Kathy Owen, Arts'67, firmly believes in lifelong learning. As a member of the Toronto Branch of the Queen's University Alumni Association (QUAA), she has endeavoured to provide learning opportunities for like-minded alumni.
After retiring in 2008, the former secondary school principal established a committee and launched a variety of educational events such as alumni guest speakers, a food and wine pairing and behind-the-scenes tours of numerous Toronto attractions including art galleries, Queen's Park and Hart House.
Her dedication, both to the Queen's Toronto Branch and to education, is one of the reasons she is receiving the Herbert J. Hamilton Volunteer Service Award from the QUAA. The award is presented annually in recognition of volunteer service to the life and work of fellow alumni members of the association, either through short-term impactful involvement or long-term commitment.
Ms. Owen was shocked when she learned she was being honoured by the association for her volunteer work. “Obviously I am thrilled and very humbled. There are so many Queen's alumni in branches across the globe who do so much for the university,” she says.
Over the years, Ms. Owen established the Over 50 Group, a committee that programs Toronto Branch events that appeal to a mature demographic. The group has organized talks with The Hon. Peter Milliken, BA’68, LLD’12, (former Speaker of the House of Commons); Dr. Jean Hutchinson, head of the Queen’s Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, who discussed her role in the restoration of the Vimy Memorial; and Nik Nanos, Artsci’88, MBA’10, a national pollster who outlined polling trends three weeks prior to the last Canadian federal election.
“The positive feedback from event attendees is a real testament to the wonderful work spearheaded by Kathy. What this feedback doesn't capture, is just how much of a pleasure it is to work with Kathy,” says former Toronto Branch president Zhaodi Culbreath, Sc’08. “She's a tireless supporter of her Alma Mater and has a unique way of galvanizing fellow alumni around her in support of engaging with the broader Toronto alumni community. She is truly an exceptional ambassador for Queen’s and most deserving of this honour.”
Ms. Owen's efforts have helped attract people who were not previously engaged with the Toronto Alumni Branch, but who were interested in learning.
“Cheerful and positive” and “a pleasure to work with” are the phrases commonly used by Toronto Branch volunteers who work alongside Ms. Owen.
If you know of a Queen’s alumna/us who is a tireless volunteer, consider nominating them for the Herbert J. Hamilton Volunteer Service Award. Nominations are now open.
