Edward Conroy honoured with lecture series, awards program

“That was quite a sermon,” said Conroy, a local lawyer and Huntington's former chancellor. “I'll never forget it. It shook me up. That was more than 50 years ago. I remember as though it was yesterday.”

The inaugural Dr. Edward J. Conroy Distinguished Lecture Series and Community Leadership Awards took place at St. Andrew's United Church on May 28.

The guest lecturer was Beverley Busson, the RCMP's first female commissioner. The award recipients were retired pastor and community volunteer Gerry Copeman and the Chief's Youth Advisory Council.

Huntington board member Scott Darling was also presented with an Award of Merit for his efforts.

“I'm thrilled out of my mind,” Conroy said. “I think the idea of having guest speakers is good, and we have the commissioner of the RCMP. Secondly, I think the idea of awarding people in the community who do good things is great.”

Huntington president Kevin McCormick said the university decided to create the event — which will take place yearly — in Conroy's honour because of everything he's done for the Greater Sudbury community.

Conroy is a partner in the firm of Conroy Trebb Scott Hurtubise LLP, and is past-president of the Sudbury Law Association.

He served as Huntington's third chancellor for eight years, and can be found at most fundraising events in the city.

Conroy is a strong supporter of Huntington, Health Sciences North, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, the Canadian Cancer Society, St. Joseph's Villa and St. Andrew's church.

“Ted's a truly inspirational community leader, and I always say, somebody I'd like to grow up to be like,” said McCormick.

“I think Ted is an amazing person — a community leader, a community builder, and someone who is dedicated to ensuring that our communities are safe, secure, and everybody is treated equally.”