RICHMOND HILL, Ont. — Peggy McKercher of the University of Saskatchewan and Claude Généreux of McGill University have been named the recipients of the 2025-26 Mitchell Family Award as U SPORTS Alumni of the Year.
The annual award recognizes former student-athletes who have made significant and ongoing contributions to their universities and communities following graduation.
"On behalf of the Mitchell Family and the Canadian Athletic Foundation, I am pleased to congratulate the recipients of this year's Alumni Awards," said Hon. Lois Mitchell. "Peggy and Claude are ideal representatives of the spirit of legacy and giving back. We are proud to have the opportunity to showcase their motivating stories across the country."
Peggy McKercher — University of Saskatchewan
Margaret "Peggy" McKercher has spent more than seven decades supporting the University of Saskatchewan as a student-athlete, community leader and philanthropist.
A graduate of the university in 1950, McKercher competed on eight championship teams during her time with the Huskies. She helped the Huskiettes basketball team win three straight Western Canadian Intercollegiate Athletic Union titles and was also part of three consecutive championship-winning track and field teams. In 1950, she received both the Major Athletic Award and the Spirit of Youth Award.
Alongside her family, McKercher has contributed more than $2 million to the university and Huskies athletics through scholarships, sponsorships and capital projects.
Among those contributions was the Huskie Award in Honour of Peggy McKercher, the first women-named scholarship in Huskies history. The McKercher family has also supported projects including Merlis Belsher Place, while championing initiatives tied to women in sport, Indigenous communities, rural students and mental health.
"It's hard to quantify the contributions Peggy McKercher has made to the Huskies and broader community. She is a true trailblazer whose accomplishments are as exceptional as the humility and kindness she carries herself with," said
Shannon Chinn, chief athletics officer at the University of Saskatchewan. "We are so grateful for her support over the years, honoured to call her a Huskie and thrilled to see her recognized for a lifetime of excellence, tenacity, generosity, integrity and vision. Congratulations Peggy on this well-deserved recognition. You continue to inspire us all."
McKercher also played a major role in Saskatchewan's civic and cultural development, serving as vice-chair of Wanuskewin Heritage Park and chair of the Meewasin Valley Authority.
Her contributions have been recognized with numerous honours, including the Order of Canada and an honorary doctor of laws degree from the University of Saskatchewan.
Claude Généreux — McGill University
Claude Généreux has combined leadership in business, philanthropy and university governance to become one of McGill University's most influential athletics supporters.
A 1985 McGill graduate in civil engineering, Généreux played varsity football as a linebacker and special-teams player during his time at the university.
In 2021, Généreux and his wife, Myriam Legault, announced a $1-million commitment to McGill Athletics and Recreation to support student-athlete development.
The donation established the Claude Généreux and Myriam Legault Excellence Award, an endowed fund providing renewable athletic financial awards recognizing academic achievement and leadership.
The family also created the Généreux Family Community Service Award, which annually recognizes student-athletes for community engagement, and the Généreux Lacrosse Road to Excellence Fund, believed to be the largest gift to a university lacrosse program in Canada.
"Claude Généreux exemplifies the values of leadership, service and excellence that define the McGill student-athlete experience," said Benoît Gentil, interim senior director of Athletics and Recreation at McGill. "His enduring commitment to supporting our students — both on the field and in the classroom — continues to make a profound impact across our athletics community. We are proud to see him recognized nationally with this honour."
Beyond athletics, Généreux served on McGill's Board of Governors from 2010 to 2023, including as vice-chair, and co-chaired the university's $2-billion "Made by McGill" fundraising campaign.
McGill cited Généreux's long-term commitment to leadership development, community engagement and holistic education through sport as central to his nomination.
The awards will be formally presented on Wednesday, May 20, as part of the Lois and Doug Mitchell Athlete of the Year award ceremony in Calgary.
