Two of »ΚΉΪΜεΣύβs top benefactors, a respected CBC Radio broadcaster, and some exceptional young alumni are among the recipients of the »ΚΉΪΜεΣύβs University Alumni Association Awards.
Alfred (Sc'45, Arts'46, MSc'47, LLD'86) and Isabel Bader (LLDβ07) will receive the Alumni Achievement Award, the highest honour bestowed by the QUAA.
Alfred and Isabel Bader have transformed the learning experience at »ΚΉΪΜεΣύβs and the very fabric of the »ΚΉΪΜεΣύβs campus. They are being honoured for their significant contributions in the arts, philanthropy, business, and education at »ΚΉΪΜεΣύβs.
CBC Radio broadcaster Shelagh Rogers, Artsciβ77, is the recipient of the Alumni Humanitarian Award. Shelagh, who got her start in radio at CFRC, hosts CBC Radioβs book show, The Next Chapter. She is also an advocate and fundraiser for literacy projects, is active in raising awareness about mental illness and mental health issues, and works towards reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.
The »ΚΉΪΜεΣύ Alumni Association offers a number of annual awards to recognize alumni and other members of the »ΚΉΪΜεΣύ's community who serve the university and the world in exceptional ways.
βThe QUAA Awards are an important way to celebrate the achievements of the »ΚΉΪΜεΣύβs family,β says QUAA President Jess Joss, Artsciβ96. βSo many of our alumni, students, and faculty have made major, transformative contributions their communities and to »ΚΉΪΜεΣύβs. The QUAA believes it is important for these individuals with initiative to get the recognition they deserve and to share their inspiring stories.β
The other award recipients are:
- Biology professor Daniel Lefebvre, with the Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching. The award recognizes »ΚΉΪΜεΣύ's teachers who "show outstanding knowledge, teaching ability, and accessibility to students.β Whether he is teaching basic biology or bioremediation (the use of living organisms to address environmental problems), students say Dr. Lefebvre goes above and beyond his job title to connect with students and provide an excellent learning environment.
- Jeff Gallant, Comβ11, for the One to Watch Award. This award recognizes recent »ΚΉΪΜεΣύ's graduates (less than five years out) who are making significant contributions in their field. Jeff is a hedge fund analyst, a community leader, and a consultant to technology and social finance start-ups.
- Rico Garcia, Artsciβ13, for the Outstanding Student Award. Rico has a long history of campus activities, including volunteering as CFRC radio host and intramural soccer referee, working as residence don, and »ΚΉΪΜεΣύβs Student Alumni Association president (2012-13).
- Sierra Megas, Artsciβ13, with the »ΚΉΪΜεΣύβs Student Alumni Association Volunteer of Distinction Award. Sierraβs many activities include being an English Language Conversation Partner with international students, volunteering for the Union Gallery, serving as the Director to the ASUS Movie Theatre, and writing for the »ΚΉΪΜεΣύβs Journal.
- Toronto Branch volunteer Sarah Chan and the Kingston Branchβs Mitchell, Artsβ53, and Wilda Andriesky, Artsβ59, MAβ61, for the Branch Marsha Lampman Award for outstanding service and dedication as a »ΚΉΪΜεΣύβs ambassador. Sarah is a tireless advocate of alumni engagement. She was a founding member of the Young Alumni Committee in Toronto and coordinated many successful events, such as the popular Tournament of Gaels Curling Bonspiel. The Andrieskys have been supporting and volunteering at »ΚΉΪΜεΣύβs for decades. The pair met at »ΚΉΪΜεΣύβs and have been married more than 60 years.
- Monica Dingle, Comβ02, the president of the Montreal Branch, with the Branch Rising Star Award. She has been described as the βheart and soulβ of the »ΚΉΪΜεΣύβs community in Montreal.
- And the Calgary Branch receives the Event of the Year award for its Student Outreach Program. The branch has done various activities to engage and prepare students for life after »ΚΉΪΜεΣύβs, including a mentorship program, student newsletter, and βwelcome backβ pub nights with alumni.
Learn more about the recipients on the QUAA website. The QUAA will present the awards at a gala event on campus on April 5.