Congratulations 2015 Alumni Award of Merit Recipients

Alumni Western is pleased to announce this year’s distinguished recipients of the 2015 Alumni Awards of Merit. While each of them had their start at Western, their four unique journeys have taken them around the world and back again.

These four ambitious, dedicated alumni serve as tremendous ambassadors of Western. Each will receive their award when they return home to Western’s campus during Homecoming weekend for the 41st Annual Alumni Awards of Merit Dinner.

Dr. Ivan Smith Award: Helen Luckman, MEd'82

Scottish-born Helen Luckman began her career at Western in the Faculty of Physical Education. In 1986, she joined the Department of Alumni Relations, where her creativity and energy led to new and enhanced programming. In 1987 she helped found the Women’s Athletic Alumnae for former varsity athletes. In 2002 she wrote Mustang Tales, a history of women’s sport at Western. She has served on the Alumni Association board and University Senate, and today is a member of the McIntosh Gallery Art & Travel Committee. Says Luckman, “I’ve always felt that there are meaningful ways to connect alumni to the University and have found it both a challenge and a source of great satisfaction to find them.”

Professional Achievement Award: Dr. John Kelton, MD'73

Windsor native John Kelton put himself through medical school working on the line at Ford. After graduating from Western he completed additional training at Duke University and then joined McMaster University’s medical school. A world leader in the field of platelet and bleeding disorders, Kelton also became a highly respected administrator as dean of the DeGroote School of Medicine. He led the development of regional campuses in Kitchener and St. Catharines, and has raised more than $200 million in philanthropic support for the School. “My roots are at Western,” says Kelton. “I wouldn’t be the doctor, the researcher or the administrator I am without the Western experience.”

Community Service Award: Dr. Danielle Martin, MD'03

A passionate and articulate defender of Canada’s single-payer public health system, Danielle Martin helped found Canadian Doctors for Medicare in 2006. She quickly became a sought-after commentator and speaker. In 2013 she completed a Masters in Public Policy and assumed her current role as Vice President Medical Affairs and Health Systems Solutions at Women’s College Hospital, tasked with finding innovative ways to deliver community-based health care. In 2014 her passionate defence of the Canadian health system before a U.S. Congressional hearing went viral, attracting more than 1.3 million viewers. “I’ll keep doing it as long as the energy is there,” she says of her multiple roles as clinician, advocate and administrator. “I hope that will be a good long time.”

Young Alumni Award: Shawn Johnston, BSW'13

As a gay Aboriginal youth, Shawn Johnston faced relentless bullying at school. After ten years of drug and alcohol abuse, Johnston got the help he needed and completed a college diploma. He moved on to the Social Work program at King’s University College, where he found his voice as an advocate and activist. In 2014 he completed a Masters at Wilfrid Laurier, with his mother Lila, a residential school survivor. Now working with the Waterloo Aboriginal Education Centre, he continues to be a dedicated advocate and presenter. “My time at Western helped me to become who I am today,” he says. “This award will encourage me to keep doing what I’m doing.”