Two University of Northern British Columbia alumni - a senior executive at a major biotechnology company in Canada and a champion for cancer survivors - recently received awards for their leadership and service.
Dr. David Llewellyn, the senior vice president for business operations at STEMCELL Technologies in Vancouver, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 1997.
He received the Professional Excellence Award based on his outstanding professional contributions to the social, cultural and economic well-being of society.
Despite his busy schedule, Llewellyn gives back to his alma mater, regularly visiting UNBC to meet with students and hire UNBC graduates. He engages students in research talks discussing various initiatives at STEMCELL and providing informative lectures on the work that his company is involved in.
c, who earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2007, and is currently working on a graduate degree in counselling, received the UNBC Distinguished Alumni Award for Community Service for her role in founding the Northern Cancer Survivor Society, the first cancer support group of its kind in Prince George.
The organization has an active soup/care package program delivered to individuals' homes on weekends. It also involves volunteers visiting people in hospital and doing household repairs to raising money to help people with medical expenses.
"As UNBC graduates, both David and Sarah have become outstanding leaders who are making valuable contributions in their professions and communities," said UNBC President Dr. Dan Weeks. "They are just two more examples of UNBC alumni who continue to do amazing work and are role models for both our alumni and students."
A special awards committee selected the recipients based on nominations submitted to the UNBC Alumni Council.
"It is always a wonderful opportunity when we can recognize our alumni and showcase how they have contributed to their alma mater," said UNBC Alumni Council President Jennifer Young. "Through their leadership and dedication to helping others, they help inspire current UNBC students and fellow alumni."
