King's celebrates 2017 Alumni Awards winners
July 13, 2017
King’s University College is proud to welcome home two outstanding alumni, Edward Struzik ‘77 and Nicole Turner ’16, both recipients of the 2017 Alumni Awards. Their accomplishments will be celebrated at the Alumni Brunch, taking place on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at King’s University College. Tickets may be purchased for $20.
To purchase tickets visit the Homecoming webpage or email alumni@kings.uwo.ca.
After graduating from King’s with a History degree, Ed Struzik ’77 went on to complete his Master’s in Journalism and began an incredible career as a writer, photographer and public speaker focusing on scientific and environmental issues. His articles and photographs frequently appear in journals, magazines and newspapers, and he has published several books over the years.
Struzik has earned over 30 international and national awards for his work, including the Grantham Prize Award of Special Merit and the Sir Sandford Fleming Medal.
Struzik sits on the Canadian Arctic Resource Committee and he recently joined a six-member Arctic Advisory Council for the World Wildlife Fund. He is often invited to deliver keynote addresses and presentations at international conferences and forums on Arctic issues.
While at King’s, Struzik founded and was president of the J.M.S. Careless Historical Society. This spring, he returned to King’s as a Life After King’s panelist and also spoke to students about the role visuals can play in the craft of writing.
“It’s been 40 years since I was at King’s and it has grown mightily, but has not lost its small school charm and warmth. Of all the awards I’ve received, the King’s Alumni Award of Distinction is special because King’s gave me the kick-start and confidence I needed to move forward,” says Struzik.
Nicole Turner ’16, earned her Honours degree in Social Work and minor in Thanatology. She was actively involved in many student clubs and activities including Jack.org King’s, King’s University College Student Council, King’s Soph team (Head Soph), the Orientation Program, the Social Justice and Peace Club and the Kids Club.
Today, Turner is an Executive Youth Advisory Committee Member for the Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth. She is also a motivational speaker, sharing her personal experiences in order to raise ability awareness.
Turner is currently completing her Masters of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University and is working as a research assistant with the Laurier Faculty of Social Work’s Equity Committee. Additionally, she works as a Youth Engagement Facilitator at the Thames Valley Children’s Centre in London.
During her undergraduate studies, Turner was awarded the YMCA of Western Ontario’s Young Woman of Excellence in 2011 and the Millennium of Excellence Award in 2009.
“Regardless of one’s background, interests, abilities, or lived experiences, there is a place for everyone at King’s. The amount of support from fellow students, faculty, administration, and physical plant staff is extraordinary; as long as someone is willing to become part of the community, that person will never be alone. Joining the King’s community, at least for me, meant gaining a second family that sticks with you long after graduation,” says Turner.
King’s is proud of the outstanding accomplishments of Ed and Nicole, and we are pleased to count them amongst our distinguished alumni,” says Erin Lawson, Executive Director of Development and Alumni Affairs.