McMaster friends Michael G. DeGroote and Margaret and Charles Juravinski, McMaster alumni Mary Lou Dingle and John Pelech and Karen Kain, who holds an honorary doctor of laws from McMaster, are among seven outstanding Hamiltonians who will be inducted into the Hamilton Gallery of Distinction on Nov. 9.

The Hamilton Gallery of Distinction will honour these leaders at the Hamilton Convention Centre. This evening of recognition begins at 5:30 p.m. with a reception followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and presentation of the Hamilton Gallery of Distinction Awards to this year's inductees.

A graduate of McMaster University and Osgoode Hall Law School, Mary Lou Dingle pursued and achieved a successful and celebrated law career and paving the way for many young women to follow. She is also a devoted community volunteer and mentor, having donated much time and effort to local organizations including the United Way, the Hamilton Community Foundation, the VON and the Hamilton Police Services Board.

After immigrating to Canada as a young boy and achieving multiple successes as a local, national and international entrepreneur, Michael G. DeGroote has become one of Hamilton's, and Canada's, most generous benefactors. He donated the largest gift in Canadian history, $105 million to McMaster University in 2003, and continues to give liberally to many other local institutions and organizations. DeGroote has received numerous awards for his entrepreneurial achievements, including being made an Officer of the Order of Canada.

Margaret and Charles Juravinski have been a prominent presence in Hamilton for more than three decades. After several successful business ventures including owning a gas station and operating a development company, the Juravinskis built and operated the innovative and successful Flamboro Downs racetrack where they established the Confederation Cup. After selling the racetrack in 2003, they decided to give back to the community that supported their many endeavours and have donated over $28 million for healthcare and health research in Hamilton. Charles was presented with the Order of Canada in 2003.

Beginning at the National Ballet School in Toronto at the young age of eleven, Hamilton-born Karen Kain easily parlayed her training into an unparalleled career as a world-class ballerina. Performing both nationally and internationally, Kain earned a strong reputation as a soloist with many well-established ballet companies. Off-stage, she has continued her career in dance as an administrator for the National Ballet of Canada, and was named its Artistic Director in June 2005. Kain received an honorary Doctor of Laws from McMaster in 1979.

An athlete and fitness enthusiast from the outset, McMaster alumnus John (Jack) Carl Pelech '55 changed the face of amateur sport in Canada. He was the guiding force behind the establishment of the Canada Games, helped launch the “Participaction” campaign, and chaired bids for several high profile sporting events. He was instrumental in the World Cycling event to Hamilton. A successful lawyer in his professional career, Pelech has also been highly acclaimed for his volunteer work in amateur sport and was awarded the Governor Generals Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002.

Lorne Finkelstein will also be inducted. Finkelstein's career in medicine has done much to put the Hamilton medical community on the map. His volunteer efforts on behalf of the Hamilton Academy of Medicine have enlightened the public and the media across the country about health care issues. He has been an effective advocate for patients, in some cases securing much needed treatments that would have otherwise been denied. Lorne continues to be actively involved in Hamiltons anti-racist initiatives, building understanding and bringing communities together.

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 more than 132 people who have been inducted into the Gallery over the past 21 years.

A volunteer Board of Directors is responsible for maintaining the Gallery, organizing an annual search for new inductees, and planning a yearly awards dinner in November. The formal gala dinner is a special event that attracts over 600 people annually.

Tickets are $75 each or $700 for a table of 10 and can be purchased through the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce at 905-522-1151 ext. 237.