Dr. Mary Vetter (2023)

One cannot talk about Mary’s contribution to Luther College at the University of Regina without the word “first.” A trailblazing professor, she joined the College in 1984 as the first female science professor, teaching biology. In fact, Mary was the first female tenured professor at Luther, and one of the first female science faculty members on the larger University of Regina campus. The Lutheran scholarly setting was a natural fit for Mary, having attended a Lutheran college herself in the United States for her undergraduate degree.

Mary enjoyed the opportunity at Luther College for team-teaching in an interdisciplinary environment, partnering with professors in other disciplines and bridging the gap between fields like science and Religious Studies. Passionate about science, and with a Ph.D. in botany, Mary was also a prolific researcher, and she did all of this while raising three successful children – Robert, Hannah, and Leah.

In 2002, the new administrative position of Assistant Dean was created, another first for Luther College, and for Mary. She took on this role to assist students experiencing times of hardship nd struggle, which she did admirably. She held this title until 2005 when she became the first female Academic Dean, a role she held for seven years, until 2012.

During her years at Luther, she also volunteered on numerous committees such as the Luther College 100th Anniversary Committee and the Emergency Planning Committee. Mary didn’t enter retirement without another first, as she took on the role of Director of the Voluntary Sector Studies Network in 2016 – a new initiative designed to bridge the gap between academia and the community. It would not have been possible to get this project off the ground without Mary’s support and leadership. After 33 years, Mary retired in 2017 as one of the College’s longest serving and most pioneering faculty members.

Mary and her husband, Dr. David Sauchyn, a professor of geography, are active in many environmental and climate change causes and are frequent community speakers on such issues. Mary and David are also long-time donors to Luther College scholarships, ministries, and capital campaigns. Mary’s achievements and long-time contributions of her time and talents to Luther College have made her more than worthy of the two nominations she received for this award.

Luther College is proud to honour Dr. Mary Vetter with the 2023 Distinguished Service Award.