Supplied by Algoma University…
Scholarship Created in Dr. David Walde’s Honour
(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – October 23, 2015): Last evening’s 2015 Algoma University John R. Rhodes Scholarship Dinner was a huge success, raising a record amount of $42,000.
This year’s dinner honoured Dr. David Walde. Dr. Walde, a well-known and respected physician, is the founder of the Oncology Program at the Sault Area Hospital, and is considered to be a pioneer of community-based cancer care. He began his Canadian career as a Chief Resident at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto in the early 1970s and was conducting fly-in clinics in Sault Ste. Marie when he was convinced to move to the region to establish a permanent cancer program. Dr. Walde was an Oncologist at the Algoma Regional Cancer Program, serving a population of 120,000 across the Algoma region. Often working 16-hour days, he provided exceptional care, expertise, and unfailing compassion to his patients and their families before his retirement. He worked closely with his patients, becoming part of their diagnoses, their treatments, and ultimately, their lives.
“We are thrilled with the results of this year’s John R. Rhodes Scholarship Dinner,” said Les Dunbar, Chair of Algoma University’s John R. Rhodes Scholarship Dinner Committee. “This dinner was a great opportunity to thank Dr. Walde for his contributions to our community and to show our appreciation for his endeavours. We are overwhelmed by the support we received for this event, and the generous donations will help to continue to support the scholarship program at Algoma University and its students.”
In recognition of Dr. Walde’s work and the University’s 50th anniversary, Algoma U announced the creation of the newly established Dr. David Walde Humanitarian Scholarship. The Dr. David Walde Humanitarian Scholarship, valued at $500, will be awarded as an entrance scholarship to a first-year student from Sault Ste. Marie, choosing to embark on a career of service to help others. The scholarship will awarded to a student enrolled in the Social Work, Community, Economic and Social Development (CESD), or Community Development program. To make a donation to this scholarship, please contact Bev Teller, Alumni and Development Officer at 705.949.2301, Ext. 4125, or email bev.teller@algomau.ca.
The John R. Rhodes Scholarship was established in 1979 thanks to generous contributions from friends and family of the late John Rhodes. The scholarship is offered to a local high school graduate who best embodies the integrity, leadership and commitment to community service demonstrated by John Rhodes throughout his life as a broadcaster, community member and politician.
This year’s John R. Rhodes Scholarship recipient is first-year student Sarah Van Boerdonk, a graduate of Korah Collegiate and Vocational School, who grew up in Sault Ste. Marie. As a high school student, Van Boerdonk was actively involved in high school athletics, competing on the track and field, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and badminton teams. She is a recipient of the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award (bronze and silver level). Van Boerdonk has volunteered with the Coalition for Algoma Passenger Trains (CAPT). Currently, she’s enrolled in the University’s four-year Bachelor of Science in Biology program, and has hopes of completing graduate studies.
Algoma University would like to thank all of the sponsors, donors, and those who attended the dinner.