Mike Maguire, a USask engineering alumnus and avid space enthusiast, is making a significant impact on the lives of Huskie student-athletes and engineers through scholarships, mentorship, and support. His journey began in Regina, where he developed a deep passion for engineering and space exploration, inspired by his family's influence and the iconic figure of Neil Armstrong. Maguire's early career was marked by a pivotal project at USask, working on a satellite dish tower, which ignited his interest in space engineering. This led him to work for the Canadian Space Agency, further fueling his dream of exploring the cosmos. Over the years, Maguire's career took him across the United States, working with renowned organizations like SpaceX, where he honed his skills as a systems engineer. During this time, he met his wife, Melissa, a PhD holder and future Dean of the Library at USask, who shared his passion for education and the Huskies. Upon returning to Saskatchewan, Maguire and his wife became dedicated supporters of Huskie student-athletes, especially those pursuing engineering careers, which are close to his heart. Engineering runs in the family, with his father and sister as role models. Maguire's personal struggles with bipolar disorder, which he openly discusses, further emphasize the importance of support and communication for students facing similar challenges. His wife, Melissa, has been an unwavering pillar of support, and together they have established several awards and scholarships to support young women in civil engineering and Huskie athletes pursuing engineering degrees. One of their most recent initiatives is the donation of a Starlink satellite terminal to the Huskie men's hockey travel bus, providing high-speed internet for student-athletes on the road. Maguire's passion for the Huskies extends beyond Saskatchewan, as he actively follows the teams and treats them to special dinners. He has also mentored two Huskie Women's Hockey players studying engineering, providing them with internship opportunities in Los Angeles, where he resides. Maguire's commitment to giving back is driven by his desire to pay forward the support he received during his struggles with mental health. He believes that engineers solve problems and create things that help people, and he wants to contribute to the success of Huskie student-athletes and engineering students. Through his various initiatives, Maguire is making a lasting impact on the University of Saskatchewan community, ensuring that the legacy of his family's engineering tradition continues to thrive.
