Recipients
On an annual basis the Board of Governors of Athabasca University invites nominations for the The Order of Athabasca University to be presented at the university’s convocation ceremonies. The Order of Athabasca University may be awarded to an individual and/or group who:
- has rendered exemplary service to Athabasca University; or
- has rendered exemplary service to the community or society while representing Athabasca University.
Order of Athabasca University
Dr. Mike Gismondi
Although Gismondi retired from his role as professor of sociology and global studies at AU in 2020, his contributions to higher education continue.
He cofounded the Synergia Cooperative Institute, which offers the free, open, online course, Toward Co-operative Commonwealth: Transition in a Perilous Century , now in its sixth offering. This accomplishment builds on his many contributions to AU during his three decades as professor in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, including founding the Master of Arts in Integrated Studies (MAIS) program.
As a longtime resident of Athabasca, Gismondi has also made invaluable contributions to the community, including as an activist and as a town councillor, a role he held for nearly a decade. He currently works in several volunteer roles in the community, continuing to believe in mutual aid and collective empowerment.
“Who you meet will bring you as far as the degrees you earn. I came to AU on a friend’s call, then I fought a pulp mill, taught green practices in Asia and Latin America, started a global educational co-op and the MAIS program, interpreted Athabasca heritage, sat on town council, and on,” he said. “May public engagement and social responsibility guide you.”
Updated October 09, 2024 by Digital & Web Operations, University Relations (web_services@athabascau.ca)