USask graduates celebrate in-person for first time in two years

SASKATOON – The University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) spring convocation ceremonies will be held in-person this year at Merlis Belsher Place for the first time since fall 2019.

The USask Indigenous Graduation Celebration (formerly called USask Graduation Powwow) is scheduled for Friday, June 3, at 2pm CST, with subsequent spring convocation ceremonies taking place June 6-10.

This spring, 3,269 students — 390 of whom have self-identified as Indigenous — will receive 3,429 degrees, certificates and diplomas from USask. These graduates join a century-old community of more than 165,000 alumni worldwide whose contributions are helping to shape our world. All eight ceremonies will be streamed live.

Due to the pandemic, this year's Indigenous Graduation Celebration will be a small in-person event that will include an honour walk, seating for family and friends, dancing, jigging, drumming, singing, a photographer taking photos of graduates, and remarks from special guests.   

Media information:

  • Indigenous Graduation Celebration: before arriving, please contact John Shelling.
  • Convocation: before arriving, please contact Meghan Sired.
  • Parking is available directly in front of Merlis Belsher Place for the media. Pylons will block the available spaces.
  • Approved masks are required indoors on USask campuses, including Merlis Belsher Place.
  • Media may use the open media boxes located to the right of the stage.

 Story ideas:

  • A number of prestigious awards will be presented, including the Distinguished Researcher Award and the Master Teacher Award, as well as six honorary degrees.
  • Out of the 3,269 spring graduates, 390 have self-identified as Indigenous.
  • In 2021, the name Graduation Powwow was changed to Indigenous Graduation Celebration as a reflection of the inclusiveness of the event. This will be the first Indigenous Graduation Celebration held in person.
  • Noteworthy graduating student stories: https://students.usask.ca/graduatingclass/#Stories

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For more information, contact

Meghan Sired
USask Communications Co-ordinator
meghan.sired@usask.ca
306-381-7992 

John Shelling
USask Communications Co-ordinator 
john.shelling@usask.ca
306-914-1221