‘A Complete Joy’

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Meet the outstanding alumni and inductees being honoured at the University of Regina's 2025 Alumni Awards & Sports Hall of Fame, presented by URAA (University of Regina Alumni Association).

Every year, the University of Regina celebrates the achievements of its nearly 95,000 alumni through the Alumni Awards. Established in 1992, these awards honor our exceptional alumni for their dedication to excellence, community engagement, leadership, and their significant impact on the social, cultural, and economic well-being of our communities.

In 1995, the University of Regina Sports Hall of Fame was established to recognize outstanding athletes, teams, builders, and contributors to the Athletics Program. An honorary category also exists to acknowledge those who excel but may not fit into the other categories. Each year, up to two categories may be selected for induction by a committee and approved by the President of the University and the Dean of Kinesiology and Health Studies. All athletic efforts throughout the institution's history, including those of its predecessors, Regina College, and Regina Campus, are eligible for induction.

Starting this year, we are excited to announce the merging of these two prestigious events into one - the University of Regina Alumni Awards & Sports Hall of Fame - taking place on Friday, October 24, 2025. This unified event will truly honor our outstanding recipients.

Lifetime Achievement Award
The Honorable Ralph Goodale PC, BA'71

Ralph Goodale earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Saskatchewan Regina Campus in 1971. Ralph has had a remarkable career in Canadian public service spanning over four decades. First elected as an MP in 1974, he served in key cabinet roles including Minister of Finance, Agriculture, Public Safety, and Natural Resources. He championed trade, climate action, emergency preparedness, and rural development. Known for fiscal responsibility, he helped deliver nine consecutive balanced budgets and strengthened national security legislation. A strong advocate for Saskatchewan, he spearheaded major infrastructure, education, and research investments. Goodale was deeply engaged in community work, promoting multiculturalism, safety, and support for vulnerable groups. Recognized as one of Canada's most effective parliamentarians, he received national and international honors, including being named a top diplomat in the UK. His legacy is one of integrity, innovation, and dedicated service to Canada and his home province.

Distinguished Professional Achievement Award
Merelda Fiddler-Potter BAJC'99, MA'10, PhD'23

Dr. Merelda Fiddler-Potter  is a Cree-Métis scholar, communicator, and changemaker from Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan. She is an Associate Professor at the First Nations University of Canada, where she teaches in Indigenous Studies and Public Administration. With a journalism degree from the University of Regina, Merelda spent 17 years working in media across Western Canada, earning several regional and national awards and running her own documentary company. She began teaching as a sessional lecturer in 2000 and later pursued a Master's degree focused on Indigenous identity. In 2016, she launched a consulting firm supporting Indigenous awareness and culture change. She completed her PhD in Public Policy in 2022, receiving the prestigious Vanier and Queen Elizabeth II scholarships. Merelda continues to support public, non-profit, and private organizations alongside her academic work.

Humanitarian & Community Service Award
Lisa McIntyre BAdmin'12, MAdmin'18

Lisa McIntyre is a dedicated leader, entrepreneur, and community advocate whose career reflects her passion for service. A double alumna of the University of Regina, she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2012 and a Master of Administrative Leadership in 2018. Lisa's diverse professional journey includes roles with the Regina Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Regina before she became owner of The Optical Shoppe. Her leadership kept the business thriving through the COVID-19 pandemic. Lisa is deeply involved in civic life, serving as Chair of the Globe Theatre Board and contributing to numerous initiatives, including the Grey Cup Festival and YWCA Capital Campaign. A longtime volunteer, she supports Dress for Success through monthly eyewear donations. Lisa's integrity, resilience, and commitment to others have earned her the 2025 Alumni Award for Humanitarian & Community Service.

Dr. Robert and Norma Ferguson Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service Award
Richard Kies BAdmin'93, CPR'03

Richard Kies is a dedicated non-profit leader with nearly 30 years of experience in executive roles, communications, and fundraising. He is currently Vice President of Development for the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan. A proud University of Regina graduate, Richard holds a Bachelor of Administration and a Certificate in Public Relations, and he earned his Accredited Business Communicator (ABC) designation in 2011. He spent 15 years with the Canadian Red Cross, where he was deployed to major wildfire disasters in Kelowna and Fort McMurray. Guided by the motto "Think Globally, Act Locally," Richard is deeply committed to volunteerism. He has served in leadership roles with IABC, Leadership Saskatoon, and the Saskatoon Society of Fundraising Executives. At the U of R, he's been a passionate alumni volunteer and advocate.

Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Amy Richter BASc'15, MASc'17, PhD'21

Dr. Amy Richter is a dedicated professional engineer and environmental advocate, currently contributing her expertise to the Ministry of Environment in Saskatchewan, where she works on advancing waste recycling initiatives. A three-time graduate of the University of Regina, Amy earned her Bachelor of Applied Science (2015), Master of Applied Science (2017), and PhD (2021) in Environmental Systems Engineering. Her academic work, particularly her doctoral research, focused on using data-driven approaches to enhance regional waste management systems across Canada, reflecting her deep commitment to sustainability and environmental innovation. In addition to her role with the Ministry, Amy maintains a strong academic presence as a part-time postdoctoral researcher at the University of Regina. There, she actively mentors graduate students and continues to contribute to research that supports Canada's evolving waste management strategies and environmental practices.

Innovation Award
Neale Partington CA'89

Neale Partington is a dedicated community volunteer and retired professional with over 30 years of experience at SaskTel, where he held roles in Engineering, Data Services, Sales, Strategic Planning, and IT. After retiring in 2018 from a senior project management role at ISM, he deepened his connection to the University of Regina's Lifelong Learning Centre (LLC). In 2021, Neale revived The Big Book Sale (BBS), a key fundraiser for the Seniors' University Group (SUG), supporting senior-focused programming. He joined the SUG Board in 2022 and became President in 2023, leading its shift from advisory to operational in response to funding cuts. Neale received the U of R Centre on Aging and Health's 2024 Award for Innovation in Health and Wellness. His past volunteer roles include leadership positions with IEEE, Great Plains Free-Net, the Sundown Optimist Club, and PMI.

2025 University of Regina Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
Jon Ryan LLD'19

Jon Ryan starred as a wide receiver and punter for the Regina Rams from 2000 to 2003, helping lead the team to a Hardy Cup title and establishing himself as one of the most dynamic players in program history. A proud U of R alum, Jon received an honorary Doctor of Laws in 2019. His university success launched a standout pro career, including two CFL seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and 12 in the NFL, most notably with the Seattle Seahawks, where he became a Super Bowl champion and fan favourite. He later returned to the CFL with Saskatchewan and Winnipeg. Known for his powerful leg, versatility, and leadership, Ryan remains a proud Rams ambassador. Now inducted into the U of R Sports Hall of Fame, he works in sports media and business, and lives in Los Angeles with his wife, comedian and actress Sarah Colonna.

2025 University of Regina Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
Ali Bernard

Ali Bernard was a standout for the Cougars women's wrestling team from 2005 to 2008, capturing multiple national titles and helping elevate the sport at the U of R and across Canada. Her success led to an elite international career, representing the United States at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. She also earned bronze at the World Championships and gold at the Pan American Championships, cementing her place among the sport's best. Known for her power, technique, and determination, Bernard has inspired a generation of female wrestlers. Her induction into the University of Regina Sports Hall of Fame recognizes both her international accomplishments and her lasting impact as a pioneer for women's wrestling. She now coaches and mentors young athletes at Augsburg University in Minneapolis.

Tickets to the 2025 Alumni Awards & Sports Hall of Fame are available now!

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Not only is the University of Regina a place for learning, it's also a place where love has blossomed. The following four couples met as students at the university during pivotal moments in their lives and unique moments in the school's history. You never know when the sparks will fly. These love stories are from four different decades across the University of Regina's 50 years.

Regina catches on: Stephanie and Alvin

Alvin Yau, BA '07, MPP '09, didn't think much of Regina when he moved here at age 19. The Vancouverite had moved to a prairie city that was a fraction of the population of his hometown. Things felt bleak.

"I recall specifically making very disparaging comments about the Regina skyline," said Yau. My plan was to spend eight months here and then flee."  But the psychology student joined the intramural slow pitch softball team and things began to look up. He made friends and the friendships were strong enough to keep him in the Queen City, especially one with a certain clarinet player, whom he met in his third year.

Alvin and Stephanie got to know each other on campus. They walked the indoor campus route in winter, took a religious studies class together and watched Cougars' games. They have now been together 19 years. They married in 2011.

