2003 Recipients
Robert Stollery
Edmonton’s Robert Stollery, construction giant, philanthropist and Athabasca University 2003 honorary degree recipient, can’t emphasize enough the importance of life-long learning.
“In today’s world, anyone in a position to lead must count on continuing their education for as long as they are in the work force,” says Stollery. “It’s not an option – it’s a necessity.”
On June 13, the man whose generosity has improved the lives of residents of Edmonton and surrounding communities will attend Athabasca University’s Convocation ceremony for graduate students to accept an honorary Doctor of Laws. He says it is a privilege to be receiving an honorary degree from an institution devoted to breaking down barriers to higher learning.
“It certainly is a pleasure for anyone to hear they have been chosen to receive an Honorary Degree,” Stollery said, “and to receive this degree from Athabasca University – Canada’s No. 1 distance learning institution – is special, indeed.”
According to Athabasca University president Dr. Dominique Abrioux, the honour belongs to Athabasca University.
“It is a pleasure to be associated with someone whose personal mandate so parallels that of Athabasca University,” Abrioux said. “While Athabasca University works hard to improve individual lives through learning, Mr. Stollery has given so much of himself for the health, education and lives of his neighbours.”
As one of the leading forces behind the PCL Construction Group Ltd., Stollery was instrumental in making that firm the largest construction company in Canada. He is also generous with his time, energy, and resources, giving to an extensive list of worthy causes in Alberta and Canada. Many of the organizations to which Mr. Stollery has contributed his time and talents have honoured him by bearing his name, such as the Stollery Children's Hospital, the Stollery Centre of the University of Alberta, and the Stollery Women's Pavilion at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.
Vicki Gabereau
Vicki Gabereau will be among old friends and neighbours when she attends Athabasca University’s undergraduate Convocation ceremony, June 14, to accept an honorary Doctor of Letters.
The sassy host of CTV’s Vicki Gabereau has a long history with the Town of Athabasca, including serving as an ambassador for the Athabasca Heritage Society, a role that led to her to being a participant in the town’s Trans Canada Trail Relay in March 19, 2000.
In her years as Canada’s venerated “Queen of Gab,” Gabereau has made fast friends of all Canadians, introducing them to over 15,000 of the world’s most colourful, accomplished and celebrated personalities.
Gabereau’s own life fits the profile of those she has interviewed in her long career with CBC Radio, and since 1997 with her show, Vicki Gabereau, on CTV.
She is a recipient of the Jack Award, named for its first recipient, Jack McClelland. The award honours individuals within the Canadian publishing industry or media, who have significantly contributed to the promotion of Canadian authors and books. She is also a several-times Leo Award winner and Gemini nominee, and has published two books – an autobiography and a recipe collection called “Cooking without Looking.”
Gabereau is an active participant in the community, too, serving on the board of the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards, The Canadian Civil Liberties Association and the Hnatyshyn Foundation.
“Ms. Gabereau is entwined in Canadian culture and consciousness,” says Athabasca University president, Dominique Abrioux. "Athabasca University is delighted she has agreed to lend her warmth, wit and grace to one of the most important days of our year."
Updated August 09, 2024 by Digital & Web Operations, University Relations (web_services@athabascau.ca)