Patricia Murray, director of sport & recreation for the past 13 years,and a professor in York’s School of Kinesiology & Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, has received the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) honour award. The presentation was made May 12 at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ont.
During Murray’s time as director, York has hired full-time coaches in soccer and women’s hockey, expanded its fitness centre, added team rooms and a strength and conditioning facility to the Tait McKenzie Centre on York’s Keele campus. Murray also introduced Sport Excellence Awards for 
continuing students.
Right: Professor Pat Murray
Since Murray became director of Sport & Recreation in 1995, York has won 29 provincial titles. This season, York won three provincial championships (men’s & women’s soccer and men’s tennis); the University’s highest total since 1998-1999.
Murray helped lead the charge for two major new facilities at York – York Stadium and Canlan Ice Sports – and introduced Excellence Awards for continuing students.
Murray will step down from her position on July 1. In accordance with the University’s governing policy, a search must be conducted after two consecutive five-year terms of appointment of full-time faculty members to administrative positions. (See the Feb. 25, 2008 issue of YFile.)
The award is given to an individual who exemplifies the best in university sport in terms of ethics, integrity and honesty.