USask kinesiology graduate awarded Governor General’s Silver Medal

This year, two silver medals will be awarded at USask Spring Convocation to recognize the top two students graduating from an undergraduate degree program who have earned the highest cumulative percentage averages. The award is one of the most prestigious honours that can be given to a student in a Canadian educational institution. 

Hominuke will graduate this spring from USask’s College of Kinesiology, with a Bachelor of Science degree with great distinction. She developed a profound passion for health promotion and for a variety of topics, including anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, and psychology. 

“It is an absolute honour to be awarded the Governor General’s Silver Medal. Since I can remember, I have always had a real love for learning and an enthusiasm for academics. For my academic achievement to be recognized in this way, particularly in a degree program that I feel so passionately about, is truly humbling,” said Hominuke. 

Born and raised in Saskatoon, she attended Bishop James Mahoney high school. After encountering several incredible high school teachers who piqued her interest in the health sciences and helped her to develop a love for learning, pursuing an undergraduate degree in the College of Kinesiology seemed like a natural fit. 

“The College of Kinesiology has afforded me so many opportunities to learn new skills and challenge myself academically. My studies led to a profound passion for a variety of topics, from anatomy and exercise physiology to psychology and sociology. It has been a real privilege to benefit from the immensely talented and knowledgeable professors in our college, and to learn first-hand about the cutting-edge research that they produce.”

A formative part of Hominuke’s undergraduate experience was the opportunity to get involved in the community, including with organizations such as the Saskatoon Open Door Society and the SWITCH Clinic. These experiences allowed her to apply the knowledge she had gained in the classroom in a practical setting and enabled her to give back to the community that raised her.

“Community involvement and health promotion are very important to me, so I am excited to continue to volunteer with local organizations that have been a cornerstone of my undergraduate experience. I am also looking forward to getting involved with some additional organizations like the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the PAAL program at the College of Kinesiology.”

In addition, she is endlessly grateful for the unwavering support and encouragement of her incredible family and friends.

After she walks the stage in early June, Hominuke is looking forward to taking a year off from academics, in which she is excited to continue to volunteer with local community-based organizations.

In the near future, she hopes to return to the university and receive further education to enable her to pursue a career in the health sciences.