Jan Belanger
WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg will pay tribute to Jan Belanger, at the 2013 Duff Roblin Award Dinner, to be held Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at The Fort Garry Hotel. Belanger is this year’s recipient of The Duff Roblin Award, which recognizes outstanding Manitobans for their commitment to education and community.
Since 1992, as Assistant Vice-President of Community Affairs for Great-West Life and its subsidiaries, Belanger has led the strategic policy development, direction and public reporting of award-winning corporate citizenship programs for Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life. Jan is a frequent contributor and presenter on issues and trends in corporate social responsibility and in corporate and voluntary sector relations. She is recognized for her commitment to building stronger understanding between the two sectors and is an advocate of moving issues forward through innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. Her approach has resulted in active national and local leadership, championing visionary thinking, bridging organizations and people, and enabling new ideas and solutions.
“Every contact, every meeting, is an opportunity to learn from each other,” expressed Belanger. “I’ve been privileged to work with a wide range of community and thought leaders and have experienced their insights and commitment. Nothing is ever achieved in isolation, and I share this Award with them.”
“As an annual tribute to Duff Roblin, we present this award to an individual who mirrors his renowned dedication to both education and the enhancement of community. We are pleased to honour Jan Belanger, who has been a longstanding philanthropic leader on behalf of numerous local community organizations, as well as a strong supporter of education. She is a truly deserving recipient,” said Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice-Chancellor of UWinnipeg.
Proceeds from this year’s dinner will be used to support UWinnipeg’s Community Learning Initiatives. These initiatives include: the Innovative Learning Centre, Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre, Shine On, Model School, Opportunity Fund and Youth in Care. All of these innovative programs and centres are active in addressing the needs of individuals who are underrepresented in University classrooms, from first generation Canadians, Aboriginals and Inner-city youths to young adults exiting foster care. The Duff Roblin Award continues to honour great Manitobans and the legacy of The Honourable Duff Roblin who was a great champion of education for all in Manitoba.
The inaugural Duff Roblin Award was named in honour of and presented to The Honourable Duff Roblin in 2007. This prestigious award recognizes a recipient’s qualities as an outstanding Manitoban, a patron of education, and someone who demonstrates exemplary citizenship and life-long commitment to his or her community. Past recipients include Tom Jackson (2008), Kerry Hawkins (2009), Edward S. Kennedy (2011) and Charles Coffey (2012).
For more information on the Duff Roblin Dinner please visit uwinnipeg.ca/index/duff-roblin-award-dinner or contact Dina D’Ottavio at d.ottavio@uwinnipeg.ca or 204.415. 2472.
