University recognized for contributions to United Way

By Dale Johnson Posted: February 2, 2016 6:00 a.m.

Brian Christie, (left) Chair of the United Way Regina 2015 Campaign, presents United Way Spirit Award to members of the U of R team (l-r) Devon Anderson (co-chair), Pat Patton, Joanne Kozlowski, Shayla Bonhomme and Bruce Anderson. (Absent: Bill Bonner (co-chair), Sheila Leach, Chris Oriet and Cheryl Whyte.) Photo courtesy of United Way Regina

The University of Regina has received a United Way Regina Spirit Award for the second year in a row.

The U of R was presented with an Employee Campaign Team award, in recognition of outstanding personal and team commitment and leadership.

The United Way says “these awards are given to individuals and teams who have shown creativity, energy, and drive to coordinate a well organized campaign; led by personal example, coordinators were able to mobilize their workplace effectively.”

The U of R raised more than $102,000 – which is more than any previous year, and keeps the U of R in the Top 10 campaigns in the city.

“There was canvasser representation from the faculties and administrative departments across the University of Regina, including the College Avenue Campus, as well as the federated colleges - Campion College, Luther College and First Nations University of Canada,” says the United Way.

The award was presented by Brian Christie, Chair of the United Way Regina 2015 Campaign, and also Associate Vice-President, Resource Planning, at the U of R.

In presenting the award, the United Way stated: “In addition to hosting multiple canvasser training sessions, their own Leadership Reception and Kickoff, as well as many special events engaging students and faculty including the Welcome Week BBQ coordinated by Student's Union representatives, this team employed some of the fundraising industry's best practices going so far as to make personal phone calls to current and past donors to secure the final pledges they needed to reach their impressive over $102,000 total.” 

Dr. Jack Boan (left) receives the inaugural Dr. Jack Boan Lifetime Achievement Award, seated with Brian Christie, Chair of the United Way Regina 2015 Campaign. (Photo courtesy of United Way Regina)

United Way Regina also announced the introduction of the Dr. Jack Boan Lifetime Achievement Award – which was presented to Dr. Boan.

Professor emeritus in Economics, Dr. Boan has long been involved with the United Way, having served on the Board of Directors, speaking at the annual Leadership Breakfast, and attending many events.

The United Way said: “This inaugural award is named after someone near and dear to United Way Regina and it’s fair to say, Regina as a whole. He is someone who gives generously both of his time and treasure to so many worthwhile organizations in our city. We are grateful he has been such a tremendous supporter and advocate of United Way and hope that this award, in his name, demonstrates in some small measure, our appreciation for his lifetime of commitment to United Way.”

This year’s awards follow the U of R winning the Greystone Leadership Award a year ago, in recognition of a workplace that runs the most effective program for generating personal gifts of $1,000 or more.

Participating in the United Way campaign each year is a practical expression of the commitment to our communities priority, as identified in the University’s Strategic Plan.