List of Athabasca University people explained

This is a list of people associated with Athabasca University in Alberta, Canada. This includes faculty, notable alumni, staff, and former university Presidents. Athabasca University is a distance education university with open enrollment year round, accredited by the province and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. It has served more than 260,000 students since 1970.[1] In 2007 it began offering some classes by cell phone,[2] and in 2008 it became the first university in North America to offer a Doctorate in distance education.[3] In 2009, it became the first Canadian university to offer a doctorate in Business Administration (DBA).

The university teaches approximately 32,000 students per year,[4] and has a variety of students with various learning needs.[5] Classes are attended at the location of the student's choosing. The university has a set number of standards for students in the delivery of its programs.[6] It offers over 700 courses, and spends $2 million a year on research.[7]

A

NameKnown forRelationship to Athabasca UniversityCitation
Shannon-Ogbnai AbedaOlympic athleteStudent[8]
Carrie AntonParalympic athleteEmployee[9]
Frank ApplebyGraduate and honorary degree[10]
Mark ArendzParalympic athleteGraduate[11]

B

NameKnown forRelationship to Athabasca UniversityCitation
Pierre BertonAuthor and journalistHonorary degree[12]
NHL veteran, New York IslandersStudent[13]

C

NameKnown forRelationship to Athabasca UniversityCitation
Debby CarlsonAlberta MLA for Edmonton EllerslieGraduate[14]
Gary CarrMember of Parliament for Halton; NHL veteran, Boston BruinsGraduate[15]
Larry ClarkeBusinessmanHonorary degree

D

NameKnown forRelationship to Athabasca UniversityCitation
Olympic bronze medalist in aerial ski jumpingStudent[16]
Meagan DuhamelOlympic athleteGraduate

F

NameKnown forRelationship to Athabasca UniversityCitation
Christian FarstadFormer Olympic athlete, bobsleighGraduate[17]
Jonathan FilewichHockey player, Pittsburgh PenguinsStudent[18]
Northrop FryeAuthorHonorary degree

G

NameKnown forRelationship to Athabasca UniversityCitation
Vicki GabereauJournalistHonorary degree[19] [20]
Jayne GackenbachDream researcherProfessor[21]
Brent GauvreauHockey playerGraduate
Anna Greenwood-LeeAnglican bishopGraduate[22]
NHL veteran, Calgary FlamesGraduate[23]

H

NameKnown forRelationship to Athabasca UniversityCitation
Ted HarrisonArtistHonorary degree[24]
Thomas HickeyHockey playerstudent[25]
Lois HoleFormer Lieutenant Governor of AlbertaFormer Governing Council Member[26]
Carol HuynhOlympic athleteGraduate[27]

K

NameKnown forRelationship to Athabasca UniversityCitation
Sandra KeithOlympic biathleteStudent[28]
Russell KennedyOlympic athleteGraduate
Ralph KleinFormer Premier of AlbertaStudent[29]
NHL veteran Graduate[30]

L

NameKnown forRelationship to Athabasca UniversityCitation
Jackson LaffertyNorthwest Territories MLA for North SlaveStudent[31]
Dorothy LivesayPoetHonorary degree[32]
Mark LuboschFormer Winnipeg City CouncillorGraduate[33]

M

NameKnown forRelationship to Athabasca UniversityCitation
Ernest ManningFormer Premier of AlbertaHonorary degree[34]
Shirlee MathesonAuthorGraduate[35]
NHL player, San Jose SharksStudent[36]
Maureen McTeerWife of Joe ClarkHonorary degree

N

NameKnown forRelationship to Athabasca UniversityCitation
Graham NishikawaParalympic athleteGraduate
Rachel NotleyFormer Premier of AlbertaFormer professor[37]

O

NameKnown forRelationship to Athabasca UniversityCitation
Ryan O'MarraHockey player, Edmonton OilersStudent
Kaetlyn OsmondOlympic athleteStudent

P

NameKnown forRelationship to Athabasca UniversityCitation
Marni PanasLGBT activistGraduate[38]
Joseph PivatoLiterary criticProfessor[39]

R

NameKnown forRelationship to Athabasca UniversityCitation
Eric RadfordOlympic athleteGraduate
Joy RomeroBusinesswomanChair, Governing Council[40]

S

NameKnown forRelationship to Athabasca UniversityCitation
Olympic gold medallist in cross-country skiingStudent[41]
James ShapiroIslet transplant doctor, University of AlbertaHonorary degree[42]
Monte SolbergConservative Member of Parliament for Medicine HatStudent[43]

