Solomon Schofield to Receive Honorary Degree for a Life of Service

For decades, the Honourable Vaughn Solomon Schofield, SOM, SVM, CD, has exemplified a life devoted to leadership, public service, and community. Today, the University of Regina will recognize her remarkable contributions to Saskatchewan and Canada by presenting her with an Honorary Doctor of Laws at the 2025 Fall Convocation ceremony.

For Solomon Schofield, the honour carries a deeply personal meaning.

“Although I have been fortunate to receive many special awards and recognitions in my life, this is something extra special,” she says. “Both my father, George Solomon, and my sister, Adrian Burns, have been so honoured. Receiving an honorary degree from the University of Regina is both humbling and meaningful. Years ago, when my father received an honorary degree, I was unable to attend the ceremony. Now my fondest wish is that he is looking down at this recognition and is as proud of me as I was of him.”

From Regina to the world

Born and raised in Regina, Solomon Schofield began her post-secondary journey at the University of Saskatchewan, Regina Campus, the forerunner of the University of Regina, before completing her studies in fashion merchandising at the Rae-Vogue School in Chicago. Those formative years marked the beginning of a career that would span continents and sectors, bridging business, government, and community service.

In the 1980s, she chaired the board of a 200,000-member crime-prevention organization, travelling across North and South America to establish Crime Watch groups. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she later worked with the government of Guayaquil, Ecuador, and hosted a crime prevention television talk show in Fort Lauderdale, where she was twice named Florida’s Crime Prevention Woman of the Year.

Returning to Canada, she became president and CEO of the Western Group of Companies, continuing to demonstrate the drive and commitment that have defined her career.

Leadership and legacy

Appointed Saskatchewan’s 21st Lieutenant Governor in 2012, Solomon Schofield dedicated her six-year term to recognizing and supporting members of the Canadian Armed Forces. She created Canada’s only military service appreciation pin, presenting more than 9,000 of them to service members across the globe, and continues to champion those who serve through her roles as Saskatchewan provincial chair of the Canadian Forces Liaison Council and Honorary Colonel of 15 Wing Moose Jaw.

For her contributions, she received the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service, the military’s highest honour for a civilian.

Her volunteerism extends far beyond the military. She has served on the boards of SaskPower, SaskWater, the Regina Airport Authority, St. John Ambulance, the RCMP Heritage Centre, and the Health Arts Society, among others. Her many accolades include the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and most recently, the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2024.

“It’s one simple word, giving,” she says. “I was raised to appreciate what I had, and to give back at every opportunity. Community service is my mantra, always has been, always will be.”

A message for graduates

As she prepares to cross the stage at the Fall 2025 Convocation, Solomon Schofield says she hopes her story inspires others to lead with purpose and compassion. When asked about any words of advice she would leave with new graduates, she offers the following:

“You stand on the threshold of unlimited possibilities that previous generations never had,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to tackle them. Be bold in your aspirations, unwavering in your ethics, and generous to a fault.”

“Vaughn has all of the qualities of an exceptional leader—she has a passion for giving back to her community and making the world around her a better place.” said U of R President and Vice-Chancellor Jeff Keshen. “In recognition of Vaughn’s lifelong advocacy for community involvement and civic leadership, the University is pleased to present her with this honorary degree.”

The University of Regina will confer the Honorary Doctor of Laws upon Dr. Vaughn Solomon Schofield during the afternoon ceremony of the Fall 2025 Convocation on November 13.