The CAMROSE BOOSTER, November 24, 2015 – Page 46
CCHS adds four more to Wall of Fame Camrose Composite High School inducted former students Marni Panas, Robert Broen and Gerald Pilger and former teacher Ivar Saugen into its Wall of Fame Nov. 20. The Camrose Composite High School Wall of Fame was started in 2004 to recognize former students and teachers who have established themselves as leaders in their chosen vocations and who have made significant contributions to society, to celebrate the school’s proud history, and to inspire current students to challenge themselves in their future careers and in service to others. The ceremony is open to the public. Marni Panas Marni graduated from CCHS in 1989, from NAIT with diplomas in administrative management and computer systems technology, and from Athabasca University with a degree in health administration. Her career highlights include managing the design and implementation of software providing payroll and benefit administration worth more than a billion dollars annually, coordinating all aspects of family centred care at the Stollery Children’s Hospital and senior management at Alberta Health Services. The premature birth of sons Alex and Andrew in 2006 led Marni and her wife Laurina to the great work done at the Stollery Children’s Hospital. Following the loss of Andrew at four months, she became a tireless volunteer for neo-
Gerald Pilger
Ivar Saugen
Marni Panas
Robert Broen
natal intensive care in the Capital region. Marni completed gender transition in April 2014. She is a prominent and respected person advocate for LGBT youth struggling with gender identity, and her expertise is sought in North America, Europe, and Australia. Marni’s work has been featured in local print and broadcast media and was recently recognized by the John Humphrey Centre for Human Rights, which awarded her the prestigious Human Rights Award in 2014. She remains true to her goal of helping create a society that celebrates diversity. Marni, Laurina, and Alex live in Edmonton. Robert Broen Rob graduated from CCHS in 1987, and holds a BSc in chemical engineering from the University of Alberta. He is also a graduate of the Richard Ivey School of Business at
the University of Western Ontario. Rob began his career in Saskatchewan as an oil production engineer. He spent 18 years at Talisman Energy in a range of increasingly senior technical and management roles. He advanced to president, Talisman Energy USA, in Pittsburg, and eventually to senior vice president, North American Shale at head office in Calgary. In 2013, he moved to Athabaska Oil Corporation in Calgary, where he currently serves as president and CEO of the multi billion dollar corporation, aiming to develop extensive oil sands and shale properties. An avid outdoorsman and active volunteer, Rob lives in Calgary with his wife and three teenage children. Gerald Pilger Gerald graduated from CCHS in 1973, and was
granted a BSc in agricultural economics in 1977. After three years with Alberta Agriculture, he returned to the family farm near Ohaton and showed himself to be a rural renaissance man. He designed and built the house where he and Cheryl would raise their family, and the prosperous farm is a testament to hard work and good management. He continues to do extensive contract work in agricultural sales, field trials, and employee performance. His freelance articles on agricultural concerns are widely published in Canada and the US, and he won national recognition in 2009. Gerald organized Canada’s first 4-H Drama Club and is a leading participant in all aspects of community theatre. He has appeared in film and television and was honoured by the Aga Khan Society for his work in foreign aid, especially in India. His volunteer work has included 4-H, the Viking Cup, United Grain Growers, and the Goldeye Centre. Gerald and Cheryl have three adult daughters and two grandchildren. Ivar Saugen Ivar graduated from the U of C with a physical education degree in 1970 and earned his teaching credential the next year. In 1971, he was hired to teach physical education at CCHS. After five years, his teaching assignment changed to science, mostly biology. A rock solid and exemplary teacher and coach, Ivar continued until his retirement. A high number of his former students have pursued careers in medicine or the sciences, and many have credited his enthusiasm and rigor in their success. His model purebred charolais herd was built on his application of genetic theory.
His volunteer work includes significant contributions to Messiah Lutheran Church, the Alberta Schools Athletic Association, the Alberta Games Society, the Camrose Ski Club and the Camrose Regional Exhibition. Ivar and Carole continue to live on the farm, though now without the cattle. They have three adult daughters and eight grandchildren. Previous CCHS Wall of Fame inductees include: Dr. Donna Morrow, Dan Busi, Doug Tien and Alex Oliver in 2014; Dr. John Andersen, Dr. Beth Balshaw, Dan Olofson and Max Lindstrand in 2013; Rod Wensley, Ian Stewardson, Dr. Frank Hohn and Cindy Bailey Gordichuk in 2012; Cliff Hoyme, Douglas Bieber, Sandy Dong and Greta Reiten in 2011; Donna Shantz, Neil Johnston, Donna Durand, Larry Johnson and Steve Mitts in 2010; Kaye Rud, Dr. Christoph Weder, Dr. Eric Saude and James Mayer in 2009; Glen Lett, Deb Lentz, Sherry Knutsvig and Ron Grue in 2008; Lyle Byers, Brian R. Burrows, Peter Stalenhoef and William A. Andreassen in 2007; Edith Dayton, Harold McBain, Nathan Naslund and Leigh Anne Williams in 2006; Leon H. Lohner, Brian Bailey, Don Ritter and Lieutenant-Colonel Randal Torpe in 2005; and Hugh Irving, Yvonne Becker, Dr. John Elliott and Dr. Ronald Lett in 2004. Nominees for the Distinguished Alumna/us Award must have graduated from CCHS and have contributed substantially to society. Nominees for the Distinguished Faculty Award must have been a teacher on the staff of CCHS for a minimum of 10 years, have been retired for at least two years, and have contributed significantly to the school.
Ivar Saugen, Marni Panas, Gerald Pilger, and Robert Broen hold the Wall of Fame plaques they received at the Camrose Composite High School Nov. 20.