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By Todd Curran
Philanthropist, business woman, volunteer and so much more, Irene Pfeiffer is truly a remarkable resident in our midst.
Irene was awarded the YWCA's Women of Distinction Award for Business in 1997, Woman of Vision Award in 1999, The Paul Harris Rotary Award in 2000, the Mayor's Award for Excellence in Volunteerism and the Business and Professional Women's Woman of the Year Award in 2002. She's been awarded the Order of Canada, the Governor General Award, received the Order of Canada in December 2007 for outstanding volunteer service, and is the first non-physician to become president of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).
“I was appointed to the CPSA by the government as a public member,” Irene says. “Through seven years of hard work, I was elected to the position by my colleagues. They felt that I could do the job and they're right.”
"Public members have always provided valuable insight to our Council discussions," says CPSA Registrar Dr. Trevor Theman, "and we are proud to have a public member as Council President. Ms Pfeiffer is very knowledgeable about our business and I believe she will do an outstanding job."
As co-founder of the Pearls of Wisdom Scholarship Fund for Mount Royal College, working with the Mustard Seed Street Ministry and raising funds for affordable housing, Irene's volunteer community work is as legendary as her professional career. She is on the Advisory Council for Teen Challenge and The Banff Centre and has also held leadership positions with the University of Calgary and Mount Royal College. In addition to other accolades, her philanthropic efforts earned her the Queen's Jubilee Medal for Community Service, the Lifetime of Service Generosity of Spirit Award.
“I've always been a high-energy achiever,” says Irene. “I didn't know that some of my achievements would be pioneering, but I knew they would all be exciting. The one I'm most proud of is my family. I'm blessed, there's no doubt about it.”
Although Irene never had a mentor, several people in her life had a positive influence. “There was no such thing as mentors when I was growing up,” she says. “But my high school English teacher had a tremendous impact on me. She showed me what women can really do. There have been many others along the way, but my husband has always been my greatest supporter.”
Encouraging others to take an active part in the community, this Remarkable Resident says, “Chase your dream. If you see a need, address it. If you want something, go and get it. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem. It might be harder to be part of the solution, but it's much more satisfying!”
Is there a Remarkable Resident living in your area? Please give us a call to nominate them.
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