MyAlgonquin

Don Crockford (pictured right) with his students in the Radio Broadcasting program

Congratulations to retiring Radio Broadcasting Professor Don Crockford as he has won the Broadcast Educators Association of Canada (BEAC) Michael Monty Distinguished Service Award. 

Don joined the Algonquin College Radio Television Program in 1988 after a career in both private and public radio news.  When the radio program was created as its own program in 1991 Don was named coordinator; a title he held until 2009.  Under Don’s direction the program has changed through the years to continue to reflect the needs of the radio industry.  

“I first met Don in 1996 when I entered the program as a  student and I can tell you Don is an amazing teacher,” says Dan Pihlainen, Radio Broadcasting coordinator, Algonquin College. “After my graduation he continued to offer career advice and eventually asked me to teach News Writing for him part-time in 2007.  Don worked with me through my first few terms and the mentoring continued when I came on board full-time in 2008.”

Don stepped aside as coordinatior in the fall of 2009 to ensure a smooth transition upon his retirement in May 2010.  The walls of his office are lined with class photos and mementos. Don keeps in touch with many of his grads that work for among others, the BBC, NPR, LA’s K-Rock and every radio station in Ottawa. 

“You couldn’t pick a more deserving radio guy,” adds Pihlainen.

The Broadcast Educators Association of Canada is a national organization dedicated to promoting excellence in Media Education. This award is given annually to a long-standing BEAC member who has:

• Displayed an ongoing passion about teaching
• Been a strong supporter of student achievement
• Worked hard to connect students and their school to meet industry needs