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University of Saskatchewan (USask) graduate Mike Sheinin (BASc’13, MSc’15) earned a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree in interactive systems design in 2013, followed by a Master of Science degree in computer science in 2015. Sheinin is a busy person who wears many hats as a computer scientist, senior applications engineering manager for Solido products at the tech company Siemens EDA Saskatoon, and rugby player and coach. His resume also includes another key—but perhaps somewhat unexpected—role: international competitive whistler.

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Can compassion build champions? 

It’s no surprise that sport glorifies toughness. We’ve all heard the phrases “Suck it up. No pain, no gain." What if the real competitive edge isn’t about pushing harder, but being kinder with ourselves when things get tough? After nearly two decades of working with athletes, Dr. Leah Ferguson (BA'07, MSc'09, PhD'14) has learned that self-compassion — not harsh criticism — is what helps athletes thrive. In a culture that tells us “don’t be soft,” athletes often become their own harshest critics. Yet, self-compassion isn’t soft; it’s strategic. It helps athletes bounce back from failure, focus under pressure and strive for excellence without sacrificing well-being. Dr. Ferguson’s talk draws from her lived experience as a young dancer, expertise as a leading scholar in self-compassion in sport research, and applied work with athletes to reimagine a sport system where compassion and competition coexist.  

Class notes

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Alumni Book Nook

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In Memoriam

USask Alumni has noted, with sorrow, the passing of the following graduates, faculty and staff.