Debby Steacy honoured with 2015 University of Lethbridge Volunteer Award

A passion for supporting athletics that began with her own children and grew into tireless support for the entire Pronghorn Athletics program, set Debby Steacy’s volunteer efforts apart. On Thursday, the University of Lethbridge recognized the late Debby Steacy for her longstanding commitment to promoting Pronghorn athletes by awarding her the 2015 University of Lethbridge Volunteer Award.

Today, we proudly remember Debby Steacy as a passionate and committed volunteer whose extensive contributions of talent, time and leadership were invaluable to Pronghorn Athletics at the University of Lethbridge.

It was the athletic activities of her three children — Jim, Sean and Heather — in University of Lethbridge athletics that initially drew Steacy to join the Pronghorn Booster Club, which raises funds for University athletics. She actively volunteered for the club for more than a decade, and during that time, helped generate more than $500,000 for Pronghorn Athletics.

One initiative that was particularly close to Steacy’s heart was Operation Red Nose, a safe-driving campaign that provides drivers with rides home during the holiday season on a donation basis. She worked tirelessly to expand and strengthen this important fundraiser by overseeing hundreds of volunteers, conducting administrative tasks and, together with her family, coordinating each evening of the operation. The considerable work and time she invested in the program led to more efficient operations, more volunteer participation and greater financial support for the University’s athletic teams.

In the community, Steacy volunteered for organizations such as Athletics Alberta, Lethbridge School District No. 51 and the Southern Alberta Professional Development Consortium. She was also a Royal Conservatory of Music piano and theory teacher.

Debby Steacy passed away last year at 58, and her vigorous volunteerism and community spirit have left an enduring impact on Pronghorn Athletics.

For more on Debby Steacy, follow the link to a full citation and feature video: http://www.uleth.ca/unews/article/debby-steacy-honoured-2015-university….

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Contact:

Trevor Kenney, News & Information Manager
403-329-2710
403-360-7639 (cell)
trevor.kenney@uleth.ca