Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy among four receiving honourary degrees from University of Saskatchewan

The University of Saskatchewan is preparing to award honourary degrees to four people next month, including a well-known Canadian musician.

During its spring convocation ceremonies early next month, the university will award honourary degrees to Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy, along with its former chancellor Dr. Vera Pezer and community builders Greg and Olivia Yuel.

Read More:

• Nutrien makes ‘transformational’ $15M donation to University of Saskatchewan
• Frustrations mount as U of S moves ahead with demolition of former seminary buildings
• Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block delivers first state of the city address

“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,” Peter Stoicheff, the university’s president, said in a statement.

“We are grateful to be able to formally express our admiration and appreciation, and to bestow upon them the University of Saskatchewan’s highest award — an honorary degree — during this year’s Spring Convocation celebration at Merlis Belsher Place.”

Cuddy, who has won 15 Juno awards and released 16 albums with Blue Rodeo along with six solo projects, has also volunteered in support of numerous charities during his career.

“He has donated his time and talent at more than 60 dinners, including 16 in Saskatchewan that helped to raise millions of dollars to fund music programs in the province,” the university noted.

Cuddy also delivered a lecture at the university in 2012, during which he performed some of his hits — joined on stage by Stoicheff during the final number — and held a question-and-answer session with music students.

Pezer’s association with the university has spanned seven decades, beginning when she earned a bachelor of arts in English in 1962, followed by 35 years in student counselling at the university.

“Pezer worked as a counsellor, part-time instructor, assistant professor and interim assistant dean in the College of Arts and Science in 1978 and 1981, and was appointed associate vice-president of student affairs and services in 1991 until retirement in 2001,” the university said.

“Pezer went on to serve as USask’s 13th chancellor from 2007 to 2013.”

Even after serving as chancellor, Pezer continued to work with the university as a volunteer, mentor and donor.

She’s also noted for her involvement in sports. Pezer is a four-time Canadian women’s curling champion, winning three consecutive titles in 1971, ‘72 and ‘73.

She’s a Canadian softball champion, a member of the province’s senior women’s golf team, and served as a sports psychologist at the Winter Olympics in 1988 and 1992. Her involvement in sports saw her inducted into the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame, Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame and the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame.

University of Saskatchewan graduates Greg and Olivia Yuel are also set to receive honourary degrees next month.

According to the university, the pair have turned their success in business into a passion for philanthropy, volunteering and making generous donations “to help build a better society for all.”

“The Yuels have donated millions of dollars to charities and community projects, supporting education, health care, athletics and the arts, as well as social programs to serve those in need and society’s most vulnerable populations,” the university explained.

“Among their major contributions are support for the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Yuel Family Gallery at the Remai Modern, Rick Hansen Foundation, Wanuskewin Artist in Residence program, the YWCA, Friendship Inn, Salvation Army, Mosaic Stadium, Gordie Howe Sports Complex, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, and USask’s Edwards School of Business, College of Medicine, and the Huskies program.”

Greg, who is president of PIC Investments Group, is also a member of the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame as part of the 1991 national champion Saskatoon Hilltops team. He coached football for more than 20 years, and sits on the board of directors for the Saskatchewna Roughriders. He’s also served as board chair for the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation and was a board member with the Rick Hansen Foundation.

Olivia was a member of the Huskies track and field team from 1988 to 1993, and has worked as a volunteer coach in cycling and running programs in schools.

“She has served as a co-ordinator of the elementary school Start2Finish running program for inner-city youth, volunteered with the revitalization of the Gordie Howe Sports Complex, and has been a driving force in supporting arts and cultural enrichment programs, Indigenous initiatives, and community engagement,” the university added.

“Olivia also helped raise funds to provide 800 bikes for people in Africa to access health clinics and schools and to launch and expand businesses.”

Honourary degrees are the highest award the university can bestow, and are meant to acknowledge “worthy and unique contributions recipients have made to their community and to the world.”