More than 250 alumni and friends gathered at the Sheraton Hotel in St. John's recently to celebrate four of Memorial University's most accomplished alumni at the 30th Annual Alumni Tribute Awards.

The Alumna of the Year Award was presented to Rhonda Zygocki, a senior executive with Chevron Corporation. Krista Power accepted the Horizon Award for exceptional achievement under the age of 35 for her ongoing work as a professor and research scientist. Fred Best received the Outstanding Community Service Award for his tenure as an educator, volunteer and long-serving mayor of Clarenville. The J.D. Eaton Award for exceptional leadership and outstanding service to Memorial University was presented to Elizabeth Scammell-Reynolds.

Brian King is the chair of the 2011 Alumni Tribute Awards selection committee and he noted the common thread among a group of award recipients who come from varied academic and professional backgrounds.

“What is so impressive about our Tribute Award recipients are the incredible contributions that they have made to their respective communities,” he said. “Be it in their professional lives, their volunteer work or in their dedication to Memorial, they have and continue to make a positive impact on the lives of those they touch. That’s what motivates these individuals and it’s why we celebrate their extraordinary commitment.”

A graduate of Memorial’s bachelor of engineering program, Rhonda Zygocki has enjoyed a long and successful career with Chevron Corporation. On behalf of Chevron, she has advanced progressive corporate policy initiatives in the areas of health, environment and safety. She now holds one of the most senior executive positions with the company’s global operations. Accepting the award for Alumna of the Year, she reflected on her experience at Memorial as foundational.

“I remember the last time our graduating class was together, the night we received our iron rings,” she said. “We pledged to contribute to human progress, by acting ethically and designing things safely. In all of my days at Memorial, and what my degree would come to mean, this was the most powerful and lasting memory.”

Ms. Zygocki prefaced her remarks by expressing gratitude for being named Alumna of the Year.

“Considering the fact that I view my engineering degree as my greatest accomplishment, tonight this award is truly my greatest honour,” she said.

In his remarks, Memorial’s President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Gary Kachanoski commented on the relationships with alumni and friends as a critical aspect of Memorial’s future success.

“We know that it is our partnerships and support from our alumni and friends that will help shape the Memorial of the future,” he said. “It is the essential element of our shared prosperity and the benefits are enormous. For the evidence we need look no further than the accomplishments of our special guests this evening.”

To learn more about the 2011 recipients of the Alumni Tribute Awards, please visit www.munalum.ca.