Alvin and Steph's Wedding Photo from 2011

Stephanie Davis, B.Ed '09 (now Davis-Yau) knew she wanted to be a teacher from an early age. After researching the best post-secondary education program in the province for a high school assignment in her hometown of Melfort, the U of R came out on top.   "I've always liked working with kids and I still really love that light-bulb moment when they finally grasp something," said Davis-Yau, who has taught primary grades for 16 years.

"We met through a friend of a friend," said Yau. "I was a band geek growing up and it came up that Steph played clarinet and our mutual friend was trying to get her to play for us one night."

Davis was reluctant. "He said I really didn't have to. I thought that was kind of nice that he was giving me an out if I needed it."

When Yau asked Steph on a date, she accepted, though her response was an ambiguous "Suuuure," so Yau later confirmed with her over MSN Messenger.

"I had to check!" he laughed.

Alvin and Stephanie got to know each other on campus. They walked the indoor campus route in winter, took a religious studies class together and watched Cougars' games. They have now been together 19 years. They married in 2011.

After 13 years working for government, Yau is now manager of planning and research at Regina Public Library. He found his groove as a student when he pursued his master's in public policy at the U of R and loved it.

Stephanie encouraged Alvin to join the concert band and he ended up playing alto sax in the group for nine years, well beyond his years as a student.

"It was an important thing in my life and a way I contributed to the community. I'm very grateful to band director Brent Ghiglione for letting me be part of it, even after I graduated."

The couple are raising their kids in south-east Regina and have embraced community activities. Davis-Yau is a long-time volunteer with Girl Guides and Yau chairs his children's school community council.

"The city I initially hated has grown to be a place I love and I hope I continue to give back to it," said Yau.

Laughter sealed the deal: David and Marilyn

David, BA '69, and Marilyn Goldsmith met as students when the University of Regina was in its infancy.

"It was the University of Saskatchewan's Regina Campus," said David. "We were in the College Avenue buildings and only the education and lab buildings had been built where campus is now," said David.

The Goldsmiths remember the new Wascana campus as a happening place.

David and Marilyn at the Education Hallowe'en Dance, 1966

David, a first-year arts student and Marilyn, a first-year music student, found themselves in a lounge at the College Avenue campus.

"Marilyn was sitting there and I had never met her. I came in with my bag lunch. We acknowledged each other. Then I got out my food and started eating some celery, 'Chomp, chomp, chomp.' She looked at me and I looked at her and we both started laughing. So I married her."

"We became friends, had fun together and started dating. It was because of that laughter that we realized we could just enjoy each other," said Marilyn.

At the time, David estimates the university had about 300 students, which meant they got to know mostly everyone.  "My student number was R00045 and Marilyn's was R00245," he said.

The Goldsmiths remember the new Wascana campus as a happening place. They attended school dances and were part of the foreign film society.   "I do remember feeling that it was exciting that the U of R was coming into existence and leaving the U of S," said Marilyn. "It was its own entity. Here we are 50 years later and it's a well-recognized, well-respected university, with a diverse student body," said Marilyn.

Leonard Cohen entertained in the classroom building one noon hour," recalled David. "Hippie culture was happening at the time. The Vietnam War was going on so we met young draft dodgers coming up from the U.S. to attend the U of R."   "There was a big mix of people and I think we were comfortable in all of those groups to some extent," said Marilyn.

David and Marilyn married in 1967. Over their 57 years of marriage, they have travelled, raised children and organized regular group hiking trips to the mountains. David had a career in government health planning and Marilyn worked at a medical clinic. She was also the organist of Trinity Lutheran Church in Regina and owned her own gift shop at the Regina Airport.

In 2002, the two Reginans moved to Invermere, B.C., fulfilling their lifelong dream of living in the mountains. But Saskatchewan remains a special place for them.

"We feel honoured to have been part of the University of Regina's early beginning. The next fifty years hold promise beyond our dreams."

Learning together: Chase and Kewen

Chase Wood, BSc '12, MSc '16, and Kewen Wood, MSc '16, met as graduate students in the University of Regina's geology department. They taught a class and marked papers together. Chase, a Regina native, was interested in the foods Kewen, an international student from China, would bring for lunch.

"She would come in with something I'd never seen before, like chicken feet, and I would ask to try it," said Chase. "When we started dating it was really fun because the things I found mundane were new and interesting to her and things that were ordinary for her were super interesting for me."

"Chase is one of the most open-minded people I've ever met in my life," said Kewen.

