Strong Western connection to YMCA Women of Excellence awards

Print

By Communications Staff
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Once again, some of The University of Western Ontario's top women have made an impact in their community with the announcement of the 2011 YMCA of Western Ontario Women of Excellence awards.
 
Helen Connell, Associate Vice-President (Communications and Public Affairs), Nicole Turner, second-year King’s University College student, Judith Rodger, former acting director of the McIntosh Gallery and Ramona Lumpkin, former principal of Huron University College will be honored at a May 3 gala dinner, part of a larger group of extraordinary women in the community who are inspiring for many in their chosen field.
 
Also being honoured will be Ruthe Anne Conyngham, Donna Bourne, Tessa Virtue, Sandy Whittall and Christine Nesbitt, whose father Wayne is a professor in Earth Sciences.
 
Tickets for the May 3 dinner are available by calling 519-667-2356 or online at womenofexcellence.ca. Proceeds from the Gala will support the YMCA’s Strong Kids program, which helps provide access to YMCA camps, programs and services for children and families regardless of their inability to pay.  
 
The 2011 YMCA of Western Ontario Women of Excellence awards are:
 
Business, Professions & Trades - Helen Connell
 
The Associate Vice-President (Communications and Public Affairs) for The University of Western Ontario, Connell also sits on the Board of the London Health Sciences Centre. Recognized for her work as a social policy advocate and columnist, Connell authors a weekly column highlighting social policy issues of concern to London and the country. Through her many board appointments, Connell’s focus has been on helping others to be the best that they can be and on improving quality of life issues in our community.
 
Community, Volunteerism & Humanity - Ruthe Anne Conyngham
 
A dedicated volunteer, Conyngham found her passion for health care with her appointment to the Board of St. Joseph’s Health Care in 1999. Conyngham has since provided leadership focused on building partnerships and creating strategies to ensure that London is positioned to deliver superior health care. Conyngham has gained a reputation as a tireless health care advocate and has demonstrated her leadership strength in health care advocacy and policy development at a provincial and national level.  
 
Sport, Fitness & Recreation - Donna Bourne
 
As an avid golfer, tennis player and skier, these interests have inspired much of Bourne’s rich volunteer contributions. A physical education teacher for many years, Bourne recognized the need for leadership training programs for youth. Working with the London Community Foundation, Bourne was instrumental in developing and implementing the London Sports Leadership Program which provides training for youth from vulnerable communities to obtain nationally recognized coaching certification.  
 
Young Woman of Excellence - Nicole Turner
 
Turner is in her second year at King’s University College and hopes to become a social worker. Though Turner has been met with many challenges throughout her life, she has succeeded in balancing her studies with a number of community and advocacy roles for people with disabilities. Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Turner works with Girls Helping Girls to develop focus groups comprised of girls and young women with disabilities to learn more about pressures and daily challenges.  
 
Arts, Culture & Heritage - Judith Rodger
 
Applauded for her imaginative and innovative programming, along with her tremendous contributions to art and culture, Rodger has imbued audiences, students and colleagues with the power and potential of visual arts. As the Acting Director of the McIntosh Gallery at The University of Western Ontario, Rodger was instrumental in the development and implementation of community based art initiatives designed to attract, instruct and delight audiences.  
 
Outstanding Achievement Award - Tessa Virtue
 
Virtue has gained international recognition and acclaim for her artistry, musicality, and grace on the ice alongside her partner Scott Moir. At the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games, Virtue and Scott shattered world records becoming the only Canadian, or North American, ice dance team to win the Olympic Gold Medal, the youngest dance team to win the Olympics as well as the first and only dance team to win a Gold medal on home ice.  
 
Education, Training & Development - Ramona Lumpkin
 
Fueled by a strong conviction that the benefits of attaining an education belong to everyone, Lumpkin’s career achievements in the field of adult education and training have been various and distinguished. During her time as Principal of Huron University College, Lumpkin promoted “community-based learning” programs and encouraged students to become better educated and more engaged citizens by combining academic study in the classroom with service learning in the community.  
 
Health, Science & Technology - Sandy Whittall
 
As the Integrated Vice President, Mental Health Services for London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care, Whittall is an advocate for mental health issues. She has promoted a shift in the culture of mental health care service and has played a pivotal role in the transformation of mental heath care in Ontario. Her commitment to health care extends to her volunteerism in the community where she leads with tireless commitment.  
 
Outstanding Achievement Award - Christine Nesbitt
 
Nesbitt began her skating career as a hockey player with the London Devilettes but realizing her passion for speed skating, quickly switched gears and by the age of 13 was competing in national speed skating competitions. In 2005, Nesbitt earned a spot on the Canadian speed skating team where she continued to gain recognition for her devotion and success in the sport. At the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, Nesbitt captivated audiences when she won the gold medal in the 1000m race, winning by 2/100ths of a second.

Also from this web page:

About

Hours

Weekdays
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(holidays excluded)

Contact

Publisher:
Helen Connell (hconnell@uwo.ca)

Editor:
Jason Winders (newseditor@uwo.ca)

Reporter/Photographer:
Paul Mayne (pmayne@uwo.ca)

Reporter/Photographer:
Heather Travis (htravis2@uwo.ca)

Advertising Coordinator:
Denise Jones (advertise@uwo.ca)

Off-Campus Advertising Sales:
Chris Amyot, Campus Ad (campusad@sympatico.ca)

National Advertising Representative:
Campus Plus

Phone:
519-661-2045

Fax:
519-661-3921

Mail:
Western News, Suite 360
Westminster Hall
The University of Western Ontario, London N6A 3K7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Western provides the best student experience among Canada's leading research-intensive universities.