Dr.Gary McPherson领导力奖学金将授予艾伯塔学生
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June 23, 2010
Dr. Gary McPherson leadership scholarship to benefit Alberta's next generation of leaders
Edmonton... Alberta post-secondary students demonstrating outstanding leadership or initiative to improve the conditions and lives of all Albertans will soon be eligible to receive a Dr. Gary McPherson leadership scholarship. Approximately 100 scholarships will be available to students across Campus Alberta starting in 2011.
The leadership scholarship is being established to commemorate Dr. Gary McPherson’s lifelong dedication as a leader, advocate and role model for Albertans and Canadians.
“Dr. Gary McPherson was an inspiration for all Albertans. He overcame a permanent disability, taught hundreds of students at the University of Alberta and served as a disabled rights advocate, among his other notable achievements,” said Premier Ed Stelmach. “Through this scholarship, our government is proud to honour his legacy and impact as one of Alberta’s greatest citizens who saw ability, not disability, and who sought out opportunities to help our next generation of young leaders.”
The scholarship will award students who demonstrate strong leadership with up to $2,000 each to support their post-secondary learning. Students at each of the 26 post-secondary institutions across the province will be eligible to receive the scholarship, based on a nomination from their institution. The scholarship will be awarded annually starting in 2011.
"Gary did more with his short 64 years than most could do in three lifetimes, despite his disability," said long-time friend and business partner Dr. Robert Steadward. "He was an inspiration to so many, and now this scholarship will ensure his story continues to inspire young Albertans for generations to come."
For more information on the scholarships available in Alberta, visit www.alis.alberta.ca.
Editor’s note: A video featuring Premier Stelmach announcing the scholarship as part of a recent memorial for Dr. McPherson is available at www.alberta.ca .
Backgrounders: Dr. Gary McPherson biography and scholarship details
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Allia Sabir, Communications,
Advanced Education and Technology
780-644-2068, allia.sabir@gov.ab.ca
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
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Dr. Gary McPherson Biography
Dr. Gary McPherson, born in Edson in 1946, was an extraordinary Albertan who sought to improve the conditions and lives of people through his outstanding leadership ability. Diagnosed with polio in 1955, McPherson spent 34 years at the University of Alberta Hospital before moving into the community where he married and raised two children.
Throughout his life, McPherson was a sports enthusiast, serving as President of the Edmonton Paralympic Sports Association and the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association and an Adjunct Professor with the Faculty of Physical Education at the University of Alberta. He was also a leader and advocate for the disabled community serving as Chair of the Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities, Chair of the Board of Directors of The Steadward Centre for Personal and Physical Achievement and Vice-Chair of the Alberta Paraplegic Foundation. He was also the Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Social Entrepreneurship in the School of Business at the University of Alberta.
Over a lifetime of achievements, he was inducted into both the Edmonton and Alberta sports halls of fame; named as one of the Top 100 Contributors to Sport in Alberta over the past century; and, received the Order of Canada, the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and the Alberta Order of Excellence.He was also awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Alberta and was named one of the top 100 Edmontonians of the Century.
Dr. Gary McPherson married Valerie Kamitomo in 1988. Together they raised a daughter, Keiko and a son, Jamie. Above all, he dedicated his life to his family as a father and husband and to activities that promoted community development and support for young people. In April, he discovered that he had cancer. He passed away on Saturday, May 8 at age 63.
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Allia Sabir, Communications,
Advanced Education and Technology
780-644-2068, allia.sabir@gov.ab.ca
