Six-time national championship chair Shaw's advocacy for students led Griffins Athletics to new heights

Joy Shaw

(inducted in April 2000)

Joy Shaw was an enormous supporter of student activities for the 22 years prior to 2000. In 1977, when Grant MacEwan College was in its infancy, Joy Shaw joined the institution as a Student Association staff advisor. She quickly implemented various student-run programs as well as supported and encouraged the growth and development of the athletics program.

She was a vocal supporter and was very instrumental in Grant MacEwan College students having the right to challenge themselves by having opportunities for intercollegiate activities.

As the student population of Grant MacEwan College grew, so did the demands for more and more activities. As Executive Director of the Students Association, Joy was never one to push her ideas and philosophies on to the students, but instead chose to involve them in the process of determining the level of support that Athletics would receive.

Joy was actively involved in exposing the college to the rest of Canada by serving as a Chair of six national championships that were hosted by Grant MacEwan College.

With her involvement and the aid of the Student’s Association, Grant MacEwan set new standards for colleges hosting national championships. Her support and dedication have been unconditional and unwavering in both good times and bad.

She instituted plans to find a new funding formula for athletes in order to help support the addition of men’s and women’s hockey programs and helped bring funding in line with other conference members.

The growth and success of Griffins Athletics would not have been possible without Joy Shaw’s leadership and support. It is fitting and deserving that Joy Shaw was the first inductee in the builder’s category of the Griffins’ Wall of Distinction.