USask’s Legacy in Leadership: Cultivating Innovators at Nutrien

Nutrien’s $15 million dollar gift to the University of Saskatchewan (USask) in February is the latest step in the company’s commitment to community. Nutrien believes that aligning educational excellence with industry needs will strengthen global food security and contribute to building resilient agricultural communities worldwide.

"We are deeply grateful for this incredible donation which builds on our long-standing relationship with Nutrien over the past five decades,” said USask President Peter Stoicheff. “Nutrien is our valued partner and the largest corporate donor in USask’s history, having generously invested more than $50 million over the years to support the university's research mission and to help prepare our students to become the next generation of leaders."

The financial contribution is notable; however, in exchange, USask has provided Nutrien with something equally valuable. Over 500 current Nutrien employees are USask alumni, bringing knowledge and expertise that benefits Saskatchewan’s largest private company.

President and CEO Ken Seitz, who holds three degrees from USask, shared, “As a proud USask alumnus, I can personally attest to the vital role the University of Saskatchewan has played in my career. The education and experiences have been integral in my journey within our agricultural industry, providing a solid foundation for leadership and innovation. Looking ahead, it is clear that the talented alumni and students from the University of Saskatchewan will remain critical in driving our company forward and ensuring its success.”

Senior Vice President of Potash Trevor Berg, who has two degrees from USask (Engineering and MBA), praised the school for its impact on his career. “Graduating from the College of Engineering, a few key lessons stand out. Beyond acquiring technical expertise and learning to collaborate across various engineering disciplines, the most significant takeaway is cultivating a mindset that views all problems as solvable,” Trevor said.

USask’s reputation goes beyond the walls of its classrooms and extends with a global reach.

“I’ve been fortunate to work in different countries and one constant is the University of Saskatchewan’s leadership in global research and agriculture. They are an ideal partner as we look to collaborate on cutting-edge research. This research benefits our farmer customers by enhancing yields and profitability in a sustainable way,” shared Nutrien Ag Solutions Canadian Regional Manager, Jesse Hamonic.

The recent contribution to the University of Saskatchewan is set to continue the traditions of success pioneered by generations of students. Ken emphasized, “Investing in research and innovation is pivotal for ensuring agriculture thrives for generations to come. Our donation aims to support farmers through advancements in farm management solutions that enhance productivity, profitability, and environmental stewardship. By aligning educational excellence with industry needs, we can strengthen global food security and contribute to building resilient agricultural communities both locally and globally.”