Thompson Rivers University recognizes distinguished alumni

Apr 7, 2017 | 9:30 AM

KAMLOOPS — Tonight, Thompson Rivers University will honour some of it’s distinguished alumni, at the 2017 TRU Distinguished Alumni Awards.

TRU’s Manager of Alumni Relations, Arlene Olynyk says the event is an opportunity for the institution to recognize some of their grads who have gone on to bigger and better since their time at Thompson Rivers University. It’s also an opportunity for current students to meet alumni, and learn about the different opportunities which exist once their education is complete.

“This is an important event for us, because it profiles the unique pathways for our alumni,” Olynyk told CFJC Today. “It also shows and inspires our student body that there are… a million places to go with the schooling at the connections you get here.”

One very special award will go to long time Athletic Director Pat O’Brien. O’Brien was the first A.D., way back in the Cariboo College days. He was the driving force behind building the original TRU Gym, and helped found the TRU Sports Task Force, which paved the way for the TRU Varsity Athletes of this era.

“[Pat] started as our inaugural Athletic Director in 1970,” Olynyk shared. “He has continued on, even when he retired. He founded our Sports Task Force and his vision was always about student-athlete success.”