After a decade of leadership, University of Saskatchewan President Peter Stoicheff is preparing to leave his office, reflecting on a transformative period for the institution. His tenure, which began in 2015, was defined by a dual focus on Indigenization and innovation as core strategic priorities.
A Decade of Transformational Growth and Fundraising
In a recent interview while packing his art-filled office, Stoicheff spoke with media about the evolution under his watch. A landmark achievement was overseeing the most successful fundraising campaign in the university's history, which secured more than $500 million. He described the half-billion-dollar target as an "audacious goal" that was met due to widespread confidence and enthusiasm for the U of S's direction.
"The last time the university had a campaign, long before my presidency, the total goal was just over a hundred million dollars," Stoicheff noted, emphasizing how the ambitious target reflected the institution's growth.
Fostering a "Silicon Prairie" and Campus Diversity
Driving innovation was a cornerstone of his presidency, with a vision to help Saskatoon become a "Silicon Prairie." A key initiative was the creation of Opus, the university's startup incubator, designed to deliberately nurture a culture of entrepreneurship. Stoicheff pointed to Saskatoon's status as one of Canada's fastest-growing innovation hubs and stressed that a research-intensive university must play a serious role in that ecosystem.
On the topic of diversity, Stoicheff addressed the potential impact of federal reductions to international student visas. While acknowledging a financial effect, he stressed that the greater loss would be to campus culture. The U of S typically hosts students from about 130 countries, and a decline threatens that rich cultural diversity, which he views as central to the university's character.
Passing the Torch to a New Era
Stoicheff, only the second U of S president to serve a second term, is now succeeded by Vince Bruni-Bossio. As he departs, his legacy is marked by setting unprecedented goals in community engagement and positioning the university as a central player in both provincial and national innovation landscapes. His reflections offer a look back at a decade of substantial change and ambitious growth for the University of Saskatchewan.
