Pam Klein and Ruth Smillie Receive University of Regina Honorary Degrees

During Fall 2026 Convocation ceremonies, held Thursday, November 12, two outstanding individuals who helped shaped Regina’s cultural and leadership landscape received honorary degrees, the U of R’s highest recognition. Pam Klein turned a career in communications into a platform for community service, helping raise more than $1 million for local breast cancer charities. Ruth Smillie opened doors for Saskatchewan artists to develop new work and bring it to the stage.

Ms. Pam Klein, SOM, B.A., M.Ed

Klein earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Regina in 1981 and went on to complete a Master of Education at the University of Manitoba. She returned to serve on the U of R’s Board of Governors, taking on roles as a member and vice-chair before becoming the University’s ninth Chancellor in 2019. Her term as Chancellor ran to 2025.

“The University of Regina has been an important part of my life, from my days as a student to the privilege of serving as Chancellor,” says Klein. “I am deeply grateful for this honour and proud of my long association with a university that contributes so much to our province. To be recognized alongside this year’s graduates makes the occasion especially meaningful.”

Klein built her career in advertising and communications at the Phoenix Group, spending 16 years as president and 10 years as a director. Her work helping organizations tell their stories and connect with audiences earned her recognition in the industry and she quickly became a role model for women pursuing careers in business and community leadership.

Her volunteer work has reached across health care, the arts, and education. Klein has supported the Hospitals of Regina Foundation, MacKenzie Art Gallery, Camp Circle O’ Friends, and the Hill Levene School of Business, among others, including the Saskatchewan Roughriders Foundation, of which she is a founding member. Her service has earned her honours including the University of Manitoba Award of Distinction and the YWCA Women of Distinction Award for Excellence in the Community.

Klein receives an Honorary Doctor of Laws honoris causa (LLD).

Ms. Ruth Smillie, SOM

Ruth Smillie began her career as an actor, performing in cities across western Canada after earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from Ryerson University. She became an artistic director at 26, at a time when few women in Canadian theatre had the opportunity to take on that role. Her career took her to Persephone Youtheatre in Saskatoon, Catalyst Theatre in Edmonton, and to Regina where she worked as a performing arts consultant for the Saskatchewan Arts Board

Many people will recognize Smillie from the 21 years she served as Globe Theatre’s artistic director and CEO. During that time, she brought productions to southern Saskatchewan audiences and made room for local artists to experiment through the Shumiatcher Sandbox Series. She also conceived and produced Lanterns on the Lake, an outdoor celebration that brought art and community together in Regina. She continues to serve as the Globe’s artistic director emerita.

After leaving Globe Theatre in 2019, Smillie spent five years as founding CEO of the Darke Hall Society, where she helped transform the hall to an independent non-profit serving the University, the arts community, and Regina audiences.

“It is an unexpected and humbling honour to receive this recognition from the University of Regina,” she says. “Throughout my career, I have been blessed to have had mentors and champions who have opened doors for me.”

For the graduates who will share Convocation with her, Smillie offers advice drawn from a career that began with people doubting her ambitions. “Make bold choices and pursue them with courage and conviction. Don’t listen to the naysayers.” 

Smillie receives an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts.

“Pam Klein and Ruth Smillie have made lasting contributions to Saskatchewan through their leadership, creativity, and commitment to community,” says Dr. Jeff Keshen, University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor. “Their work has opened doors for others and strengthened institutions that enrich our lives. We are proud to honour their achievements and celebrate the example they set for our graduates.”

Banner image: The 2026 Fall Convocation features two deserving honorary degree recipients. Photo by U of R Photography