Around the Bowl: December 2025
Here is a look at some of the appointments, announcements and awards from the past month at the University of Saskatchewan (USask):
Four USask researchers have been officially recognized with one of Canada’s highest academic honours for invaluable contributions in their fields. Dr. Dwight Newman (DPhil) and Dr. Leon Kochian (PhD) were named Royal Society of Canada (RSC) Fellows, and Dr. Steven Rayan (PhD) and Dr. Allyson Stevenson (PhD) were named College Members of the RSC, at the annual national induction ceremony on Nov. 14 as part of the Celebration of Excellence and Engagement in Montréal.
Four USask educators have received the Lieutenant Governor’s Post-Secondary Teaching Award for their dedication to education and enhancing student success. Dr. Carly Priebe (PhD) of the College of Kinesiology was presented with the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Teaching Award, while Dr. Kurtis Boyer (PhD), Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy Research Chair in Métis Governance and Policy, earned the Indigenous Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Paula MacDowell (PhD) in the College of Education received the Innovative Teaching Award, while Dr. Neil Chilton (PhD, DAgSc Honoris causa) of the College of Arts and Science was presented with the Distinguished Teaching Award.
Three individuals nominated by USask were recognized during the National Philanthropy Day celebrations on Nov. 13, hosted by the Saskatoon chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Each fall, USask honours the impact of philanthropy and those who strive to make a difference in their communities and around the world. This year, USask chose to nominate Professor Emeritus Dr. Ernie Barber (DPhil) for an Honoured Supporter Award and twins Caydence Marley (JD’24) and Kennedy Marley (JD’24) for the Youth in Philanthropy Award.
USask’s College of Engineering has announced Rob Dutton (BE’93, chemical engineering) as the 49th C.J. Mackenzie Distinguished Lecturer. Dutton will be honoured at the C.J. Mackenzie Gala of Engineering Excellence on Jan. 27, 2026, at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon. Dutton is a professional engineer and executive leader with more than 30 years of experience spanning the energy, power generation, and industrial sectors. Before launching his career, Dutton was a member of the Huskie football team that won the 1990 Vanier Cup.