AU recognizes 3 outstanding alumni
Alumni awards recognize excellence from AU grads
Athabasca University (AU) is proud to recognize three outstanding AU ambassadors who are helping to drive change in their communities, their families, and their workplaces with the 2021 Alumni Awards.
“I hear inspiring stories about AU learners and graduates all the time, and I find myself amazed at all the things they accomplish. The 2021 Alumni Award recipients are no exception,” interim AU president Deborah Meyers said. “Congratulations to all our 2021 Alumni Award winners. Thank you for your contributions to help transform lives and communities.”
The rising star
Odion Welch (Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations ’17) won the Rising Star Alumni award, which recognizes an AU graduate who has demonstrated leadership and significant contributions to an area of expertise early in their career. Her AU experience is helping her to better support her community and the many youth in her life—including the ones she works with as a youth mental health co-ordinator at the Africa Centre in Edmonton, Alta.
The tireless volunteer
Dr. Pawan Chugh (Master of Business Administration ’97) won the Volunteer Service Award, which recognizes an AU graduate who has demonstrated a spirit of volunteerism and community service through active, unpaid involvement in and contributions to their community. His extensive experience volunteering to support his community in Yellowknife, N.W.T., includes working with dozens of community organizations over the years.
The standout alum
Dr. Wayne Clark (Doctor of Education in Distance Education ’20) won the Distinguished Alumni Award, which recognizes the accomplishments of an AU graduate who brings honour and prestige to the university, based on evidence of outstanding contributions to any field of human endeavour or extraordinary contributions to their community. One of the first Inuit to earn a doctoral degree in Canada, Clark’s thesis work focused cultural safety for Inuit. He is now bringing his experience and expertise to his current role as director of the Indigenous health initiatives program at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry.
