Stephen Carroll, School of Hospitality, Tourism and Sport professor, was honoured with a Circle of Distinction Award on October 2 by the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) Trillium Network.

The award recognizes an outstanding volunteer who has provided exceptional leadership and exemplary service to the CSAE Trillium over a sustained period of time.

“He is one of the most generous professionals I have ever met,” said Tracy Blyth, executive director of CSAE Trillium. “He is generous with his time, his experience and his very deep knowledge of association management.”

Carroll has been an active member and volunteer for the CSAE since 1992 and has served on many committees, councils, task forces, boards and volunteer leadership roles at both provincial and national levels.

“It was emotionally overwhelming for me and a great honour to be recognized in this way by my peers and colleagues in the association,” said Carroll. “It was their way of thanking me for a career of volunteer leadership and service for CSAE.”

Prior to joining NC, Carroll has held CEO positions in sport management with the Professional Golfers’ Association of British Columbia, Professional Golfers’ Association of Canada, Ontario Volleyball Association and Golf Ontario.

Carroll has since retired from association management; however, he continues to give back to his community. He spent one year teaching a partial load at the College and, after two years as a part-time professor, he was awarded the part-time Educator of the Year at the Annual Night of Excellence in April 2019. He also volunteers with Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart program and is the venue lead for golf for the upcoming Niagara 2021 Canada Games.