Home » Patti Rowley Receives College of Education Wall of Honour Award

Patti Rowley Receives College of Education Wall of Honour Award

by Jocelyn Ottenbreit

Since 2007, the University of Saskatchewan, College of Education has recognized and acknowledged significant successes and outstanding accomplishments of their alumni attesting to the excellence of the University of Saskatchewan educational experience by creating a Wall of Honour Award. The College has honoured over 70 alumni that graduated from the University of Saskatchewan, College of Education who showed leadership, excellence, and innovation in their contributions and achievements to the cultural, social, and economic well-being of society which reflects positively on the College of Education.


This feature wall is situated on the main floor of the Education Building where names and photographs of all recipients, past and current, that have received The Wall of Honour Award, are displayed.


Patti Rowley from Martensville was a recent recipient of this award. She attended the University of Saskatchewan completing her education with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education (B.S.P.E. ’83) and a B.Ed (’84). Being an educator for thirty-three years, Patti’s impact with diverse students, gang members, as well as MIT and Harvard grads has made a difference in their lives by teaching with humour and compassion.


Focusing on being an ally and advocate for gender and sexually diverse students, Rowley provided a voice to the voiceless, and made students feel safe and confident.


She has taught over 6600 students starting with the Comprehensive High School in Swift Current, then with the Saskatoon Public School Division (SPSD) at Bedford Road Collegiate, Mount Royal Collegiate, and lastly Walter Murray Collegiate in Saskatoon.


For eight years Rowley taught Physical Education, coached basketball, volleyball and track and field at Bedford Road Collegiate.

“I attended a breakout session at our division’s institute and convention on homophobia. I thought, ‘I can do this, start a GSA.’ I guess I was kind of a bulldog, relentless, but this was uncharted territory and students needed it. After the initial hesitation, administrators and staff were so supportive. At the open house in February, we had a booth set up, and every teacher was wearing a rainbow ribbon.”

  • Patti Rowley


At Mount Royal Collegiate she taught Life Transitions, Ethical Living, and Physical Education. In 2001, she started Saskatchewan’s first GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance, now Gender and Sexuality Alliance to be more inclusive). Patti’s constant pressure and determination made it a reality when it was first met with resistance.


Rowley continued to host student-run weekly GSA meetings with some special events at Walter Murray and it was the first collegiate to have gender-neutral bathrooms.


In her Life Transitions, Psychology and Sex Education curricula, Patti included queer education and had community members as guest presenters from OUTSaskatoon, which is Saskatoon and area’s 2SLGBTQ community support centre.


Rowley received the Peter Corren Award in 2013 for her work with queer youth at the Breaking the Silence Conference at the University of Saskatchewan. This award is given to a person, persons, or organization whose efforts have had a long-term impact on social justice for sexual minorities.


In 2017 Rowley received the OUTSaskatoon OUTshine KNOCKOUT award and was nominated for the YWCA Woman of Distinction award in education.


Rowley was recognized by MP Sherri Benson for her community service in Saskatoon West in 2019, and has also done presentations at staff openings, and the Breaking the Silence conference. She was the Keynote Speaker at the Prairie Pride Conference for students with Prairie Spirit School Division (PSSD).


Since retiring in 2018, Patti has decided to substitute teach in the Prairie Spirit School Division.


Patti stated, “I’ve had such a blast subbing. Students are so much fun! It’s been amazing to see GSA’s up and running in the schools I’ve been at, and now they’re in many more schools. Things have improved since 2001, and although there’s still work to do, I know our youth are in good hands!”

You may also like