Dr. Roger Barnsley (middle) receives a Community Achievement Award from the provincial government. Also in the photo: (left to right) Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development and Steven L. Point, OBC, Lieutenant Governor of B.C.
Former TRU president Dr. Roger Barnsley received a B.C. Community Achievement Award on April 24 from the provincial government for his leadership in expanding TRU as a university and for creating an internationally-recognized university.
Also honoured was David Dickson, a member of TRU’s Board of Governors. He lives in Williams Lake. As Safer Communities Coordinator with the Williams Lake RCMP, he has helped reduce crime through crime prevention programs.
The awards were announced in March of this year.
The following paragraphs from the Government of B.C. website explain why each was honoured…
DR. ROGER BARNSLEY
A visionary educator, Dr. Roger Barnsley provided leadership for the growth and success of Thompson Rivers University (TRU). His substantial achievements as president and vice-chancellor include the transition of TRU into an internationally recognized university, the expansion of the BC Open University Distance curriculum, the support for Aboriginal learning and the recognition of Kamloops as a modern university city.
DAVID DICKSON
David Dickson is committed to the safety of the citizens of Williams Lake. As Safer Communities Coordinator working with the Williams Lake RCMP, David has initiated and expanded programs that have positively contributed to the reduction in crime in the area. As well, David is the director of the Williams Lake Emergency Support Services Team and serves as a Governor on the Board of Thompson Rivers University.
AMBO DHALIWAL
Also recognized with a BC Service Award is Ambo Dhaliwal. She has spent decades building bridges between diverse communities. A founding member of the Kamloops Multicultural Society, she was among the first to see the importance of providing integration services for new Indo-Canadians and continues to work foster multiculturalism as a part of healthy community. She is a generous TRU donor, a Gala Committee organizer, a TRU Foundation member and a key contact for the Saba Dhaliwal Memorial Bursary.
