Inductees to the Order of Athabasca University to be celebrated at Convocation

June 09, 2008

The Honorary Awards Committee of AU’s Governing Council is pleased to announce this year’s recipients of the Order of Athabasca University. Members of the Athabasca Advocacy Group and David J. Burnett will receive the honor at this year’s Convocation, which will take place June 12 – 14, 2008.

The Athabasca Advocacy Group is being recognized for its efforts on behalf of AU resulting in the mobilization of the entire Athabasca community to support new funding for the university’s capital expansion plans.

"The hard work and determination shown by the group shows the real difference people working together can make," said Joy Romero, chair of AU's Governing Council. "We are truly fortunate as an institution to have the support of such a dedicated and focused group of people who believe in both the community of Athabasca and the value that Athabasca University brings to the community. It's largely through their efforts that the university has been successful with its expansion goals."

Members of the Advocacy Group include Brian W. Bachynski, Jeff Johnson, Robert A. Splane, Brian Donald Hall, Greg Soreyko, Trevor Martin, Dermod C. Madden, Noel H. Major, Richard A. Verhaeghe, Timothy A. Verhaeghe, James Leonard Woodward, Bob Demcoe, Michael Voisin and Della McLean. They will be inducted into the Order of Athabasca on Friday, June 13, 2008.

David J. Burnett is being recognized for his dedication to AU during his service as both a Member, and later as Chair, of Athabasca University Governing Council. Mr. Burnett was first appointed to Governing Council as a Public Member in November, 2000, and was appointed Chair on May 10, 2004.

Under his leadership, AU changed its governance structure, developed a new Strategic University Plan, and experienced unprecedented growth in student population.

“The benefits of Mr. Burnett’s hard work and dedication to Athabasca University will be felt by our institution for many years to come,” said Dr. Frits Pannekoek, President of Athabasca University.

Mr. Burnett will be inducted into the Order of Athabasca University at a ceremony on Saturday, June 14, 2008.

For more information contact:

John O'Brien
Manager, Media Relations

Email: jobrien@athabascau.ca
Phone: (403) 298-2931

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Updated August 21, 2012