Spring Convocation - Students - University of Saskatchewan

Award for Distinction in Outreach and Engagement
LISA VARGO
Dr. Lisa Vargo is an individual
whose contributions to literacy and
volunteerism have contributed greatly
and with distinction to the University’s
outreach and engagement mission.
Dr. Vargo is an Associate Professor
of English specializing in romantic
literature. She is an alumna of Mount
Holyoke College and the University
of Toronto. She joined the faculty at
the University of Saskatchewan in
1990. In her academic life, Dr. Vargo
teaches introductory and senior
undergraduate courses, specializing
in British romanticism. Her research
interests include women writers of
the Romantic period, especially Mary
Shelley’s writings.
In addition to enhancing the academic
environment of the University of
Saskatchewan, Dr. Vargo has made
an exceptional contribution to
literacy in the province and beyond.
Her interest in literacy began in
Toronto where she served as a
literacy worker for a communitybased
learning centre. She also
volunteered with an adult learning
program in Peterborough, Ontario.
Upon her arrival in Saskatoon,
Dr. Vargo joined READ Saskatoon and
has served as a tutor for the past 17
years. She has served on the board
of directors and twice assumed the
presidency of the organization. She
was involved with the Word Whiz
fundraiser for the Saskatchewan
Literacy Foundation and served on the
board of the Saskatchewan Literacy
Network. In 1999, she received the
Saskatchewan Literacy Award of Merit
for her volunteerism and in 2004 was
awarded the Canada Post Literacy
Award as an educator.
Dr. Vargo has been described
as “energetic, inspirational and
indefatigable in her dedication to
literacy.” Others have said that “she
brings a deep understanding of the
complexities of literacy and of human
justice to the way she works with
learners and to the way she helps
organizations develop respectful
and fair policies and practices for
volunteers and staff.” One of her
students said “I am so proud of the
person that I am today. I know with
my whole heart that it has everything
to do with Lisa Vargo.” She has
demonstrated a sustained commitment
to use her expertise in ways that
engage individuals and groups beyond
the borders of the campus, and she has
enhanced the University’s reputation
in exceptional ways.
Dr. Vargo’s outreach and engagement
activities have had substantial impact
and long-term significance, and she
is truly deserving of the University of
Saskatchewan’s Award for Distinction
in Outreach and Engagement.
University of Saskatchewan 29 Spring Convocation 2007