CBC chronicles King's alumnus' strategy against Alzheimer's

Ron Robert, 85, who recently graduated from King’s with a three-year Bachelor of Arts Major in Cross Disciplinary Studies, was profiled on the December 4 edition of CBC’s The National.

Inspired by Robert's determination to keep Alzheimer's at bay and his desire to give back to the King’s community, King’s has established the Ron Robert Accessibility Fund. This fund will provide financial assistance for students with disabilities and disadvantages who are facing challenges covering the cost of housing, schooling and basic needs. Those wishing to donate can do so online: www.kings.uwo.ca/ron-robert.

In late November, CBC sent a camera crew to King’s, led by Current Affairs Correspondent Nick Purdon, to interview Ron and his wife, Catherine Cornelius, Dr. Andrea Lawlor, Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations, and Paul Wilton ’07, Associate Registrar in Enrolment Services.

During the segment, Ron says that, upon being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, he decided he wasn’t just going to let it take over his life.  “I want to live a full life, with or without Alzheimer’s,” he says.

The segment showed Ron interacting with students at the Cardinal Carter Library (including The Elizabeth Russell Achievement Centre), visiting an old friend in a long-term care home, and speaking to a Nursing class at Fanshawe College.

Highlights of the segment can be seen on CBC News: The National’s YouTube page.