2005 Outstanding Alumni Awards

Mike Cordoba, BBA 1988 - Professional Achievement

As an SFU business graduate and Chartered Accountant, Mike Cordoba joined BC-based Boston Pizza International (BPI) in 1993 as Controller and quickly rose through the ranks. Throughout his distinguished career with BPI, Mike has been Chief Financial Officer, Executive Director, President & COO, and in January 2004 he was promoted to Chief Executive Officer. Mike has been instrumental in BPI's industry-leading growth. From 1994 to '97, BPI's sales doubled to $200 million, and from '98 to '01, they surged to $300 million. Today, his entrepreneurial drive and business vision have helped make Boston Pizza the number one casual dining concept in Canada. BPI has 226 restaurants in Canada and 32 in the U.S. with combined sales in excess of $525 million. The company has been one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies for the past 10 years as named by Deloitte & Touche, CIBC Commercial Banking and the National Post. Mike's success has earned him many honours including being the sole BC winner in the Canadian Top 40 under 40 award recipients in 2002. In addition to his professional commitments, Mike is also dedicated to his community. He serves as a Director of the Boston Pizza Foundation which has raised over $4 million since its inception in support of several national charities including the Heart & Stroke Foundation and Kids Help Phone.

Daniel Igali, BA 2001 - Athletic Achievement

Daniel Igali is a champion in every sense of the word: athlete, challenger, gold medal winner, advocate, and role model. Born and raised in poverty in a small village in Nigeria, Daniel loved wrestling as a child and overcame great odds to pursue his dream of becoming a world-class wrestler. In 1994, he left Nigeria to train in Canada and study criminology at SFU. The adjustment proved difficult, but through hard work and discipline, Daniel soon began to excel. In 1998, his competitive record was 116-0, and he was named Wrestler of the year by the Canadian Amateur Wrestling Association. In 1999, he became the first Canadian to win gold in the World Championships in Turkey. And in 2000, he brought honour to SFU and all Canadians by winning the Olympic gold medal in Sydney, Australia. He also became Canada's male athlete of the year. His commitment to his community is equally impressive. He established the Igali Foundation to assist children of developing nations achieve their academic and career aspirations. He has spent several years raising funds to build a school in his home village of Eniwari. He mentors and inspires young people through his motivational speeches. And he also ran as a candidate in the most recent provincial election. In Daniel's own words, "Success is about being able to make a difference in the life of other people."

Kathleen Louis, BA 1974 - Service to the Community

Kathy Louis is a Cree woman who has devoted her professional and personal life to the promotion of social, legal, and economic equality for Aboriginal peoples. Ms. Louis retired from the National Parole Board (NPB) in 2002 after 25 years of public service as the longest serving board member. In her work with the National Parole Board, Kathy brought new awareness to Aboriginal culture and to issues of equality and diversity. In 1991 she was instrumental in establishing Elder Assisted Hearings within the NPB. Drawing on her knowledge and experience with traditional Aboriginal culture, she conducted workshops and conferences on this innovative restorative justice practice by providing culturally sensitive hearings for Aboriginal offenders and others who chose to follow traditional ways. Throughout her life, Kathy Louis has demonstrated a passionate commitment to justice and fairness. She has helped to bring the Canadian community together by her compassion and service to all peoples. In 2005 she was honoured with the Vancouver YWCA's Women of Distinction Award for Volunteerism & Public Service and Canada's Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada. Currently Ms. Louis volunteers with the several organizations including the Urban Native Education Society and Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services.

Milton Wong, LLD 1998 - 40th Anniversary Award for Service to the University

As we celebrate 40 years of the best of Simon Fraser University, it seems only fitting that we celebrate an individual who has helped SFU achieve its very best: honorary doctorate recipient and former Chancellor Dr. Milton K. Wong. In 1999, Milton Wong was elected as the first Asian Canadian Chancellor of SFU and completed two consecutive terms ending in 2005. As the symbolic head of one of Canada's leading universities, Milton embraced his leadership role with unparalleled passion and personal commitment. Despite his busy schedule, he always made time to participate in SFU's many events and activities including many student and alumni events. His down-to-earth manner and genuine enthusiasm for interacting with people made him approachable to all members of the SFU community. Milton is often described as a catalyst, and he definitely sparked a wealth of ideas and initiatives during his years as Chancellor. In the words of SFU President, Dr. Michael Stevenson: "The range of his influence on SFU is nothing short of astonishing." Among Milton's many legacies to SFU include laying the foundation for cutting-edge programs in business administration, First Nations capacity-building, environmental sustainability, biotechnology, and contemporary arts. He continues his active involvement with the SFU community, working tirelessly on the campaign to bring the School for Contemporary Arts to the Woodwards development in downtown Vancouver. In addition to his contributions to SFU, Milton has long been a leader in business, volunteer service, health research, culture and sports, and a key fundraiser for the Salvation Army, Red Cross, Science World, and BC Cancer. He is the founding chair of the International Dragon Boat Festival and the founder and past-chairman of the Laurier Institute. He received the Order of Canada in 1997 and the Order of BC in 2003.

Terry Beech, BBA Student
Alumni Association Outstanding Student Leadership Award

Despite his young years, Terry Beech has already built an impressive resume of activities and achievements to rival that of the most seasonsed professional. As one of the top 20 students in SFU business, Terry was a finalist for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship in 2004. He is also a member of the Golden Key International Honors Society and has received several major scholarships in recognition of his outstanding leadership, academic success, and community service. His service to SFU includes leadership roles in the SFU Economics Student Society and representing Export Development Canada within the campus community. In 2002, Terry was the top graduate in the Professional Certificate in Public Administration program at Capilano College with a GPA of 4.33. Fresh out of high school, he gained first-hand experience in public administration as a Nanaimo City Councillor from 1999 to 2002. During his term in office he served on many key committees including Chair of the Advisory Committee on the Environment, and Commissioner of the Nanaimo Parks, Recreation, and Culture Commission. To prepare for public service, he honed his public speaking skills with seven years of debating competitions as a debator, coach, judge, and founder of the John Barsby Debate Tournament. He also co-hosted "The Daily", a local current events TV show in Nanaimo. In September 2003, Maclean's magazine highlighted Terry's career plans in international trade relations and named him as one of Canada's top 30-under-30 youth leaders.