Source: York University
http://www.yorku.ca/mediar/archive/Release.asp?Release=1166 Annual Bryden Awards celebrate York U. Alumni accomplishmentsNovember 9, 2006 Five alumni recognized for their outstanding achievements TORONTO, November 9, 2006 -- Five York University alumni, including the Toronto Star’s Chantal Hebert, will be recognized for their outstanding achievements and special contributions since graduating from the University at the annual Bryden Alumni Awards dinner this evening in Toronto. Those being honoured include: Chantal Hébert (BA ’76), bilingual national affairs columnist for The Toronto Star , Chandra Siddan (BEd ’03), filmmaker and community activist; Andrew Craig (BFA ’93), a highly-accomplished performer, director, producer and rising star on Canada’s musical scene; Aiden Flatley (BA ’78), currently volunteering as the Annual Fund Chair of York’s 50th Anniversary Fundraising Campaign; John Lennox (BA ’67), serving York through leadership with its United Way appeal, and director of its Graduate and Canadian Studies. "These five exceptional individuals have distinguished themselves in fields ranging from news reporting to film, music, community activism, academic scholarship, and business," said York’s executive director of Alumni and Advancement Services, Naguib Gouda (MBA ’84). "York graduates are making a difference in the world and this year’s winners very clearly demonstrate that our alumni influence the lives of all Canadians." The awards ceremony, taking place at The Design Exchange, will be hosted by CBC Radio’s, and York alumna, Barbara Budd (BA ’74) and will include a performance by Bryden Award recipient Andrew Craig and special musical guest Molly Johnson. The Bryden Awards are named after the late Bruce Bryden (BA ’64), founder of the York University Alumni Association (YUAA) and the first alumni Chair of the York University Board of Governors. The awards recognize a variety of contributions and accomplishments in categories that include: "Redefine the Possible", Outstanding Contribution, One-to-Watch, Local Hero, and the Pinnacle Achievement award. Past recipients of Bryden Awards have included the likes of CTV’s Sandie Rinaldo (BA ’73); Astronaut Steve MacLean (BSc ’77, PhD ’83, DSc (Hon.) ’93); president and CEO of Bell Globemedia, Ivan Fecan (BA '01); former Ontario premier Ernie Eves (LLB ’70); and former federal cabinet minister David Collenette (BA ’69). York University is the leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university in Canada. York offers a modern, academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate level in Toronto, Canada’s most international city. The third largest university in the country, York is host to a dynamic academic community of 50,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, as well as 190,000 alumni worldwide. York’s 11 faculties and 23 research centres conduct ambitious, groundbreaking research that is interdisciplinary, cutting across traditional academic boundaries. This distinctive and collaborative approach is preparing students for the future and bringing fresh insights and solutions to real-world challenges. York University is an autonomous, not-for-profit corporation. Contact: Keith Marnoch Media Relations (416) 736-2100 ext. 22091 marnoch@yorku.ca 2006 Bryden Alumni Award Winners Chantal Hébert, BA ’76 (Glendon) Pinnacle Achievement Chantal Hébert is a renowned bilingual national affairs writer for The Toronto Star and Le Devoir, and a political commentator who has appeared on leading television and radio news programs, including CBC Television’s "The National." Hébert’s outstanding work has earned her the 2006 Hyman Solomon Award for Excellence in Public Policy Journalism, presented by the Public Policy Forum, and the 2005 APEX Public Service Award. Aidan Flatley, BA ’78 Outstanding Contribution Aidan Flatley is a consummate leader, hands-on volunteer, and generous benefactor whose contributions to York University are truly exceptional. He is a member of the York University Foundation Board of Directors, and is currently volunteering as the Annual Fund Chair of York’s 50th Anniversary Fundraising Campaign. Flatley is a partner in one of Ontario’s top building contractors, Kenaidan Contracting Ltd., whose recent projects include the Schulich School of Business and the Honour Court & Information Centre. Chandra Siddan(ayappa), BEd ’03 Redefine the Possible Chandra Siddan is a community organizer, filmmaker, and the founder and coordinator of the Regent Park Film Festival. Her imaginative work in arts and education, and the inspired way she has dedicated herself to working in Regent Park, has made a unique contribution to Toronto’s cultural life. She has earned the Tony Stoltz Completion Award for the work in progress "Remembrance of Things Present", and press coverage in The Toronto Star, Metro, and in India’s national newspaper, The Hindu. Siddan is the first graduate from the Faculty of Education to receive a Bryden Alumni Award. Andrew Craig, BFA ’93 The One-to-Watch Andrew Craig is a highly accomplished musician, vocalist, and media personality, whose exceptional work as a performer, musical director, producer, and host has earned his recognition as a rising star on Canada’s musical scene. He has twice performed for Nelson Mandela, and has toured with Molly Johnson and Ashley MacIsaac. He has also performed with world renowned Wynton Marsalis, and worked behind the scenes on "Canadian Idol." He is also the voice behind CBC Radio Two’s flagship show "In Performance" – a position he has held since November, 2004. Craig recently served as MC at the opening of the new Recital Hall and is a member of the FFA Advisory Council. John Lennox, BA ‘67 Local Hero Professor John Lennox is an early graduate of York who returned in the mid 1970s after earning an MA at the Université de Sherbrooke and a PhD from the University of New Brunswick. Throughout his career, he has been continuously involved in service to the University, acting in such roles as the United Way Leadership Chair, the Director of the Graduate program in English, and the Director of the Robarts Centre for Canadian Studies. He is an institutional treasure, whose accomplishments as the Academic Convenor for the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences demonstrate his ability to lead and inspire others. Professor Lennox is an outstanding scholar, and was the recipient of the Governor General’s International Award for Canadian Studies in 2000.
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