News Archives: GPRC Awards Recognize Community
Tuesday, March 4th, 2014
The annual Grande Prairie Regional College President’s Awards Luncheon today recognized several members of the community for contributions to excellence in education. The event was established in 2004, and the awards honouring volunteers, alumni and community builders are the most prestigious presented by the College.
The Distinguished Volunteer Award was presented to Tom Pura, who through his many years as a radio sports reporter and as one of the game announcers became the Voice of the Wolves. More recently, Tom volunteers his expertise as the Emcee for the annual Wolves Festival of Gold event, which honors the athletic and academic achievements of our Wolves teams and players.
The Steps to the Greater Alumni Award, which has been established to recognize outstanding achievements of GPRC alumni early in their careers. Ryan Pomeroy was presented with this award in recognition of his leadership and achievement as President of Pomeroy Lodging LP. The former Wolves Volleyball star is noted as a leader who continues to prove what ambition, focus, strategic thinking and an unrelenting drive to succeed can accomplish. In a few short years, he has worked to build a company and a legacy of brands that is known throughout our region and across Canada.
The Alumni Award of Excellence was awarded this year for the first time. Established to recognize notable achievements of GPRC Alumni for a recent accomplishment of national or international scope, the Award was presented this year to Jon Goldie and Mike Lauzon, who together coached Team Volleyball Alberta to the Gold Medal at the Canada Summer Games 2013.
The Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Bridget Hennigar, FCA, who is noted as an inspiration, and a strong example of the impact that GPRC alumni make in the communities of our region, in our Province, and across our Country. Throughout her career she has consistently demonstrated her determination to make a difference with the education she has received, and her commitment to help achieve major projects, sustain volunteer organizations, build businesses, and to help create a sense of community.
The Board of Governors Award of Distinction was established to honour exceptional commitment to supporting higher education for the people of our region and is the College’s highest tribute. Fred and Ruth Estlin are well-known for their support of a wide variety of community activities throughout the Peace Region, and for their passion for advanced education and cultural opportunities. They have contributed tirelessly as volunteers and participants in events and fundraising efforts, and the Estlins exemplify good citizenship within our community. Since the very first year the Estlins came to the Grande Prairie region (1975) they have had a close relationship with the College, and they continue to volunteer time and resources in support of students and learning opportunities.
The presentations were made before an audience of some 200 invited guests at an event emceed by Erin Lynch, Chair of the Alumni/Foundation Board of Directors. The agenda also included a stewardship and vision message from President Gnatiuk, and a message of thanks to donors and community from Carmen Haakstad, Vice-President External Relations.
-30-