Thompson Rivers University has some high achievers among its past graduates and in April, a few of them will receive some well-deserved accolades.
Six distinguished alumni will be recognized for their outstanding community contributions and professional achievements at a dinner in their honour on April 12 in the TRU Grand Hall.
A keynote address will be delivered by renowned Canadian actor and comedian Lorne Cardinal.
TRU is bestowing the Grace Chronister Bachelor of Social Work Award to Fred Phelps, the former chief of staff to the Saskatchewan minister of culture, youth and recreation as well as legislative assistant to a member of Parliament in Welland, Ont.
Currently, Phelps is executive director of the Canadian Association of Social Workers.
The Neil Russell Student Leadership Award is going to Richard Cane, who said he “is ready to advocate for sustainable solutions needed to make this region, province and country leaders in their own rights.”
Sharing the Student Leadership Award is Amy Berard, who is credited with forging a partnership that was the platform for the United Way student club at TRU.
The Community Service Award goes to Donna Munroe Lasser, who mobilized teams of Canadian veterinary technicians and solicited donations of medical supplies to go to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
She also single-handedly formed the Canadian Animal Assistance Team, a non-profit organization that provides veterinary care to animals in rural and remote communities in Canada and internationally.
The Professional Achievement Award goes to Tom Williamson, who recently retired as the chief financial officer of B.C. Lottery Corporation.
Another professional achievement award goes to Christopher Flett, who was interviewed on the Today Show while sitting beside Sean “Diddy” Combs for his newly published book What Men Don’t Tell Women about Business. He was also named to Top 40 Under 40 by Business in Vancouver in 2011.
Finally the Community Milestone Achievement Award goes to Highland Valley Copper for creating an institutional milestone and contributing to the lives of TRU students.
Tickets for the event are $80 each or $50 for students and can be purchased online at www.advancementevents@tru.ca">www.advancementevents@tru.ca.
