2004 Recipients

Dr. Tony Bates

Dr. Bates is a veteran in the field of distance and open learning. As a prolific author, conference speaker, consultant, and a leading internationally recognized researcher, he has contributed both directly and indirectly to the mission of Athabasca University, and to the quality of its courses and programs.

Dr. Bates worked for 20 years at the British Open University, where he was one of the founding members of the Department of Educational Media Research. He then spent five years as Executive Director, Research, Strategic Planning and Information Technology at the Open Learning Agency in British Columbia. He recently retired from University of British Columbia, where he served as Director of Distance Education and Technology, Continuing Studies.

Ms. Pamela Wallin

The career of Saskatchewan-born Wallin, one of Canada's most accomplished and respected broadcasters and journalists, has spanned nearly 30 years and several continents. Ms. Wallin held senior positions in print, radio, and television. She later became the first woman in Canadian network television history to be appointed Ottawa Bureau Chief, and subsequently anchored nightly network newscasts.

In 1995, Ms. Wallin founded an independent company through which she hosted and produced many current affairs and long-format interview programs for Canadian television. In 1998, she published her best-selling memoir Since You Asked. And in September 2001, she wrote Speaking of Success based on the perspectives of the many celebrated people she has interviewed over the years.

Ms. Wallin also served on the boards of numerous professional, educational and charitable organizations and has received many honors for her professional and community work, including 9 honorary doctorates.

Pamela Wallin was appointed Consul General to New York City on July 25, 2002, her first diplomatic posting.