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Four very familiar faces, nationally and internationally, are the recipients of the 2010 SFU Outstanding Alumni Award. Norman Armour, Mae Burrows, Jim Chu, and Alan Rugman will be honoured during an awards dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver on Feb. 10, 2011.

The recipients have made their marks in four categories:

Arts and Culture

Norman Armour, BA ’87, is the executive director of the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival. The visionary advocate for artists and audiences in Vancouver and beyond is also a sought-after performer with more than 100 works to his credit. He is greatly respected as an actor, producer, festival organizer, international programmer, educator, and community leader. A strong believer in the value of the arts as a community builder, Armour generously gives his time and expertise to many arts organizations and has spearheaded much-needed dialogue on the importance of the performing arts in society. Armour is a Vancouver resident.

Service to the Community

Mae Burrows, BA ’72, MA ’96, is the former executive director of Toxic Free Canada. Deeply committed to the health of our communities, Burrows is courageous and steadfast in naming the dangers posed by toxic substances. She works tirelessly with those affected to help reduce their risk of exposure. Her capacity to build alliances shines throughout her work. She has led a broad spectrum of groups in the journey to protect salmon habitat, ban pesticides, improve product labeling, and eliminate toxins. She strives to foster a healthier environment and healthier families for generations to come. Burrows lives in Burnaby and works in Vancouver.

Public Service

Jim Chu, BBA ’86, is the chief constable of the Vancouver Police Department (VPD). Canada’s Governor General invested the 32-year VPD veteran with the Order of Merit for the Police Forces in 2007. Vancouver’s first non-white chief constable, Chu leads a team of 1,700 sworn and civilian employees in one of the most challenging and diverse cities to police in Canada. Through extraordinary leadership and consensus building, Chu has skillfully advocated for social and legislative change, and has built widespread support in varied communities, including those serving the marginalized. Chu grew up in East Vancouver.

Academic Achievement

Alan Rugman, PhD ’75, is a professor of international business at the University of Reading based in Henley, Oxfordshire, England. A leader in his field and an inspiring educator, Rugman has significantly influenced public policy through his research and produced theories taught to students worldwide. Rugman has published more than 250 articles and 14 books on international trade and policy. He played a critical role in the formation of the North American Free Trade Agreement and spent nearly a decade advising two Canadian prime ministers on free trade, foreign investment, and international competitiveness. Rugman resides in the United Kingdom.

Learn more about the awards, recipients and past winners at:  http://www.sfu.ca/alumni/our_alumni/outstanding/index.html

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Photos are available for download via the SFU Flickr website:http://www.flickr.com/photos/sfupamr/sets/72157625516997582/

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