Nominated by their peers from a group of more than 161,000 alumni, recipients of the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Alumni Achievement Awards represent alumni who are changing the world one idea or action at a time.
Congratulations to this year's award recipients with degrees from the College of Arts and Science.
One to Watch Award
This award recognizes young alumni from either an undergraduate or graduate program who are making significant contributions in society at large, setting an example for fellow and future alumni to follow.
Kendal Netmaker
(BA’11, BEd’11)
Author, entrepreneur and community builder Kendal Netmaker’s early career impact has spanned multiple sectors, earning him dozens of business awards and inspiring others to reach their potential. As a USask student, Netmaker founded an apparel company with a social profit motive that has helped thousands of Indigenous and underprivileged youth through scholarships and bursaries. His story of overcoming adversity has made him a role model for youth from all walks of life. Netmaker’s work to bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians make him “one to watch” in advancing the country’s call for reconciliation.
What advice for success would you offer to others?
Kendal Netmaker: “Do your best to keep an open mind and become a sponge. Become an exceptional listener—there are teachers everywhere. I went into university thinking of only one path option and was unaware of the opportunities that are available. Once you find your path, give all of your energy to it.”
Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award
As the highest honour presented by the University of Saskatchewan Alumni Association, this award recognizes a graduate for an outstanding lifetime of accomplishments and contributions to the social, cultural and economic well-being of society in any area, such as academics, athletics, arts, business, not-for-profit, public or private sector.
Professor Emeritus Dr. Robert Lorin Calder
(BA’63, MA’65)
Dr. Robert (Bob) Calder is a person of many talents and accomplished widespread excellence. He has given his time and energy for nearly 60 years to pursuits both professional and personal that have had an impact on Saskatchewan and the world. As a writer and professor, Calder has explored a broad range of topics, including the life and work of William Somerset Maugham; British propaganda, battle fatigue and suicide in the Second World War; the meeting of the Spanish and the Maya in Yucatan in the 16th century; and the history of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Calder’s 1989 biography, Willie: The Life of W. Somerset Maugham, earned him the Governor General’s Literary Award for Non-Fiction. Dedicated to lending his expertise and guidance to others, Calder has contributed countless hours to serving the University of Saskatchewan and broader community through his volunteer work promoting writers and writing in the province.
How did your Arts and Science education help you in your career?
Dr. Robert Calder: “When I went to Leeds, in the U.K., to do my PhD, I was intimidated by the articulate, sophisticated British graduate students in my class. Three years later, I was the only one who had completed my dissertation and got my degree. My undergraduate education and the writing of a master’s thesis at the University of Saskatchewan had prepared me for writing a lengthy dissertation in a way that the British had not experienced.”