JIM DONLEVY RECEIVES THE WHL GOVERNORS AWARD
SASKATOON, SK -- The Western Hockey League announced that Jim Donlevy, who has managed the WHL's League-wide Education program for over 20 years, has been named this year's recipient of the WHL Governors Award. The Award was presented to Mr. Donlevy at a reception in Saskatoon on Sunday, May 19th, by WHL Chairman of the Board Bruce Hamilton on behalf of the WHL Board of Governors.
The WHL Governors Award is presented annually to an individual, who through their outstanding achievements and service to the League, has contributed to the growth and development of the WHL. The WHL Governors Award is the highest honor the WHL bestows on an individual who has been associated with the League.
As head of the WHL Education program since 1992, Mr. Donlevy has been instrumental in the WHL’s remarkable growth in the academic area both at the high school and post-secondary levels. Mr. Donlevy played a key role in the adoption of league-wide education policies and procedures which have enabled WHL student athletes to accomplish their academic goals while playing hockey at the highest level of the Canadian system. Mr. Donlevy also played an integral role in the establishment of the WHL Scholarship program which is recognized as one of the most comprehensive of its kind in North America. Since 1992, the WHL has awarded over 4,600 WHL Scholarships to graduate players representing an investment of over $13.5 million by WHL Clubs. Mr. Donlevy has also provided academic counseling services to WHL players and parents throughout his career at the WHL.
Prior to joining the WHL, Mr. Donlevy spent over 25 years at the University of Alberta serving as a Professor in the Physical Education faculty and Head Coach of the Golden Bears football team. In ten years as Head Coach of the Alberta Golden Bears, Mr. Donlevy's team advanced to the Vanier Cup on six occasions, winning two national championships.
Mr. Donlevy will be stepping down from his full-time position as the Director of Education Services at the WHL Office in Calgary at the end of June, but will remain on in an advisory capacity until December 31, 2013.