More than 6,125 students are eligible to graduate across all four Sask Polytech campuses this spring. (Sask Polytech/Facebook)
major milestones

Saskatchewan Polytechnic Prince Albert Campus celebrates outstanding graduates

Jun 19, 2025 | 5:30 PM

More than 860 students mark a major milestone as they graduate from Saskatchewan Polytechnic today.

Among them are several outstanding award recipients who have made impacts, not just within their classrooms but also the community.

Harishgowtham Shanmugam, a graduate of the Business Diploma program, received the Outstanding Citizenship Award. He was vice president of the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Students Association and started a community pantry project initiative which helped students facing food insecurity by providing accessible food options on campus.

“Many were silently struggling, and I wanted to offer a barrier-free accessible solution,” said Shanmugam. “If you are hungry, you won’t be able to concentrate on the class. So, this community fridge helps you to have at least a meal free of cost. It’s located in all four campuses right now.”

Harishgowtham Shanmugam, a graduate of the Business diploma program, received the Outstanding Citizenship Award. (Submitted photo/Sask Polytech)

Shanmugam, who is originally from Tamil Nadu, India, said Sask Polytech was an ideal place for him to build his academics and leadership. He appreciates the hands on approach to learning and said there is strong support for international students.

“I’m honoured to receive this Outsanding Citizenship award and it reflects, not just my work, but the support of the great community around me and I hope my journey encourages others to lead with purpose and empathy.”

Jade Littlechief, a student of the Resource and Environmental Law program, received the Reconciliation in Action Award.

Part of the reason he chose the program is because of how it relates to his upbringing.

“Just going back to the history of our people…we were just naturally stewards of the land, and I feel that there was a lot in this program that is related to that. It just came naturally…that natural connection to the land and a deeper understanding is what really drove me to get into the program and see where I can make my way.”

Jade Littlechief, a student of the Resource and Environmental Law program, received the Reconciliation in Action Award. (Submitted photo/Sask Polytech/David Stobbe)

Littlechief also engages with his band on White Bear First Nation, in the southeast corner of the province, to promote sustainable, land-based practices, reflecting his dedication to positive change and community advocacy.

“My goal is to eventually return my education to my reserve, or else any First Nations community as part of our ability to self-govern in a way. There’s such a variety of different ways we can do that, and I felt like this idea of enforcement specifically on the environmental side was something that isn’t done very much and I wanted to be that change.”

While on campus, he volunteered with the Wîcihitowin Transition Program which is designed to help Indigenous students transition to post-secondary and prepare for student life. Littlechief was also involved with the Indigenous Students’ Center.

Other award winners include Hali Bartole who is the recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Bronze Medal for the highest average in the Prince Albert campus Adult 12 program.

Zachary Leite, a graduate of the Integrated Resource Management program, is the recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Collegiate Bronze Medal for the highest average for a diploma at the Prince Albert campus.

Sask Polytech awarded an honorary degree in Applied Studies to Jim Pattison. Pattison is a Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist.

More than 6,125 students are eligible to graduate across all four Sask Polytech campuses this spring. The institution said it has a 96 per cent graduate employment rate and 94 per cent Indigenous graduate employment rate.

panews@pattisonmedia.com

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