In Memory of Scott Gedies
This award has been established in memory of a fine young man, Scott Gedies (1973-1993).
As a teenager and, later on, a Fanshawe College student in the Hotel and Restaurant Management program, Scott spent many hours helping his dad, the chair of the division, with clerical duties on weekends and evenings. As a result, he gained a great deal of respect for, and appreciation of, the multifaceted divisional operational requirements in support of the various learning challenges.
Scott’s own success in high school and college was largely due to his positive outlook on life despite a learning disability. This attitude enabled him to cope with even the most difficult learning challenges without any kind of regret or self-pity.
Impact
The Scott Gedies Memorial Awards are presented annually to two returning students in the Motive Power Technology program who have demonstrated a high level of fortitude and resolve to overcome either personal tragedy, hardship, physical disabilities or learning disabilities while maintaining a positive outlook on life in general.
Scott would have heartily approved of the above criteria because of his exceptional caring nature for others and his long-standing association with the Motive Power Division. This annual recognition of two deserving students, who have best demonstrated some or all of Scott’s fine qualities in handling their respective challenges, will hopefully inspire the recipients to encourage others in similar situations to never give up.
“We know that Scott would have been quite proud and honoured to be remembered in such a special way. During his short life of only 20 years, Scott taught us a great deal about coping with extraordinary challenges. We trust that each year’s recipients will continue to remind us of the fortitude required by so many fine young people in order to realize their respective goals and dreams”.
- G.W. Gedies and Family