Thompson Life Magazine’s third annual Power 50 list hit news stands last week and includes 13 faculty, administrators, students, alumni and coaches from Thompson Rivers University
“Wow that is impressive, ” said Andrea Byrne, Associate Publisher and Managing Editor of Thompson Life In Motion, when asked to comment on TRU’s 13. “Thompson Life’s Annual Power 50 Most Influential List is not only an honour to have been chosen for, but is something for others to strive towards. Each candidate has made a tremendous contribution to our community by going above and beyond their everyday making Kamloops and area a better place to live
“These people are nominated by their peers and community throughout the year and contribute to the future of this region. They made significant strides in 2008 and this is why they cannot go unnoticedWe shortlist thousands of names that have been nominated and chose who we feel best represent the area.”
Kathleen Scherf, President and Vice-Chancellor was named to number four on the list after only six short months in Kamloops. Dr. Scherf was recognized for adding spirit and enthusiasm to TRU’s United Way Campaign and for joining the local United Way board to break regional records for next year
At number 10, Bernadette Siracky is the executive director of the Kamloops Food BankA teacher specializing in learning disabilities she has worked as a consultant for the Alberta College of Art and Design, School District 73 and TRU.
Jann Baily made number 13 in the top 50, but TRU gave her its highest honour in 2008, an Honorary Degree for her work with the Kamloops Art Gallery.
Terry Lake, at number 15, is the former Kamloops mayor that is about to take a run for MLA in the upcoming provincial electionLake’s original move to Kamloops was for a faculty position in TRU’s Animal Health Technology program.
Number 30 is Hank Bangma, a Residential Trades Instructor that has been recognized as one of BC’s most influential residential construction people. His first-year carpentry students have been building a Y-Dream home every year for the last nineWhen he’s not teaching trades Bangma sits on the Provincial Carpentry Articulation Committee and contributes to industry textbooks
She may be 31st on this list but Jeanette Murray is one of only 16 nurses in BC to be given the Canadian Nurses Association Centennial Award. A member of TRU’s faculty for 30 years, Murray has been involved with nursing and nursing education at many levels.
The founder of the Big Little Science Centre Gordon Gore was number 32. In 2007 Gore was awarded Doctor of Letters, honoris causa by the university for his contributions to science education.
Jo Berry is a well-known motivator of movement and placed 34 for her work spearheading the annual Daily News Boogie the Bridge runIn 2008 Berry received the TRU BSW Grace Chorister Distinguished Alumni Award for her efforts and “Movement is Change” philosophy.Berry graduated from the BSW program in 2000
At number 36 is Sean Wallace, WolfPack Men’s Soccer coach. Wallace has been involved in the college/university soccer programs in Kamloops for over 25 years. In 2008 he was awarded 2008 Soccer Coach of the Year by the BC Colleges’ Athletic Association
Eric Schweizer ranked 37. Retiring as WolfPack Women’s Soccer coach after 35 years, his head coaching record is 48 wins, 17 losses and 14 draws. Schweizer was named as BC Colleges’ Athletic Association’s 2008 Coach of the Year in 2008
Former Dean Ralph Finch was recognized at number 39 for his years at the helm of the School of Trades & Technologies enthusiastically promoting the trades as a viable, honourable career choice for young men and women.
Position 44 on the list went to student athlete Shantelle CooperThe WolfPack soccer goalie was named as the player of the year in 2008 by the BC Colleges’ Athletic Association
Dylan Matheson, a 20-year-old full-time Architectural & Engineering Technology student volunteers his time to coaching high school football at Westsyde Secondary when he’s not playing wide receiver for the Broncos. Giving back earned Matheson the number 50 spot on Thompson Life’s Third Annual Power 50
See the full Power 50 List.
Contact: Christopher Seguin, VP Advancement, (p) 250-852-6357
