Source: St. Mary's University
http://www.smu.ca/newsreleases/2006/10-25-25-25-2006.html This one is for you Dick! University announces Dick MacLean Leadership AwardOctober 25, 2006 Santamarians and friends of the University took the time today to celebrate the life of Richard (Dick) MacLean. At a special ceremony held in the Unilever Executive Lounge on the fourth floor of the Sobey Building, droves of people turned out for the big event which also marked the launch of the Dick MacLean Leadership Award at Saint Mary’s. More than $133,000 in gifts and pledges were raised this past year in honour of Dick who passed away on September 19, 2005. The first recipient of the award is Erik Glavic, a student pursuing his Bachelor of Commerce Degree through the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s. Glavic is also a Quarterback with the Huskies Football Team. Family members — Ted MacLean (BA ’94 and BEd '95)), Richard MacLean (BA ’90), and wife Carol (Assoc. ’05) — spoke at today’s event. Grandson Theo also had the chance to say a few words to the audience. Other speakers included Dr. Michael Larsen (BA ’66), former Dean of Arts and current professor of English, Dr. Dave Murphy (BA ’66), Director of the Athletics and Recreation Department, and Dr. Terry Murphy (BA ’68), Vice President (Academic and Research). "When the committee began sharing ideas of what we could do to honour my Dad it was an easy decision," said Richard. "He loved education, football, and Saint Mary’s, so in this spirit we committed to establishing an endowment, the interest of which would fund an annual award in perpetuity." Richard underscored the efforts of those on the committee who worked hard in making the Dick MacLean Leadership Award a reality. "I want to personally thank Dr. Garnett Brown, my brother Ted, my mother Carol, George McLellan, Kevin Hamm, Gregg Curwin, Stephen Dempsey, Don Moors, Wayne Kirk, David Sykes, Dennis Readon, Wayne Adams and Gerald Doucet for their tireless help," said Richard. "The support from everyone has touched our family deeply," he added. Carol stated, "From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank everyone for coming today and for supporting the Dick MacLean Leadership Award, which will only benefit the students of Saint Mary’s." Dick graduated from Saint Mary’s with a Master of Arts (MA) Degree, and was one of the University’s most active alumni. Dick served as a passionate ambassador for Saint Mary’s, working on behalf of the Alumni Association, Athletics and Recreation, and in support of the University’s strategic directions and fundraising. In 2003, he was appointed to the Board of Governors where he embraced the opportunity to help shape the future of his alma mater. An acclaimed educator and stalwart supporter of his community, Dick contributed his time and talents to a wide variety of organizations and initiatives. After a rewarding 27-year career as a principal in the Halifax District School Board, including nearly 20 years at Bloomfield School where he instituted the city’s first hot lunch program, he accepted a position as special assistant to the Mayor of the Halifax Regional Municipality in 1996. A well-known and highly respected political strategist for many decades, Dick held this position until 2000 while continuing his volunteer efforts on behalf of numerous charitable and community initiatives. In semi-retirement, he took on a new challenge in 2001, traveling for extended periods to Campeche, Mexico where he and Carol taught English as a Second Language. Dick demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to community service, as evidenced by his involvement in a diverse cross-section of organizations. He served as Chair of the Halifax-Mexico Community Alliance, the Nova Scotia Boxing Authority, the Halifax Housing Authority, the Halifax City Recreation Committee, the International Youth Gaelic Boxing Group, Nova Scotia Wheelchair Sports, and as Co-Chair of the Halifax Residential Tenancies Board. At the national level, he was President of the Canadian Amateur Boxing Association, Vice-President of the Canadian Professional Boxing Association, and a member of the Federal Royal Commission Task Force on Boxing. Dick also served as representative of the Commonwealth Games Boxing organization, as Canada’s Olympic Boxing representative in 1980 and 1984 and, in the United States, as Consultant to the White House Presidential Advisory Board, Olympic Boycott, in 1980. In light of his extensive contributions to the sport, Dick was inducted into the Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame in 2000. In recognition of his many philanthropic and community efforts, Dick has been a recipient of the Nova Scotia Community Volunteer award, the City of Halifax Award for Outstanding Service, and the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association Award of Merit. Saint Mary's University is known for its community outreach projects, both in Canada and around the world. Saint Mary's, founded in 1802, is home to one of Canada's leading business schools, a Science Faculty widely known for its cutting-edge research, a comprehensive and innovative Arts Faculty and a vibrant Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. -30- For More Information: Paul Fitzgerald
Public Affairs Officer
Saint Mary's University, Public Affairs
(902) 420.5514
E-mail: paul.fitzgerald@smu.ca
www.smu.ca
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