Congratulations to 2024 King's Alumni Award Recipients

This year's Alumni Award recipients are the president of a large corporation and the woman-founder of a family-owned business. Both say they were influenced by their families and their time at King's.

King's University College and the Alumni Association Board of Directors are pleased to announce and congratulate the 2024 Alumni Award recipients. Douglas Fry, BA '98 (Political Science), is the Alumni Award of Distinction recipient, and Helen Smith, BA '12 (Psychology and Sociology), is the Recent Graduate Award recipient. They were chosen by the Alumni Awards Selection Committee after reviewing numerous nominations.

This year's Alumni Awards Ceremony will take place at King's on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 5 p.m. as part of the annual Homecoming weekend. All are welcome to attend.

 

Alumni Award of Distinction

Douglas Fry, BA '98 (Political Science), President, North America, of Subway, stands out for his exceptional leadership in this senior executive role. His tenure at Subway has been marked by a significant enhancement of restaurant operations and business performance, largely due to his commitment to fostering strong franchisee relations. Before his remarkable success at Subway, Fry amassed over two decades of experience in the restaurant and consumer packaged goods industries, holding prestigious roles at McDonald's, Recipe Brands, and Kraft Heinz.

Fry's nomination for the Alumni Award of Distinction comes from two of his former classmates, Cate Murray, BA '96 (History), and Tania Vrionis, BA '96 (Political Science), who lauded him for embodying the core values of King's University. They noted, "When he left King's, he took with him the diverse perspectives he had learned in the classroom, from friends, and the many special experiences only King's could offer."

Murray and Vrionis described Fry as a driven individual with a deep-seated passion for making a difference in the world. This drive is rooted in his upbringing; his mother, Hedy Fry, MP for Vancouver Centre since October 1993 and the longest-serving female Member of Parliament, instilled in him the importance of service and giving back. His father, a doctor, further shaped Fry's strong work ethic.

"While Doug's professional accomplishments are impressive, it is his dedication to community service that truly distinguishes him. His commitment to volunteering and coaching is exceptional," says Amelia Holden, SW '00, MSW '07, Vice President of the King's Alumni Board of Directors and Chair of the Alumni Awards Selection Committee.

Fry's community involvement is extensive. He has served on the board of directors for Brave Beginnings, an organization that provides personalized support through mentorship to women facing abuse and social injustices. Additionally, as an assistant coach for the York Mills Hockey Club, Fry has played a pivotal role in helping young athletes reach their potential, develop teamwork skills, and overcome challenges. He also contributes to the business community as a keynote speaker, industry panellist, and mentor, offering valuable insights, best practices, and inspiration.

Fry's commitment to service began at King's, where he held significant roles with the King's University College Students' Council (KUCSC). He served as Vice President of Finance in 1994-95 and President in 1995-96. After graduating, he worked as a King’s liaison officer for eight months.

Murray and Vrionis aptly summarize Fry's impact: "His time at King's undoubtedly shaped the professional Doug Fry, a leader who remains inclusive and confident, always respecting colleagues' views and fostering high-performing teams. On a personal level, Doug is a devoted husband, father, son, and brother who cherishes celebrating the milestones of those he loves. His warmth, smile, and positive energy are gifts to everyone around him."

In closing, Murray and Vrionis affirm, "There is no better recipient for this award of distinction than Doug Fry. He proudly represents King's and serves as a role model for the next generation of graduates. We are honoured to have been his classmates and to witness his success both professionally and personally."

 

Recent Graduate Award

Amid the challenges of the pandemic, Helen Smith, BA '12 (Psychology and Sociology), emerged as a beacon of creativity and resilience. As a dedicated mother and an inspiring entrepreneur, Smith founded Roo & You, a company that has brought joy to countless families and ascended to the forefront of her industry in Canada.

Inspired by her sons' imaginative play with couch cushions, Smith designed "The Joey," a modular play couch that seamlessly blends style with functionality.

Under Smith's leadership as CEO, Roo & You has thrived, propelled by self-funding, enthusiastic word-of-mouth, strategic social media engagement, and one of the longest pitches in the history of the television program Dragons' Den. The company now stands as Canada's largest manufacturer of modular play couches for children.

Over the past two years, Roo & You has partnered with iconic brands such as Batman, Barbie, Harry Potter, and Elf on the Shelf, driving impressive growth. Notably, the company's new Play Mat, released in May 2024, sold out in just ninety minutes.

In 2023, Roo & You earned the prestigious Canadian Small Business of the Year Award from CanadianSME Small Business Magazine and RBC. Smith is also a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 Award and the Small Business Owner of the Year at the Wonder Woman Awards.

Smith's journey as an entrepreneur and her lived experience as an immigrant fuels her passion for inclusivity. She is dedicated to empowering women, especially women of colour, to assert their rights and amplify their voices.

"Helen often credits her education, particularly at King's, for shaping her into the person and leader she is today. It was at King's that she discovered her learning difficulties, and the support she received from the faculty and staff profoundly altered the course of her life," says her husband, Matthew Smith, BA '10 (Psychology and Criminology), who nominated her for this award.

While at King's, Helen Smith worked with the Women's Interval Home and continues to support organizations such as Mamas for Mamas and the Canadian Down Syndrome Society. Roo & You has generously contributed to the King's Alumni Golf Tournament in support of student scholarships. Smith remains actively involved with King's, volunteering as a mentor during Homecoming, participating in the Entrepreneur's Club panel, and speaking at various student events.

"Helen is the creative force behind Roo & You, leading innovation, design, and product development. Her maternal instincts drive her to fiercely protect her family, team, and the Roo & You community. Witnessing her vision unfold has been an immensely rewarding experience," says Matthew Smith, COO of Roo & You.

"We are thrilled to celebrate Helen's remarkable success with Roo & You. Her dedication and creativity have built a thriving business, all while she continues to give back to the community and volunteer at King's," says Holden.

 

About the Alumni Awards

The King's University College Alumni Association administers two awards annually that recognize the achievements, dedication, and community service of deserving alumni.

The Alumni Award of Distinction recognizes King's alumni who are an inspiration to others, have made a significant contribution to the community or society, or have reached a high level of accomplishment in their field.

The Recent Graduate Award recognizes the accomplishments of alumni who graduated from King's within the last 15 years. It celebrates achievement in such areas as service to humanity, professional accomplishment, community service, the advancement of knowledge, or service to King's.

For more information about the Alumni Awards, visit www.kings.uwo.ca/alumni-awards.