PDA/Text VersionRelease Date: May 10, 2006
Media Contact: Jim Duggleby, External Relations
E-mail: James.Duggleby@uregina.ca
Phone: (306) 585.5439
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Fax: (306) 585.4997
Haverstock, Bayda and Sawa to receive honorary degrees
Saskatchewan’s lieutenant-governor, the province’s chief justice,
and a popular maestro will receive honorary doctoral degrees at the
University of Regina's spring convocation, to be held June 5-7, 2006, at
the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina.
Her Honour Dr. Lynda Haverstock, Lieutenant-Governor
An honorary doctor of laws will be conferred on Lieutenant-Governor Lynda Haverstock on June 5, shortly after commencement of the convocation ceremony at 2 p.m.
Haverstock’s reputation as a highly principled and impassioned leader accrued throughout a distinguished 30-year career as a psychologist, as a university teacher, as leader of the Saskatchewan Liberal party, and as a poised and committed lieutenant-governor for the Province of Saskatchewan.
Prior to taking up politics, Haverstock was a successful academic and a practicing psychologist. She obtained a bachelor of education degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1972, specializing in the psychology and education of exceptional children, followed by a post-graduate diploma in 1975, an MEd in 1977, and a PhD in clinical psychology in 1985 – all from the U of S.
She put those qualifications to work as a practicing psychologist at the Saskatoon Mental Health Clinic, and in a series of key teaching and leadership posts with the U of S, Université de Moncton, Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation, and Saskatoon Catholic Board of Education.
In 1989 she was elected leader of the Saskatchewan Liberal Party – the first woman to lead a political party in the province – and rebuilt the party from relative obscurity to the status of Official Opposition in six years. After stepping down as leader of the Liberal Party in 1995, she continued to sit as an independent Member of the Legislative Assembly until 1999, becoming the first independent member in the province's history to have a Private Member's Bill passed.
Appointed lieutenant-governor of Saskatchewan in 2000, Haverstock brought grace, dignity and a talent for hard work to her high-profile role as The Queen's Representative for the Province of Saskatchewan. She is credited with expanding the role and opening new channels to support education, the arts, veterans’ organizations, and the quality of life in northern communities.
As lieutenant-governor she hosted more than 170 ambassadors from around the world, as well as royal visits by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Earl of Wessex, and The Princess Royal. She made personal visits to 242 schools and universities throughout the province; met with and expanded relations with aboriginal elders and chiefs throughout the province, becoming the first lieutenant-governor to attend every Treaty Day while in office; visited schools and communities throughout Northern Saskatchewan with Canadian astronaut Dafydd Williams, promoting the value of education and the possibilities of academic and professional pursuit; and served as patron to more than 100 arts, education, healthcare, and community organizations.
In the course of her career, Haverstock showed a consistent commitment to improving the lives of people in Saskatchewan communities, leading the nation in dealing with the impact of economic stress on farm families. She received four doctoral fellowships and nine distinguished honours and awards, including the Saskatchewan Order of Merit and the Gzowski Award for contributions to improving literacy.
Chief Justice Edward D. Bayda
An honorary doctor of laws will be conferred on The Honourable Edward Bayda on June 6, shortly after commencement of the convocation ceremony at 2 p.m.
Bayda’s name is in many respects synonymous with the big issues that have faced Saskatchewan and Canada in the latter part of the 20th century and the early part of the 21st.
As head of the Law Reform Commission (1974-76), the Vancouver Port Grain Handling Inquiry (1974-75), and the Cluff Lake Board of Inquiry (1977-78) – and as a jurist whose interpretation of Canada’s Charter of Rights left a lasting mark on the nation – he has helped shape the justice system, the grain industry, the uranium industry and individual rights for generations yet to come.
The son of a farmer turned implement and hardware dealer, Bayda began his life and education in Alvena, Sask. He completed high school in Saskatoon before entering the University of Saskatchewan, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and political science in 1951. Two years later he received a bachelor of laws degree (cum laude), also at the U of S.
During the following two decades Bayda practiced civil and criminal law, and served the legal profession as president of the Regina Bar Association, and chair of the civil justice section of the provincial branch of the Canadian Bar Association. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1966.
Bayda was appointed to the Court of Queen’s Bench in 1972 and the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal in 1974. He became Chief Justice of Saskatchewan in 1981. Under his leadership Saskatchewan has developed one of the most respected courts of appeal in the country.
Early in his role as Chief Justice, Bayda made his mark on one of the most significant tasks yet to come before Canadian courts – determining, through the interpretation and application of the Charter of Rights, the extent to which the state might lawfully infringe on individual freedom. His liberally-oriented judgements left an imprint on Charter jurisprudence and earned him an enduring place among Canada’s pre-eminent jurists.
