From the field to the boardroom: Rob Dutton (BE'93) named 49th C.J. Mackenzie Distinguished Lecturer
The C.J. Mackenzie Gala celebrates an outstanding alumnus who has achieved distinction in their profession and has become one of Saskatchewan’s premier engineering events. The evening is an opportunity to connect, network and honour a USask engineer who embodies the spirit of “engineers the world needs.”
The College of Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is proud to announce that Rob Dutton (BE’93, chemical engineering) has been named the 49th C.J. Mackenzie Distinguished Lecturer. This honour recognizes his outstanding leadership, career achievements and lifelong commitment to making a positive impact as an engineer, business leader, athlete and philanthropist.
Dutton is a professional engineer and executive leader with more than 30 years of experience spanning the energy, power generation and industrial sectors. He currently serves as an advisor with Augur Venture Capital, a firm dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence and energy innovation. From 2019 to 2024, he was chief executive officer and board member of Heartland Generation Ltd, one of Alberta’s largest independent energy producers and prior to that he held senior leadership roles with Devon Canada, including president, as well as roles with ConocoPhillips Canada, Anadarko Canada and Archer Daniels Midland Co.
Before launching his engineering career, Dutton was a standout athlete, playing with the Huskie Football team and winning the 1990 Vanier Cup. He was also drafted by the Saskatchewan Roughriders, experiences that shaped his approach to teamwork and leadership. Today, Dutton remains a committed mentor, coaching youth and high school football and emphasizing the lessons he learned at USask.
“Being named the C.J. Mackenzie Distinguished Lecturer is a great honour,” said Dutton. “USask gave me the foundation for a career built on teamwork, accountability and perseverance. I take great pride in being an alumnus of an institution whose global impact continues to strengthen communities and create a remarkable legacy.”
Dutton will be honoured at the C.J. Mackenzie Gala of Engineering Excellence on Jan. 27, 2026, at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon. The annual gala has become one of Saskatchewan’s premier engineering events, bringing together hundreds of alumni, students, faculty and industry partners to connect, celebrate and honour a USask Engineering alumnus who has made a lasting impact on the profession and exemplifies the college’s motto, “engineers the world needs.”
“The C.J. Mackenzie Gala is a hallmark occasion for our college,” said Michael Bradley, dean of the College of Engineering. “We are delighted to welcome Rob Dutton as our 49th distinguished lecturer. He exemplifies the very best of USask Engineering, combining technical expertise, vision and service to others. His leadership and contributions have made a difference in both industry and the community.”
About the C.J. Mackenzie Gala
Founded in 1976, the gala is the college’s flagship event, named in honour of Chalmers Jack (C.J.) Mackenzie, the first dean of the College of Engineering. This year’s evening is hosted in partnership with the Department of Chemical Engineering.
The C.J. Mackenzie Gala celebrates an outstanding alumnus who has achieved distinction in their profession and has become one of Saskatchewan’s premier engineering events. The evening is — an opportunity to connect, network and honour a USask engineer who embodies the spirit of “engineers the world needs.”
Each year, alumni, students, faculty and industry leaders gather to hear a distinguished USask Engineering alumnus deliver a keynote lecture reflecting on their career and contributions to the profession.
Tickets are on sale now at cjm2026.eventbrite.ca
For more information on the gala, past lecturers and history, visit engineering.usask.ca/cjmackenzie