Cheryll Nandee nominated Elena Beckwermert, a facilitator at Youville Recovery Residence for Women for the 2011 award in the Facilitator/Instructor category.

This annual award celebrates individuals who have shown exceptional skill, creativity and understanding in the teaching of adults in a non-credit, part-time educational setting. Ellen Dungen presented Elena with the award on Wednesday, April 6, 2011:  A celebration of foundational learning at The Calgary Elks Lodge and Golf Club, Ellen is the Manager of Service and Community Relations at TD Canada Trust.

Youville’s Board and staff congrats Elena Beckwermert on being a LOLA recipient for 2011. The staff at Calgary Learns is pleased to see her work as an outstanding Instructor/ Facilitator being recognized.

Elena Beckwermert helps women break away from past trauma and addictions.  For over 10 years Elena has been a life changing facilitator at the Youville Recovery Residence for Women where she delivers programming for mothers entering treatment with their children. Elena is seen as an innovator by her colleagues always working to create a learning environment that is welcoming, nurturing and suiting the individual needs of clients. Elena’s nominators all spoke of her dedication, compassion and “genuine desire to promote self worth and empowerment for the women and children she works with.” And her dedication to creating a nurturing environment is not just professional: Elena’s own twins, born at 24 weeks, are now close to graduating university on the dean’s list! Clearly, Elena’s three decades as a beloved and knowledgeable educator have influenced the lives of many.

Youville is pleased to acknowledge Don Ross, CA on his achievement of the Chartered Accountants of Alberta Distinguished Service Merit Award.
Don has been serving on the Youville Recovery Residence for Women Board for over nine years.

Distinguished Service Award
Every year, we applaud the achievements of Alberta CAs and business leaders for their activities in the profession and the community. The recipients reflect all walks of the profession and diverse career paths, including public accountants, business executives, academics, consultants and entrepreneurs, and truly exemplify excellence in the CA profession. Merit Awards include the Lifetime Achievement Award, Fellow of the Chartered Accountants, Distinguished Service Award and Early Achievement Award. This year, we will honour the 2011 recipients at the TELUS Convention Centre in Calgary on Friday, June 24
Distinguished Service Awards are awarded to CAs who have accomplished a significant achievement within the last five years as demonstrated by commitment and excellence in community or volunteer services (e.g., civic, political, charitable, professional, business or industry association), or innovation or remarkable accomplishment in their career or the field of accounting in general, or excellence in mentoring new CAs. Distinguished Service Awards are awarded to non-CAs who have a significant achievement in the last five years as demonstrated by significant support to the Alberta CA profession, or significant leadership or accomplishment in the field of accounting or business generally, provided there is a direct connection or benefit to the Alberta CA profession; or excellence in mentoring new CAs. 

Don Ross

Don Ross CA moved to Calgary at a young age, attended the University of Calgary (Bachelor of Science in Mathematics) and obtained his CA designation with Clarkson Gordon in 1974. Don was employed in the oil and gas industry throughout his twenty-five year career, mostly in the capacity of Chief Financial Officer of a number of junior resource companies. He has also been involved in the not for profit sector for the past fifteen years. He is a current member and past chair of the Special Olympics Management Committee, chair of the organization's annual golf tournament which has raised over $600,000 and is also a past director of the Special Olympics. Additionally, he is currently chair of the Calgary Rotary Challenger Park Society, director and treasurer of Youville Residence Society of Alberta, an active Rotarian and on the Board of the Alberta Motor Association and Bridgewater Bank. Other areas of interest include golfing, fitness, travel and reading. Don also proudly states: “my lovely wife, Lynn, and I will be in New York in June to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary."
Don will be honour with his peers on Friday, June 24 at The TELUS Convention Centre, South Building, Calgary