USask Law hosts Appreciation Dinner and Farewell for Dean Martin Phillipson

The University of Saskatchewan College of Law (USask Law) brought together faculty, staff, and members of the legal community on May 20 for its annual Appreciation Dinner — an evening defined by connection, reflection and a heartfelt farewell to Dean Martin Phillipson.

The event offered an opportunity for colleagues and long-time friends to gather, reconnect and share in the moment. Conversation and laughter carried throughout the evening, reflecting the strong relationships and sense of community that define the college.

Phillipson, who will conclude his 10-year term as dean at the end of June, addressed attendees with a focus on the people who have shaped his time at the college, expressing his appreciation for the faculty, staff, alumni and broader community.

“The greatest thing about this job for me has been the people and the sense of community. We have a wonderful community at the college, and you can see it here tonight,” he said.

His connection to the college spans 37 years, beginning in 1989 when he arrived from England to pursue a master’s degree. He joined the faculty in 1999 and has served as dean since 2016. “This college changed my life completely,” Phillipson said.

Over the course of the evening, he returned to the importance of relationships across the college’s extended community, including its more than 5,000 alumni worldwide.

“I had the privilege of visiting every province and territory in the country to meet with our fabulous alumni,” he said. “They really are the heart and soul of this school.”

He also spoke about the energy created when the community comes together, whether at events like the Appreciation Dinner or at alumni gatherings held throughout the year.

“You bring this group together — bar, bench, alumni, faculty, staff, donors — and people just gather like a house on fire,” he said.

Phillipson received a standing ovation following his remarks, underscoring the deep appreciation felt throughout the room.

Professor Doug Surtees also provided remarks, drawing on many years working alongside Phillipson to highlight his lasting impact on the college and its people.

“Under Martin's leadership, the college has hired a large number of faculty, moot coaches, and staff, including many of you here in this room tonight,” said Surtees. “The fact is that the majority of the people working to provide legal education to our students today were given that opportunity to work at the college under Martin's deanship.” 

Closing the evening, Phillipson reflected on his time at the college with gratitude: “I love this job. I love this place. I love the people that I work with. It's been an absolute privilege.”