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One of the great canadian physical educators of the past 50 years is this year's recipient of the Alumni Golden Jubilee Award, the highest award the Alumni Association bestows.
Maury Van Vliet, who from 1945 to 1975 served as the dean of the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation at the University, will receive the award at a special ceremony at Fall Convocation, November 16, 1985.
Among Dr. Van Vliet's many accomplishments, three stand out: he was the first dean to be appointed in the field of physical education in the Commonwealth; he was responsible for the first Canadian doctoral program in physical education; and he was the president of the XI Commonwealth Games Canada (1978) Foundation.
Throughout his career, Dr. Van Vliet was respected nation-wide not only for his administrative expertise but also for his teaching and coaching capabilities. He was a teacher of physical education courses in fundamental skills, sport injuries, history and principles, philosophy, health education and recreation. Twice he coached basketball teams to national championships. His football teams were Western Intercollegiate Champions six times, and he was a successful coach of track and field, rugby and gymnastics.
Among his many honors, Dr. Van Vliet has been named a member of both the British Columbia and Alberta Sports Halls of Fame, and has received five honorary doctor of laws degrees, including one from the University of Alberta in 1979. Today, Dr. Van Vliet remains active as a member of various boards and committees.
Published Winter 1985. |
