Awards
2010 summit award® recipients
the community service award
This award is presented to Members of APEGGA in recognition of an outstanding contribution they have made to society.
Mr. Ross J. Plecash, P.Eng.
Mr. Ross Plecash, P.Eng., is an excellent example of how the simple gift of time and experience can improve the lives of people throughout Alberta. Both as a volunteer and in his professional career, Mr. Plecash has created a variety of education-focused initiatives that have improved and enhanced the opportunities available for individuals of all ages.
Mr. Plecash graduated from the University of Alberta with a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering in 1988. An avid learner, he returned to the U of A as a part-time student in 2002 and in 2006 received a Master of Engineering in Engineering Management. As part of this dedication to learning, Mr. Plecash joined the Alberta Computers for Schools board of directors in 2002. He served as vice-chair and became chair in 2004, a position he still holds. In recognition of his contributions, Mr. Plecash was named the 2007 Alberta Computers for Schools Volunteer of the Year.
In addition to his work with Alberta Computers for Schools, Mr. Plecash served a three-year term on the Alberta Government’s Council on Alberta Teaching Standards (COATS) as the Minister-appointed public member. COATS was established in 1985 by Ministerial Order. As a member of the council, Mr. Plecash assisted in establishing teacher preparation, certification, and quality standards, concentrating on the Knowledge, Skills and Attributes (KSAs) required for quality teaching. COATS also oversees the Excellence in Teaching Awards program, recognizing the contributions of outstanding teachers around Alberta.
Prior to joining APEGGA’s staff in 2002, Mr. Plecash was already a longstanding Association volunteer involved in many activities that served both APEGGA Members and students interested in the sciences. These activities included taking an active role on APEGGA’s Continuing Professional Development Committee, taking part in APEGGA Outreach Program opportunities and acting as an Iron Ring Workshop volunteer.
Outside of APEGGA, he has trained as a volunteer instructor for the Alberta Government’s Board Development Program and has supported his daughters’ amateur soccer careers in several capacities, including the roles of assistant team coach and association equipment coordinator. Most recently, Mr. Plecash has been accepted as a math and science mentor for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Africa Centre in Edmonton.
Professional Affiliations and Activities
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APEGGA
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Member, Professional Development Committee (2000)
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Member (1988-present)
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Fellow, Engineers Canada
Community Service
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Chair and vice-chair, Alberta Computers for Schools
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Volunteer instructor, Alberta Government Board Development Program
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Volunteer classroom presenter, APEGGA Outreach program
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Mentor, Big Brother and Big Sisters Africa Centre, Edmonton Area
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Member, Canadian Society for Engineering Management, Edmonton Chapter
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Public member, Council on Alberta Teaching Standards
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Associate member, Engineers Without Borders, Edmonton Chapter
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Board member, Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers, Alberta Chapter
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Board member, Terwillegar Riverbend Soccer Association