2004 Alumni Tribute Award Recipients
Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Robert Roberts, B.Sc.’61
Dr. Robert Roberts is a world expert on familial cardiac disease and
a cofounder of molecular cardiology. He is one of the world's 50 most
cited authors. And he's been named one of 's Top Ten Doctors for 13
consecutive years. In recognition of the remarkable trail he's blazed
in the medical world, Memorial's alumni association names him the
2004 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
A native of Grole, Newfoundland, Dr. Roberts is the president, CEO
and chief scientific officer of the University of Ottawa Heart
Institute.
A founder of molecular cardiology, he's a leading contributor in the
identification of genes responsible for heart disease. Dr. Roberts
developed what is now the standard international procedure to
diagnose heart attacks. In recognition of his scientific contribution
he received the Distinguished Scientist of the Year award from the
American College of Cardiology in 1998 and the Award of Meritorious
Achievement from the American Heart Association in 2001. He served as
NASA's lead cardiology consultant on the John Glenn space flight. And
he has served as cardiologist to the world's royalty.
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, the Royal
Society of Medicine in London, the European Society of Cardiology and
the American College of Physicians all include his name among their
most honoured fellowships.
In addition to his brilliant research, Dr. Roberts leads several
national and international bodies. He was chair of the Committee on
Molecular Genetics and Bioethics. He has chaired committees for the
American Heart Association. And he serves on several international
research advisory committees.
Dr. Roberts is on the editorial boards of most American and
international cardiovascular journals. He has co-authored several
medical textbooks including The Heart, one of the world's two major
textbooks on heart disease.
Horizon Award
Krysta Rudofsky,
BA ’00
As a young girl Krysta Rudofsky entertained anyone who'd listen. In
high school she performed with the award-winning Holy Heart of Mary
Chamber Choir in Vienna . And Ms. Rudofsky has been active with many
community theatre productions. But through all this she was preparing
for a career in television.
In 1995 she hosted a one-hour CBC special and produced a short
Newsworld documentary. As a student she volunteered for the community
channel and produced and hosted several award winning programs. In
2001, Ms. Rudofsky stepped onto the "rooftop" when Rogers Television
launched Out of the Fog. An instant hit with viewers, this unique
show is a platform for local performers and a forum for local issues.
Ms. Rudofsky is now senior program producer.
A skilled professional with a passion for her community, Ms Rudofsky
has built a reputation as one of the most influential people in
Newfoundland television. And She has proven herself on the national
stage as a professional bilingual host for such events as the Viking
2000 arrival of the Islandingur.
Ms. Rudofsky is particularly interested in inspiring young women to
success. In 2001, she received the YMCA-YWCA Young Woman of
Distinction Award for her community work.
Outstanding Community Service Award
William Dixon, BA(Ed.)’62, BA ’73
After Advocate Mines closed in the 1970's, putting 700 people out of
work, Baie Verte Mayor Bill Dixon helped set up and served on a task
force that successfully re-opened the mines and supported the
creation of several new small businesses.
But Mr. Dixon's volunteer service for the people of Baie Verte didn't
stop there. He took a lead role in many community-based groups
including chair of the Community Futures Committee, executive member
of the local Kinsmen Club, and board member for several organizations
including the Emerald Business Development Corporation, the regional
health board and the central health foundation.
After retiring as principal of R. T. Harvey Elementary School , Mr.
Dixon served as school board member and chair of the District Five
School Board. He oversaw the restructuring and amalgamation of the
regional school boards. Mr. Dixon was also an active executive member
of the Minor Hockey Association and president of the Rattling Brook
Curling Club.
Bill Dixon's dedication and volunteer service on the Baie Verte
Peninsula is an inspiration to everyone. Most community-based
organizations in the area have benefited from his vision, involvement
and leadership.
Outstanding Professional Achievement
Award
Dr. Leonard Williams, BA ’66, BA (Ed.)’66
Dr. Leonard Williams' leadership and vision have earned him the
highest respect among his colleagues and in his community. A member
of the Order of, a recipient of many awards, Dr. Williams has set a
very high standard of professional achievement.
He served as president of the Newfoundland Teachers' Association and
the Canadian Teachers' Federation and helped improve the professional
lives of teachers locally, nationally and internationally.
As director of student teaching at Memorial, he introduced teaching
internship in rural areas and strengthened the university’s
ties with the school districts.
His work as co-chair of the provincial Educational Delivery in the
Classroom Panel resulted in accessibility for more students to
programs particularly in rural areas and enhanced teaching and
classroom support.
As chair of the Royal Commission on Primary, Elementary and Secondary
Education and as deputy minister of education, he implemented
significant reforms. He played a lead role in implementing
non-denominational education; school governance and community
involvement; and curriculum reform.
Dr. Williams’ career is enhanced by his ability to engage
people in positive change for education. These efforts are rooted in
his strongly held values of family, community and faith.
J. D. Eaton Award
Kevin Smith, BA’71, BA (Ed)’71, M.Ed.’76
For many alumni Kevin Smith is the face of Memorial University . As
director of Alumni Affairs and Development for 15 years, he raised
the profile of the alumni association and introduced alumni
services.
Many alumni recall Mr. Smith’s warm welcome for new students at
the start of each semester, and his equally warm welcome for new
alumni at convocation. And while these activities were part of his
duty, Mr. Smith performed them with a genuine spirit that appealed to
others.
Mr. Smith passed on his love for Memorial to generations of alumni
and friends of the university. His three daughters are Memorial
graduates. The volunteers who worked with him recall that no task or
request was too great or too small for "Kevin." They knew they could
rely on him to get things done.
During his tenure Mr. Smith spent countless hours seeking donations
that helped fund scholarships and awards. In response, alumni,
faculty, staff and friends of Memorial increased their annual
financial support. Through it all, Mr. Smith’s motto was that
the success of any alumni event is measured not just by the funds,
but by the friends it raises for Memorial.