(Previously published on the STM website: used with permission)
By Paul Sinkewicz, St.Thomas More College
The 2026 St. Thomas More College (STM) Academic Mass was highlighted by a story that told of a long shot bet that paid off big for new Dean Dr. Sarah Knudson (PhD).
The Mass is an annual event that helps the college kick off the academic year with prayers for guidance in its mission of Catholic education. It also included the investiture ceremony for Knudson, who confided that her path to Saskatoon ran through Las Vegas.
STM Dean Sarah Knudson speaking at the annual academic Mass Sept. 9, 2026. (Photo by Paul Sinkewicz, St.Thomas More College)
“The Spirit often has its own agenda, paired with an interesting sense of humour,” she told attendees at the Sept. 9 celebration.
During an annual conference of the American Sociological Association – which had been moved to ‘Sin City’ due to a labour dispute in Chicago in 2011 — the sociology doctoral student heard from a friend that a job was available in Saskatoon teaching Sociology of Families at STM.
Dr. Knudson had to weigh the idea of leaving Toronto for the cold Canadian prairies. Luckily three of her close connections, including fellow academic Dr. Mary Jo Leddy, an STM Distinguished Alumna whom Knudson knew from Massey College at University of Toronto, helped sway her decision.
“She supported many junior fellows at Massey through conversations about vocation and finding meaning in one’s work,” Knudson said.
Her doctoral supervisor, Dr. Shyon Baumann, also said his in-laws met and fell in love during their STM student days.
“In Canada, everyone is about two degrees of separation away from knowing and having a good story to tell about a member of the STM community,” Knudson said.
She decided to apply for the position and soon found a kindred spirit in her predecessor, Fr. Ron Griffin, CSB. He was another passionate sociologist and a fellow track enthusiast.
“Most importantly, I knew I had landed in a community that lived out its mission and its vision with great sincerity.”
(Photo by Paul Sinkewicz, St.Thomas More College)
Knudson thanked those who supported her in her nearly 15 years of growth at STM, into the adventure and blessings of marriage and the fulfilling yet challenging role of parenthood.
She also talked about the challenges ahead to be faced by the college as she starts her term as dean.
“Our mission, our values, and the people that make up our very special community support us at a time when so many things are new and changing rapidly. Where do we aim to go as an academic community? How do we get there? How do our Basilian roots, and our Catholic intellectual tradition guide our steps?”
Knudson offered three key insights as guidance.
“The no 1 ingredient in a satisfying journey through life is leaning into relationships. We need to be a community of strong relationships.”
Secondly, she said, an open circle makes for better conversations.
“We are not insular. We welcome all and support open dialogue. In this open circle, we explore reconciliation and humbly acknowledge the limits of our own learning while being receptive to new voices and different ways of knowing.”
Thirdly, she encouraged us all to face the world with an open heart and mind.
“Without an orientation to openness, emotionally, spiritually and intellectually you can miss out on so much of the good in life,” she said.
(Photo by Paul Sinkewicz, St.Thomas More College)
The investiture included a smudging ceremony introduced by Deacon Harry Lafond, STM’s Providence kanaweyihtâkosowin Chair in Indigenous Spirituality and Reconciliation, and conducted by Elder Joseph Naytowhow, Emerging Elder & Cultural Advisor, from the USask Faculty of Law.
The gathering included members of the STM College board, alumni, students, staff and faculty, and members of corporation, and many friends of the College, including special guests Dr. Brooke Milne, Dean of Arts and Science at USask, Dr. Patti McDougall, Interim Provost, and Dr. Vince Bruni-Bossio, President of USask.
Ecumenical partners in attendance included Dr. Richard Manley-Tannis, of St. Andrew’s College, Dr. Adam Wright, of College of Emmanuel & St. Chad, and Dr. William Harrison, from the Lutheran Theological Seminary.
Celebrating the Academic Mass were Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon; Fr. Ron Griffin, CSB, STM Campus Ministry; Fr. Andre Lalach, STM Campus Minister; Fr. Dan Yasinski, Priest Chaplain at STM College; and Fr. Joseph Riordan, SJ, President of Campion College in Regina.
Photos:
(Photo by Paul Sinkewicz, St.Thomas More College)
(Photo by Paul Sinkewicz, St.Thomas More College)
(Photo by Paul Sinkewicz, St.Thomas More College)
(Photo by Paul Sinkewicz, St.Thomas More College)
(Photo by Paul Sinkewicz, St.Thomas More College)
(Photo by Paul Sinkewicz, St.Thomas More College)
(Photo by Paul Sinkewicz, St.Thomas More College)
(Photo by Paul Sinkewicz, St.Thomas More College)
(Photo by Paul Sinkewicz, St.Thomas More College)
(Photo by Paul Sinkewicz, St.Thomas More College)
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