The University of Regina will announce a major honor during its Fall Convocation on November 13, 2025. The honourable recipient is the Honourable Vaughn Solomon Schofield, a lifelong Regina resident whose public service has spanned the local, provincial, and national arenas. This article explains what the award means, highlights the honoree’s achievements, and shows how students, alumni, and the community can participate in the celebrations.
Conceiving an Honor: Understanding the University’s Highest Award
At the University of Regina, the honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) is the pinnacle of recognition. It is bestowed on individuals who exemplify exceptional civic leadership, demonstrate unwavering dedication to community improvement, and embody the values of the university. Recipients are chosen through a rigorous selection process that includes peer nominations, a review by the University’s convocation committee, and final approval by the university senate.
Who Is Vaughn Solomon Schofield?
Born and raised in Regina, Schofield began her academic journey at the University of Saskatchewan, Regina Campus before completing a fashion merchandising degree at the Rae‑Vogue School in Chicago. In the 1980s, she chaired the board of a crime‑prevention organization that reached over 200 000 members across North and South America. Her efforts helped establish Crime Watch groups that improved neighborhood safety in numerous cities.
Her commitment to public service culminated in her appointment as Saskatchewan’s 21st Lieutenant Governor in 2012. Over the six‑year tenure, she championed initiatives related to youth mentorship, Indigenous reconciliation, and health equity, earning widespread respect throughout the province and beyond.
Key Contributions That Merit the Honor
- Leadership in crime‑prevention efforts that mobilized communities worldwide.
- Advocacy for Indigenous partnerships and reconciliation within Saskatchewan.
- Promotion of health education and wellness programs across the province.
- Support for emerging entrepreneurs through strategic mentorship and resource development.
Why an Honorary Doctorate Matters to the University Community
The award is more than a ceremonial gesture. It signals to students and faculty alike the kinds of values that the University of Regina holds dear: service, impact, and cultural respect. By honoring a figure deeply embedded in Regina’s civic fabric, the university reinforces its commitment to cultivating leaders who will contribute positively to society.
Honors such as the LLD also provide tangible role models for undergraduate and graduate students. When a student sees a local leader recognized on campus, it demonstrates that public service and academic pursuit can go hand in hand.
Convocation Schedule and Attendance Options
The Fall Convocation will take place on Thursday, November 13. Two sessions will be held in the Centre for Kinesiology and Health Studies:
- Morning session – 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Afternoon session – 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., during which Ms. Schofield will receive her diploma.
All students, faculty, alumni, and community members are invited to attend. Seating is limited, so interested parties should check the university’s event page for registration details. The ceremony will feature the awarding of degrees, keynote speeches, and a tribute to the honoree’s life and work.
How the Convocation Connects You to the University’s Mission
Attending the convocation offers more than the thrill of witnessing an honorary degree presentation. Participants gain insight into the university’s broader efforts to support research, community engagement, and cultural reconciliation. During the event, several speakers will highlight ongoing initiatives and how students and alumni can contribute to meaningful change.
Furthermore, the convocation provides networking opportunities. Students may meet career counsellors, faculty members working on public policy research, and alumni who share similar service-oriented goals.
Continuing the Legacy: Getting Involved After the Convocation
Following the ceremony, several avenues remain open for continued engagement:
- Volunteer with local crime‑prevention groups and share your expertise in community safety.
- Participate in university-sponsored Indigenous reconciliation projects.
- Join the Health & Wellness research team at the Centre for Kinesiology, which collaborates closely with public health agencies.
- Apply for graduate programs that focus on public administration, community development, and social impact studies.
These opportunities underscore the university’s mission to use education as a vehicle for societal betterment.
Conclusion – Celebrate and Take Action
The University of Regina’s decision to honor Vaughn Solomon Schofield with an honorary Doctor of Laws is a testament to the enduring impact of community leadership. Students, alumni, and residents alike are invited to celebrate this milestone and to find ways to integrate such values into their personal and professional lives.
Ready to further your education at the University of Regina? Submit your application today and become part of a community that values service, research, and lifelong learning.
Interested in exploring the university’s community outreach programs? Explore U of R Impact initiatives and discover how you can contribute to local and provincial development.
Want more updates on the Fall Convocation schedule? Follow the U of R Newsroom for real‑time announcements and detailed event guides.
By engaging now, you help sustain the legacy of public service exemplified by Ms. Schofield — a legacy that aligns with the university’s values of community, respect, and responsible stewardship.
