Page 11 - Lakehead University - 50th Convocation 2014

ASHLEIGH QUARRELL

Outstanding Young Alumni Award

One has to wonder what our community would be like if everyone had Ashleigh Quarrell’s spirit
and dedication. This Honours Bachelor of Commerce grad received the 2013 Governor General’s
Caring Canadian Award for her volunteer work with organizations including Special Olympics

Thunder Bay, Habitat for Humanity, and, particularly, Camp Quality.

Ashleigh is quick to point out her alma mater’s contribution to her successes. “Lakehead University empowered
me to become who I am as a person and as a professional,” she says.

Recently, Ashleigh became the director of Camp Quality Northwestern Ontario and Confederation College’s
media and communications oficer. She has also worked at the Northern Ontario School of
Medicine, Thunder Bay Insurance, and the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay. In addition, she’s a

member of SHIFT – Thunder Bay’s young professionals network.

This year, the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce recognized Ashleigh’s community engagement
and leadership by awarding her a “Top 20 under 40” Northwestern Ontario Visionary Award.

MARK TILBURY

Alumni Legacy Award

From the moment he set foot on the Thunder Bay campus as a fresh-faced student 24 years ago,
Mark Tilbury has been helping Lakehead University students and alumni succeed. “Mark is a passionate
Lakehead supporter,” says Rob Jamieson, the current president of the Alumni Association of Lakehead

University. “He’s always ready to lend a hand, no matter what the circumstance.” “Lakehead was my irst
choice,” Mark says. “I never wanted to study anywhere else.” While completing his Honours Bachelor of
Commerce degree, he worked as a student placement oficer and a student caller for the Alumni Annual

Fund phone-a-thon.

Mark received his degree in 1994 and within six months of graduation, he joined the Alumni Asso-
ciation of Lakehead University Board of Directors and served continuously from 1994 until 2013,

including two terms as president. He was also a member of Lakehead’s Board of Governors.

In 2013, shortly after completing a master’s degree in Philanthropy and Development from Saint
Mary’s University, Minnesota, Mark Tilbury’s longstanding relationship with his alma mater took a

new turn. He’s now developing innovative approaches to engage with alumni across the globe as
Lakehead University’s Alumni and Community Relations Director.

MAE KATT

Alumni Honour Award

Mae Katt has devoted her life to improving First Nations health, most recently working with high
school students who come from northern reserves to study in Thunder Bay.

Over a distinguished health care career spanning four decades, Mae, a member of the Temagami First

Nation, has been honoured many times for her achievements as a clinician, health administrator,
educator, and researcher.

She was named a Fellow of Lakehead University in 1996, one of Lakehead’s 40 Northern Lights in 2005,

and received the President’s Award in 1986 for her contributions to the student community. Her research
has been recognized by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Ontario Chapter.

In 1986, Mae received her Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lakehead University,

becoming one of the irst Nursing Aboriginal graduates, and in 1995 she earned a Master of Education.
She has also completed the Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner and Northern Clinical Practice
programs. Mae worked with the School of Nursing to develop the Native Nurses Entry Program and

became its irst coordinator.

CONVOCATION 2014

Lakehead University