per annum
per annum • University of Saskatchewan
Volume 4 • Issue 1 • Spring 2012
News for alumni and friends who support the University of Saskatchewan
Northern promise: how your
support of the President’s Fund helps
students experience the world
U of S geology student Carson Brown has been living
abroad since January—but not to escape the cold northern
climate. He’s studying geology in Finland for five months
as part of a study exchange term organized through the
International Student and Study Abroad Centre. “I’m not
missing out on winter at all,” he says with a laugh. “There’s
been lots of snow this year, which, as a Canadian, I enjoy.”
Keen to go somewhere “exotic and interesting” for his first
trip to Europe, Carson chose the elegant and lively port city
of Helsinki. It’s about twice the size of Saskatoon but still
maintains a small-city atmosphere. He spoke no Finnish when
he first arrived, but has enjoyed learning the language. “It has
a systematic beauty, but it is quite challenging. Luckily, almost
everyone speaks very good English here.”
Taking English lecture classes and studying independently for
book exams, he also participates in geology field excursions
around the country—all for credit back home. Geology
departments worldwide value field experience very highly,
he says, and it’s also a “very cool opportunity” for him to
personally see more of the Finnish landscape, which varies
from archipelago coastline to plains, lakes and forests, to
arctic bogs and scrub.
The social and cultural aspects of the exchange have also
been great fun. “One very cool tradition here is that each
faculty wears its own unique color of overalls to all student
events, like Laskianen—a city-wide day of sledding,” Carson
says. “I now wear grey overalls as part of Vasara-Ry, the
geology student organization.” The exchange community
Carson Brown, President’s Fund recipient, standing in front of the Old City in
Tallinn, Estonia, which is one of the places he visited during his exchange.
is “one big family,” which often enjoys nights of eating and
socializing together.
Your support of the Annual Fund Campaign for Students
helped provide some funding for Carson to pursue this unique
experience. “I’m so glad I came,” he says. "The funding offsets
my costs, helping me to enjoy every moment I’m here, rather
than constantly stressing about spending and worrying about
what I may owe when I return.” The funding also makes the
extra perks of studying in Europe possible, such as a trip to
Lapland. “Someone struggling with finances might have to
turn down these amazing and enriching experiences.”
Carson says he wishes every student could experience
something like his exchange, which he calls the most unique
experience of his life. In appreciation to those donors who
make scholarships like his possible, he intends to support the
President’s Fund, which helped him, in the future to help other
students expand their personal and academic horizons.
By supporting the Annual Fund, 20 per cent
of your donation is directed to the
President’s Fund which helps students
like Carson take part in educational
conferences and travel.
give.usask.ca
More than a job: student’s
work with Annual Fund has
personal meaning
Mike Hernik loves being part of the Annual Fund’s calling
program. Currently in his third year at the Edwards School of
Business, he has worked for the Student Calling Team for almost
two years. The dedicated team of 25 students reaches out by
telephone to alumni and friends of the U of S to reconnect, inform
and ask for support for this important student campaign.
“Every person that you talk to has a story,” Mike says. “I have
interesting conversations with alumni every day and I’ve learned
so much.” The team works on different calling campaigns
throughout the year. One such initiative is to raise money for the
U of S library to provide special needs equipment for students
with disabilities.
Support to Murray Library through the Annual Fund has
significance for Mike, who has a form of genetic macular
degeneration causing visual impairment. He writes most of his
exams in the Assisted Technology Room in Murray Library, and
he’s used ZoomText, a software program that magnifies his
reading material on a computer screen, since he was about
10 years old.
“The Annual Fund provided us with funds to install ZoomText on
two computers here at the Student Calling Centre so that another
student and I can magnify the call software we use and easily
navigate through it,” he explains. “Without the software it would
be difficult to do the job, but with it, I can do the same kind of
work as the rest of the team and excel at it.”
The Annual
Fund
Campaign for
Students
Mike Hernik, a student caller for the Annual Fund, is
personally impacted by the funds he helps raise.
After he qualifies as a chartered accountant, Mike plans to go
on to the Master of Professional Accounting program—and
continue as a student caller. “I think that the Annual Fund calling
program is a fantastic fundraiser and I’m just one of the students
who has benefited as a result,” he says. “Alumni always ask where
their money is going. And with the Annual Fund, they can see its
direct impact.”
Your gift to the Annual Fund 2011-12 Campaign for
Students is used to support awards, equipment,
programming, resources, technological investments,
creative initiatives and other student priorities. A
donation of any amount can be made to the Annual
Fund. You can also direct your gift to any
college, school or athletic team, or other
student funding area of your choice—including
the U of S library to purchase special needs equipment.
per annum • University of Saskatchewan
Volume 4 • Issue 1 • Spring 2012
To me, the support from donors
was so much more than money. It
symbolized gratitude for their roots,
and trust in future generations. And
I felt that.” –Matt Taylor
Mid-term report
with Matt Taylor (B. Comm. ’11)
1. You finished your classes in Edwards a term early. What
are you doing today?
