Archive: Alumni

A dream comes true

Marah Mattison had a unique internship opportunity this past semester. Through a Faculty of Arts internship at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum she realized a dream – to curate a museum exhibition. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the exhibit has yet to be unveiled. By completing the curating project, Mattison became the first University of Regina history student to earn an honours degree by completing a hands-on project rather than writing a paper. No doubt that also helped her gain acceptance into the Heritage Studies and Public History program at the University of Minnesota – the first Canadian to do so.

Roll out the red carpet

More than four decades ago, some pioneering faculty members took the first tentative steps to establish a film program at the University of Regina. In 1980, the first of the University’s film degrees was handed out. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has put a halt to this year’s 40th anniversary celebrations of the only degree-granting film program between the Great Lakes and Vancouver.

Paul McLellan BAdmin’81, MBA’09

Paul McLellan not only graduated from the University of Regina, but also champions his alma mater every opportunity he gets. A self-described life-long learner—he received a Bachelor of Business Administration from the U of R in 1981, trained at SIAST (now Saskatchewan Polytechnic) to become a journey person electrician in 1982, and returned to U of R to receive his Executive MBA in 2009—and passionate ambassador for the University of Regina, Paul served on University’s Board of Governors from 2008-2015. He served as Chair from 2011 to 2013.

Art Wakabayashi LLB (Honorary)’19

Art Wakabayashi LLB(Honorary)’19 is no stranger to the Convocation stage. Afterall, from 2001 until 2007, he presided over it as Chancellor of the University of Regina, conferring an estimated 13,500 degrees, diplomas, and certificates on U of R graduates. At this year’s Fall Convocation, it was someone else’s turn to do the heavy lifting. Wakabayashi was awarded an honorary doctor of laws from President and Vice-Chancellor Vianne Timmons. We caught up with him just before one of his twice-weekly curling matches and asked him a few questions.