Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Moose Jaw campus awarded businessman John Schmeiser with an honorary degree in Applied Studies during its recent convocation, while he offered the grads words of encouragement as the guest speaker.
Schmeiser is the CEO of the Western Equipment Dealers Association, an international trade association representing over 2,200 farm, construction and outdoor power equipment dealers in Canada and the United States.
Furthermore, he is the longest-serving board member for Innovation Place, one of Canada’s best research and technology parks, where he chairs the human resources and governance committee. Moreover, Schmeiser serves on many national boards, including as secretary and treasurer of the Canada Equipment Dealers Foundation.
Also, Schmeiser has worked extensively with Sask Polytech faculty, particularly those in the agricultural equipment technician (AET) program. This has resulted in the AET program being one of the best in North America.
This year marks 19 years since Sask Polytech awarded its first honorary credential. This annual tradition recognizes extraordinary individuals for their distinguished achievements and for modelling the institution’s vision and values.
“My sincere thanks … for this honour,” he said during the convocation. “This honour was unexpected and is very humbling.”
Schmeiser described himself as a small-town Saskatchewan guy who never forgot his roots or how important agriculture is. He noted that his great-grandparents and grandparents came from Austria, Hungary and Luxembourg because their homeland had limited farming opportunities. They moved here for the promise of a better life
“It didn’t come easy for them, but through their hard work, ingenuity and perseverance, they set the foundation for their children, including my parents, to learn and benefit from their hard work,” he said. “And they took great satisfaction seeing their children and grandchildren succeed.”
Saskatchewan was the land of opportunity for them and others with a similar story, Schmeiser continued, and he thought that opportunity still existed today. His ancestors were role models who believed that achievement came with vision, hard work, perseverance and persistence.
Schmeiser noted that he benefited from this foundation and hoped that the Sask Polytech grads looked at the province’s history with appreciation and how others came here to make Saskatchewan a great place to live, work and raise a family.
The Schmeiser family’s business success was built on Sask Polytech graduates’ contributions to the business and industry over the decades. Schmeiser encouraged the grads to appreciate an institution the business community holds in high regard.
“I’ve learned to never close the door to looking at opportunities beyond your education, your goals or your dreams,” he continued. “… my parents instilled values, provided encouragement and stressed the importance of supporting your community. They taught me that public service is a noble profession and that volunteerism is expected.”
Schmeiser congratulated the graduates on reaching this milestone but reminded them that the next stage of life offers regular tests and lessons afterward.
He noted that life begins when people move outside their comfort zone, so grads should take risks, not let challenges intimidate them and not be afraid of failing. He also encouraged them to pursue lifelong learning, be passionate about what they do, always have a good attitude since that will advance their careers, and network with others.
“Additionally, employers expect a good work ethic. Never, ever give someone the opportunity to question your work ethic, your value or your integrity,” Schmeiser said.
Schmeiser urged the grads to believe in their dreams and chase them with courage. To believe in themselves and the work they do. To believe in what their parents taught them because someday that advice would make sense. To believe in their values and hold them high. To believe they have something to contribute. To believe they can make the world better. And, to believe in their talents and skills.
“Tomorrow will be the first sunrise of the rest of your life,” he added. “Go make it what you want.”
