Sandra Murray-MacDonell recently celebrated 30 years of service with the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA).
The CCAA’s long-time Chief Executive Officer (CEO)’s career with the Association began on March 7, 1993.
Murray-MacDonell was honoured this week at the CCAA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), which was held in Niagara Falls, ON. Next June, the CCAA will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in Ottawa.
The following are messages from friends and colleagues of Murray-MacDonell:
“Congratulations Sandra, of course it seems hardly possible that 30 years have gone by. When you joined the CCAA, it was an organization struggling for recognition within the Sports Canada structure. Through the role you have played with its dedicated members, the CCAA has been acknowledged as an integral member of the Canadian sports system. You have made a remarkable contribution to the growth of the CCAA through your leadership and dedication to the principles of post-secondary sport. I very much appreciate the opportunity I have had to work with you and enjoy the impact which you have had on so many people both within the CCAA and Canadian sport. While we recognize the milestone noting the years gone by, we must also applaud all that has been accomplished during that time with you at the helm.” - Glenn Ruiter, CCAA Senator
“Thirty years ago, the then CCAA Executive Director, Clare Gillespie coordinated a great hire in signing Sandra Murray as a member of the National Office Staff. Since then, Sandra has contributed to the success of the Association in many ways. Upon Clare’s departure, Sandra took on the role as ED. Through office moves, funding scares and staff changes, she has been a solid leader for the CCAA. She provides great leadership for the staff, and works well with the board of directors, athletic directors, Sport Canada, and National Sport Organizations. She is the “total package” and the CCAA is fortunate to have her as the CEO! Happy 30th, Sandra!” - Judy Smith, CCAA Senator
“It’s hard to believe that we are celebrating your 30th year of service with the CCAA. There is no doubt you have made an incredible contribution to college sport in Canada. Your dedication, quality of work, people skills and astute vision have helped guide us through the ever-changing sport landscape. You have built a wonderful team at the CCAA Office, and the outstanding work we receive nationally is a reflection of you! I have had the privilege of working with you over the years and they were not only inspiring but truly FUN! Many a giggle have been shared along the way and I want to thank you and congratulate you on 30 amazing years with the CCAA. You are the best!” - June Lumsden, CCAA Senator
“If there’s been one constant in the CCAA over the past 30 years, it’s been Sandra. She’s has been and continues to be an integral part of the Association, providing invaluable guidance and support to the board, its committees, and our membership over the years. No words can express how grateful we are for all that’s she contributed to the CCAA, but we can try... Thank you for all that you’ve given to the CCAA. The time, energy, and passion you’ve shown is contagious and many members have benefited from it!” - Vince Amato, CCAA President
“On behalf of my colleagues in the ACAA, we send our very best and heartfelt congratulations to such a great person and consummate professional. To describe Sandy in a few words is a tough assignment because she has multiple, wonderful qualities. What we all enjoy most is that she never makes anyone feel that their questions are bad ones and always has honest and thorough responses. This is because she knows the business and the people and has cultivated outstanding relationships over the years. Even during some of the rough years, she is always herself, cool under pressure and never gets rattled. If you look at the CCAA and its accomplishments, Sandy has provided solid leadership and with the help of some great people in key positions and made the organization into a financially sound and well-oiled machine that is a shining example to all multi-sport organizations across the country. Sandy, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Thirty years is a large portion of your life, and we are so fortunate and proud that you chose to spend this time with us and made us a better organization in the process.” - Neil Hooper, Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA)
“On behalf of the RSEQ, we would like to congratulate Sandra on her incredible 30 years of service at the CCAA. Sandra has been an integral part of the CCAA; she is passionate, organized, and her commitment to our student-athletes and the development of sports across the country is what makes her an exceptional CEO. We would like to thank her for her dedication, her empathy, and her efficient work. Congratulations on your 30 years, Sandra!” - Mai Nguyen, Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ)
“Sandra, congratulations on this incredible milestone as a champion for the support and advancement of Canadian collegiate sport! Your dedication to the CCAA over the last 30 years has been tireless, and we at the OCAA are extremely appreciative for everything that you have brought to the association. Thank you for everything that you have done, and continue to do!” - Melanie Gerin-Lajoie, Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA)
“Congratulations, Sandra, on 30 wonderful years with the CCAA! As a new CCAA conference, we’ve learned so much from you over the past few years. The wealth of knowledge you possess about all aspects of Canadian collegiate sport is invaluable and your gift for leadership is seen in every successful event, season, and championship. On behalf of all of us in the MCAC, thank you for the care and joy you pour into this work.” - Cara Isaak, Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference (MCAC)
“On behalf of the ACAC I would like to congratulate Sandra on 30 years of service to the CCAA. The CCAA is fortunate to have a person with such strong character in the role of CEO. Sandra’s knowledge and experience has helped the CCAA not only survive some difficult times but also implement positive changes over the years that has made the Association the respected organization that it has become.” - Alan Rogan, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC)
“It’s been quite a path: From inspiring your own teammates on high school and university basketball courts to three decades of ensuring quality sport opportunities and life-long memories for thousands of student-athletes across the CCAA and across this country. Your service and dedication to varsity sport in Canada has been invaluable. On behalf of the PACWEST and the many student-athletes, coaches, and fans whose lives have been enriched due to collegiate sport, we thank you!” - Danielle Hyde, Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST)
“Congratulations on 30 years with the CCAA, Sandy! I feel so fortunate to have worked with Sandra for many of those years, and I’m grateful for her guidance and friendship. The CCAA has benefited greatly having Sandy at the helm as you would be hard-pressed to meet a more knowledgeable, passionate, dedicated, hard-working and supportive leader. When you listen to her speak about the CCAA – the work that has been done and the friends she has made – you can hear the pride in her voice. And deservedly so, after spending 30 years shaping the Association into what it is today!” - Mary Winkenweder, CCAA Manager, Finance & Administration
“It is a personal privilege to work and learn under Sandra’s thoughtful and pragmatic leadership. Her dedication to the CCAA is reflected not only by her professional actions but the personal interest and care she has for its people. Congratulations on this career milestone Sandra!” - Brandon Stone, CCAA Manager, Marketing & Sponsorship
“Sandra has been the heart and soul of the CCAA for three decades now, and we are so fortunate to have her as our fearless leader. Sandra’s pride in the CCAA is undeniable and that permeates to her staff. It's an absolute honour to be a part of the CCAA team at the National Office, especially under her leadership. With her calming presence, Sandra has guided the CCAA through incredible ups and downs over the years. No matter the issue, she always has the student-athletes best interest at heart. Congratulations on a remarkable milestone, Sandra!” - Rodney Wilson, CCAA Manager, Communications & Events
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The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) enriches the academic experiences of student-athletes by providing leadership, programs and services that foster development through high-level competitive opportunities in intercollegiate sport.
Media Contact:
Rodney Wilson / rodney@ccaa.ca
Manager, Communications & Events
