Distinguished McMaster community members inducted into Hamilton Gallery of Distinction

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/gallery_george.jpg” caption=”Photo illustrations by Eugene Pawczuk. (From the Gallery of Distinction Web site)”]

Tonight, more than 600 people will recognize and celebrate the contributions of six members of the Hamilton community by inducting them in to the Hamilton Gallery of Distinction.

McMaster University will be well-represented at the ceremony with President and Vice-Chancellor, Peter George, one former professor, and three honorary degree recipients among the inductees.

Along with George, the inductees are Ray Johnson, Ron Foxcroft, Ron Joyce, Arthur Weisz, and Jill Rumble.

Johnson had a distinguished career as an athletic administrator, coach, and faculty member at McMaster. He was a professor in the Department of Kinesiology for nearly thirty years. As well, he joined the Marauder football staff in 1965 and in 1969 began an 11-year term as head coach. He also coached wrestling and spent two terms as the chair of Men's Athletics.

Foxcroft, Chairman of Fluke Transportation Group and inventor of the Fox 40 Pea-less Whistle, was awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree from McMaster in 2001. He is currently chairing the campaign for the construction of a new $43-million athletic and recreation centre and stadium on the McMaster campus.

Joyce, owner of the first Tim Hortons located in Hamilton and founder of the Tim Horton Children's Foundation, was awarded honorary doctorate by McMaster in 1998.

Weisz founded and built The Effort Trust Company. McMaster recognized his achievements in 2004 with an honorary degree.

A dedicated Rotarian, Rumble was the first woman to become president of the Rotary Club (Dowtown). She worked at the YWCA for 30 years. Jill passed away May 5, 2004 after a lengthy battle with ALS (Lou Gerig's Disease).

Since 1984, the Hamilton Gallery of Distinction has publicly honoured the lifetime achievements of a select group of citizens who have made significant contributions to our community. The Gallery, located on the third floor of the Hamilton Convention Centre, provides a permanent showcase for the portraits of the 131 people who have been inducted into the Gallery over the past 21 years.