Awards
summit award® recipients
the community service award
ralph b. young, p.eng.
This award is presented to members of APEGGA in recognition of an outstanding contribution they have made to society.
Mr. Ralph B. Young, P.Eng., graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1967 with a B.Sc. (Civil Engineering). He attained his M.B.A. from the University of Alberta in 1973 and completed the Executive Program at Queen’s University in 1996. Mr. Young has been involved in the development industry with Melcor Developments Ltd. for 34 years and is currently President, CEO and Director. He has consistently delivered solid results, most recently posting $19.4 million in earnings on revenues of $88 million for 2004.
Mr. Young has been a member of the Rotary Club of Edmonton since 1981 and has provided leadership in a number of ways. During his tenure as President, the Club celebrated its 75th anniversary, and he ensured the Club undertook appropriate celebratory activities. One of the highlights was his compilation of the Club’s history since receiving its Charter, very much in keeping with his great interest in history, especially that of Canada. As part of the anniversary celebrations, Mr. Young also motivated the Rotary to lead a campaign to fund the construction of the Clock Tower at the new Edmonton City Hall, now known as the Friendship Tower.
Mr. Young also chaired the Rotary International Committee of the Club, which raises funds to support the work of Rotary International, such as projects in third world countries, different post-secondary scholarships and travel, all of which help tobuild goodwill. He is also immediate Past Chair of his Club’s own foundation, and he was instrumental in establishing a fund which recognizes local leaders and in turn, supports the recipient’s local charity of choice.
Mr. Young chaired the Screening Committee of the Club for the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship. This is a $25,000 scholarship awarded to post-graduate students. Because of the prestige of the scholarship, it attracts some very deserving candidates. Mr. Young was thorough and skilful in ensuring that the selection process was complete and fair and at the same time affirmed each and every one of the candidates.
Mr. Young and his wife, Gay, have been great role models for the Club in the work they have done and continue to do. They have hosted seven international exchange students through a Rotary program, each of them for a minimum of three months. These students have come from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Columbia, New Zealand and South Africa, so language support and acclimatization to Canadian culture is a big part of the host parents’ responsibility. Both Mr. Young and his wife have received the Paul Harris Fellowship, a major recognition from Rotary International.
For four years, Mr. Young was on the Board of the Caritas Health Group, a large faithbased organization which operates two large acute care hospitals in Edmonton and the largest continuing care facility in the Capital Health Region. Mr. Young’s knowledge and wisdom helped the Board and the organization as a whole to grow. He is a strategic thinker who focuses on desired outcomes, not just the bottom line. He chaired the Audit and Finance Committee of the Board and helped to shape the role of the Board committees. His leadership ability, business background and strong interpersonal skills were great assets to the organization.
In 2000, when planning for Edmonton’s centennial was beginning, the Mayor invited Mr. Young to chair the Centennial Committee. Mr. Young led the Committee with a broad community membership that reflected Edmonton’s varied interest groups to plan and execute a year of celebrations. Among the achievements were numerous events throughout the city, two books about Edmonton, 100 Edmontonians of the Century Awards, a school program exploring the history of Edmonton and the development of Sir Winston Churchill Square.
Honours, Awards and Distinctions
-
Spirit of UDI Award (for contribution to the development industry), 2004
-
Named one of Alberta’s 50 Most Influential People 2004: Community Builders, by Alberta Venture, July/August 2004
-
City of Edmonton Citation Award (for outstanding contribution to the community), 2003
-
Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award, 2003
-
Canada 125 Medal, 1995
-
Paul Harris Fellow Award of Distinction, Rotary International (for outstanding service towards the goals of Rotary International)
Professional Affiliations and Activities
-
Member, APEGGA Community Service
-
Board Chair, City of Edmonton 2004 Celebration Committee
-
Board Member, Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research
-
Member, Rotary Club of Edmonton
-
Co-Chair, Scouts Canada Northern Lights
-
Council Breakfast Committee
-
Past Board Member, Caritas Health Group
-
Past-President, Rotary Club of Edmonton
-
Past Member, Board of Governors, University of Alberta
-
Past Alumni Council President, University of Alberta
-
Past Member, University of Alberta Alumni Council
-
Past Member, University of Alberta Senate
-
Past-President and Board Member for Canada, Alberta and Edmonton, Urban Development Institute
-
Past Board Member, Grant MacEwan Community College
-
Past Treasurer and Board Member, Edmonton Eskimo Football Club
-
Past Vice-Chair and Board Member, Alberta College
-
Past Member, Audit Committee, Province of Alberta
-
Past Co-Chair and Board Member, Edmonton Carillon Clock Tower Foundation