SASKATOON — More than 2,000 students mark a major milestone as they graduate from Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
The ceremony celebrates the Saskatoon campus class of 2025 and honours outstanding award recipients. Graduates are stepping into the workforce equipped with skills to make an impact — one out of every 19 jobs in Saskatchewan is supported by the activities of Sask Polytech, its students and alumni.
“It is an honour to celebrate our Saskatoon campus graduating class of 2025,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO. “Their dedication and hard work, backed by the applied learning and the skills they developed in their time with us, makes them ready to meet the moment – to step into the workplace and tackle challenges head-on. Congratulations, graduates! We could not be more proud of each one of you.”
Congratulations to the Saskatoon campus award recipients.
Ma Cecelia Landicho, a graduate of the Early Childhood Education program, received the Outstanding Citizenship Award. She helped Filipino international students in the Early Childhood Education program, providing guidance on life in Canada. A strong advocate for inclusion, she led initiatives like a community pantry and winter clothing drive. Landicho is a dean’s honour list member, and active volunteer at Saint Anne's Catholic Church, SaskAbilities and Autism Services of Saskatoon.
Kylla Kate Veran, a graduate of the Media Production program, received the Innovation Award. She collaborated with the Moose Jaw Heritage Project to create an engaging video showcasing the history of the Moose Jaw Public Library. Using her skills in video editing, sound design and pacing, she transformed raw footage and a script into a polished story that connects viewers with a local heritage site. The final video is being used by the City of Moose Jaw to highlight unique heritage sites across the community.
Farron Chamakese-Waskahat, a graduate of the Media Production program, received the Reconciliation in Action Award. He guided traditional medicine picking during the Wîcihitowin Transition program and introduced Indigenous traditional hand games and shared cultural teachings about the drum and singing with Caribbean international students. His recent short documentary exploring the history of singing showcases his deep commitment to preserving and sharing Indigenous culture.
Yuying Guo is the recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Bronze Medal for the highest average in the Saskatoon campus Adult 12 program.
Jaydan Harrison, graduate of the Library and Information Technology program, is the recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Collegiate Bronze Medal for the highest average for a diploma at the Saskatoon campus.
Eileen Zaba, Psychiatric Nursing faculty, was honoured with the Applied Research Award of Excellence. Zaba demonstrates a strong commitment to Indigenous communities through her research, which blends traditional knowledge with modern crisis intervention methods. Her approach empowers Indigenous communities by involving them directly in crisis preparedness and recovery efforts. She also helped facilitate the move of the Talking Quilt, a cherished cultural artifact created by the women of James Smith Cree Nation, to Sask Polytech.
Leon Lipoth, Research in Additive Manufacturing and Prototyping (RAMP) research chair, received the Applied Research Award of Excellence. Lipoth fosters student engagement in the RAMP lab. As research chair, he combines mentorship, innovation and collaboration to lead diverse applied research projects, including the developing a custom rowing seat for Jacob Wasserman to use in the 2024 Paralympics. His leadership inspires excellence and highlights the power of applied research to create meaningful change.
Nicole Ferguson Marshall, an Early Childhood Education instructor, was honoured with the Faculty Award for Excellence. She is a dedicated and passionate instructor, known for effectively bridging theory and practice. As a liaison with the childcare demonstration center, she enhances student learning and supports professional development through collaborative projects and practicum coordination. Nicole fosters an inclusive classroom, actively engages in research and global forums, and plays a key role in strengthening partnerships that benefit both students and childcare centers.
Shannon Iverson, a Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing instructor, was honoured with a Faculty Award for Excellence. She leads fourth-year nursing students through community-based practice education and clinical placements in North Battleford. Iverson has built strong partnerships with local organizations in North Battleford to enrich student learning and integrate Truth and Reconciliation principles into nursing practice. Under her guidance, nursing students created health education initiatives supporting families affected by childhood diabetes.
Stacey Waters, also a Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing instructor, received the Innovations in Teaching Award. She enhances student learning through collaborative classroom spaces with touch screen monitors for concept mapping and ensures accessibility by providing lecture transcripts. Waters uses tools like Microsoft Forms QR codes for real-time engagement and feedback and applies Universal Design for Learning principles in her online content. Her use of H5P, smart boards and Mersiv software reflects her dedication to leveraging technology to improve the student experience.
Sask Polytech awarded an honorary degree in Applied Studies to Kelly Lendsay. Lendsay is a highly respected Cree-Métis leader and social entrepreneur. He is a Canadian innovator and organizational development expert in Indigenous employment, workplace and economic innovation strategies.
More than 6,125 students are eligible to graduate across all four campuses this spring. Sask Polytech prepares work-ready graduates to meet Saskatchewan’s labour market demands. Sask Polytech currently has a 96 per cent graduate employment rate and 94 per cent Indigenous graduate employment rate.
The convocation ceremonies are broadcast live so graduates, family, friends and the polytechnic community who are unable to attend in-person can celebrate. To view the livestream or previously recorded video please visit .
— Submitted by Sask. Polytech Media Relations