"I owe a lot to the university," said Chase. "I was a reluctant master's student but I recognized a good opportunity and my supervisor, to her credit, helped drag me, kicking and screaming, through the whole thing."

A Recent Photo of Kewen and Chase

Co-founders of Tuzo GeoSurveys out of Calgary, the couple combines their expertise in geology and business (Kewen received her M.B.A. from the University of Calgary in 2023 and also works for ATB Financial) to offer geological survey services.

"Most of our clients are in Saskatchewan because that's where I built my network," said Chase.

That network building happened because of his professors at the University of Regina. After his undergrad, Chase was encouraged to pursue graduate studies and take part in a research project at Saskatchewan's only producing gold mine at Laonil Lake.

"I owe a lot to the university," said Chase. "I was a reluctant master's student but I recognized a good opportunity and my supervisor, to her credit, helped drag me, kicking and screaming, through the whole thing."

Kewen's interest in clean energy research motivated her to study at the U of R. She studied uranium mineralization on a full scholarship. She appreciates the many skills she learned at the school and from the discipline of science.

"My supervisors were great mentors. There are a lot of values they taught us: self-discipline, goal-setting and meeting those goals, being punctual. All of these are transferrable not only in the professional world, but also just in life."

Chase and Kewen's official wedding photograph

The couple fondly recall Stir-Fridays, an idea Chase started so he could get to know his fellow grad students in the department. Once a month a student or professor gave an informal presentation about themselves and where they came from.

"I carved my first pumpkin at one of those events," said Kewen, who also enjoyed seeing a different side of the professors.

As the U of R celebrates 50 years, both Chase and Kewen are thankful for their experiences at the school. They came back to celebrate the anniversary with their old department in April.

"There are moments in your life when there's an inflection point and something really important happens. Saying yes to a master's degree was a major, major, major moment in my life," he said. "I also met my wife in grad school."

"That's right!" said Kewen. "I was going to remind of you that if you didn't mention it!" she laughed.

Analogue connections: Greg and Dianne

Greg, B.Admin '76, and Dianne Swanson's, B.Admin '92 connection to the U of R has been strong for decades.

"The university has been a huge part of our lives over time," said Dianne. Dianne, a retired business owner, volunteers with the Senior's University Group, an organization promoting continued-learning at the College Ave campus. She and Greg, a retired Regina lawyer, are committed donors. Greg has been president of the Alumni Association, served on the Senate, the  Board of Governors and has received an award for service to the university.

"We've been to many events throughout the years because of Greg's involvement," said Dianne.  The couple has seen the university evolve and grow over decades but their story as a couple began in a place on-campus that is hard to imagine these days: the keypunch room.

"The university has been a huge part of our lives over time,"  Dianne Swanson

Keypunches-typewriter-like machines in desks-were used to punch programming code onto cards that were fed into the university's computer, a mammoth-piece of tech that took up a whole room and was less powerful than the average laptop today.

"If your program had 500 lines of code you would have 500 cards to feed the computer," said Greg, who had a student job in the computer-science department in 1973. Dianne was a computer-science student, waiting for her turn at the machine that Greg was working on. They started talking and hit it off.

A year later they were married. Greg proposed by typing out his question on printer paper from one of the university's Xerox Sigma 9 computers and showing it to Dianne while they were together one day on campus. This past year they celebrated 50 years of marriage.

Greg and Dianne's wedding photo from 1974. In 2024, couple celebrated their 50h wedding anniversary

Dianne finished her degree in the '90s, going to classes part-time, while looking  after their three children.  She was determined to get her admin degree.  "I convocated the same year our oldest daughter graduated from Grade 12," she said.  Just a few years after graduating, she opened and co-owned Cobb Swanson Music, a well-respected sheet-music  store on 13th Avenue in Regina, for 22 years.

"All those years managing our finances, scheduling activities and maintaining a household  was great training. Combined with an admin degree I was  ready to run a small business," she said.

Greg and Dianne continue their learning at the University of Regina through French classes at La Cite. They were also volunteers when the U of R hosted Congress of the Humanities and Sciences in 2018.

"Except for a few years when Greg studied law at the U of S, we've been connecting with the U of R in our lives in some way, which has given us wonderful, long-lasting community connections," said Dianne.

Due to their generous contributions, a breakout room in the College Avenue Campus is named after them.

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