Michael Bedore has been a part of the Trent Athletics community long before he ever became a student. At age 16, he bought his first membership to the University’s facilities and when he started as a student four years ago, he increased his dedication by becoming an Athletics Complex employee.

For his hard work and dedication to Trent Athletics, Mr. Bedore was presented with the 2008 Ken and Lois Sisson Award at a small ceremony on April 15.

When asked about his commitment to the AC, Mr. Bedore said: “It has come full circle for me, the staff set a great example and I looked up to them when I was younger, and now that I am in their position its important for me to do a good job so other young people have the same positive experience I did."

The Ken and Lois Sisson Award was established to recognize a graduating student employee by Trent alumna Karen Sisson and her husband, Bruce Fitzpatrick, who are both long-time supporters of the Athletics and Recreation at Trent. Student employees in Athletics nominate their peers for the award, which is named in honour of Karen’s parents. Lois Sisson, now 83, is a regular user of the Allan Marshall Pool, and has been since 1979. 

In discussing the creation of the award, Mr. Fitzpatrick said, “As a family, we thought it was important to give back. Karen is very proud of this place and it has been great to our family. We hope that recipients of the award will take the lesson of giving back with them and perhaps do something similar themselves in the future.”

Photo: Award-winner Michael Bedore poses with members of the Sisson family. From left to right: Karen Sisson, Michael Bedore, Lois Sisson, Bruce Fitzpatrick, and Ken Sisson.