Lung Association Honours Recipients Of The Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal

Lung Association Honours Recipients Of The Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal

REGINA, December 18--At a luncheon ceremony today, Mr. Bob Ferguson, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Lung Association of Saskatchewan, presented commemorative medals for the Queen's Golden Jubilee to Dr. Brian Graham, President and CEO of the Lung Association of Saskatchewan and Mr. Jim Burnett, Past Chairperson of the Canadian Lung Association Board.  œThese two individuals repeatedly demonstrate outstanding achievement and distinguished service to the citizens of our province, Canada and the world, says Mr. Ferguson.

Brian Graham has been an integral part of the Lung Association since 1985 with distinguished academic and professional credentials.  He currently serves as the President and CEO.   Brian Graham received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (Biomedical) in 1976 and has been a Professor of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan since 1986.  He is an accomplished lecturer at scientific conferences and other institutions, a researcher and is widely published.  Despite his demanding work schedule Brian spent nine years on the Board of Grosvenor Park United Church including a year as Board Chair, served on the Executive of the Grosvenor Park Home and School Association including a year as President, and ten years as a science fair judge for Aden Bowman Collegiate Institute.   Brian is a devoted husband and father with three grown children.

Dr. Graham is also the Director of an international development project on TB in Ecuador with an operating budget of $5 million.  His multi-disciplinary team is working hard to help this impoverished country fight this crippling, debilitating disease.  Brian is devoted and passionate about the needs of these people and his outstanding leadership is already making a difference in many communities, proudly states Marilyn Reddy, Vice Chairperson of the Lung Association's Board of Directors.

Jim Burnett has a long history of service at the community, provincial and national levels for both the Lung Association of Saskatchewan and the Canadian Lung Association.   Jim has served on the Board of Directors of the Lung Association in many capacities since 1981 including nine years as President and is currently serving a term as the Past Chairperson of the Canadian Lung Association Board after two years as Chair.  Mr. Burnett holds many honours from the Lung Association including an honorary life membership in the Saskatchewan Anti-Tuberculosis League awarded in 1963 for his assistance with TB surveys, and the coveted Ken More Award given for distinguished service and leadership in 1998.

Mr. Burnett is also the recipient of the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal for 2001, presented by the Honourable Lynda M. Haverstock, Lieutenant Governor.  Jim is a husband, father of five children, and a proud grandfather.

Jim Burnett's scope of community service extends beyond the Lung Association and his leadership style, knowledge of administrative and financial practices, integrity and good will has served many other organizations. He has been a strong contributor holding board and executive positions with other organizations such as the Scouting movement, Wesley United Church, the United Appeal, Y.M.C.A., C.N.I.B., Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation, University Scholarships of Canada and the senates of both the Universities of Saskatchewan and Regina.

Mr. Burnett is well known to many people in Saskatchewan for his outstanding career in public education.  He is the former Superintendent for the Swift Current Public School Board and Director of Education for the Regina Public School Board.  He taught school in Simmie and Rosetown and served two years on the Regina Public School Board as Chair.

The Lung Association is active in communities across Saskatchewan improving respiratory health of our residents.  Our successful research, education, patient support and consumer information on asthma, COPD (which includes emphysema and bronchitis), lung cancer, sleep apnea, pneumonia and many other lung diseases is the result of strong leadership and volunteer commitment by many individuals throughout the years.  Thank you to Brian Graham and Jim Burnett for their outstanding dedication to the Lung Association.

Please visit our website at www.sk.lung.ca for more information.

For further information contact:

Stella Spanos
(306) 343-9511
1-800-667-5864
stella.spanos@sk.lung.ca