The Wilfrid Laurier University Alumni Association (WLUAA) has announced that Faculty of Music oboe professor James Mason has received one of its awards of excellence this year—the Faculty Mentoring Award. WLUAA says “Mason has made an indelible impact on the lives of many young musicians, providing outstanding instruction and advice, and instilling a desire for excellence…. Along with providing countless professional performance opportunities for his students, Mason goes beyond the call of duty and offers a great deal of personal attention, infusing the confidence needed for a career in music.”
Dr. Charles Morrison, Dean of the Faculty of Music, says that Faculty Mentoring Award is given to an individual who has earned a high level of respect and is a noteworthy ambassador for both the Faculty of Music and Laurier. “Given Jim’s dedication to his students, his efforts in recruiting and fundraising, and his ambassadorship through concerts and other promotional events, he is a superb choice for this form of recognition”

Mason says the award comes as a total surprise and he values it greatly as he was nominated for it by his students. “I feel that teaching is the most important thing that I do. It’s the greatest contribution an artist can make to society. I was very lucky to have had inspiring teachers, myself, and I always hope that I’m giving that inspiration back to my students. This award makes me feel that, at some level, maybe I’m doing something right.”

Mason is to receive the award at a banquet on May 5. WLUAA established the Awards of Excellence Program to honour Laurier alumni, faculty and staff who, through their actions and accomplishments, have made a difference in the Laurier community and the community at large.