Outstanding Alumni Awards

Rolf Mathewes, BSc ’69 (Biological Sciences) – Academic Achievement
Biology Professor, SFU Faculty of Science

Dr. Rolf Mathewes has had a distinguished academic career as a professor, mentor, teacher, and scientific researcher of international renown. He is widely considered to be one of the top paleoecologists in Canada and is respected around the world for his ground-breaking contributions to Quaternary science. His research reconstructs the history of climate events through time, answering fundamental questions in geology, biogeography and evolutionary biology. His work has become even more critical in recent years, as we strive to understand how eco-systems respond to changes in the environment, particularly human-induced changes. He is a pioneer in the field of forensic botany, using analysis of pollen and other plant parts to help the police investigate crime scenes and solve high-profile cases including murder. He has shared his scientific insights through public lectures and the media including CBC Radio and Television, BBC TV and National Geographic among others. His extensive publication record includes more than 110 peer-reviewed research papers which continue to be heavily referenced and cited. A dedicated and award-winning teacher, and former associate dean of science for 11 years, Rolf has mentored many graduate students who have gone on to achieve significant success in their careers. His contributions and commitment to the University and academic community have been impressive, influential and inspiring.

James Chi Ming Pau, EARTS ’84 – Service to the Community
Downtown Eastside Community Volunteer

Since arriving in Canada in 1975, Dr. James Pau has dedicated himself to improving the quality of life for his neighbors in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside community. His humanitarian involvements and interests are as broad and diverse as the community he strives to serve: new immigrant concerns, literacy,poverty, housing, street safety, dysfunctional families, health issues, seniors, drug and alcohol addiction,and health and wellness. With training in both Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, he established the North American Buddhist Free Clinic to provide health services to DTES residents struggling with addictions, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, substance abuse and other health problems. He was one of the pioneers of acupuncture and was instrumental in getting it recognized in BC. He actively volunteers with community organizations and initiatives that influence how public policy is formed and implemented in the DTES community. He is a recipient of numerous awards for community service including the BC Community Achievement Award, the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award, and SFU’s Thakore Visiting Scholar Award. In 2010 he received the Canada Citizenship award in recognition of his outstanding work in helping newcomers integrate into Canadian society. His unending contributions and compassion are proof that one caring person can make a huge difference in our communities.

Nadine Caron, BSc ’93 (Kinesiology) – Professional Achievement
Surgeon, University Hospital of Northern BC

When describing Dr. Nadine Caron, extraordinary is a word often used. Even as a student Nadine was extraordinary, winning more than 20 major academic awards. She was a star basketball player at SFU and earned the Shrum Gold medal as the top undergraduate student. She became the first female First Nations student to graduate from UBC’s School of Medicine, again as the top student, and was named one of Maclean’s “100 Canadians to Watch”. While completing her surgical residency, she completed her Masters of Public Health at Harvard. Today she continues to distinguish herself as an outstanding surgeon, researcher, mentor, educator, patient advocate and community leader. She is a faculty member in the Northern Medicine Program at University of Northern BC, an associate faculty member at John Hopkins Centre for American Indian Health, and an assistant professor with UBC's Faculty of Medicine. She is passionate about health policy and has served on many committees to help shape Canada’s health agenda, including the BC and Canadian medical associations and the BC health ministry. She is internationally renowned for her advocacy work to address the special health needs and disparities of rural, remote, northern and Aboriginal communities. Through role-modeling and public speaking, she encourages First Nations youth to share her love of learning and further their education – an extraordinary legacy indeed.