The University of Winnipeg has named the "Dr. David F. Anderson Gymnasium” within its Duckworth Centre, in recognition of Dr. Anderson’s profound influence on UWinnipeg’s athletic and related academic programs. The honour was recommended by the President's Assent Naming Committee and approved by the Board of Regents. Concurrently, the Anderson family has made a generous gift of $400,000 to the University — the largest single amount directed to the Duckworth Centre by a private donor — which will be used to upgrade athletic facilities within the Dr. David F. Anderson Gymnasium. A formal campus event and celebration of Dr. Anderson’s significant contributions to UWinnipeg is planned, in coordination with the Anderson family.
“David Anderson pioneered the athletic programs that are an integral part of The University of Winnipeg today,” said Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice-Chancellor. “His extensive contributions laid the foundation for our athletic endeavours here — which now comprise 13 sports teams, the new Faculty of Kinesiology, and the coming United Health & RecPlex. We are truly grateful for all that he has done, and are proud to honour him when our student-athletes compete at the new ‘Dr. David F. Anderson Gymnasium.’”
Dr. Anderson is a highly-respected retired UWinnipeg faculty member and the former Director of Physical Education and Recreation (United College), who arrived at the institution in 1964, retiring in 1990. He helped establish the Wesmen Classic tournament — the largest of its type in North America — as well as the institution’s first student-athletic (Wesmen) scholarships in the 1970s.
Dr. Anderson played a key role in the design, funding and building of the present facilities of the Duckworth Centre. He was also instrumental in the establishment of academic courses that led to the Department of Kinesiology and Applied Health which is now, with Athletics, part of the Faculty of Kinesiology.
The University of Winnipeg hosted Dr. Anderson as its special guest at the 39th annual MTS Mobility Wesmen Classic in 2005. The Dave Anderson Award was established in his honor; it is awarded annually to an individual in recognition of outstanding service to the University of Winnipeg Athletic Program. A meeting room within the Duckworth Centre was named the “Dave Anderson Boardroom” in recognition of his pioneering work in the department.
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