T

NameKnown forRelationship to Athabasca UniversityCitation
Olympic competitorStudent[44]
Amber ThomasParalympic athleteGraduate
Walter Patrick TwinnSenator and Chief of Sawridge First NationHonorary degree
Ian TysonMusicianHonorary degree[45]

W

NameKnown forRelationship to Athabasca UniversityCitation
Eleanor WachtelJournalistHonorary degree[46]
Pamela WallinJournalistHonorary degree[47]
Anne WheelerFilmmakerHonorary degree
Tom WorthingtonAustralian computer programmerGraduate[48]

Z

NameKnown forRelationship to Athabasca UniversityCitation
Derek ZaplotinskyParalympic athleteGraduate
Moses ZnaimerMedia baronHonorary degree

Presidential list

NameTermCitation
1Tim Byrne1971–1976[49]
2Sam Smith1976–1980[50]
3Stephen Griew1980–1985[51]
4Terry Morrison1985–1995
5Dominique Abrioux1995–2005[52]
6Frits Pannekoek2005–2014
7Peter MacKinnon (interim)2014–2016[53]
8Neil Fassina2016–2021[54]
9Peter Scott2021-2023[55] [56]
10Alex Clark2023-Present[57]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Athabasca University at a glance . 2007-08-22 . Athabasca University . 8 August 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070808101154/http://www.athabascau.ca/aboutAU/Auatglance.php . live .
  2. Web site: Lessons by cellphone a hit . Gerein . Keith . . 2007-08-22 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121026060526/http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/local/story.html?id=8e790572-819c-4074-b4d6-4a94a44b4fc2&k=89020 . 2012-10-26 .
  3. Web site: First Doctorate in Distance Education in North America . Athabasca University . 2007-08-22 . 27 September 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070927043255/http://www.athabascau.ca/media/releases.php?id=306 . live .
  4. Web site: About Athabasca University . Athabasca University . 2007-09-01 . 25 August 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070825163238/http://www.athabascau.ca/aboutAU/ . live .
  5. Web site: Distance education . Athabasca University . 2007-09-01 . 29 September 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070929092830/http://www.athabascau.ca/aboutAU/mission.php . live .
  6. Web site: Expect the Best . 2007-09-01 . Athabasca University . 20 August 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070820152227/http://www.athabascau.ca/aboutAU/expectthebest.php . live .
  7. Web site: Business Plan . 2007-09-01 . Athabasca University . 29 September 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070929103231/http://www.athabascau.ca/main/bizplans/07_2011_Plan.pdf . live .
  8. Web site: PyeongChang 2018: The AU connection. Athabasca University. 9 June 2019. Athabasca, AB. 13 February 2018. 9 June 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190609033934/https://news.athabascau.ca/learners/pyeongchang-2018-the-au-connection/. live.
  9. Web site: Carrie Anton. Canadian Paralympic Committee. 2 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180403173458/http://paralympic.ca/athletes/37915. 3 April 2018. Ottawa, ON. English. dead. dmy-all.
  10. Web site: Honorary Doctorate Past Recipients . Athabasca University . 19 November 2009 . 15 August 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110815042111/http://www2.athabascau.ca/convocation/about/HRpast.php . live .
  11. Web site: Welcome home to Canada's record-breaking Paralympians. Athabasca University. 2 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180405180304/http://news.athabascau.ca/news/canadas-paralympians/. 5 April 2018. Athabasca, AB. 20 March 2018. dead. dmy-all.
  12. Web site: Pierre Berton: Obituary . The Cryptozoologist . 5 October 2007 . 22 August 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070822012647/http://lorencoleman.com/pierre_berton_obituary.html . live .
  13. Web site: Record Number of Athabasca University Executive MBA Grads . Athabasca University . 22 August 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070902132151/http://www.mba.athabascau.ca/titan/aucimwebsite.nsf/AllDoc/81643314C4BDD5AC87256BDD0064AEAC?OpenDocument . 2 September 2007 . dead .
  14. Web site: Centre for Innovative Management Update . Athabasca University . 22 August 2007 . 29 September 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070929103124/http://www.mba.athabascau.ca/titan/aucimwebsite.nsf/AllDoc/79C9DA1CAB6FA4D187256DB200738E71/$File/2003FallNewsletter.pdf!OpenElement . live .
  15. Web site: Hockey Draft Central . 22 August 2007 . hockeydraftcentral.com . 27 September 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070927001644/http://www.hockeydraftcentral.com/1975/75122.html . live .
  16. Web site: Deidra Dionne . Deidra Dionne . 22 August 2007 . 20 May 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20060520141133/http://www.deidradionne.com/biography.htm . dead .
