As MacEwan University continues to build its community of giving, we want to congratulate the outstanding community members who were recently recognized with National Philanthropy Day Awards.
The Association of Fundraising Professionals Edmonton and Area Chapter hosts the annual awards to celebrate philanthropy and the outstanding achievements of donors who have made an impact through charitable giving.
"MacEwan is made stronger by the generosity of the community that surrounds us," says Dr. Annette Trimbee, MacEwan University's president and vice-chancellor. "We are grateful for the efforts of these community members and the positive impact their contributions have on the delivery of exceptional undergraduate education MacEwan is known for. I’m so pleased they are being recognized and celebrated for their dedication and philanthropy."
Meet the award recipients below.
John Chomiak
John Chomiak (pictured with his wife Cathie) is well known in the Edmonton and Alberta community as the former president and CEO of MCW Hemisphere Engineering and for his involvement in a number of high-profile projects including the Health Games Stadium, Commerce Place, the Centre for Frontier Engineering Research, Scotia Place, Calgary Saddledome, the Peter Lougheed Hospital and MacEwan University.
Mr. Chomiak's unwavering support has been instrumental in the success of many campaigns at the university, dating back to the early 1970s. In recent years, he has served as a member of the Allard Hall campaign cabinet, sponsored several Mad Hatter's Gala events and has been a strong proponent for the development of country music education within the music program.
Mr. Chomiak's many accolades include the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Distinguished Achievement, the City of Edmonton Community Service Hall of Fame Salute to Excellence and the Alberta Centennial Medal. His willingness to serve and his commitment to be socially and politically responsible has benefitted many charities and educational institutions, including MacEwan.
Dr. Nancy Digdon
Dr. Nancy Digdon, a retired faculty member from MacEwan’s Department of Psychology, has spent nearly 30 years supporting students through her teaching, mentorship and giving to MacEwan. A recipient of MacEwan's Distinguished Teaching Award in both 1995 and 2014, Dr. Digdon is a passionate teacher who enjoys developing curriculum and creating opportunities for student development. She is also an accomplished researcher, mentoring students and having them co-author several publications and presentations.
Her financial support has provided stability for the MacEwan Scholarship, Award and Bursary program and has bolstered a variety of initiatives that include a memorial scholarship, capital projects, various scholarships and bursaries, athletics, the Students’ Association of MacEwan University Cares Fund and a United Way event.
The McCoy Foundation
The McCoy Foundation has many deep-rooted connections to MacEwan, and includes several alumni and staff who have witnessed first-hand the impact and value of a MacEwan education. As a local, grassroots Edmonton charity, the McCoy Foundation proudly supports literacy, childhood development and education for youth.
In 2020, the McCoy Foundation established a scholarship supporting students in MacEwan's Child and Youth Care program. During that process, they discovered another meaningful opportunity to support students and preserve the memory of a cherished family member and a former MacEwan dean, Dr. Paul G. Otke, who passed away in 2020.
Dr. Otke left a generous gift to the university as a way to continue making education accessible for students. Upon learning of Dr. Otke's gift, the McCoy Foundation eagerly stepped in with an additional gift to MacEwan, and together with members of the Otke family, they formed the Dr. Paul G. Otke Memorial Bursary, securing his legacy for years to come.
Jackie Rae Greening
Jackie Rae Greening is a driving force behind MacEwan's Distinguished Visiting Artist in Country Music campaign, bringing together community and business leaders to support this initiative. She is passionate, dedicated and highly energetic in her interests and volunteer roles for the love of country music and its artists.
Greening has worked in country radio since 1982. In 1989, she began working at CFCW Radio, where she continues today as program director and manager of operations for Stingray Radio in Edmonton, Camrose and Wetaskiwin.
Past chair of the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) and a member of the Board of Directors (2004-2010), Greening has won four CCMA Awards and is also one of three females to be recognized as a Builder Inductee with the CCMA and is also an Alberta Country Music Hall of Fame inductee.