(l to r) Frank Fiorenza, Annie Korver and Dr. Elspeth McDougall (Image credit: TRU/Contributed).
TRU Distinguished Alumni 2024

Trio of distinguished TRU alumni recognized for health care, truth and reconciliation, medicine

Jan 27, 2025 | 8:44 AM

KAMLOOPS — Three Thompson Rivers University (TRU) alumni are being recognized for their achievements and service.

Frank Fiorenza, Annie Korver and Dr. Elspeth McDougall received TRU Distinguished Alumni awards for 2024 — Fiorenza for health care, Korver for truth and reconciliation, and McDougall for medicine.

Fiorenza, who graduated in TRU’s Bachelor of Health Science program in 2012, is being credited by the university for his inventions and patents pending related to respiratory therapy. In a news release issued Monday (Jan. 27), TRU says Fiorenza’s respiratory therapy journey was inspired by his grandfather’s battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Korver, who graduated TRU’s Bachelor of Tourism Management program in 2004, is the founder of Rise Consulting Ltd., a corporation that focuses on Indigenous inclusion and reconciliation in corporate Canada. TRU says Korver supports Indigenous businesses and promotes economic development with Indigenous communities by serving on the board of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and Canadian Business for Social Responsibility.

McDougall, who received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from TRU in 2010 and completed her first year of sciences at Cariboo College, is recognized for her work in developing new techniques in laparoscopic renal surgery. TRU says McDougall has published more than 200 peer-reviewed journal articles. She is the co-editor of two textbooks on laparoscopic surgery.

More information on the three distinguished alumni can be found here.