When asked about the most important thing she came away with from her educational experience at the University of Regina, The Vancouver Sun columnist Daphne Bramham doesn’t hesitate.

“I learned that I am a citizen of the world, that regardless of where I was born, I am well equipped to function in the world because I have had the great fortune to have a good education,” she said.

Bramham and five other U of R graduates are being honoured with Alumni Crowning Achievement Awards from the University of Regina and the University of Regina Alumni Association.

The second annual awards celebration will take place on Fri., Oct. 20 at the Regina Performing Arts Centre.

“Our students are at the very centre of everything we do at our University,” said University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor Robert Hawkins. “We are so proud of our alumni and their contributions to our province, our country and beyond. Our graduates are engaged in every walk of life and reside in virtually every corner of the globe. The Alumni Crowning Achievement Awards is a great way to recognize their accomplishments.”

This year’s Alumni Crowning Achievement Award recipients (full biographies follow):
• Elaine McNeil BEd’81, MEd’91 – Lifetime Achievement Award
• Daphne Bramham BA’75 – Distinguished Alumni Award for     Professional Achievement
• Richard Turchenek BEd’72, BA’74, PGD’96, CPS’01 – Distinguished Alumni Award for Humanitarian and Community Service
• Stuart Quinn BAdmin’81 and David Quinn BAdmin’87 – Dr. Robert and Norma Ferguson Award for Outstanding Service
• Erin Weir BA’02 (Great Distinction) – Outstanding Young Alumni Award

Some 48,500 students have convocated from the University since the institution gained degree granting status in 1974.

“We are excited about sustaining the momentum we created at last year’s inaugural event,” said Brian Munro, president of the University of Regina Alumni Association. “As an alumnus myself, I feel this kind of event really connects me to the University. I know the University of Regina values its alumni as ambassadors and recognizes their successes.”