Climatologist thrilled with alumni recognition

David Phillips (BA 1967) is more than just a weatherman.

Senior climatologist for Environment Canada and spokesperson for its meteorological service, the best-selling author is the creator of the country’s most-popular calendar and has received two Public Service Merit Awards, honorary doctorates from the University of Waterloo and Nipissing University and the Order of Canada.

Next week, he will add to those honours the Alumni Award of Merit, one of two recipients at the University of Windsor Alumni Association’s annual general meeting on Thursday, November 15. The award goes to UWindsor graduates whose distinguished accomplishments  have brought honour to the University of Windsor in any field of human endeavour.

“I am deeply and sincerely touched by the honour, especially given the outstanding body of alumni who can proudly call the University of Windsor their alma mater,” Phillips said.

His Canadian Weather Trivia Calendar joined books The Climates of Canada, Blame It on the Weather and The Day Niagara Falls Ran Dry on bestseller lists.

The other honouree is educator and music professional Maureen Harris (BMA 1997, MEd 2006).

Creator of “Mozart & the Young Mind,” a music and movement curriculum for children, Harris continues to share her musical knowledge with fellow educators throughout the world. Most recently, she began a new position as executive director of Lakeview Montessori School.

Her dedication to teaching won recognition from the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers Association with the presentation of the Hugheen Ferguson Lifetime Achievement Award. She also received the Prime Minister’s awards for teaching excellence and excellence in early childhood education.

The November 15 event will begin with a cocktail reception at 5 p.m. in the CAW Student Centre’s Ambassador Auditorium before the formal program begins at 6 p.m. The meeting and awards presentation are open to the public. If you plan to attend, RSVP by November 9 online at www.uwindsor.ca/alumni or e-mail alumni@uwindsor.ca.