USask celebrates distinguished honorary degree recipients at 2025 ceremonies

Earlier this month, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) celebrated the outstanding accomplishments and contributions of Juno Award-winning singer/songwriter Jim Cuddy, university leader and sports icon Dr. Vera Pezer (PhD), and Saskatoon champions of community Greg and Olivia Yuel.

“We are honoured to have this opportunity to recognize each of these individuals for their achievements and accomplishments, and to celebrate the impact they have made to community, culture and the country,” said USask President and Vice-Chancellor Peter Stoicheff. 

Here is a closer look at the speeches given by this year’s honorary degree recipients: 

Jim Cuddy, the founder of beloved Can-rock heroes Blue Rodeo is no stranger to the stage. The Juno Award-winning artist was clearly at ease during his acceptance speech as he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree at Spring Convocation ceremonies at USask on June 3.

Over the course of a speech injected with humour and personal perseverance, Cuddy offered some heartfelt advice for those who received their own degrees that day.

“I really want to impress upon you that when you finish your degree and you walk out of there and you see a path ahead of you, it’s unlikely that that will be the path of your life, and you should embrace all the twists and turns, because that’s where life really happens, is every turn that turns you off of your decided path,” said Cuddy.

“And it’s exciting, and it keeps life from being boring.”

After delivering his speech, Cuddy was joined onstage by President Peter Stoicheff to help perform two fan-favourite songs from the Blue Rodeo catalogue, much to the delight of those gathered in attendance.

Watch below (performance begins at 7:48):

During their acceptance speech on June 4, USask graduates and celebrated philanthropists Greg and Olivia Yuel took turns giving praise to the graduates gathered at Merlis Belsher Place for Spring Convocation. The couple also stressed the importance of family, sports, and giving back when you can.

“You are from a relatively small community where any one person matters,” said Greg. “So expect more from yourself than chipping in and doing something that anyone could do.”

And there were more than a few chuckles in the audience when the Yuels shared the following anecdote with the audience.

“When I worked in Alberta there was a saying, ‘You know what they call someone from Saskatchewan working in Alberta?’

“Boss.”

Watch below:

A three-time graduate, active volunteer and Chancellor Emerita, Dr. Vera Pezer (PhD) is the definition of a USask champion. Having made significant contributions to her alma mater, from athletics, to research and beyond, Pezer gave thanks to all those who supported those celebrating graduation that day. She also shared her success story, and how she not only survived life on campus, but thrived in academia.

“One lesson I learned was that part of my coursework, but for which I did not receive grades, and that collaboration with others was sometimes involved. Some lessons were positive, others humbling and painful, but they all contributed to my learning,” said Pezer.

In addition to a celebrated career at USask, Pezer reflected on being a four-time Canadian women’s curling champion, and how the sport gave her life-long connections.

“It offered a social life and it helped me to fit in so I felt less homesick,” she said during her touching acceptance speech. “The university curling program became one of my most formative lasting memories.”

Watch here:

An honorary degree is the university’s most prestigious award, acknowledging worthy and unique contributions recipients have made to their community and to the world. USask recognizes individuals who have outstanding accomplishments in research, scholarly and artistic works; performed exceptional public service; contributed greatly through their professional or philanthropic activity; and demonstrated extraordinary athletic prowess. To view past recipients, visit: https://library.usask.ca/uasc/campus-history-databases/honorary-degrees

For more information about spring convocation, visit:
https://students.usask.ca/academics/graduation.php