Greetings Home Economics alumni,
I am pleased to provide an opening message to 2025 Reconnecting Newsletter. As you will read, the newsletter provides a number of important updates and stories since its last publication. Our Communications Specialist, Jason Belhumeur, made several improvements to facilitate your navigation through the newsletter and the Home Economics webpage. Thank you Jason for all of your efforts to create a more user-friendly interface to the webpage and newsletter. Also within the newsletter, I direct your attention to the College team members who remain dedicated to offering continued support to the Home Economics alumni!
Inside the newsletter, you will see updates from your Home Economics Alumni Committees, with special thanks to Merry Beazely and to Dr. Susan Whiting for their input. Thank you to those committee members and other alumni committed to maintaining a vibrant Home Economics alumni community. Other features of the newsletter include a “Home Economists in Action’ section, updates from the Division of Nutrition and Dietetics and the College of Education, and those alumni we lost since the last publication of the newsletter.
I look forward to meeting many of you at upcoming Home Economics events.
Kim Kennett grew up on a mixed farm near Wawota, Saskatchewan and since leaving home to attend university has made Saskatoon her home. She graduated from the College of Home Economics in 1981 and also has a Master of Continuing Education from USask. Her long and varied career includes working with 4-H Saskatchewan, as a manager with the Saskatchewan Teacher’s Federation and as a freelance writer and editor. For the past 8 years, she and business partner Jean Clavelle have operated Magpie Group, a Saskatoon-based communications firm focused on supporting the agriculture industry.
Kim and her partner Marcus Davies enjoy live music, gardening, gastronomy and travelling in their leisure time. Kim organizes monthly “Tuesdays at 12” luncheons in Saskatoon for graduates of the College to attend. This past year represented the Class of 1981 on the organizing committee for the 1981-86 reunion (Kim holding composite in photo at left). Kim also organized a very spirited 2024 Christmas lunch at the Parktown Hotel. Thank you Kim, for taking on chair of the Engagement Committee.
The committee was delighted to restart the tradition of an annual Home Economics Alumni Lunch, and it was held on October 10 at the Holiday Inn & Staybridge Suites. Attendees had the opportunity to reconnect and enjoyed welcome remarks and delicious buffet prior to the Simpson Lecture, which was held following in the adjoining lecture room. From left to right: Dr Gord Zello, Dr Joyce Slater, Dr Carol Henry, Barb Cox-Lloyd, Home Economics Alumna, and Dr. Brian Bandy.
2024 Edith Rowles Simpson Lecture
Joyce presented an excellent lecture on ‘Food Literacy: Building positive feed relationships and well-being.’ A 1987 graduate of the USask Home Economics program, Joyce worked as an RD for 30 years in various public health organizations, then obtained her PhD and joined the University of Manitoba. A professor of community nutrition, Joyce uses mixed methods and participatory approaches in her research on food and nutrition security; the role of food literacy in well-being; and nutrition epidemiology.
Her research has been funded by the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Canadian Home Economics Foundation. Joyce retired at the end of 2024 but continues in her role with the Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba, which oversees school nourishment programs in her home province. 
If you are in Convocation Hall, please look for a beautiful plaque that recognizes and honors the College of Home Economics/Household Science. Since the 2017 Home Economics All-Years Reunion, we have also had a revised display in the lobby of Thorvaldson. Alums were hoping that an outside plaque or commemoration honouring Home Economics could be located on campus. Unfortunately, this isn’t possible, but Vice-President University Relations Cheryl Hamelin has indicated that what the University can do “is completely redo the current Home Economics display inside Thorvaldson and make it current, modern, attractive, and a fitting honor for our great college.” The Engagement Committee is looking forward to working with Cheryl and colleagues on this project.
On Saturday, the group gathered in 105 Thorvaldson (remember - Organic Chemistry!) and were welcomed by Cheryl Hamelin, VP University Relations (and HEc Class of 1988), Dean Jane Alcorn, Assistant Dean Gord Zello and Merry Beazely, Home Economics Alumna Liaison. Grads viewed the Home Economics display in the THORV lobby and toured around the building to see where former offices, labs and classrooms were located. The group then had the honour of visiting the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre, where Laurie Njaa, Class of 1982 and a designer of the Centre, spoke to the group about Chief Oakes and Architect Doug Cardinal, and shared wonderful insights about the focus of the building. This was followed by a Health Sciences Centre tour of the foods and nutrition labs and lunch in the beautiful research atrium, with its architectural features reaching to the sky. 
On Sunday, the grads met for brunch at the Parktown Hotel and took part in a most touching ceremony, which combined the Home Economics Initiation Ceremony (Year 1) and Ring Ceremony (Graduation). Pat Shier did a great job as MC, sharing the history of the ceremonies and introducing representatives of each reunion year, who held their lighted colored candles, which in turn lighted the candles of their classmates. All these colors form White Light, the true light of our highest aims and represent the values, principles, standards and ideals that Home Economics students and graduates share and use to guide them in their careers and their lives.
