University of Regina alumnus John Hewson, a well known Australian economist, businessman and politician who narrowly missed becoming prime minister in the 1993 federal election, will be speaking to graduate students of the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy as part of mentorship activities around the University of Regina's Alumni Crowning Achievement Awards (ACAA). Hewson, the former leader of the Australian Liberal Party, is in Regina to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's awards gala on Nov. 20 at the Radisson Hotel Saskatchewan.

In the late 1960s Hewson was seeking to attend graduate school in the U.S. when he discovered that he was too late to register for the current academic year. Seeking alternatives in the U.K. and Canada he decided the University of Regina provided the most interesting option. He went on to complete his master's of arts degree in economics in only 11 months before moving on to Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore to complete a PhD.

Of his time at the U of R, Hewson says, "In large measure, my experiences at the University of Regina laid the foundations for my multiple careers, well beyond my basic discipline of economics, as essential as that has been to whatever I have done. Perhaps it stems from my basic religious foundations, but I do believe that an important purpose of life, is to live a life of purpose, and I came to understand and practise that at the University of Regina."

This year's other Alumni Crowning Achievement recipients include: The Honourable Georgina R. Jackson BA(Dist)'73, one of Canada's top jurists, this year's recipient of the Award for Professional Achievement. Laura Pettigrew BMus'97, MMus'01, receives the Award for Distinguished Humanitarian and Community Service for her dedication to music, promotion of the arts, and bringing fine arts into the lives of underprivileged children. Don Millard BA'74, a great supporter of the U of R, receives the Dr. Robert and Norma Ferguson Award for Outstanding Service to the University and the University of Regina Alumni Association. Corey Matthews BEd'03, an educator with a passion for leading youth in the inner city who draws from personal experience to relate to his students, is this year's Outstanding Young Alumnus.

The Alumni Crowning Achievement Awards were established in 2005 to celebrate alumni who have realized extraordinary achievements and made remarkable contributions to the University of Regina and their communities.

Each recipient will return to the University for and on-campus mentoring session which will give students an unparalleled learning opportunity with these special community leaders. Details of Dr. Hewson's and Laura Pettigrew's sessions are listed below.

DR. JOHN HEWSON PRESENTATION:
Friday, November 20
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Graduate Studies Boardroom NR110.3
North Residence
Speaking to graduate students from Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy.

LAURA PETTIGREW PRESENTATION:
Thursday, November 26
12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Riddell Centre Room 175
Speaking to the music students and university community on such timely topics as the importance of volunteerism in the arts, and how freelance artists establish themselves in a community.

NOTE TO MEDIA: HEWSON WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS FOLLOWING HIS PRESENTATION.

For more information, contact:
Brenda Oliver
Ph: 585-4838
Fax: 585-4997
Email: Brenda.Oliver@uregina.ca

For complete biographies of all recipients visit our website at: http://www.uregina.ca/alumni/e-acaag.htm