2013 Alumni Awards
The King's University College Alumni Association is pleased to announce the recipients of our 2013 Alumni Awards: John Regan '84, Alumni Award of Distinction; Kevin Van Lierop '04, Young Alumni Award; Paul Wilton '07, Young Alumni Award.
John Regan ‘84 - Alumni Award of Distinction
Leading by example at work and at play
Regan has been a teacher with the London District Catholic School Board for over 25 years, during which time he has been recognized as an inspirational teacher, an encouraging coach, and an intuitive mentor. Currently, he teaches history, religion, and vocal music at St. Joseph’s High School in St. Thomas, Ontario.
In recent years, Regan was recognized by the Faculty of Education at Western University as the Associate Teacher of the Year. His dedication to students extends beyond the classroom, as he spends time coaching the football team, directing the choir and assisting with musical productions.
After hours, Regan lends his talents to help others in his community by performing at local charitable events. As the pianist of Jeans ‘n Classics with Orchestra London, Regan is passionate about sharing orchestral music with a younger audience.
Regan was one of the founding members of the King’s Alumni Association in the 1980s and served as the president of the Board of Directors from 1989-2000. Regan has also supported two academic awards at King’s in honor of his grandparents, and his mother.
Kevin Van Lierop ‘04 - Young Alumni Award
Creating engagement and strong communities
A native Londoner, Van Lierop helps to foster citizen engagement and promote development in his hometown. He has volunteered for a lengthy list of community driven projects, including the London Short Film Showcase Board, LOLAfest, Hack the Vote, and the City of London Community Engagement Task Force.
Van Lierop is also an active member of Emerging Leaders, and the UnLondon Digital Media Association where he is a member and board director. Recently, he was awarded an Awesome London grant to produce his ‘block party in a box’ kit, which he created to encourage opportunities for collaboration between neighbours.
Van Lierop continued his education with a Diploma in Geographical Information Systems and Urban Planning at Fanshawe College, and also completed his Bachelor of Education at Althouse College. Professionally, Van Lierop has had a varied career, notably holding positions as a research associate at Western University, and a cross appointed faculty member at Fanshawe College.
Paul Wilton ’07 - Young Alumni Award
Advocacy and change through volunteerism
As a young man living with hemophilia, Wilton was inspired by mentors who proved that it is possible to live well in spite of the challenges of the disease. In response to the support of his mentors, Wilton felt a calling to become an advocate himself. Today, Wilton is vice-president of the Canadian Hemophilia Society, president of Hemophilia Ontario, and also sits on the World Federation of Hemophilia Blood Safety Supply and Availability Committee.
While studying at King’s, Wilton was involved in the community as a peer mentor (soph), and a member of the King’s University College Students’ Council. After graduating in 2007, Wilton was hired as a liaison officer at King’s. He earned his Bachelor of Education at Althouse College in 2011, and is currently an admissions and liaison officer at King’s.
Taking a keen interest in municipal politics, Wilton notably spearheaded a petition against the development of Reservoir Hill, a natural and historic site in West London. During his vacation time, he often volunteers at Pinecrest Adventures, a summer camp that provides the necessary support for children with hemophilia.
The King’s University College community is pleased to count John, Kevin and Paul among their alumni, and congratulates them for being honoured as recipients of the 2013 King’s University College Alumni Awards.
For tickets to the Alumni Awards Brunch on Saturday September 28, 2013 at 10 a.m. please contact alumni@kings.uwo.ca or 519-433-3491 x 4502. Tickets $20.