I’m currently working full-time for Deloitte & Touche in
Calgary. I am employed in their business tax group. I find it
fascinating to see principles and concepts learned in the halls
of Edwards brought to life through practical application.
2. How did the University of Saskatchewan prepare you for
your current job?
It is not uncommon for me to hear of the glowing reviews
and opinions of my colleagues about the University of
Saskatchewan. My connection with Edwards has already
provided me leadership opportunities and career
development through other colleagues that are alumni, such
as Murray Edwards who is a mentor to me.
3. You have received quite a few scholarships in the past.
How has donor support helped you fulfill your school
and career goals?
For me, the impact from receiving student awards was
the ability to purchase precious time rather than just
covering tuition. I was able to volunteer as a note-taker for
disabilities services on campus in my first year. I worked as
a Peer Assisted Learning – Peer Mentor at the University
Learning Center in my second year and I was involved in
Edwards tutoring and student marking during my last
year. I also benefitted from the donor support of Edwards
Career Services. The centre helped me with my resumé,
recommended conferences and helped me get a feel for the
business world.
4. What are your plans for the future?
I would like to return to do the Master of Professional
Accounting program at the University of Saskatchewan in
the summer of 2013. I’m also interested in tax law, so a law
degree is something I’m considering for the future.
Graduate from Edwards School of Business, Matt Taylor (B. Comm. ’11),
who is currently employed at Deloitte & Touche in Calgary.
Annual Fund donations to the Edwards
School are directed towards the Student
Enhancement Fund, which supports
student scholarships and awards, case
competitions, career services and other
initiatives. Thanks to donor support, Matt
successfully graduated a term early.
Overall
5,194 gifts
$1,084,461.21
Annual Fund Campaign
for Students Update
Centennial
Fund
Between May 1, 2011 and February 29, 2012 alumni and friends donated
$1,084,461.21 to this year’s campaign!
Colleges
and
Schools
4,126 gifts
$723,252.63
Thank you for supporting University of Saskatchewan students!
Your support contributes to the student experience, library resources
and enhances the college that you attended back in your University of
Saskatchewan days­—making sure every student has a memorable and
positive experience during their time on campus.
315 gifts
$153,885.18
President’s
Fund
335 gifts
$106,728.02
Giving is as Easy as 1-2-3
There are three easy ways to make a gift that supports U of S students:
1. Give online at our new online giving portal at usask.ca/annualfund
or make a gift using your phone with our new mobile page
2. Give over the phone by calling 1-800-699-1907
3. Download and print our donation form from give.usask.ca/online
and send it to University Advancement at the address below
Library
Other
115 gifts
$12,440.00
579 gifts
$88,155.38
Note: Many generous donors give
to more than one area.
The University of Saskatchewan accepts most forms of payment, including
credit card, cheque or money order. Donors can also choose to make a
pledge and make monthly or annual payments using post-dated cheques,
credit card or a pre-authorized debit. Visit give.usask.ca.
Save the Date
June 21-23, 2012
Celebrations for the outgoing
University of Saskatchewan
President Peter MacKinnon
2012 University of Saskatchewan Honoured Years Reunion
Saskatoon, SK
Return to the U of S campus for the Honoured Years Reunion.
Join classmates of all colleges in the years of 1972, 1962, 1952
and earlier.
Visit alumni.usask.ca/events/reunions for more information
Reception in Swift Current, SK
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Reception in Regina, SK
Monday, May 14, 2012
September 2012
U of S Alumni and Friends Homecoming
Saskatoon, SK
Join alumni, students and staff at the annual homecoming football
game. Watch the Huskies play and be entertained by fireworks, the
half-time college challenge and running of the togas.
Visit alumni.usask.ca/events/homecoming for more information
Gala dinner in Saskatoon, SK
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Tickets are available online.
Visit mackinnonlegacy.usask.ca to RSVP
to an event or to read more about President
MacKinnon stepping down from his role as
president at the University of Saskatchewan.
Check out give.usask.ca for more information on all upcoming alumni and donor events.
per annum is a publication of University Advancement. If you would like to
receive more publications, like per annum electronically, send an email request
to [email protected].
Editor: Maeghan Dubois
Contributors: Susan Pederson (BA’94)
Please send comments, questions or story ideas to:
per annum c/o University Advancement, University of Saskatchewan
501–121 Research Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 1K2 Canada
Phone: (306) 966-5186, Toll free: 1-800-699-1907
Online: give.usask.ca