On October 20, an anthropologist, social worker, military historian and an economist will be recognized for their outstanding achievements at TRU’s Distinguished Alumni Awards, which honour TRU alumni who have distinguished themselves in their careers and community endeavours.
Dr. Jetta Elsebeth Ashlee is an anthropologist and author that has worked extensively researching northern indigenous people. She wrote “Four Generations of an Arctic Family set in Four Historical Periods” for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and has had numerous articles published in academic journals. Her book, “An Artic Epic: The Story of How an Idea Influenced a Family” is about to be published. She brings her wealth of writing and research experience to “explorations in life writing” , the course she designed and teaches at TRU Williams Lake.
Coryn Smith is a social worker who works tirelessly to support people struggling with addictions in Kamloops, Merritt and Clearwater. Cogi, as she is known to her friends and family, is an active advocate for the improvement of life and well-being of families, community and society at large and is described as a true role model and mentor to others.
Mark Zuehlke is a former community news reporter that was inspired by a Remembrance Day interview with a WWII veteran to change careers. Zuehlke is considered to be one of Canada’s pre-eminent writers of military history. On May 1 this year he was recognized by the Canadian Authors Association with the Lela Common Award for Canadian History for 2007 for his excellence in writing For Honour’s Sake; The War of 1812 and Brokering of an Uneasy Peace.
Dr. André LeDressay, from TRU’s Department of Economics, is being recognized as this year’s Honourary Alumnus. The founder and director of the local firm Fiscal Realities Inc., LeDressay and his company have established an annual award to TRU’s top economic student and regularly hires alumni to work as research economists to help First Nations peoples realize self-governance through tax systems, investments and finance. He’s assisted with the development of the federal legislation creating the First Nations Statistical Group, creating a land title system and provides valuable information about First Nation labour statistics.
Friends, family and associates of the winners along with the general public are invited to attend the Distinguished Alumni Awards banquet. Tickets are $75 per `person, available by calling 250-371-5711.
For more information, please contact Nancy Plett, Executive Director, TRU Alumni Association, at 250-828-5267
