The University of Regina has awarded the Honourable Vaughn Solomon Schofield SOM, SVM, CD an Honorary Doctor of Laws honoris causa (LLD) during the Fall 2025 Convocation.
The recognition carries deep personal meaning for Solomon Schofield, being the third member of her family to receive an honorary degree from the University of Regina. Her father, George Solomon, was awarded an honorary degree in 1980 and her sister, Adrian Burns was awarded an honorary degree in 2012.
"Although I have been fortunate to receive many special awards and recognitions in my life, this is something extra special," she says. "Receiving an honorary degree from the University of Regina is both humbling and meaningful. Years ago, when my father received an honorary degree, I was unable to attend the ceremony. Now my fondest wish is that he is looking down at this recognition and is as proud of me as I was of him."
Born and raised in Regina, Solomon Schofield began her post-secondary journey at the University of Saskatchewan, Regina Campus before completing studies in fashion merchandising at the Rae-Vogue School in Chicago. Those early experiences set the stage for a career that crossed borders and bridged communities, from Saskatchewan to South America, and from business boardrooms to military bases.
Her path was far from conventional. In the 1980s, she chaired the board of a 200,000-member crime-prevention organization, travelling throughout North and South America to establish Crime Watch groups.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, she worked with the government of Guayaquil, Ecuador, and even hosted a crime prevention television talk show in Fort Lauderdale, where she was twice named Florida's Crime Prevention Woman of the Year.
Back in Canada, she became president and CEO of the Western Group of Companies. Yet it was her commitment to public service that ultimately defined her legacy.
In 2012, she was appointed Saskatchewan's 21st Lieutenant Governor. During her six-year term, she focused on Canada's military, creating the country's only military service appreciation pin and presenting more than 9,000 of them to members of the Armed Forces around the world. She now serves as Saskatchewan provincial chair of the Canadian Forces Liaison Council and Honorary Colonel of 15 Wing Moose Jaw and was awarded the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service, the highest honour the military can bestow on a civilian.
Her contributions extend far beyond the military. She has served on boards and organizations including SaskWater, SaskPower, Regina Airport Authority, St. John Ambulance, RCMP Heritage Centre, and Health Arts Society. Her accolades include the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal, Diamond Jubilee Medal, and most recently, King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2024.
Solomon Schofield received an Honorary Doctor of Laws honoris causa (LLD) on November 13.
"Vaughn has all of the qualities of an exceptional leader she has a passion for giving back to her community and making the world around her a better place." said U of R President and Vice-Chancellor Jeff Keshen. "In recognition of Vaughn's lifelong advocacy for community involvement and civic leadership, the University is pleased to present her with this honorary degree."
