Upon
graduating from King’s with an Honors Degree in Political Science, Peter Fragiskatos ‘04 continued his studies at the University of Cambridge where he earned a PhD in International Relations. With an impressive academic track record, he returned to London, Ontario where he has engaged students at Huron and King’s, teaching in the Department of Political Science. In both of his years (2010-2011 and 2011-2012) he was recognized for his teaching prowess, being named to the Dean’s Honour Roll of Teaching. Fragiskatos has put his unique perspectives and knowledge to use, engaging and improving communities and individuals around the world. As an adviser to Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, he used knowledge of both the violence refugees were facing and historical animosities, to advise officials about situations facing fleeing Iraqi refugees. He has also worked as an adviser to American and European human rights lawyers defending refugees. In this role, he helped lawyers build their defence by outlining the particular circumstances that several defendants had experienced in Iraq. Fragiskatos’ also invests considerable efforts in homegrown initiatives. He was recently named to the board of the Heritage London Foundation – an organization that works for the continued upkeep and use of buildings that have historical significance in London. The work of this group is essential in passing our storied history on to future generations. He also spends time fostering the love of learning and literacy, as a volunteer with Literacy London a grassroots, a volunteer-based organization providing one-on-one training for adults in literacy, numeracy and computer skills. Utilizing his tremendous teaching skills and his academic achievements, Fragiskatos is giving back, helping to create better communities around the globe with the power of the pen.
Lisa Shackelton ’05 Alumni Award of Distinction
forced Shackelton into major neck surgery and months of rehabilitation. During these times of stillness and quiet, she connected with her priorities and values, and built the foundation of the Yoga Shack – a space that would make yoga accessible and affordable for all.
Lisa Shackelton ’05 works in the energy sector. Not the oil and gas sector that you might expect, but something more personal. As owner and creator of the Yoga Shack, she works with the ebb and flow, grounding, and focus of people energy. Now a London community champion, Shackelton’s career has not always been in this region or industry. In the 1990s, Shackelton could be found rising through the ranks of Nortel, eventually leading Y2K initiatives in Asia and Australia. In 1998, she was awarded a Nortel President’s award for teamwork and accomplishments. Her role took her around the world, living and working in Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and Hong Kong. In 2002, she graduated from Queen’s with an Executive MBA, and returned to London in 2003 to take a general manager position at the independent phone company Brooke Telecom. During her time at the telecom, she transformed the organization increasing revenue 20% year over year. This success caught the eye of Calgary-based Axia NetMedia who added Shackelton to their executive team as vice-president of sales and customer relationship management and vice-president of marketing. Together with her team, Shackelton grew annual sales and increased the stock price from $1 to $6.90 earning recognition from Canadian Business and Business News Network (BNN) as the year’s best stock picks for 2006 and 2007. A turning point in her life and career came in 2007 when a serious automobile accident
In 2009, the Yoga Shack opened its doors in a 1000 sq. ft. space offering 15 classes per week. Now with two studios in London occupying over 8000 sq. ft. and hosting 90+ classes per week, the Yoga Shack is a space where thousands from the community can find their centre and create balance. Shackelton also shares her business knowledge as a part-time faculty member in the Management and Organizational Studies program at King’s, passing along her vast experiences teaching Global Cultures/ Business Ethics. Although extremely busy with her corporate and education commitments, Shackelton always finds time to give back to her community. While in Alberta, she worked with Junior Achievement and Shad Valley and upon her return to London, she picked up where she left off. She has made yoga accessible to the community with free by donation and $5 classes and supports local charities with ‘Karma’ yoga classes where students pay what they can with these donations matched by the Yoga Shack. Thousands of dollars have been donated to local charities including Animal Rescue Foundation, Mission Services, Red Cross, ALS, Heart and Stroke Foundation, and ReForest London. Shackelton is also the Canadian Ambassador for Yoga Aid, a worldwide yoga class that has raised over $1 million for Africa Yoga Project. Shackelton continues to focus her drive and passion on business growth, but counts success not in the price of stock, but in the energy that she and the Yoga Shack infuse in the community and individuals.
The King’s Herald | fall 2012 23