  17. Web site: Olympian joins the Canadian Olympic Committee in new role . Canadian Olymptic Committee . 22 August 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070906022106/http://www.olympic.ca/EN/organization/news/2003/0626.shtml . 6 September 2007 . dead .
  18. Web site: au.world . Athabasca University . 22 August 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070702231114/http://au.world.athabascau.ca/200707/htdocs/lead.php . 2 July 2007 . dead .
  19. Web site: Wedge. Pip. Vicki Gabereau (1946–). Canadian Communications Foundation. 2 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180403112455/http://www.broadcasting-history.ca/personalities/gabereau-vicki. 3 April 2018. Burlington ON. October 2016. dead. dmy-all.
  20. Web site: Jabbour. Debbie. From My Perspective – Graduation Special – The Class of 2003. Voice Magazine. 2 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180402181712/https://www.voicemagazine.org/2003/06/18/from-my-perspective-graduation-special-the-class-of-2003-1/. 2 April 2018. Edmonton, AB. English. 18 June 2003.
  21. Web site: Biographical Statement for Jayne Gackenbach, Ph.D. . Spirit Watch . 22 August 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070805035157/http://www.spiritwatch.ca/bio.htm . 5 August 2007 . dead . dmy-all .
  22. Web site: BISHOP . Anglican Diocese of Islands and Inlets . 12 February 2024 . 4 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240204210043/https://bc.anglican.ca/our-bishop . live .
  23. Web site: Stickhandling courses during NHL lockout . 22 August 2007 . Athabasca University . 27 September 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070927043710/http://www.athabascau.ca/media/index.php?id=31 . live .
  24. Web site: Ted Harrison Gallery . 22 August 2007 . Tricia Timmermans . https://web.archive.org/web/20070929112016/http://www.tedharrison.com/bio.htm . 29 September 2007 . dead .
  25. Web site: A gold medal student. 4 July 2010. Athabasca University. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20100424000055/http://www.open-au.com/inside.php?attr=6. 24 April 2010.
  26. Web site: The Honourable Lois E. Hole, C. M., 2000–2005 . Legislative Assembly of Alberta . 22 August 2007 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070927213438/http://www.assembly.ab.ca/lao/library/lt-gov/hole.htm . 27 September 2007 .
  27. Web site: AU represent at PyeongChang 2018!. Athabasca University. 2 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180403173524/http://news.athabascau.ca/news/pyeongchang-2018-au-connection/. 3 April 2018. Athabasca, AB. English. 13 February 2018. dead. dmy-all.
  28. Web site: AU student competes at the Olympics . Athabasca University . 22 August 2007 . 6 February 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20060206144321/http://www.athabascau.ca/media/index.php?id=111 . live .
  29. News: Ralph Klein: Alberta's populist premier . CBC . 22 August 2007 . 12 September 2006 . 8 August 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070808103044/http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/klein-ralph/ . live .
  30. Web site: NHL Linesman Earned Degree at a Distance from Athabasca University . Athabasca University . 22 August 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070310155213/http://www.athabascau.ca/media/swede.htm . 10 March 2007 . dead .
  31. Web site: Jackson Lafferty MLA Profile . https://web.archive.org/web/20070812014333/http://www.assembly.gov.nt.ca/members/jacksonlafferty.html. 12 August 2007 . Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly . 6 September 2007.
  32. Web site: Dorothy Livesay . Athabasca University . 22 August 2007 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070819104941/http://www.athabascau.ca/writers/livesay.html . 19 August 2007 .
  33. News: Council Races . CBC . 22 August 2007 . 25 October 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121025064438/http://www.cbc.ca/manitoba/features/winnipegvotes2006/council/6.html . live .
  34. Web site: The Honourable Ernest C. Manning . Legislative Assembly of Alberta . 2007-10-05 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070930024221/http://www.assembly.ab.ca/lao/library/premiers/manning.htm . 30 September 2007.
  35. Web site: AUSU Features AU Alumni . Athabasca University Students' Union . 22 August 2007 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070810112151/http://www.ausu.org/graduation/alumni.php . 10 August 2007.
  36. Web site: Koshan . Terry . No end in sight . https://archive.today/20120716002735/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/2004/10/10/664140.html . usurped . 16 July 2012 . CANOE . 22 August 2007.
  37. Web site: Local 33 . Local 33 . 22 August 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070717192611/http://local33.una.ab.ca/newsletters/April%202006%20Newsletter.cwk%20%28WP%29.pdf . 17 July 2007. dead.
