University honours its best at new, combined awards event

UVic has a lot to applaud. From alumni to educators, athletics to academics, the achievements are many. And this November, the university and the community will celebrate them at the first annual Legacy Awards.

UVic, the Alumni Association and the department of athletics and recreation are organizing the Nov. 4 event, which will combine awards that had previously been presented on separate nights at various campus venues. This year, the special night takes place in the Crystal Ballroom at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.

“The Legacy Awards are a way to honour alumni, professors and athletes in a unified and prestigious way,” says Don Jones, director of alumni affairs. “Holding the event off-campus and downtown is a way of saying we’re part of this community and that Victoria is invited to be proud of what UVic’s doing.”

Presentation of the Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching, the Distinguished Alumni Awards and the first inductions into the UVic Sports Hall of Fame will be feature events during the evening.

“Graduates, educators and athletes have done great things,” says Jones, “and the Legacy Awards reflects on the quality of the institution and of the people associated with UVic.”

Dr. David Lai, a geography professor who has taught at UVic for more than 34 years, will receive the Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Canadian pianist Eve Egoyan will receive the Distinguished Alumna Award for her achievement in fine arts, while Dr. Erick Mohr, founder of CroMedical Global Inc., will be honoured with the Distinguished Alumnus award for leadership in business for his work in health care. Reverend Walter McLean, a former politician, Canadian diplomat and CUSO co-ordinator, will receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award for a lifetime of achievement.

Lorne Loomer, former Olympian and founder of UVic’s rowing program, will be inducted into the UVic Sports Hall of Fame as a builder, as will the late Wally Milligan, who was the founding coach of the UVic’s men’s soccer team. Coach Ken Shields, who is known as the most successful coach in the history of Canadian university men’s basketball, will be inducted as a coach, as will Kathy Shields, who coached an unprecedented eight CIS championship women’s teams. Gareth Rees, a former UVic rugby player who led Canada into four World Cup tournaments, will be inducted as an athlete.

The Legacy Awards will raise funds for student scholarships and athletics awards. Tickets are $100 and are available online at <alumni.uvic.ca/legacyawards/>. Future Ring articles will feature more in-depth profiles of award recipients.