.