York U. linked to two awards in Layton's honour. A flag at York University flies at half mast Wednesday in rememberance of Jack Layton. The leader of the federal NDP, a York alumnus, died of cancer Monday morning. The university is linked to two new awards honouring the former leader of the official Opposition. (Aug. 24, 2011) Staff photo/NICK PERRY
In addition to flying its flag at half-mast until after federal NDP leader Jack Layton's official state funeral Saturday, York University is linked to two new awards honouring its famous alumnus.
Layton, who died of cancer at the age of 61 on Monday, Aug. 22, graduated from York with a master's in 1972 and a PhD in 1983.
The Faculty of Environmental Studies is looking to establish an annual prize in Layton's memory, which would be given to an outstanding environmental studies master's student.
Layton's son Mike Layton, councillor for Trinity-Spadina, is a York master's environmental studies graduate.
Meanwhile, an award in Layton's honour will be given by an organization called Learning for a Sustainable Future.
While LSF is located at York, it is a strategic partner with the university rather than part of the school.
LSF is a national non-profit organization that works with educators, students, parents, governments, community members and business leaders to integrate sustainability concepts into education policy.
The organization has created the Jack Layton Award for Youth Action in Sustainability, which will be presented to a student or group of students who have responded to community challenges with creative energy, responsible citizenship and innovative action.
It will be awarded at LSF's gala on Nov. 15.
The organization's chairperson, David Bell, was a friend and colleague of Layton's for almost 40 years.
Now a retired political science professor who once served as York's dean of graduate studies and dean of environmental studies, Bell was Layton's thesis supervisor while he completed his dissertation on the Foreign Investment Review Agency.
The death of Layton, who became leader of the official Opposition following the May 2 federal election, is both a personal and national loss, Bell said.
He called his friend the most promising leader on the national stage.
He believes Layton would have gone on in time to be prime minister.
"No one 18 months ago would have bet $2 on him being leader of the Opposition. We (Canadians) were really starting to get Jack," said Bell during a phone interview from Prince Edward Island.
"Jack was a great listener and he was genuinely interested in other people, but, more importantly, his personal mission was to improve the lot of fellow citizens whether nationally or locally. That was just the stuff he was made of."
In a friendship that spanned four decades, Bell remembered Layton as an inspirational leader during his student days.
He also recalled parties, jam sessions, quiet drinks in the bar and squash games.
Layton, a man of optimism and boundless energy, was always passionate about improving the lives of others and had a keen sense of public service, said Bell, a professor emeritus at York.
A great defender of the environment, Layton recognized the importance of balancing environmental concerns with social and economic interests, Bell said.
"I don't see that leadership coming from anyone else on the national stage," he said.
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