Education alumni honoured at Homecoming celebration
As part of the weekend’s Homecoming celebrations, the 36th annual Alumni Award dinner honoured 13 of Western’s alumni, four of them graduates from the Faculty of Education.
The “W” Club Hall of Fame recognises people who have made outstanding contributions to Western’s athletic programs as players, coaches or administrators. Guy Zinc, (B.A. ‘74, B.Ed. ’75) was among the five inductees for 2010. A member of Western’s wrestling team, Guy went on to teach at Centre Wellington District High School and St. John’s-Kilmarnock School, coaching his athletes to 32 OFSAA medals during his 35 year career. Guy also coached at the World and Pan-Am Championships and was QAWA Junior Coach of the Year in 1980.
The Women’s Athletic Alumnae Elfrida Berzins Award goes to a woman who has participated in Western Athletics as an athlete, coach or administrator, Belinda Chou (B.A. ’01, B.Ed. ’05) was one of four recipients for this year’s award. Belinda was the lone female varsity wrestler during her first year of university and is now regarded as one of the pioneers of women’s wrestling at Western, where she secured a lengthy list of awards. Today, Belinda teaches physical education and health at the district high school in Shelbourne, continuing to inspire young people and providing a role model to her students, both men and women.
The Young Alumni Award recognises an individual under 40 who has made an outstanding contribution in their field of endeavour. Dr. Lisa M. Given gained four degrees from Western (B.A. ’93, B.Ed. ’94, MLIS ’96, Ph.D. ’01) before joining the University of Alberta where she achieved Full Professorship within nine years. Currently a Professor at the School of Library and Information Studies, Dr. Given was nominated as a wonderful role model who has had a profound impact on the lives of her students.
The Professional Achievement Award acknowledges superior achievement in a professional field. John B. Lee, (B.A. ’74, B.Ed. ’75, M.A. ’85) taught high school English and Drama for 14 years before pursuing a career as a full-time author. Described as Canada’s most prolific poet, John has published more than 50 books, edited seven anthologies and produced work in over 500 publications.
Congratulations to all of our alumni award winners!
