He’s one of the most gregarious chaps you could ever hope to meet. And funny. A great raconteur. And a community leader and philanthropist extraordinaire. George Brookman, founder of West Canadian Industries, could probably win any political position he so chooses. Mr. Calgary, as I affectionately refer to him, was the keynote speaker at the recent 22nd Annual St. Mary’s University President’s Dinner held in Gasoline Alley at Heritage Park.
Brookman’s keynote address, “What is Next?” was met-not surprisingly- with a lengthy standing ovation. “Brookman for Mayor” was opined by more than a few guests.
The President’s Dinner is St. Mary’s University’s signature fundraising event. This year, the 22nd annual, marked the 30th anniversary of the educational institution. As president Dr. Gerry Turcotte noted, the 30th anniversary was celebrated with a magnificent milestone-the opening of the Heritage Centre this past November. Further, the fastest growing-yet lowest funded university in Alberta-was chosen to host the second annual National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Roundtable-a gathering that addresses curriculum and teacher education on the history and legacy of Indian residential schools, reconciliation and the history and culture of Indigenous peoples of Canada.
Other highlights this night included: masterful emceeing by Global News anchor Linda Olsen; a memorable address from student Justin Fry; inspiring remarks from Dr. Michelle Gagnon, chair, President’s Dinner committee and Don Verdonck, chair of the board of governors; and wonderful performances by the St. Mary’s University choir.
Others in attendance at the 22 annual included: President’s Dinner committee members Pat Barry, Jamie Mackie (with his wife Hotchkiss Brain Institute’s Brenda Mackie, their son Jeffrey Mackie and Dr. May Lynn Quan), Paul Schulz and Haley Himsl; proud parents of dinner committee chair Michelle Gagnon-Denis and Yolande Gagnon (Yolande was the first chair of St. Mary’s board and has attended all 22 dinners); Dr. Ed O’Brien; Ed and Agnes Rewucki; MLA Graham Sucha; Kenton Boston, Corus vice-president, Western Canada; Pamela Verdonck; Canadian Global Affairs’ Kelly Ogle; the Blaisdell’s-Brad and Rosanne with their daughters Taylor and Andy; West Canadian Industries principle Irene Price; Calgary Economic Development president and CEO Mary Moran with colleague Court Ellingson, vice-president, research and strategy; avid St. Mary’s supporters Guy Turcotte and his wife Dawn; St. Mary’s past chair Terry McCoy; Tom and Pat Holland; philanthropists Ted and Shirley Valentine; Clayton and Linda Woitas; and long-time donors Willis and Betty O’Leary.
Calgary Economic Development vice-president, research and strategy, Court Ellingson (left) and Calgary Economic Development president and CEO Mary Moran were among the hundreds of guests in attendance at the 22nd Annual St. Mary’s University President’s Dinner held Mar 9 in Gasoline Alley at Heritage Park. Avid Calgary supporter George Brookman was the dinner’s keynote speaker.
The Blaisdell family were among the hundreds of guests in attendance at the 22nd Annual St. Mary’s University President’s Dinner held Mar 9 in Gasoline Alley at Heritage Park. Pictured at left are Brad Blaisdell and his wife Rosanne Hill Blaisdell (right) and their daughters Taylor (second from left) and Andy.
The 22nd Annual St. Mary’s University President’s Dinner held Mar 9 in Gasoline Alley at Heritage Park was an SRO success and featured keynote speaker George Brookman (left). Joining Brookman is Canadian Global Affairs Institute’s Kelly Ogle.
Pictured with reason to smile at the 22nd Annual St. Mary’s University President’s Dinner held Mar 9 in Gasoline Alley at Heritage Park are Gerry Turcotte, St. Mary’s University president with Pamela Verdonck and her husband Don Verdonck, chair, board of governors, St. Mary’s University.
Ed and Agnes Rewucki were among the hundreds of guests in attendance at the 22nd Annual St. Mary’s University President’s Dinner held Mar 9 in Gasoline Alley at Heritage Park. West Canadian Industries founder and philanthropic and community leader George Brookmand was the keynote speaker this night.
Joining Global News anchor and emcee Linda Olsen at the 22nd Annual St. Mary’s University President’s Dinner held Mar 9 in Gasoline Alley at Heritage Park are Calgary-Shaw MLA Graham Sucha (left) and Kenton Boston, Corus vice-president, Western Canada.
Pictured, from left, at the hugely successful 22nd Annual St. Mary’s University President’s Dinner held Mar 9 in Gasoline Alley at Heritage Park are Dr. Ed O’Brien, dinner chair Dr. Michelle Gagnon, Yolande Gagnon and Denis Gagnon.
Pictured, from left, at the 22nd Annual St. Mary’s University President’s Dinner held Mar 9 in Gasoline Alley at Heritage Park are Richardson GMP’s Jeffrey Mackie, Dr. May Lynn Quan, Hotchkiss Brain Institute’s Brenda Mackie and her husband, Richardson GMP’s Jamie Mackie.
