Wesmen Athletics

In Memory Of Dr. David Anderson

The University Of Winnipeg Is Deeply Saddened By The Loss Of Dr. David Anderson Who Passed Away On March 20th.




The UWinnipeg community was deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. David Anderson, who passed away on March 20, 2013. Dr. Anderson was a respected UWinnipeg faculty member and the first Director of Physical Education and Recreation. He worked at the University in academic and administrative roles from 1964 to 1990.

Dr. Anderson joined The University of Winnipeg, when it was known as United College. In his role as Director of Physical Education and Recreation, he was asked to develop an inter-university athletic program, which became a reality in 1967. In the early 1970’s, Dr. Anderson established the very successful student-athletic scholarship program for our Wesmen teams.

Dr. Anderson played a key role in the design, funding and building of the Duckworth Centre, which opened in 1982. He also initiated the first academic courses in physical education and recreation that led to the creation of the current Department of Kinesiology and Applied Health. The most recent amalgamation of the Department of Athletics and the Department of Kinesiology and Applied Health into the newly created Faculty of Kinesiology is a real testament to his legacy.

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 honour and is awarded annually to an individual in recognition of outstanding service to the University of Winnipeg athletic program. In 2009, the departmental boardroom in the Duckworth Centre was named the “Dave Anderson Boardroom” in recognition of his pioneering work in the department.

To further honour Dr. Anderson’s profound influence on the University of Winnipeg’s athletic program, and in recognition of the generous gift he left to our institution, the gymnasium at Duckworth Centre was formally renamed the “Dr. David F. Anderson Gymnasium” at a combined celebration of Dr. Anderson’s life and a formal dedication of the Dr. David F. Anderson Gymnasium took place on Saturday, April 13th with over 200 people in attendance.

The family also invites donations to the University of Winnipeg Athletic Scholarship Fund...

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