IN a world where headlines often highlight division and strife, it’s refreshing—even inspiring—to celebrate stories of unwavering generosity and community spirit. Few embody this spirit more than Grit and Scott McCreath, whose decades-long dedication to the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has left an indelible mark on students, faculty, and the future of education in our province.
Recently honoured at a ceremony recognizing their philanthropic contributions, the McCreaths have donated over $2 million to USask, supporting initiatives from the College of Education and Edwards School of Business to Huskies athletics and the University Library. Their giving isn’t just about financial support—it’s about opening doors, fostering opportunity, and building spaces where students can thrive.
A Commitment That Goes Beyond Cheques
The McCreaths’ connection to USask runs deep. Grit, a College of Education alumna (BEd’91), served as USask’s chancellor since 2019, in addition to her roles as an educator, teacher-librarian, and advocate for lifelong learning. Scott, a BComm’69 graduate, leveraged his distinguished finance career to mentor business students, serving as an executive-in-residence at Edwards and sharing his expertise in over 100 lectures.
Their philanthropy reflects a belief in paying it forward:
- Establishing scholarships for Indigenous business students
- Creating the Grit and Scott McCreath Active Learning Classroom (2019)
- A recent $1 million gift, including support for a student success fund
- The newly named Grit and Scott McCreath Library Commons—a study hub for generations of students
Why Their Support Matters to Saskatoon
Education is the backbone of any thriving community, and the McCreaths understand this better than most. Their contributions don’t just fund programs—they change lives. Scholarships help students who might otherwise struggle to afford university. Modern learning spaces enhance how future teachers and business leaders are trained. And named spaces like the Library Commons serve as daily reminders that community support makes excellence possible.
As USask President Peter Stoicheff noted, ‘the McCreaths have given not just money, but time, leadership, and heart.’ In a time when public funding for education faces constraints, private philanthropy bridges gaps and fuels innovation.
An Invitation to Pay It Forward
In their own words, the McCreaths see their giving as a “debt of gratitude”—one they hope inspires others. As USask’s Be What the World Needs campaign nears its conclusion, their story is a powerful testament to how individual generosity can collectively shape institutions.
To Grit and Scott McCreath: Thank you. Your legacy is not just in buildings or plaques, but in the thousands of students whose futures you’ve helped brighten.
And to Saskatoon residents: Let’s take a page from their book. Whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy, we all have a role to play in supporting the institutions that strengthen our community. Because education isn’t just about degrees—it’s about building the future, together.
(Photo Credit: Photos by David Stobbe and Matt Smith)
