WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg Alumni Association will honour noted Winnipeg civic activist Nick Ternette (BA’67) with the Distinguished Alumni Award at the University’s Spring Arts Convocation Ceremony on Thursday, June 10th at 9:30 a.m. at The University of Winnipeg Duckworth Centre.
Del Sexsmith, President of The University of Winnipeg Alumni Association, said: “The Alumni Council selected Nick because of his willingness to speak out, his community activism, and the strength of will and character he has shown in coping with his recent disability. We see him as a person of exceptional quality, and in honoring him we show our support and admiration for his life.”
A political activist, social advocate, journalist and volunteer, Nick Ternette has dedicated much of his life to the fight for fair treatment and justice for all. For 40 years, he has challenged social norms and all levels of government through direct, participatory democracy, and in the process successfully refuted the notion that only politicians and insiders can participate in political debates and influence their outcomes.
Born in Germany in 1945, Ternette immigrated to Canada at the age of ten. He grew up in Winnipeg’s West End. As a student at The University of Winnipeg he served as the assistant editor of The Uniter and became actively involved in the University community. He graduated in 1967 and maintained a strong connection to the University. In 2007 he was the organizer for the 40th reunion celebration of the Class of ′67. He has also been a visiting lecturer in the faculties of Sociology and Education. A proponent of oral history, he has recorded his personal recollections at The University of Winnipeg.
For many years, Ternette has worked at Winnipeg Harvest in the areas of public education and advocacy and as a hands-on team member, preparing food hampers for families in need. With his insight and knowledge, he has made the lives of low-income people better.
In addition to writing a weekly column, Ternette has been a radio and cable-access television host, and associate editor of Canadian Dimension and City Magazine. As a journalist, he has been a dedicated analyst of the municipal political scene, and through his experiences as a candidate, he illuminated the political process for a wide audience.
In 2009, Ternette became gravely ill. He spent several months in the hospital and lost both legs to amputation necessitated by flesh-eating disease. After his rehabilitation and release he adjusted to using a wheelchair. In a candid series of articles, he shared these experiences with Winnipeggers.
In 2010, after countless speeches at City Hall, Ternette announced his retirement from city politics. He continues to publish his own weekly electronic newsletter The Ternette Report and is working on a variety of projects, including an autobiography. He remains an advocate for those whose voices may otherwise not be heard.
Former broadcaster Larry Updike (BA ’95) will also be honoured as a University of Winnipeg Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient at the University’s Fall Convocation in October, 2010.
The 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients Nick Ternette and Larry Updike were nominated in the spring of 2010 and were selected by a vote of the Alumni Council, the representative body of the Alumni Association that is comprised of more than 42,000 graduates of The University, United College, Wesley College, and The Division of Continuing Education Division.
Both honourees will be recognized at the annual General Meeting of the Alumni Association 7:00 pm, June 15th in Riddell Hall.
For more information, contact:
The University of Winnipeg Alumni Affairs Office
9th Floor, 491 Portage Ave. (Rice Building)
Phone: 204.988.7118
Toll-free: 1.888.829.7053
e-mail: alumni@uwinnipeg.ca
