Kevin O'Donnell:
At its 2013 convention in Stanstead, QAHN presented its long-serving (and retiring) president Kevin O'Donnell with a Special QAHN Award. The award, featuring an original bronze sculpture by noted Quebec artist George Foster, mounted on a granite base, recognizes O’Donnell’s five years of service as president of the heritage network, and his outstanding leadership of the organization.
Simon Jacobs, of Quebec City, QAHN’s new president, was on hand at the awards ceremony to present O’Donnell with his award. He highlighted his predecessor’s many years of advocacy on the part of the heritage sector in Quebec, in particular his efforts at preserving and promoting the heritage of English-speaking Quebec. “Kevin, it has been a great honour serving with you on the QAHN board,” Jacobs said, “but it will be very difficult to fill your shoes.”
QAHN Executive Director Matthew Farfan also praised O’Donnell’s leadership, calling him “an impassioned spokesman for QAHN and a dedicated volunteer in countless ways. Kevin, it has been a great privilege and a pleasure working with you.”
Upon his acceptance of his award, O’Donnell said that the award had been “totally unexpected but very much appreciated.” He added, “it will remind me of my happy years with QAHN, and of all the good people I have been able to work with, and the wonderful projects and events we have undertaken over the years.”