REGINA — Q. When did you retire from Sask Polytech?
A. I retired on July 31, 2014 after 30+ years as a library technician with Library Services at Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Regina campus. I still miss the students, staff and instructors. I have many fond memories of my time at Sask Polytech (formerly SIAST).
Q. What are some of your fondest memories at Sask Polytech?
A. I always felt enriched by all the different programs, students and staff who spent time in the library to locate resources, borrow items or spend time researching online.
The educational environment was always busy and as an employee, I learned so very much and was able to contribute to the learning environment. I especially loved attending the staff professional development sessions.
I volunteered to help at the convocation ceremonies, and the achievement ceremony when I was working at the 8th Avenue North Centre Campus in the Adult Basic Education programs.
Q. What got you started in your donor activities?
A. When I was growing up, other people, neighbours and friends helped my family in many ways, and we were forever grateful to them. I am single and always felt that I could give to others and make a small difference in my community and with Canadian charities.
While I was an employee, I participated in fundraising activities to support the bursary and scholarship fund. I would not have been able to attend Lakehead University in Thunder Bay if I had not benefited from bursaries and a scholarship for my studies so I have always remembered the difference it made for me.
Throughout my life and career, I have always been grateful to have received my bursaries and scholarship, it changed my life and led me to my career.
Q. Do you still donate today and where?
A. I always try to donate to the Sask Polytech Student Emergency Fund and annual giving fund. I also give to Lakehead University, to the University of Regina (U of R) and I give what I can to charities in Regina. I also support those who make appeals on behalf of health causes like the CNIB, Salvation Army, Souls Harbour, Regina Food Bank and others.
Over the years with my work and volunteer time, I have met so many people and have kept in touch with a number of them on a regular basis, these people are long time co-workers and we share the work history at Sask Polytech.
Q. Do you help out with any local fundraising initiatives?
A. I served on the U of R Senior University Group (SUG) board for a term as secretary and was secretary of the education committee. Over the years, I have been involved as a volunteer with the SUG fundraiser, their Big Book Sale. We are so thankful to the many people who donated books, DVD’s, LP’s, sheet music as well for other categories for our fundraiser. We thank the many community members who come to the sale days and find their treasures and purchase so much.
Q. Are you still in Regina and what are you keeping busy at?
A. I am still living in Regina and have been taking non-credit classes for adult learners at the Lifelong Learning Centre, Seniors University Group (SUG) at the U of R College Avenue Campus. I just love taking these classes and have met so many other adult learners. I have become friends with some of the people in the classes and go out for coffee and lunch. As well, I have noticed that other Sask Polytech employees are also registered in classes so it is great chatting with them.
Q. One final question. What would you say to others thinking about giving?
A. I would suggest or advise others who have graduated from other educational institutions, like Sask Polytech that it is important to remember your roots and how you benefited from your education and if you can ‘just make a difference for a student involved in their learning journey’.
— Submitted by Sask. Polytech Media Relations
