Around the Bowl: March 2026

Entrepreneur and business strategist Karen Stewart has been appointed to USask’s Board of Governors. As one of the government‑appointed members responsible for helping guide USask’s long‑term financial and administrative direction, Stewart joins a group that plays a crucial role in stewarding the university’s resources and strategic priorities. A business leader, self-proclaimed “serial entrepreneur” and USask alumna, Stewart brings decades of experience in building and scaling companies across finance and other sectors, as well as a strong record of innovation and advocacy for women in business.

Dr. Nancy Tout (PhD) has been appointed the interim executive director and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Global Institute for Food Security at USask. Tout’s appointment, effective March 1, 2026, supports continuity as GIFS’ executive director and CEO Dr. Steven R. Webb (PhD), retired at the end of February. Tout previously served as GIFS’ first chief scientific officer and chair of the International Scientific Advisory Panel.

Dr. Carey Simonson (PhD) of USask’s College of Engineering received the E.K. Campbell Award from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) at the 2026 conference in Las Vegas. The award is ASHRAE’s highest honour for teaching and recognizes exceptional service and achievement in heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration education. Simonson is only the third professor from a Canadian university to receive the award since it was established in 1958 and the first from USask.

Dr. Valentyna Klymiuk (PhD) has been selected by GenomePrairie and partner organizations as the recipient of this year’s Emerging Genomics Researcher Award. This distinction recognizes an early‑career academic or research leader whose achievements in genomics are shaping the future of the field in Saskatchewan. Klymiuk is the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission Applied Genomics and Pre-Breeding Chair at USask and an assistant professor in USask’s College of Agriculture and Bioresources and Crop Development Centre.

USask’s Austen Zentner (BSc’25) and Greta Mader Stevens (BSA’26) will soon head to Montreal as national finalists for the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill University. Established with a $200-million gift in 2019, the McCall MacBain Scholarships are Canada’s largest leadership-based scholarships for master’s and professional studies. More than 700 Canadians applied, and 151 advanced to a first round of interviews in November. The top 53 Canadians will attend the final round of interviews in Montreal.

USask will host the Canadian Executive Nuclear Energy Management School (Executive NEMS) from June 8 to 13, 2026, in co-operation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The one-week, executive-focused program is designed for senior leaders and decision-makers from government, industry, regulatory agencies, research, and academia.

The university has launched an initiative to help students build the confidence and skills to lead in their communities and careers. The Marcoux Leadership Program, created through a generous $1-million gift from Russel Marcoux (BA’73) and Bonnie Marcoux, will embed leadership principles into a curriculum and offer an exclusive leadership coaching program for upper‑year students across campus.