Alumni Awards & Sports Hall of Fame

Lifetime Achievement Award

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.