2008 Fredericton Encaenia - Ceremony A
Proudfoot, Tony
Doctor of Science (D.Sc.)
Orator: Mason, Gordon
Citation:
ENCAENIA, CEREMONY A, 28 MAY 2008
JOHN A. (TONY) PROUDFOOT
to be Doctor of Science (Kinesiology)
The second honorary degree we award today goes to one of the great athletes to graduate from UNB and moreover a man who has demonstrated a wide range of talents and great strength of character.
When Tony Proudfoot arrived at UNB in the late 1960s, he was one of an influx of Montrealers (and others) who were drawn to physical education at UNB by the reputation of the faculty members and the program, despite the fact it was still in its infancy. Tony graduated with a BPE degree in 1971 after making his mark as a member of the Red Bombers football team, playing defensive back. He was named an All Canadian after the 1970 season and went on to play professionally, first with the Montreal Alouettes for nine seasons and then the B.C. Lions for three more. Montreal was very strong in those years, reaching the Grey Cup five times and winning twice, in 1974 and 1977. Tony was twice named a CFL All-star and his role in the “ice bowl'' game of 1977 is part of CFL folklore. In order to gain greater traction on an ice covered field, Tony come up with the idea of putting staples in the team's footwear, and they were indeed victorious over Edmonton.
While still a professional athlete, Tony taught high school and then began what developed into a 30-year career at Dawson College in Montreal as teacher and administrator, rising to become chair of the physical education department. Along the way he developed new courses and served as outdoor education co-ordinator. He obtained a master's degree at McGill University and has lectured at both McGill and Concordia universities. He is also an articulate colour commentator on CJAD radio in , Montreal, acting as the football analyst for Alouette football games since 1997, and he is an author, writing “First and Goal: The CFL and the pursuit of excellence'' in 2006.
It is somewhat of a cliché that sports builds character, that beyond physical skills an athlete learns about teamwork and leadership. In Tony's case it is clear from those who knew him as an undergraduate that he already had these qualities. One of his teammates at UNB, who had not played high school football and was thrown into the deep end when he joined the Red Bombers, recalls Tony's forcefulness and resolve. He notes that Tony was probably 25 to 30 pounds lighter than most filling his position of middle linebacker, but that meant absolutely nothing to Tony who never took the easy road. His reputation as leader was confirmed be his being chosen by B.C. Lions players and coaches for awards honouring leadership and dedication as well as performance. These qualities were again demonstrated when Tony played a significant role during the tragic shooting at Dawson College in 2006, rushing to the aid of a wounded student without regard for his own safety. His frankness in dealing with personal adversity with respect to the diagnosis of ALS a year ago, his strength in coping with its impact, and the encouragement he has given others all attest to his fortitude and character. He has become an active fundraiser and advocate for research and treatment.
Optimists and pessimists are defined by how they view half a glass of water. Despite everything, as he himself has said, it may sound corny but he still feels he drinks from a very large half full glass.
We are pleased ad honoured today to name Tony Proudfoot as Doctor of Science.
From: Honoris Causa, UA Case 70
JOHN A. (TONY) PROUDFOOT
to be Doctor of Science (Kinesiology)
The second honorary degree we award today goes to one of the great athletes to graduate from UNB and moreover a man who has demonstrated a wide range of talents and great strength of character.
When Tony Proudfoot arrived at UNB in the late 1960s, he was one of an influx of Montrealers (and others) who were drawn to physical education at UNB by the reputation of the faculty members and the program, despite the fact it was still in its infancy. Tony graduated with a BPE degree in 1971 after making his mark as a member of the Red Bombers football team, playing defensive back. He was named an All Canadian after the 1970 season and went on to play professionally, first with the Montreal Alouettes for nine seasons and then the B.C. Lions for three more. Montreal was very strong in those years, reaching the Grey Cup five times and winning twice, in 1974 and 1977. Tony was twice named a CFL All-star and his role in the “ice bowl'' game of 1977 is part of CFL folklore. In order to gain greater traction on an ice covered field, Tony come up with the idea of putting staples in the team's footwear, and they were indeed victorious over Edmonton.
While still a professional athlete, Tony taught high school and then began what developed into a 30-year career at Dawson College in Montreal as teacher and administrator, rising to become chair of the physical education department. Along the way he developed new courses and served as outdoor education co-ordinator. He obtained a master's degree at McGill University and has lectured at both McGill and Concordia universities. He is also an articulate colour commentator on CJAD radio in , Montreal, acting as the football analyst for Alouette football games since 1997, and he is an author, writing “First and Goal: The CFL and the pursuit of excellence'' in 2006.
It is somewhat of a cliché that sports builds character, that beyond physical skills an athlete learns about teamwork and leadership. In Tony's case it is clear from those who knew him as an undergraduate that he already had these qualities. One of his teammates at UNB, who had not played high school football and was thrown into the deep end when he joined the Red Bombers, recalls Tony's forcefulness and resolve. He notes that Tony was probably 25 to 30 pounds lighter than most filling his position of middle linebacker, but that meant absolutely nothing to Tony who never took the easy road. His reputation as leader was confirmed be his being chosen by B.C. Lions players and coaches for awards honouring leadership and dedication as well as performance. These qualities were again demonstrated when Tony played a significant role during the tragic shooting at Dawson College in 2006, rushing to the aid of a wounded student without regard for his own safety. His frankness in dealing with personal adversity with respect to the diagnosis of ALS a year ago, his strength in coping with its impact, and the encouragement he has given others all attest to his fortitude and character. He has become an active fundraiser and advocate for research and treatment.
Optimists and pessimists are defined by how they view half a glass of water. Despite everything, as he himself has said, it may sound corny but he still feels he drinks from a very large half full glass.
We are pleased ad honoured today to name Tony Proudfoot as Doctor of Science.
From: Honoris Causa, UA Case 70
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