Emmett M. Hall, University Chancellor, making presentation of an honourary Doctor of Laws degree to Charles S. Mitchell at Convocation held at Centennial Auditorium.

Bio/Historical Note: Charles (Charlie) Mitchell, farmer, leader in rural municipal affairs and co-operator, was born in Preeceville in 1909. He attended public and high schools at Preeceville and at an early age became involved in community activities. He was one of the organizers of the Preeceville Union Hospital in 1937, and served on its board for many years. Mitchell served on the local school board and for three years was chairman of the Sturgis School Unit Board. He was elected reeve of the Rural Municipality of Preeceville No. 334 in 1957 and held that position for 25 years. In 1959 he was elected to the executive of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities. After two years as SARM vice-president, he commenced a three-year term as president in 1974. His leadership role in SARM led to a wide range of other commitments. He was a member of the Municipal Employees Superannuation Commission, of the board of examiners for the RM administrators and of the Grid Road Surfacing Commission. Mitchell served as SARM delegate to the Saskatchewan Federation of Agriculture for more than 20 years, seven as vice-president. He also was on the board and executive of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. Charlie Mitchell was a member of the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool for more than 40 years and was active in other co-operatives. When the Sturgis Co-operative Farm was formed in 1944, he was the first president. This farm served as a model for other such co-operatives in North America. In 1979 Mitchell was awarded the Order of Canada and in 1983 he received an honourary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Saskatchewan. Mitchell died in 1986.