Alumni Spotlight 2015

William (Bill) Nelson

Bill Nelson
Bill Nelson (BMath '78), an associate St. Paul’s alumnus and long-time supporter, has been named the Mount Forest Citizen of the Year.

Bill became an important contributor to the St. Paul’s community through a program that allowed non-St. Paul’s residents to participate in the life of the College as ‘associate members.’ As an associate alumnus, Bill maintains a strong connection to St. Paul’s through his support and attendance of events including the St. Paul’s Masters Golf Tournament.

Bill is well known in Mount Forest as the owner and operator of Padfield-Nelson Insurance Brokers, and as the broker of record with Coldwell Banker WIN Realty.

Anyone who knows Bill will understand why this is such a well-deserved honour; he has been contributing to the Mount Forest and area community for decades.

Some recent examples of his efforts include:

  • Past chair and current director of the Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation and co-chair of a successful $5 million fundraising campaign
  • Current chair of the Mount Forest BIA (Business Improvement Area)
  • Past chair of the Mount Forest Non-Profit Housing Corporation
  • Past cabinet officer, executive officer and current member of the Mount Forest Lions Club
  • Past president of the Mount Forest and District Chamber of Commerce
  • Past chair of the Congregational board, Board of Trustees and Board of Stewards of the Mount Forest United Church
  • Past treasurer of the Mount Forest and District Big Brothers Association
  • CFO for an area political constituency association for past 30+ years

After receiving the award, Bill said, “I can’t help but be humbled by the recognition and acknowledgement. If you want something from your community, you’ve got to give back to it, but not particularly in that order.”

Read more at: http://www.southwesternontario.ca/news/bill-nelson-named-citizen-of-the-year/

Frank Mensink

Frank Mensink
Frank Mensink ('78) was one of three recipients to be celebrated by the City of Waterloo as an outstanding citizen with the 2014 Waterloo Award.

Recently retired after a distinctive 27-year career at Conestoga College, Frank received the city's highest civic honour for his advancement of the accounting profession, his work as an educational leader, and his service to the community.

Congratulations Frank for this much deserved honour!

Read the City of Waterloo press release