Kathleen Pratt LeGrow (BA'70), was recently named one of eight recipients of the Order of Newfoundland & Labrador by Lieutenant Governor Frank Fagan.
The Order of Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes those who have demonstrated excellence and achievement in any field of endeavour benefiting the province and its residents. "These individuals represent the ideals of the very best that the province has to offer," Fagan stated. "Their commitments to people, community and province serve as examples to be emulated by all."
A social worker by training, Kathleen has enjoyed a long and successful business career. But she's perhaps best-known as a passionate and committed community volunteer leader and philanthropist.
In honour of her brother, Kathleen founded the Jimmy Pratt Foundation, devoted to finding ways to discover and support areas of resiliency in vulnerable children and their families. She's also served on the Health Care Corporation of St. John's, the St. John's International Airport Authority and the Premier's Council on Social Development, among other boards and commissions.
But it was Kathleen's commitment to education that brought her provincial and national recognition. A former chair of the Avalon East School Board, Kathleen also served as president of the Integrated Education Council and later headed the Newfoundland and Labrador School Boards Association, where she was instrumental in reforming the denominational education system.
For her service to community and the province, Kathleen was named a member of the Order of Canada in 2005. In 2014, Memorial University awarded her an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
"It has been an overwhelming experience to be invested into the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador," says Kathleen. "I have tried to work hard throughout my professional and volunteer life on behalf of vulnerable sectors of my various communities to make a difference in the lives of others."
"My Dad always instilled in me the adage to whom much is given, much is expected,' and I have tried to live up to his expectation of me."
"My formative years spent at the University of King's College helped me to find myself,' explore different fields of study and discover where my interests were best directed," adds Kathleen. "Turns out, my efforts were best spent on community service, especially in the areas of health and education."