Maestro Victor Sawa
Regina Symphony Orchestra (RSO) resident music director Victor Sawa will receive the University’s first honorary doctor of fine arts. The degree will be conferred on June 7, shortly after commencement of the convocation ceremony at 2 p.m.
Sawa has fashioned a reputation as one of Canada’s most popular symphonic conductors out of his musical talent, the exuberance he brings to the podium and his skill as a communicator and teacher.
A Grammy Award-winning musician, and recipient of numerous other awards, Sawa left the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra for the RSO – the longest continuously operating orchestra in the country – in 1997. He brought a rich musical background with him.
Born in Montreal, he holds a licentiate of music and a bachelor of music (with distinction) and concert diploma (also with distinction) from McGill University. He was awarded the Premier Prix Concours for Clarinet and Chamber Music from the Conservatoire de music de Montreal.
Sawa left Canada to attend the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, graduating with a masters of music performance (honours). Within months of completing his academic studies, he received the Outstanding Musician Award from the Tanglewood Festival – an award which includes Leonard Bernstein among its recipients. Together with his colleagues in the New England Conservatory Ragtime Ensemble, he won a Grammy Award for best chamber music performance in 1973. The recording of Scott Joplin's "Red Back Book" inspired the score for the movie "The Sting" which, in turn, prompted U.S. President Gerald Ford to invite the ensemble to perform at the White House.
Sawa is a founding member of the Canadian Chamber Ensemble, with which he undertook a number of tours to locations in Canada, the United States, Mexico, South America, and Europe. In 1989 he received the Kitchener-Waterloo Community Arts Award for Music, and the Canada Council Award for Conducting (which he received again in 1990 and 1991).
Sawa then became Music Director of the North Bay Symphony, and within two short years was
invited to become resident conductor with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.
In addition to his current engagement with the Regina Symphony Orchestra, Sawa is musical director of the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra. He lives in Regina with his family.
* * *
Candidates for honorary degrees may be nominated by anyone, and must be approved by both the University council and senate in order to be considered by the President. The University of Regina has bestowed 145 previous honorary degrees. Former recipients include former Saskatchewan premiers Tommy Douglas (1978), Allan Blakeney (1993) and Roy Romanow (2005); Saskatchewan artist Joe Fafard (1989); hockey great Gordie Howe (1997); Saskatchewan philanthropist and patron of the arts Jacqui Shumiatcher (2002); intellectual Michael Ignatieff (2003); The Princess Royal, Princess Anne (2004); and Regina entrepreneur Frederick Hill (2005).
Her Honour Dr. Lynda Haverstock, Lieutenant-Governor
An honorary doctor of laws will be conferred on Lieutenant-Governor Lynda Haverstock on June 5, shortly after commencement of the convocation ceremony at 2 p.m.
Haverstock’s reputation as a highly principled and impassioned leader accrued throughout a distinguished 30-year career as a psychologist, as a university teacher, as leader of the Saskatchewan Liberal party, and as a poised and committed lieutenant-governor for the Province of Saskatchewan.
Prior to taking up politics, Haverstock was a successful academic and a practicing psychologist. She obtained a bachelor of education degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1972, specializing in the psychology and education of exceptional children, followed by a post-graduate diploma in 1975, an MEd in 1977, and a PhD in clinical psychology in 1985 – all from the U of S.
She put those qualifications to work as a practicing psychologist at the Saskatoon Mental Health Clinic, and in a series of key teaching and leadership posts with the U of S, Université de Moncton, Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation, and Saskatoon Catholic Board of Education.
In 1989 she was elected leader of the Saskatchewan Liberal Party – the first woman to lead a political party in the province – and rebuilt the party from relative obscurity to the status of Official Opposition in six years. After stepping down as leader of the Liberal Party in 1995, she continued to sit as an independent Member of the Legislative Assembly until 1999, becoming the first independent member in the province's history to have a Private Member's Bill passed.
Appointed lieutenant-governor of Saskatchewan in 2000, Haverstock brought grace, dignity and a talent for hard work to her high-profile role as The Queen's Representative for the Province of Saskatchewan. She is credited with expanding the role and opening new channels to support education, the arts, veterans’ organizations, and the quality of life in northern communities.
As lieutenant-governor she hosted more than 170 ambassadors from around the world, as well as royal visits by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Earl of Wessex, and The Princess Royal. She made personal visits to 242 schools and universities throughout the province; met with and expanded relations with aboriginal elders and chiefs throughout the province, becoming the first lieutenant-governor to attend every Treaty Day while in office; visited schools and communities throughout Northern Saskatchewan with Canadian astronaut Dafydd Williams, promoting the value of education and the possibilities of academic and professional pursuit; and served as patron to more than 100 arts, education, healthcare, and community organizations.