On September 11, 2024, home economists gathered on the balcony of the Western Development Museum to mark the dissolution of, but also celebrate, the Saskatoon branch of the Association of Saskatchewan Home Economists. Judy Stevenson welcomed everyone and noted we were missing special colleagues Millie Reynolds and Marie Dunn, who passed away this year, and Liz Delahey and Betty Burwell, in care at Luther Riverside Terrace. Betty has since passed away. Memories were shared and a delicious lunch enjoyed by the 24 in attendance. Flowers for the centrepieces were donated by Black Fox Farm and Distillery and arranged by Leslie Henry and Judy. Lucky draw winners took them home. 
First on the agenda was a vote on the motion to dissolve ASHE Saskatoon, and the result was unanimous. Linda Ashley then presented a celebration of ASHE and ASHE Saskatoon accomplishments. The Saskatchewan Home Economics Association came to be in 1957, with membership of 50, and was later renamed ASHE. The association’s first project was producing Convocation hoods for USask, with proceeds for Home Economics student scholarships. Other notable initiatives included a Twinning Project with Ghanian Home Economists; the excellent Living Simply handbook; and the www.homefamily.net website developed in honour of Emmie Oddie. ASHE members also worked to have nine Home Economists named to the SK Agriculture Hall of Fame, eg, Dorothy Long at right, honoured in 2023, and they actively participated in Grandmothers for Grandmothers. 
Tribute from Charlotte Anokwa, Ghana Home Economics Association
On the eve of International Women’s Day, Dr. Vera Pezer, Chancellor Emerita of the University, launched her new book, 
Verna Gayleen Turner (nee Bredin), late of Swift Current, passed away in May 2025, accompanied by her family. She is survived by two daughters, extended family and four grandchildren, who brought her much happiness. Gayleen took great pride in her home and beautiful garden, loved to explore new places and took many trips around the world. She was a dedicated teacher of Home Economics for several generations of students. Gayleen served on the Pioneer Co-op Board of Directors for many years and was an active member in the First United Church in Swift Current and the provincial NDP, serving on the executive. She contributed to higher learning at USask on the Senate and through her invaluable leadership with the Association of Saskatchewan Home Economists, and Chair of the Home Economics Engagement Committee for the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition.
Shirley Ann Lambert, of Rose Valley, SK, passed away in October 2024 at age 83. Her children and grandchildren described their mother and grandmother as patient and kind, the most amazing cook, who cherished her family, neighbours and church community. Shirley graduated with a BSHEc from the College of Home Economics in 1972. She was predeceased by Martin, her dear husband of 44 years and her close friend, Judy Buzuwetski, who was like a sister. At her memorial service, Shirley provided the following gentle advice: “Leave no cherry square untasted, listen and sing to every hymn (even if you think your voice is not in tune), made time to pet every soft kitty, smell every yellow rose and always check the weather network before you leave home. Make sure you look at the beautiful Saskatchewan sunset and never, ever forget to tall your family and friends you love them.” 
Donna Gail Newman (née Dreger) passed away in Regina in October 2024, at the age of 78. She is survived by her children Dwight and David, their father, Kenneth and other family. Donna was born in Regina and raised on a farm in the Lang area. Following completion of a Home Economics degree at USask and a BEd at the University of Regina, she taught for years and was a Citizen Advocate for people with disabilities in Moose Jaw. She also worked promoting Saskatchewan agricultural products, including a wheat germ toy for the Saskatchewan Wheat Growers, and worked on designing and developing in transitional neighborhoods. She dedicated much of her energy to raising her younger child in the face of challenges from severe autism. Among her hobbies, Donna enjoyed designing and sewing clothing, refinishing furniture, listening to the symphony, riding her proud cycle to visit neighbours, reading, Bible study, and painting prairie landscapes and exotic animals.
Elizabeth Gordon, age 81, passed away in June 2024 at The Meadows in Swift Current with her daughters by her side. Liz was born in 1943 in Gull Lake Hospital and grew up on the farm, riding her horse to the country school, St. Clair. Learning was a love and theme throughout her life. At 13, she took up room and board in Swift Current and began grade 9, graduating in 1960. Liz married Arthur Gordon from Webb and began their life at the Gordon Family farm. She was proud when her farm received organic status in 1996, and she put great effort into restoring the Gordon’s 5th generation farmhouse, built in 1926. Thanks to Liz it is a heritage site. Liz was a loving mom, seamstress, artist, reader, knitter and ceramics instructor. In 1974, she made the bold move to Saskatoon and received her BSHEc and then Masters in Adult Education in 1990, writing her thesis “Stress in the Farm Family”. This helped lay the groundwork for the province’s first ever Farm Stress Line. In her later years, Liz especially enjoyed visiting with her two great-grandchildren.
