2009 Inductees

Dr. Jason Acker (Innovation)

Dr. Jason Acker is a shining example of how to be successful by following in the steps of your mentor.

An internationally recognized expert in the field of cryobiology, Dr. Acker earned his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Alberta, under the supervision of Dr. Locksley McGann, a 2005 Awards of Excellence inductee in the same category.

Through his understanding of the effects of cold temperatures, Dr. Acker’s research has resulted in groundbreaking advances in the storage and preservation of blood and tissues used in transfusion and transplantation medicine. During his graduate studies, Dr. Acker helped to develop the Comprehensive Tissue Centre, Edmonton’s human tissue bank. He has most recently used his expertise in low temperature biology to assist in the international effort to protect and preserve coral reefs from extinction.

After completing his Doctoral degree, Dr. Acker made an impression in one of the world’s most prestigious research environments.  He was invited to be a Research Fellow at the Centre for Engineering in Medicine; a position jointly hosted by Harvard Medical School, the Massachusetts General Hospital and the Shriners Hospital for Children in Boston.  His contributions during his fellowship led to the publication of scientific papers in several respected journals and in the filing of numerous patents.

Dr. Acker returned to Canada in 2002 and is currently a Senior Scientist with Canadian Blood Services where he leads a national research and development program aimed at preserving the safety of Canadian’s blood supply.  As an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at his alma mater, the University of Alberta, Dr. Acker mentors and trains Canada’s next generation of scientists and physicians.

Dr. Acker’s research has continued to expand the science of low temperature biology and cell and tissue preservation.  He is also working to develop miniature medical devices that have the potential to revolutionize blood banking and enhance current practices for processing and testing blood products.

Frequently sought out by leading scientists and companies around the world, Dr. Acker is often called upon to provide expert advice or to testify as an expert witness in legal cases.  He is a respected mentor to his graduate students, and has opened his laboratory to high school students from Spruce Grove, to give them an introduction to research.

Aside from his dedication to his chosen career, Dr. Acker has also made a significant volunteer contribution to our community.   He served for three years as chair of the City of Spruce Grove’s Recreation Advisory Board, and is currently an alumni member of the Let’s Talk Science Partnership Program.

The City of Spruce Grove is proud to induct Dr. Jason Acker into our Awards of Excellence for Innovation.

Mr. Jim Titley (Community Service)

Jim Titley has been contributing to the lives of Spruce Grove’s youth for more than 41 years. Since 1968, when he joined his brother Bill as head coach of the Spruce Grove Elks’ Boxing Club, he has been a role model and mentor to our young people.

Recently named Boxing Coach of the Year by Boxing Alberta, Jim trained another Awards of Excellence inductee, Kelly Perlette. Throughout his coaching career he has been known for his dedication and commitment to the sport, and also to the young people he trained.

His coaching style emphasized technical skills and fitness, along with self-discipline, self esteem, teamwork and good sportsmanship. In supporting his nomination, his former students have also noted that he always made it fun, instilling in each athlete a sense of belonging to a family.

Perhaps most notable in the recommendations and supporting documentation for this nomination is the recognition that Jim Titley has done more than promote boxing and train athletes. He has also instilled in countless young people the values and attributes that make them remarkable people in their own right.

Under Jim Titley’s guidance, these young people have learned to be compassionate, caring and generous individuals. They have learned to treat others with respect and to give freely of their time and talents. He not only taught them to be fair in competition but also in life. In many cases, he helped young people turn their lives around to become positive contributors to society and ambassadors for Spruce Grove.

They also point out the fact that he made many sacrifices for his boxing family over the years, including spending time away from his family, thousands of miles of travelling and opening his home to visiting athletes.

Jim Titley is also described as an extremely humble man who does not even realize the impact that his time and commitment have had on the youth of Spruce Grove.

Jim Titley is a model of the positive attributes of exercise, good health, self-discipline, fair play, leadership, sportsmanship, personal commitment and dedication to his students. He is a most deserving inductee into the Spruce Grove Awards of Excellence.