Alumni News and Notes

Recognizing alumni achievement​

We are pleased to announce that William (Bill) Pristanski (BMATH '78) has been named the 2015 recipient of the St. Paul's Distinguished Alumni Award. 

Bill, one of Canada's most experienced and respected public affairs strategists, spent close to a decade working in the highest levels of the Government of Canada. From 1983 to 1987, he served as Executive Assistant to then Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and from 1987 to 1991, he held the position of Chief of Staff for the Solicitor General, the President of the Treasury Board, and the Minister of Environment. 

As Chief of Staff to the Minister of the Environment, Bill spearheaded the policy development and Cabinet approval process for Canada’s Green Plan and the Environmental Assessment Act.

Following his time in government, Bill formed Prospectus Associates a government relations and public affairs consulting firm.

Equally as impressive as his career accomplishments are the many ways Bill has served the community through volunteerism and philanthropy. In 2013, Bill was named Board Chair for the Terry Fox Foundation, the first non-family member to hold the position. This year, Bill raised more than $36,000 for the Terry Fox Run, bringing his personal total to over $465,000 in 35 years. 

His connections to St. Paul's and Waterloo have remained strong over the years. He is an annual supporter of the St. Paul's Masters and the Waterloo President's Golf Tournament, he has helped St. Paul's raise much-needed funds for scholarships and capital improvements, and he has hosted several events in Ottawa for St. Paul's alumni.

Recently, Bill joined fellow St. Paul's alumni William Watson and Ted Scott as members of the Waterloo Board of Governors. 

Congratulations, Bill, for receiving this honour!

Friends establish Tom Dabrowski Impact Award

Friends of Tom Dabrowski (BMATH '77) have established a new student award at St. Paul's in his memory.

Tom lived at St. Paul's beginning in 1972, when he started his Math degree at the University of Waterloo. 

As a St. Paul's resident, Tom became well known to his peers for bringing people together and fostering a sense of community. He is remembered fondly by friends for his fun, outgoing personality and for organizing soccer games and other friendly competitions.

As a member of the St. Paul's community, Tom helped create lasting memories for many of his fellow residents and was part of a group of life-long friends who first met at St. Paul's. 

The Tom Dabrowski Impact Award is being established to honour his memory and spirit. This award will be given annually to a St. Paul's student who makes an outstanding contribution to the life of the residence community, who leads by example, and goes above and beyond to enrich the lives of others. 

Learn more about how you can contribute to the award in Tom's memory.