Marie Esther Dunn was born and grew up in Woodstock, Ontario, and lived in Saskatoon to the wonderful age of 97 years. Home economists, colleagues and friends celebrated Marie’s life on August 8, 2024 at St. Martin’s, the church so close to her heart. Close friend Gwenna Moss provided “Remembering Marie’s Life” and niece Kathleen and nephew Dave took part in the service. Marie completed Home Economics at UBC, a dietetic internship in Halifax and worked as a public health nutritionist before moving to Saskatoon to undertake a BA and MA of Continuing Education at USask. Next stop was West Africa, where she spent six years teaching in the Home Science Department at the University of Ghana. Marie held dearly her Ghanaian colleagues. Back in Saskatoon, Marie worked in the USask Education Library until she retired. Her many interests revolved around social justice. She and her sheltie dogs were well known in her Weir Crescent neighbourhood, and when Marie moved to Luther Tower in 2014, she entered with her usual enthusiasm!
Sally Lynn Scholz Bowman, Class of 1981, passed away in April 2023 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Sally grew up in Churchbridge, Saskatchewan, on her family farm with her parents and four siblings. She graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a BSHEc with Great Distinction. It is there that she met her husband of 42 years. Together they had two daughters. Sally was a wonderful homemaker and mother, always enjoying gardening, reading, playing cards, volunteering at St. Philip Lutheran Church, and at the various schools and activities her daughters attended. She always loved music and sang in choirs from high school to the St. Philip choir and handbells until recent years.
Judith (Judy) Hannah (nee Crawford), Class of 1976, passed away October 2, 2024. Judy married Dave Hannah and together they raised two daughters, Elisse and Kaiti. Judy spent most of her working life at the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living (now Inclusion Saskatchewan). There Judy played a key role in establishing the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability program which provides dignified income support for people with disabilities. She retired in 2017. Thise who knew Judy remember her zeal for living and being unafraid to try new things or visit new places. 
Elizabeth "Betty" (nee Collyer) Burwell passed away December 18, 2024. Betty was an adjunct faculty member in the College of Home Economics and after the College closed, she taught in the College of Education’s Home Economics Education program. She held a BHE from the University of Manitoba and an MSc from the University of Wisconsin. In addition to being adjunct professor at USask, she was a member of Food Focus Saskatoon. She took on many roles, serving the community in a variety of ways including being a credit counsellor, a sewing teacher, a food stylist, a judge at summer fairs and running the canning hotline during the summer. Betty served on the executives of the CHEA and SHEA as well as many other boards. She travelled to Ghana many times for home economics outreach. Predeceased by her husband Tom, Betty leaves three children and three grandchildren. A Celebration of Betty’s Life was held in May.
Joyce Collins, A bursary named for alumna Joyce (Johson) Collins received additional funds in 2024 from the estate of her late husband Dr. William Collins. Born in Maidstone SK, Joyce went to elementary school in McLaren and high school in Payton. In 1938 she entered the School of Household Science, graduating in 1941. She interned in dietetics in Edmonton where she met her first husband Frank Whiting, from Lloydminster AB. After his death in 1971 she later married William Collins while living in Fredericton NB. The bursary was set up by Dr. Collins in 2003 upon her death and now, upon his death in 2023, the bequeath from his estate has more than doubled the original fund. This will ensure the Joyce Collins Entrance Bursary in Nutrition and Dietetics will continue supporting students, who want to become dietitians, at a level that can grow with rising tuition costs. Dr. Susan Whiting, Joyce’s daughter and Distinguished Professor Emerita of Nutrition in the College, is now the family contact person for this bursary. 
Suzanne Mahaffey, Class of 1982, has written to Reconnecting, to share how much the broad Home Economics education and the science-based degree at U of S really prepared grads for such diverse careers! She goes on to say that she has always been grateful for her education at U of S, and the mentorship approach of the College. Suzanne retired from her position as Executive Director, Primary Health for the Saskatoon Health Association on April 1, 2021 (the same date she started in public health). The year before Suzanne was Incident Commander for Covid-19 for Saskatoon Area, March - June 2020, to chart the course during wave one. She has travelled across Canada as a peer surveyor for 14 years with Accreditation Canada in Health Systems and First Nations Communities. Her seven years of prior experience as a dietetic internship accreditor prepared her well for this role! In retirement, Suzanne serves as a Canadian Red Cross volunteer in emergency response, for personal disasters locally and Friendly Calls. 
Laurie Wadsworth, Class of 1979, is seeking information on the History of Dietetics. After completing a PhD in Nutrition in 1997 (supervisor Shawna Berenbaum) and teaching at St. Francis Xavier University for 20 years (1998-2018), Laurie is still active in her academic career. She is a Fellow of Dietitians of Canada and was honoured to receive the 2019 Ryley-Jeffs Memorial Lecture Award – her talk “Embracing the Strength in Difference” was published in the Fall issue of the 2019 Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research. Although retired, she holds the title of Senior Research Professor and is eligible for grants and has an office to continue her research. She is currently researching the history of dietetics with a focus on the mid-to-late 1800s when the new profession of nursing included many clinical and food service duties that would become part of the new dietetics profession by the turn of the 20th century. A related activity to her delving into dietetic history was authoring a book review of “Hunger: How food shaped the course of the First World War” which was published in Canadian Food Studies Journal 2023. 
Patricia Shier ’86 Reminisces