When the Class of Arts’53 was in need of a person to organize their Homecoming reunions, Jim Craig, Arts’53, answered the call. “My three years at Queen’s (as a student) changed my outlook on life, so my feelings for Queen’s are extremely strong. Somebody had to step up and take charge,” says Mr. Craig.
Since making the decision to get involved back in 1953, Mr. Craig has brought his classmates back to campus to reconnect with each other, with students, and the university they still love. This month he was recognized for his more than six decades of service to his alma mater as he was one of nine alumni and students to receive Ontario Volunteer Service Awards for their work with Queen’s Department of Alumni Relations & Annual Giving.
The nine recipients are being honoured at various ceremonies across Ontario, including May 1 in Kingston. The other honorees are Johanne Blansche, NSc’88, Rowan Cress, Artsci’17, Alzira D’Souza, Artsci’82, Sarah Hanson, Artsci’19, George Jackson, Artsci’85, Colin McLeod, Artsci’10, Jeremy Mosher, Artsci’08, and Amey Zhang, Artsci’19.
Mr. Craig was honoured to be recognized at a ceremony in Toronto on April 10.
”Queen’s is in our blood. The Craigs are steeped in Queen’s tradition,” says Mr. Craig. Four generations of Craigs have graced the halls in Kingston – including Mr. Craig’s father, two uncles, two cousins, his wife, son and three granddaughters. His daughter, Wendy Craig, did not study here, but is now a professor in the psychology department and one of Canada’s leading experts on bullying.
Mr. Craig is one of over 1,300 people who help organize class reunions. Sarah Indewey, Queen’s Associate Director of Alumni & Volunteer Relations, says volunteers like Mr. Craig play a vital role at the university.
“Homecoming reunions and alumni branch events couldn’t happen without the hard work of countless alumni volunteers. Queen’s is grateful to the hundreds of alumni who continue to give back to the university many years after they have graduated,” says Ms. Indewey.
To learn about how you can get involved, visit our Volunteer Resources Page.
