Professor Gary Warner named to Hamilton Gallery of Distinction

McMaster professor Gary Warner and McMaster supporter Michael Lee-Chin are two of six people who will be inducted into the Hamilton Gallery of Distinction on Wednesday, Nov. 8. The inductees also include Sheila Copps, Ethilda (Tillie) Johnson, Michael Joy and Gene Sutton.

These outstanding citizens have made an indelible mark on our city through their leadership, dedication and talent. The Hamilton Gallery of Distinction will honour these leaders from our community on Wednesday, Nov. 8 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.

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 125 people who have been inducted into the Gallery over the past 22 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 more than 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

Hamilton Gallery of Distinction 2006 Inductee Biographies:

Sheila Copps

Sheila Copps first became a member of the Ontario Provincial Parliament in 1981. Three years later she moved to the federal political arena representing the riding of Hamilton East until 2004. During her time in office she served as Heritage Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. Through the numerous programs she developed during her time in office and her commitment to Hamilton, she secured support for many Hamilton institutions, including the Marine Discovery Centre, the Royal Botanical Gardens, and the Workers Arts and Heritage Building.

Ethilda (Tillie) Johnson

Since 1971, local businesswoman and humanitarian Tillie Johnson has been a familiar and welcome face to shoppers at the Hamilton Farmers Market. She has developed a well-earned reputation for giving, and in 1997 established the Tillie Johnson Scholarship Fund to provide assistance to African-Canadian or Caribbean students pursuing post-secondary education. She received an honorary degree from McMaster University in 2002.

Michael Joy

A 36-year member of the Hamilton Police Service, Michael Joy is the highest and most decorated police officer in Canada. He has saved or helped save the lives of 11 people, received the Chief's Commendation, the Hamilton Safety Council Life Saving Award, Governor General's Star of Courage and the Governor General's Medal for Bravery.

Michael Lee-Chin

One of Canada's leading entrepreneurs and generous benefactors, Michael Lee-Chin is Chairman and Chief Executive Office of AIC Limited. He has guided and developed the company which has become one of Canada's best known investment firms. He was named one of “Canada's Heroes” by TIME Magazine and Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year by fundraising professionals in 2005, honouring his many contributions, including his support for McMaster University.

Gene Sutton

Born in Hamilton, Gene Sutton has been a teacher and mentor for generations of students and athletes in the city and across the country. She was the president of Sport Hamilton, was Chef de Mission for the Pan American Games, and has been actively involved with the Canada Games and the Olympic Movement. She has been recognized with numerous national and local and national awards for her dedication to sport.

Gary Warner

2006 has been an exciting year for Gary Warner. He received the Order of Canada and was named Hamilton's Citizen of the Year. The McMaster professor has been active internationally and within the Hamilton community for more than three decades, raising awareness of human rights, equity and social justice issues. He is board member of the Settlement and Integration Services Organization (SISO) and chairs the Working Committee of the Strengthening Hamilton's Community Initiative.

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McMaster professor Gary Warner and McMaster supporter Michael Lee-Chin are two of six people who will be inducted into the Hamilton Gallery of Distinction on Wednesday, Nov. 8. The inductees also include Sheila Copps, Ethilda (Tillie) Johnson, Michael Joy and Gene Sutton.<br />
<br />
<p>These outstanding citizens have made an indelible mark on our city through their leadership, dedication and talent.  The Hamilton Gallery of Distinction will honour these leaders from our community on Wednesday, Nov. 8 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.<br />
 <br />
<p>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 125 people who have been inducted into the Gallery over the past 22 years.<br />
<br />
<p>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 more than 600 people annually.<br />
<br />
<p>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<br />
<br />
Hamilton Gallery of Distinction 2006 Inductee Biographies:<br />
<br />
<p><b>Sheila Copps</b><br />
<p>Sheila Copps first became a member of the Ontario Provincial Parliament in 1981.  Three years later she moved to the federal political arena representing the riding of Hamilton East until 2004.  During her time in office she served as Heritage Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.  Through the numerous programs she developed during her time in office and her commitment to Hamilton, she secured support for many Hamilton institutions, including the Marine Discovery Centre, the Royal Botanical Gardens, and the Workers Arts and Heritage Building.<br />
<br />
<b>Ethilda (Tillie) Johnson</b><br />
<p>Since 1971, local businesswoman and humanitarian Tillie Johnson has been a familiar and welcome face to shoppers at the Hamilton Farmers Market.  She has developed a well-earned reputation for giving, and in 1997 established the Tillie Johnson Scholarship Fund to provide assistance to African-Canadian or Caribbean students pursuing post-secondary education. She received an honorary degree from McMaster University in 2002.<br />
<br />
<b>Michael Joy</b><br />
<p>A 36-year member of the Hamilton Police Service, Michael Joy is the highest and most decorated police officer in Canada.  He has saved or helped save the lives of 11 people, received the Chief&#039;s Commendation, the Hamilton Safety Council Life Saving Award, Governor General&#039;s Star of Courage and the Governor General&#039;s Medal for Bravery.  <br />
<br />
<b>Michael Lee-Chin</b><br />
<p>One of Canada&#039;s leading entrepreneurs and generous benefactors, Michael Lee-Chin is Chairman and Chief Executive Office of AIC Limited.  He has guided and developed the company which has become one of Canada&#039;s best known investment firms. He was named one of "Canada&#039;s Heroes" by TIME Magazine and Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year by fundraising professionals in 2005, honouring his many contributions, including his support for McMaster University.<br />
<br />
<b>Gene Sutton</b><br />
<p>Born in Hamilton, Gene Sutton has been a teacher and mentor for generations of students and athletes in the city and across the country.  She was the president of Sport Hamilton, was Chef de Mission for the Pan American Games, and has been actively involved with the Canada Games and the Olympic Movement.  She has been recognized with numerous national and local and national awards for her dedication to sport.<br />
<br />
<b>Gary Warner</b><br />
<p>2006 has been an exciting year for Gary Warner.  He received the Order of Canada and was named Hamilton&#039;s Citizen of the Year.  The McMaster professor has been active internationally and within the Hamilton community for more than three decades, raising awareness of human rights, equity and social justice issues.  He is board member of the Settlement and Integration Services Organization (SISO) and chairs the Working Committee of the Strengthening Hamilton&#039;s Community Initiative.<br />

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