2011 Alumni Award winners announced

September 20, 2011

The success of Athabasca University is measured best by the success of our alumni and the contributions they make to their families, workplaces and communities. The 2011 Alumni Award recipients epitomize the energy and passion of AU students. We're proud to recognize the following alumni for their remarkable achievements:

Distinguished Alumni Award
Doug Schindel
Edmonton, Alta.

Doug Schindel, the President of the Weldco Companies, was already a successful business leader when he completed his Executive MBA in 2005, a decision that reinforced the philosophy he's lived at work and in the community over the years. The "corporate social responsibility" lessons learned matched his belief in giving back. He is currently Chairman of the Board of the Edmonton YMCA and of the Boyle Renaissance Development Association. He served previously with the United Way Campaign Cabinet (Edmonton) and Women Building Futures, and was the driving force behind the creation of the Canadian Centre for Welding and Joining at the University of Alberta. "It's very humbling to receive this award," he says. "I do what I do because there's a need - and I've worked with some phenomenal people."

Rising Star Award
Melanie Kowal
Kenora, Ont.

Melanie Kowal's 2009 Bachelor of Science - Human Science degree enabled her to fulfill a lifelong dream: going to medical school to become a family physician. Her passion plus AU's flexibility enabled her to work full-time as a dental hygienist, be a wife and mother, volunteer at a hospital and train horses for a support program for people with disabilities, all while earning top marks as a student. "If you really want to do something, you can," she says. "And I did thanks to AU. They had high expectations and it was a lot of work, but it's made me a better and more independent student, and that's definitely beneficial for what I'm doing now. I'm so proud of my degree."

Volunteer Service Award
Jimm Simon
Stonewall, Man.

The knowledge Jimm Simon gained through his Master of Business Administration degree in 2001 is proving as valuable to his volunteer work in the community as it is in business. The Principal Consultant for Aimm North Heritage Tourism Consulting, Simon has volunteered in a variety of leadership capacities for more than 25 years and is the Past National Board Chair and Honorary Life Member of the Canadian Cancer Society. "I wouldn't have had the opportunity to make this kind of real, tangible impact if I didn't have my MBA," he says. "It's been life-altering. I'm honoured to receive this award because it motivates me to work hard, fight cancer and help people - and if it helps inspire others to do the same, that's even better."

Future Alumni Award
Heather Ruhl
Edmonton, Alta.

As a student, Heather Ruhl balanced full- and part-time work, her wedding and building a new home while completing her Bachelor of Commerce degree. Her proven ability to handle high pressure and an even higher workload is proving valuable as she starts a new job as a Business Process Management Analyst at ATB Financial. "At the time when I needed it most, AU was there for me," she says, appreciative of the "yes, we can do that" attitude that defined her relationship with the University. "It is truly humbling to have people look at what I've done and say it's worthy of recognition and that I'll go on to do great things," she says of the award. "I can't even describe how immensely flattering it is."

 

For more information, contact:
Tara Friesen
Manager, Alumni Relations and Philanthropy
403-295-7319
tfriesen@athabascau.ca

 

< back to news

Updated August 21, 2012