NAME: Ron and Jane Graham
UNIVERSITY: Saskatchewan
CATEGORY: Builder
CW Hall of Fame Class of 2024-25
HIGHLIGHTS:
Jane Graham - Student-athlete (Swimming)
Ron Graham - Student-athlete (Football & Basketball)
USask Wall of Fame - 2007 Inductees
U SPORTS Mitchell Family Alumni of the Year - 2022
USask Honorary Doctorate of Laws - Jane Graham (2022)
USask Honorary Doctorate of Laws - Ron Graham (2013)
Honorary Co-Chairs - University of Saskatchewan Be What the World Needs campaign, the largest fundraising campaign in Saskatchewan’s history ($500 million)
BIOGRAPHY:
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.