The Distinguished Community Service Award is presented to a member of the Saint Mary's University Alumni Association who has made an outstanding contribution to their community and or to Saint Mary’s.
All University employees and members of the Saint Mary's University Alumni Association may submit a one-page letter of recommendation for a candidate, illustrating their suitability for this award. A completed Alumni Awards Nomination Form must accompany the letter.
Selection Candidates are considered annually by the Saint Mary's University Alumni Association's Awards & Nomination Committee.TimelineThe nomination period for the 2024 Alumni Awards is now closed.
2024 Recipient John Webb BA’72
John Webb is a proud alumnus of Saint Mary’s University, graduating in 1972 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to community service in Nova Scotia, starting as a social services worker and later serving as the Provincial Director of Emergency Social Services for the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services. He played a critical role in managing crises during major events such as the Swiss Air Disaster, Hurricane Juan, 9/11, and numerous fires and floods throughout the province. Beyond his professional achievements, John has made significant contributions as a volunteer, serving with over 25 community organizations. Notably, he has been a voting member of the Canadian Red Cross National Board since 2014 and co-founded DARTNS, Canada’s first disaster animal response team. He also founded the Migraine Association of Nova Scotia and has served on boards for organizations like Bryony House and the St. Leonard’s Society of Nova Scotia. John’s community involvement extends to volunteering for the Royal Nova Scotia Tattoo, the Halifax Jazz Festival, various minor sports teams, and fundraising, including over $10,000 for the MS Bike Ride. For over 35 years, he has also volunteered as Santa Claus during the holiday season. Married for 53 years to Rozanne, a Dalhousie and Mount Saint Vincent alumna, John has inspired his family to embrace the Saint Mary’s spirit. His son, Christopher, brother, Tom, stepmother, Blanche, step-grandson, Alex (Foulger-Fort), and brother-in-law, Ken (Asprey), have all followed in his footsteps, choosing Saint Mary’s for their own academic paths. John’s lifelong dedication exemplifies the values of Saint Mary’s University and the spirit of community engagement.
Past Recipients