2026 Honorary Life Award

Through a distinguished career in computer science spanning more than four decades, Rick Bunt has been a long-time contributor to professional bodies both nationally and internationally, and as Professor Emeritus has continued to serve the university and USRA.

A graduate of Port Credit Secondary School, he went on to complete a BSc at Queen’s University, followed by an MSc and PhD from the University of Toronto. He joined the USask Department of Computer Science in 1972, where he built a distinguished academic career, serving as Department Head, Associate Dean for Science, Chief Information Officer, and Associate Vice-President for Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Rick retired in 2014 as Professor Emeritus. Through more than 30 years as a full-time academic, Rick and his graduate students conducted research on computer system performance, supported by ongoing funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council.

Rick was an early and influential supporter of the development of Canada's crucial digital research infrastructure, and the role universities play in its advancement. Rick co-chaired, with Dr. Lea Pennock, the 2007 Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences which brought more than 5,000 academics from across Canada to our campus.

Rick joined the USRA Board in 2019 and brought to the association his outstanding understanding and invaluable common sense of all things ICT—always with good humour. He chaired USRA’s Engagement Committee, working diligently to strengthen our relationship with the university and developing excellent working relationships with University Relations leadership. Rick’s expertise was invaluable when negotiating USRA’s first Memorandum of Understanding with President Peter Stoicheff and the university in 2021, and again during the MOU’s renewal in 2024. He has continued to generously share his wisdom advising USRA.

Rick was a competitive squash player for many years and a member of the legendary Black Velvet Bandits fast-pitch softball team. He and his wife Gail extensively toured Canada in their camper “touring machine” and later travelled the world. Thank you and congratulations Rick!