McMaster well-represented in 2015 Hamilton Gallery of Distinction

Seven outstanding citizens — including two with deep ties to McMaster, Mohit Bhandari and Terry Yates — have been named to the Hamilton Gallery of Distinction.

The 2015 inductees include leaders from healthcare, the arts, local business, community service and heritage.

Each has made a lasting contribution to Hamilton. They will be inducted at the 32nd annual gala dinner on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at Michelangelo Events & Conference Centre.

The 2015 Hamilton Gallery of Distinction inductees are:

Todd Bender

The founder of City Kidz started with one school bus and a mission to encourage Hamilton’s children to greatness, one kid at a time. Today, he’s joined by hundreds of volunteers who visit with families in their homes and invite children to Saturday programs where fun and friendship flourish. Tens of thousands of families have been the beneficiaries of his selfless determination. A junior leadership program for teens, summer camps and new branches in Regina and Ottawa are now in operation.

Mohit Bhandari

Arriving from India as a young child in 1970, Mohit Bhandari committed to his chosen hometown of Hamilton at an early age. Named the best student at Barton Secondary School, he went on to be top science undergraduate student at McMaster, later graduating as one of the world’s most recognized young trauma surgeons. As a Canada Research Chair at McMaster he advocates for domestic violence victims, ensuring healthcare providers spot associated orthopaedic injuries. He leads global studies improving treatment of severe trauma victims in India, China and Africa.

Jack Clifford McFarland

Just 15 when he joined the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, Jack McFarland was among those wounded and captured during the 1942 Dieppe landing. Spending two years as a POW, he returned home to Hamilton after the war, later joining the Hamilton Police. Jack has committed his life to service, never forgetting the men who perished and the importance of their sacrifice. He frequently visited our schools, sharing his story with new generations. His passionate advocacy for vets includes a key role in the construction of the Dieppe Memorial and service as president of the Hamilton United Council of Veterans.

Michael and Jane Schwenger

Michael and Jane Schwenger are part of Hamilton’s fabric of entrepreneurial families giving back to their city. Michael is CEO of The StressCrete Group, North America’s leading manufacturer of spun concrete poles and decorative streetlight fixtures. Matching business success with a family focus on community, the Schwengers are active supporters of many important community organizations. St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton Health Sciences, the Art Gallery of Hamilton, Theatre Aquarius, Royal Botanical Gardens and Virtual YMCA all benefit from their philanthropy and volunteerism.

Terry Yates

Terry Yates, a former member of McMaster’s Board of Governors, arrived in Hamilton in 1968 with wife Brenda to found Queenston Chevrolet. While growing his business enterprise, he always had time for Hamilton when it needed his leadership. As Chair of the Hamilton Community Foundation he boldly set the framework for significant growth. As Chair of the Royal Botanical Gardens, he provided calm leadership during a very challenging time, helping to ensure its survival. McMaster University, HMCS Haida, Royal Military College, Hamilton Convention Centre and the Shaw Festival are all beneficiaries of his time and talents.

Patricia Filer (Posthumous)

For more than 25-years Pat Filer served her city in many ways. As Hamilton Area Girl Guides District Commissioner and Deputy Chief Commissioner of Canada, her tireless efforts earned her Guiding’s highest honour, the Beaver Medal. A proud Hamiltonian, she helped document the city’s history as helping write and edit the Dictionary of Hamilton Biography, writing the history of Mohawk College and a chronicle of Hamilton’s Canadian Club. Pat died in 2010. Her late husband Bill was inducted into the Gallery of Distinction in 2003.

Background on The Gallery of Distinction:

The Hamilton Gallery of Distinction is a unique institution that exists to recognize and celebrate Hamilton’s most distinguished citizens both past and present. In 1984, as part of the hometown homecoming celebrations, the Hamilton Gallery of Distinction was created under the stewardship of a volunteer board of directors.

To date, their community has celebrated the accomplishments of 196 (including 2015 inductees) outstanding individuals.

The portraits and biographies of all inductees, along with this year’s recipients, are featured in the Gallery of Distinction display on the third floor of the Hamilton Central Library.

Nominations are received from the general public, and a panel representing the community is convened each year to select inductees.

Tickets to the Nov. 17 gala dinner are available by calling 905-522-1151 ext. 100.