UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN
USask Engineering alumnus Rob Dutton named 49th C.J. Mackenzie Distinguished Lecturer

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.

Rob Dutton is a professional engineer and executive leader with more than 30 years of experience spanning the energy, power generation, and industrial sectors. (Photo: Submitted)

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. Prior to that he held senior leadership roles with Devon Canada, including serving as president, and worked 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 Dr. Michael Bradley (PhD), 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."

Corporate tables, individual and student tickets are on sale now at cjm2026.eventbrite.ca

For more information about past lecturers and the gala's history, visit: engineering.usask.ca/cjmackenzie