Outstanding faculty member, graduate receive Women of Distinction Awards

Congratulations to two members of the College of Arts and Science community who were named winners of 2024 Graham YWCA Women of Distinction Awards Gala at a celebration on May 30.

Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

•  Dr. C. Lesley Biggs (PhD)

Now, a retired faculty member from the College of Arts and Science, Dr. C. Lesley Biggs (PhD) is an interdisciplinary researcher in the areas of history and sociology of healthcare, alternative medicine, professionalization and feminist studies. She helped to establish the Women’s and Gender Studies program in the Department of Political Studies at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) in 1988. Biggs created more than 32 graduate and undergraduate courses while a faculty member at USask.

Biggs is well known for her mentorship. Inspired by Biggs’ dedication to teaching, a fellowship was established in her name called, The Lesley Biggs Early Career Teaching Fellowship – the college’s first donor-funded teaching award. The first iteration of the award was presented this spring.

Young Trailblazer Award Winner

• Tasnim Jaisee (BA’24, BA'24, CQGS’24) 

Tasnim Jaisee (BA’24, BA'24, CQGS’24) is an immigrant, woman of colour and a wheelchair user with disabilities. She is the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Project Specialist for the USask Provost and Vice-President Academic Office.

Jaisee recently graduated with double honours from USask with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies (High Honours) and a Certificate in Queer Theory from the Women’s and Gender Studies Program. She was previously a president for the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union and Women’s Centre coordinator. She also led the Period Equity Project on campus. Jaisee was also recently named a recipient of a CBC Future 40 award.

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