BA ’76, RLS | MBA Wilfrid Laurier/University of Windsor ’86
Currently: Recently retired CEO and GM, Niagara Parks Commission
When a young John Lohuis told his parents he wanted to study Recreation at the University of Waterloo, they were a bit puzzled.
“Recreation?” asked his dad, “How will you support a family on that?”
But John had an inkling the still-new field would prepare him for the career he wanted: something where he could help people and make positive change in the world.
The eldest son in a family of hardworking Dutch dairy farmers, John developed a love of the outdoors early in life. “Our first farm was south of London, and Dingman Creek ran right through it. It was beautiful, and I had the freedom to explore and enjoy it year round when I was very young.”
At home he also learned the value of community service, following in his mother’s footsteps by volunteering for the Canadian Cancer Society, the Red Cross and other agencies. By the end of high school he was volunteering at the Tillsonburg Recreation Commission, and working with physically challenged young adults at a local care facility.
“I just felt there was more to life than making money — I wanted to be helpful.”
After completing a BA in what was then called Recreation Administration, and later an MBA at Laurier and the University of Windsor, John has done just that. Recently retired as CEO and GM of the Niagara Parks Commission, John has spent most of his career in municipal recreation, including a 15-year stint as Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Mississauga. Other communities he’s served include London, Aurora, Windsor and Delhi. He also enjoyed serving as an adjunct lecturer at UWaterloo in 2011/12.
Today, John is thankful he entered the recreation and leisure studies (RLS) field when he did, and still sees a world of opportunity for today’s graduates. “Most communities will need well-trained professionals to steward their investments in arts, culture and leisure. And Waterloo is still home to one of the best RLS programs in Canada.”
John’s latest gift supports the RLS Founders Entrance Scholarship — thank you, John!
Photo courtesy of Rev Publishing