In the course of her career, Haverstock showed a consistent commitment to improving the lives of people in Saskatchewan communities, leading the nation in dealing with the impact of economic stress on farm families. She received four doctoral fellowships and nine distinguished honours and awards, including the Saskatchewan Order of Merit and the Gzowski Award for contributions to improving literacy.
Chief Justice Edward D. Bayda
An honorary doctor of laws will be conferred on The Honourable Edward Bayda on June 6, shortly after commencement of the convocation ceremony at 2 p.m.
Bayda’s name is in many respects synonymous with the big issues that have faced Saskatchewan and Canada in the latter part of the 20th century and the early part of the 21st.
As head of the Law Reform Commission (1974-76), the Vancouver Port Grain Handling Inquiry (1974-75), and the Cluff Lake Board of Inquiry (1977-78) – and as a jurist whose interpretation of Canada’s Charter of Rights left a lasting mark on the nation – he has helped shape the justice system, the grain industry, the uranium industry and individual rights for generations yet to come.
The son of a farmer turned implement and hardware dealer, Bayda began his life and education in Alvena, Sask. He completed high school in Saskatoon before entering the University of Saskatchewan, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and political science in 1951. Two years later he received a bachelor of laws degree (cum laude), also at the U of S.
During the following two decades Bayda practiced civil and criminal law, and served the legal profession as president of the Regina Bar Association, and chair of the civil justice section of the provincial branch of the Canadian Bar Association. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1966.
Bayda was appointed to the Court of Queen’s Bench in 1972 and the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal in 1974. He became Chief Justice of Saskatchewan in 1981. Under his leadership Saskatchewan has developed one of the most respected courts of appeal in the country.
Early in his role as Chief Justice, Bayda made his mark on one of the most significant tasks yet to come before Canadian courts – determining, through the interpretation and application of the Charter of Rights, the extent to which the state might lawfully infringe on individual freedom. His liberally-oriented judgements left an imprint on Charter jurisprudence and earned him an enduring place among Canada’s pre-eminent jurists.
Maestro Victor Sawa
Regina Symphony Orchestra (RSO) resident music director Victor Sawa will receive the University’s first honorary doctor of fine arts. The degree will be conferred on June 7, shortly after commencement of the convocation ceremony at 2 p.m.
Sawa has fashioned a reputation as one of Canada’s most popular symphonic conductors out of his musical talent, the exuberance he brings to the podium and his skill as a communicator and teacher.
A Grammy Award-winning musician, and recipient of numerous other awards, Sawa left the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra for the RSO – the longest continuously operating orchestra in the country – in 1997. He brought a rich musical background with him.
Born in Montreal, he holds a licentiate of music and a bachelor of music (with distinction) and concert diploma (also with distinction) from McGill University. He was awarded the Premier Prix Concours for Clarinet and Chamber Music from the Conservatoire de music de Montreal.
Sawa left Canada to attend the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, graduating with a masters of music performance (honours). Within months of completing his academic studies, he received the Outstanding Musician Award from the Tanglewood Festival – an award which includes Leonard Bernstein among its recipients. Together with his colleagues in the New England Conservatory Ragtime Ensemble, he won a Grammy Award for best chamber music performance in 1973. The recording of Scott Joplin's "Red Back Book" inspired the score for the movie "The Sting" which, in turn, prompted U.S. President Gerald Ford to invite the ensemble to perform at the White House.
Sawa is a founding member of the Canadian Chamber Ensemble, with which he undertook a number of tours to locations in Canada, the United States, Mexico, South America, and Europe. In 1989 he received the Kitchener-Waterloo Community Arts Award for Music, and the Canada Council Award for Conducting (which he received again in 1990 and 1991).
Sawa then became Music Director of the North Bay Symphony, and within two short years was
invited to become resident conductor with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.
In addition to his current engagement with the Regina Symphony Orchestra, Sawa is musical director of the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra. He lives in Regina with his family.
* * *
Candidates for honorary degrees may be nominated by anyone, and must be approved by both the University council and senate in order to be considered by the President. The University of Regina has bestowed 145 previous honorary degrees. Former recipients include former Saskatchewan premiers Tommy Douglas (1978), Allan Blakeney (1993) and Roy Romanow (2005); Saskatchewan artist Joe Fafard (1989); hockey great Gordie Howe (1997); Saskatchewan philanthropist and patron of the arts Jacqui Shumiatcher (2002); intellectual Michael Ignatieff (2003); The Princess Royal, Princess Anne (2004); and Regina entrepreneur Frederick Hill (2005).
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