Ron and Jane Graham have long been known, locally, as staunch supporters of and generous donors to Huskie Athletics.
On Tuesday, the recognition of the Grahams went national as they were named recipients of the 2022 Mitchell Family Award as U Sports Alumni-of-the-Year. The award goes to former student-athletes who have graduated from a Canadian university after having taken part in a U Sports sanctioned sport. Ron and Jane Graham each graduated from the U of Saskatchewan in 1962 with Jane participating in swimming while Ron was a U of S quarterback on the football team and also played basketball. Since 1995, the Grahams have contributed over 30 million dollars to major capital projects for Huskie Athletics. Following is the news release from Huskie Athletics…..
November 29, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ron and Jane Graham receive U SPORTS alumni award
LONDON, ON – The University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) most generous alumni, Ron and Jane Graham, have been named recipients of the 2022 Mitchell Family Award for the U SPORTS Alumni of the Year.
The award is presented to former student-athletes who have graduated from a Canadian university after having participated in a U SPORTS sanctioned sport. Nominations are judged based upon significant and on-going support and contributions to their university after graduation.
“This is a wonderful honour for Ron and Jane Graham,” said USask President Peter Stoicheff. “We are proud of their contributions as members of our alumni family and deeply grateful for the generosity, commitment and lifelong support of the University of Saskatchewan over the years.”
Since their first gift to USask and Huskie Athletics in 1995, the Grahams have become the university’s largest cumulative donors, with over $30 million in donations. They have been key partners in major capital projects including the basketball practice facility at Merlis Belsher Place, the Ron and Jane Graham Sport Science and Health Centre at Merlis Belsher Place, and the Graham Huskie Clubhouse at Griffiths Stadium.
“It’s the Grahams who have laid the foundation upon which the Huskie Athletics program continues to thrive,” said Huskie Athletics Chief Athletics Officer Shannon Chinn. “For them, it’s never about just making a donation or about the recognition. Every donation is focused on making Huskie Athletics better today than it was yesterday. We are tremendously grateful for their continued support.”
In addition to capital projects, the Grahams’ contributions have enhanced the student-athlete experience for Huskie Athletics programs. Their unwavering and generous support has provided student athletes with scholarships, mentoring, equipment, uniforms, championship rings, travel, financial literacy, coaching support, mental-health and wellness support, technology, academic support, and career and employment opportunities.
Ron and Jane Graham graduated from USask in 1962 with degrees in engineering and education, respectively. Jane was a swimmer while Ron was a dual student-athlete as quarterback for the Huskie football team and member of the basketball team. In 2007, the Grahams were inducted into the Huskie Athletics Hall of Fame.
USask and Huskie Athletics are honoured to count the Grahams as part of our alumni family. We wish to congratulate them both on their award and continue to be grateful for their ongoing contributions to our institution.
