Quite simply, a ‘love letter to Saskatchewan’

Vianne Timmons says thanks to all for some of the best years of her life.

On Dec. 12, I announced that I will be leaving the University of Regina to become president and vice-chancellor of Memorial University of Newfoundland, effective this coming April 1.

I will not be leaving for a few months, but I want to make sure that I don’t go without writing my “love letter to Saskatchewan” — a thank you to everyone who has made my years here some of the best of my life.

As I said in my announcement to the University of Regina community, my decision to leave the university and the province that has been my home for more than a decade was a difficult one, and one that I made after carefully considering many factors — both professional and personal.

Going back to the province in which I grew up so I can be nearer to family — including my 86-year-old mother, who still lives in Atlantic Canada — was an important personal factor in my decision. An equally important part of that consideration was the opportunity to be nearer to my new granddaughter. For me and my husband, Stuart, it is an important time to reconnect with our Atlantic Canadian roots, and with our family who are such an important part of our lives.

That being said, the province of Saskatchewan, the city of Regina and the university have made a tremendous impact on our lives for more than a decade. The personal friendships and professional relationships we have developed both at the university and in the provincial community simply cannot be replaced. The university, Regina and Saskatchewan all welcomed us with open arms in 2008, and we do not regret for a moment our decision to come here.

Quite simply, I love the University of Regina, I love our city, and I love Saskatchewan. I came here having lived in six provinces throughout my life, and not knowing what to expect in my seventh. From the moment I arrived here, it was readily apparent that seven is indeed a lucky number.

In the intervening years, I have been truly fortunate to live, work and find support among the friendliest, most compassionate, and hardest-working people I could ever have imagined. The unassuming beauty of this province is reflected in the spirit of the people who live here and I am honoured to have called Saskatchewan home.

I hope that as you reflect on my time here, you will know that in every decision I made, my heart was in the right place. But I also want you to know that in the years to come, my heart will always be in TWO places — at my new

The unassuming beauty of this province is reflected in the spirit of the people who live here and I am honoured to have called Saskatchewan home.

institution in Newfoundland, and here at the University of Regina in Saskatchewan.

Sincerely yours, and with the utmost respect, love and appreciation,

Dr. Vianne Timmons