“I am strong believer that we need to give back to the institution that provided so much to us. It’s easy to do so when I reflect on the many great memories from my time at the University of Regina.”

So says Barry Clarke, the recipient of the 2015 Dr. Robert and Norma Ferguson Award, the award presented annually to the graduate who demonstrates outstanding volunteerism, leadership and service to the University of Regina and the University of Regina Alumni Association.

Clarke was born in Kamsack, Saskatchewan and moved to Regina at an early age. After graduating from Sheldon-Williams Collegiate he studied at the University of Regina and earned a bachelor’s of administration degree in 1980. Clarke was also a dedicated student-athlete, playing for the men’s hockey Cougars from 1976-80, some of the best teams in the history of the program.

Clarke says his time as a Cougars player and his involvement in sports helped shape the person he is today. Some of those early lessons have spilled into his professional life and influence him to this day.

“I think the biggest impact was learning to be part of an effective team,” he says. “So much of what we do in life is enhanced if you are able to work as part of a team. As student-athletes we often faced conflicting priorities. As a result, I developed strong time management skills that have served me well throughout my life professionally and personally. We all juggle many things in our professional, volunteer and family lives. The time management skills learned have benefited me greatly. Being an effective and contributing member of a team comes into play every day of my life.”

Clarke earned a chartered accountant designation in 1983 and began his career in Regina. He is now the chief operating officer for McDougall Gauley LLP in Regina, one of Saskatchewan’s oldest and most trusted law firms.

In addition to his broader community involvement, Clarke has been a long-standing supporter of the University of Regina. He served as chair for the University of Regina Cougars Athletics Sports Dinner (now known as President’s Breakfast for Athletics) that raises valuable funds to better athletic programs and benefit University of Regina student-athletes. Clarke has been a member of the University of Regina alumni board and has volunteered and chaired numerous Cougars athletics fundraising events. Since 2010, he has been a member of the Regina Cougar Hockey Alumni Association board of directors and in 2012-2014 served as president.

Clarke and his hockey alumni colleagues have raised over $230,000 in the past five years through fundraising efforts like the annual golf tournament and annual fundraising dinner. All Cougar Hockey Alumni funds raised go towards the Cougars hockey program, helping current team members in their academic pursuits by funding scholarships.

“I am very proud to say I am a University of Regina alumnus as well as Cougars hockey alumnus,” says Clarke. “While the opportunities to return to the campus are rare, I love the energy of the place and the memories that I feel when I return.”