  38. Web site: Degree of Confidence: How one AU grad found her authentic self. Athabasca University News. 2015-06-11. New and Events from Athabasca University. en-US. 22 June 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160616110531/http://news.athabascau.ca/news/marni-panas/. 16 June 2016. dead. dmy-all.
  39. Web site: Joseph J. Pivato . Athabasca University . 8 August 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110830040813/http://www2.athabascau.ca/cll/english/faculty/jpivato/jpivato.php . 30 August 2011.
  40. Web site: Athabasca University Governing Council Members – Biographies . Athabasca University . 22 August 2007 . 10 August 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070810111850/http://www.athabascau.ca/presoff/augc_new/indexrevised.htm . live .
  41. Web site: Beckie Scott . Canadian Olympic Committee . 22 August 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070806234622/http://www.olympic.ca/EN/hopefuls/b_scott.html . 6 August 2007 . dead.
  42. Web site: au.world . Athabasca University . 22 August 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070929102448/http://www.athabascau.ca/media/auworld/feb02.pdf . 29 September 2007. dead .
  43. News: Canada Votes 2006 . . 18 October 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070808104618/http://www.cbc.ca/canadavotes/riding/262/ . 8 August 2007 . dead .
  44. Web site: Milaine Thériault . Cross Country Canada . 22 August 2007 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070807153006/http://cccski.com/main.asp?cmd=doc&ID=3079&lan=0 . 7 August 2007.
  45. Web site: Alberta Order of Excellence . . 5 October 2007 . 25 October 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171025132308/https://www.lieutenantgovernor.ab.ca/aoe/2006_tyson.cfm/ . live .
  46. News: Writers & Company . CBC Radio . 5 October 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070810232335/http://www.cbc.ca/writersandcompany/host.html . 10 August 2007 . dead .
  47. Web site: Acceptance Speech . https://web.archive.org/web/20060226114611/http://www.athabascau.ca/convocation/general/2004/wallinspeech04.htm . 26 February 2006 . Athabasca University . 5 October 2007.
  48. Web site: Master of Education in Distance Education by Distance Education . Tomw Communications Pty Ltd . 19 February 2017 . 19 February 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170219170606/http://blog.highereducationwhisperer.com/2016/12/pioneering-global-open-education-at.html . live .
  49. Web site: The Voice Magazine . The Voice Magazine . 22 August 2007 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070928122645/http://www.voicemagazine.org/pdf/pdf2005/1325-Jun29-05_VOICE.pdf . 28 September 2007.
  50. Web site: List of Honorary Degree Recipients . https://web.archive.org/web/20060620200706/http://www.athabascau.ca/convocation/documents/auhondoc.doc . 20 June 2006 . 22 August 2007 . Athabasca University . Microsoft Word.
  51. Web site: Athabasca University Tutors: A History . 22 August 2007 . CUPE 3911 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070927162652/http://cupe3911.net/history/tutorhistory.pdf . 27 September 2007.
  52. Web site: Interview with AU President Dominique Abrioux . 22 August 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070811093158/http://www.athabascau.ca/frontpage/articles/DominiqueInterview.htm . 11 August 2007 . dead .
  53. Web site: Interim President's Biography. 3 July 2014. Athabasca University. 2 November 2015. Athabasca, AB . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20151120080325/http://president.athabascau.ca/ . 20 November 2015.
  54. Web site: Introducing AU's president designate: Dr. Neil Fassina. 18 August 2016. Athabasca University. English. 15 February 2017. 16 February 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170216131532/http://news.athabascau.ca/education/introducing-dr-neil-fassina/. live.
  55. News: Rusnell . Charles . Athabasca U President Firing: Board Members Raise Questions . 18 December 2023 . 2 February 2023 . 18 December 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231218220230/https://thetyee.ca/News/2023/02/02/Athabasca-U-President-Firing/ . live .
  56. News: Tran . Paula . Athabasca University board of directors fires president, hires new one Globalnews.ca . 18 December 2023 . Global News . 3 February 2023 . https://archive.today/20231218220613/https://globalnews.ca/news/9455781/athabasca-university-fires-president/ . 18 December 2023 . Calgary, Alberta.
  57. News: 18 December 2023 . Athabasca University president launches bold new vision for Canada’s open university . 18 December 2023 . Athabasca University . 12 October 2023 . https://archive.today/20231218215719/https://www.athabascau.ca/about-au/releases/bold-new-vision.html . 18 December 2023 . en.