Mary Dykes (MEd)
Centre for Continuing and Distance Education and Educational Media and Access Division
Mary Dykes received a BA Honours in French and MEd from our University. She began work on campus in 1973 as Research Assistant in the Geology Department, moving to a permanent position in the Murray Library in 1975. In 2005, she was appointed Instructional Designer in the Extension Division. After the Division was disestablished, Mary ‘s position was shared by the Centre for Continuing and Distance Education and the Educational Media and Access Division. During her career, she was actively involved in CUPE 1975, serving on the Executive and joint CUPE/University Committees.
She retired early in 2008 and was an active contributor to the University of Saskatchewan Non-Academic Retirees Association (USNARA), including as Newsletter editor. Mary co-authored, with Tonya Kaye, the valuable history of USNARA, which began in 1996. In 2017, Mary and colleagues undertook joint efforts to bring USNARA members into the USRA. We were delighted to have Mary join the USRA Board that year. Her participation was invaluable in providing guidance as USRA welcomed former USNARA members. Mary brought her expertise, wisdom and wonderful holistic perspective to USRA portfolios as chair and/or member: Communications/Newsletter; Education, Social and Recreation; Membership; and Nominations. She contributed significantly to several initiatives: determining future priorities for the Association; understanding USask pensions; developing USRA policies and procedures to better guide our activities; and promoting the concept of an award for Indigenous recipients which, in consultation with the Vice-Provost Indigenous Engagement, became the ohpahotân/oohpaahotaan – Let’s Fly Up Together Award. During the COVID epidemic, Mary skillfully managed our virtual Board meetings, educational sessions and AGMs. She was instrumental in the USRA partnering with the Saskatoon Council on Aging, through participation in the Spotlight on Seniors Showcase, and as co-captain with Lea Pennock of our Intensely Vigorous USask Retirees Globewalk team. Mary stepped away from the Board in 2023 but really didn’t leave, as she generously continued to contribute to newsletters and served as our web editor.
Thank you, Mary for your many contributions!
She retired early in 2008 and was an active contributor to the University of Saskatchewan Non-Academic Retirees Association (USNARA), including as Newsletter editor. Mary co-authored, with Tonya Kaye, the valuable history of USNARA, which began in 1996. In 2017, Mary and colleagues undertook joint efforts to bring USNARA members into the USRA. We were delighted to have Mary join the USRA Board that year. Her participation was invaluable in providing guidance as USRA welcomed former USNARA members. Mary brought her expertise, wisdom and wonderful holistic perspective to USRA portfolios as chair and/or member: Communications/Newsletter; Education, Social and Recreation; Membership; and Nominations. She contributed significantly to several initiatives: determining future priorities for the Association; understanding USask pensions; developing USRA policies and procedures to better guide our activities; and promoting the concept of an award for Indigenous recipients which, in consultation with the Vice-Provost Indigenous Engagement, became the ohpahotân/oohpaahotaan – Let’s Fly Up Together Award. During the COVID epidemic, Mary skillfully managed our virtual Board meetings, educational sessions and AGMs. She was instrumental in the USRA partnering with the Saskatoon Council on Aging, through participation in the Spotlight on Seniors Showcase, and as co-captain with Lea Pennock of our Intensely Vigorous USask Retirees Globewalk team. Mary stepped away from the Board in 2023 but really didn’t leave, as she generously continued to contribute to newsletters and served as our web editor.
Thank you, Mary for your many contributions!