Ron and Jane Graham inducted into Canada West Hall of Fame

Sept. 13, 2024 - Ron and Jane Graham have been inducted into the Canada West Hall of Fame’s builder category, recognizing their long-standing support of student-athletes at the University of Saskatchewan.

Having graduated from USask in 1962, the Grahams have shown a remarkable decades-long commitment to making their alma mater a better place. Since their first gift to USask and Huskie Athletics in 1995, the Grahams have made a positive impact on countless USask students and Huskie student-athletes.

Their generosity has played a key role in the construction of many major capital projects on the USask campus, including the Ron and Jane Graham Sport Science and Health Centre at Merlis Belsher Place.

Their unwavering support has also greatly enhanced the student-athlete experience, providing Huskie athletes with scholarships, mentoring, equipment and uniforms, among other supports and opportunities.

“The Grahams have laid the foundation upon which the Huskie Athletics program continues to thrive," says Shannon Chinn, Chief Athletics Officer of Huskies Athletics. "For them, it's never about just donating or about the recognition. Every donation focuses on making Huskie Athletics better today than it was yesterday. We are tremendously grateful for their continued support."

Their induction into the Canada West Hall of Fame is another prestigious honour for the Grahams, who were inducted into the Huskie Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007. ​ They were also honoured with the 2022 Mitchell Family Award for the U SPORTS Alumni of the Year, a national award presented to former U SPORTS student-athletes who have made significant and on-going support and contributions to their university after graduation.

Canada West unveiled its entire Hall of Fame Class of 2024-25 earlier this week, with individual inductee spotlights to follow throughout the season. Fans can view all previous inductees on the Canada West Hall of Fame website.

Ron and Jane Graham - Builder Category

Jane and Ron Graham are inducted into the Canada West Hall of Fame’s builder category, having laid the foundation upon which the Huskie Athletics program continues to thrive.

Since their first gift to USask and Huskie Athletics in 1995, the Grahams have become the university's largest cumulative donors. 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, the Ron & Jane Graham Centre Court at the Physical Activity Complex and the Graham Huskie Clubhouse at Griffiths Stadium.

In addition to capital projects, the Grahams' contributions have greatly enhanced the student-athlete experience for Huskie Athletics programs. Their unwavering support has provided student athletes with scholarships, mentoring, equipment, uniforms, and many other supports and opportunities.

Ron and Jane graduated from USask in 1962 with degrees in engineering and education, respectively. Jane was a swimmer while Ron was a dual student-athlete as a quarterback for the Huskie football team and a member of the basketball team.

For decades, Jane and Ron have been champions for USask through their generosity. Their commitment to funding scholarship, advancing athletics, transforming education and enhancing spaces for students at their alma mater has earned them the distinction of being recognized as the most generous alumni donors in the university’s history.

“The Grahams have laid the foundation upon which the Huskie Athletics program continues to thrive," says Shannon Chinn, Chief Athletics Officer of Huskies Athletics. "For them, it's never about just donating or about the recognition. Every donation focuses on making Huskie Athletics better today than it was yesterday. We are tremendously grateful for their continued support."

The Grahams were inducted into the Huskie Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007. They were also the recipients of the 2022 Mitchell Family Award for the U SPORTS Alumni of the Year, a national award presented to former U SPORTS student-athletes who have made significant and on-going support and contributions to their university after graduation.

ABOUT THE CANADA WEST HALL OF FAME

For the last century, organized university sport has been a central part of the student experience at institutions across Western Canada. Beginning with the University of Manitoba capturing the first Western Canadian Intercollegiate Athletic Union (WCIAU) men's hockey banner in 1919-20, student-athletes have been competing to reach their full potential in sport and the classroom, while enriching campus life. 

To commemorate 100 years of university sport across Western Canada, the Canada West Hall of Fame was created in the spring of 2019. This year's induction class will be unveiled throughout the 2023-24 season.