Distinguished Service Award

The highest volunteer award of the McMaster Alumni Association is given in recognition of outstanding contribution and dedication to the Alumni Association and its mission as stated in the Alumni Association constitution. Long-term loyalty and dedication are key ingredients of these very special volunteers.

2011 Distinguished Service Award Recipient

John Panabaker
B.A. ’50, M.A. ’54, L.L.D ’81

John Panabaker began his studies at McMaster in 1946. As a student, he was actively involved in campus life both in the debating society and serving as the editor of Marmor and the campus directory. In his senior year, Dr. Panabaker was chair of the Board of Publications and oversaw administration of all MSU publications. In 1950, he received the Chancellor’s Gold Medal and the Honour M award as recognition for his academic excellence and service to the University.

Dr. Panabaker graduated from McMaster with his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics. He joined the Mutual Life of Canada after graduation and carved out a successful career with the company. He was appointed assistant treasurer after only four years with the company, and served in successively more senior roles. He was appointed executive vice-president in 1969, president and CEO in 1973 and chair and CEO from 1982 until 1985 when he became non-executive chair. He retired from Mutual in 1989.

His service to the community is extensive. He has served as president of the Kitchener–Waterloo Community Foundation and as president of the Freeport Hospital. As chairman of the Corporate Higher Education Forum, Dr. Panabaker has been instrumental in drawing attention to universities' continued need for support, as well as to the value of active cooperation between business and the universities. In recognition of his contribution to business, education and the community, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 1990 and received the 125^th Anniversary of Confederation Medal in 1992.

Dr. Panabaker has demonstrated a long-term loyalty and dedication to McMaster University and the McMaster alumni community. He was an alumni representative to the Board of Governors for 12 years during which time he served as the Board’s chair for two years ending in 1980. He has also served on the McMaster Museum of Art’s administrative board. From 1986 to 1992, Dr. Panabaker served with distinction as Chancellor of McMaster University. He remains an honorary governor and chancellor emeritus.

McMaster awarded Dr. Panabaker an honorary degree in 1981, in recognition of his distinguished career and community service. Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo have also recognized him with honorary degrees. In 1997, the McMaster Students Union chose Dr. Panabaker as the recipient of the MSU Alumni Association Lifetime Achievement Award for Leadership.

 

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