Mayer called "outstanding citizen "
Posted By BRANDON BLATZ Sun Media
Updated 2 months ago
Three outstanding alumni and a distinguished former faculty member were inducted to the Camrose Composite High School's wall of fame Nov. 20. The inductees each addressed CCHS students with words of advice and wisdom.
James Mayer
James Mayer was one of the distinguished alumni added to the wall of those who have made outstanding contributions to society and have achieved excellence. Mayer graduated in 1979 and returned to Camrose after graduating from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Commerce degree to join the family business, Central Agencies.
James coached minor sports, and assisted many young people who would not have been able to participate because of budget constraints.
Mayer is a strong believer in giving back to the community and he has a long history of generously supporting many local not-for-profit organizations, charities and individuals. James is known as a person of real integrity with strong principles.He also serves on several community boards and committees.
Mayer told the students in attendance, "My message today is simple: education, education, education.... Wherever your path in life takes you or wherever you call home do not forget about community."
Erik Saude
Dr. Erik Saude graduated in 1996 and did his undergraduate studies at Augustana. He received his PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Alberta. He has since applied his knowledge to advance modern medicine with his cutting edge research in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, which can be utilized to help doctors diagnose patients unobtrusively and much more quickly. One of his primary interests is working in pediatric medicine.
He also spends a great deal of time volunteering at the University of Alberta, where he currently is a student in the faculty of medicine.
Christof Weder
Dr. Christof Weder was born in Switzerland, but was raised on a farm just east of Camrose. He graduated from CCHS in 1989. He earned his Master's degree at the university of Oregon and then returned to the University of Alberta and obtained his PhD in Animal Science. Weder worked for almost a decade as a beef specialist for Alberta Agriculture, all the while building his own herd of cattle.
He and his wife now operate Spirit View Ranch in the Peace River area, which has over 1000 head of beef cattle. The operation has doubled in size and uses many of Weder's own innovative ideas. Weder's success has shown that environmentally sustainable farming can be more advantageous than sticking to traditional methods.
Kaye Rud
Kaye Rud was inducted as a distinguished faculty member.
She came to CCHS in 1969 and taught there until her retirement in 1994. Throughout her teaching career, Rud was actively involved in the Alberta Teacher's Association, holding several different positions within the organization. She was also renowned for working selflessly alongside new teachers to help them develop their skills to be the best they could be.
Kaye continues to volunteer extensively with numerous community organizations. She shared some insightful words of wisdom with the students. "What befalls us in life occurs either by choice, or by chance.... How we deal with life is attitude, and positive attitude rules."
