Joseph D. Thompson was presented the Arnold H. Barben Award on July 14, 2007 during the Annual Clarkson University Hockey Reunion.
The Arnold H. Barben Award is intended to recognize the important role that hockey has played in the history of the University. This award is presented to a Clarkson University Varsity C hockey alumnus who has demonstrated outstanding professional achievement, has contributed to the betterment of his community and has worked unselfishly for his alma mater. Helen Barben, of Seneca Falls, New York, established the Barben Award in 1980 in memory of her late husband, a member of the class of 1927.
A hard-working, steady wing for the Golden Knights from 1954-56, Thompson was an important part of head coach Bill Harrison's teams that compiled a 41-4 record during the mid-1950s. As a senior, the Hornby, Ontario native played a pivotal role in Clarkson's memorable 1955-56 undefeated season (23-0). He scored six goals and 19 assists in his two-year career with the Green and Gold.
Thompson remarked on his days at Clarkson as, "A great maturing experience which taught me teamwork and gave me a solid technical background." Having a team attitude has been invaluable, he said, and his technical engineering abilities help him analyze problems. His most useful lesson at Clarkson was simple - stay humble. This came directly from playing on a hockey team, he says, that was "all about teammates and not about self."
After graduation with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, Thompson worked for Stone & Webster Company in Toronto and then Perini Ltd. before joining the PCL Construction Group Inc. in 1967. Today, PCL is Canada's largest contracting company, with projects around the world. During his 40 years with PCL, Thompson has risen through positions as Chief Engineer; District Manager, Regional Manager, President and Chief Operating Officer to become company Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer in 1997.
His company celebrated its 100th birthday in 2006, now has 8,000 employees.
In recognition of his contribution within PCL, the company established the Joseph D. Thompson District Performance Award program in 1998 to recognize district managers and their staff for outstanding performance in surpassing corporate district performance goals.
In March 2001, Thompson was awarded the Robert Stollery Award, one of the highest awards of excellence given out by the Canadian Construction Association (CCA). Introduced in 1989, the award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities and who continue to the growth of the construction industry.
Thompson has served on numerous committees and task forces. He was a member of the Canadian Construction Association Board of Directors for eight years; secretary treasurer of the Merit Contractors Association for four years; and chairman of the Regina Construction Association Board. He is currently a member of the University of Alberta Business Advisory Council, the United Way of Alberta Capital Region Board, Royal Alexandria Hospital Foundation Board, Economic Development Edmonton (Advisory Board), Merit Contractors Benefit Plan Board of Trustees, Deal Generator Advisory Board, Eleven Engineering Inc. Board, and Chairman of the Board of Babel Fish Corporation.
While at Clarkson, Thompson was a member of Tau Beta Phi and Chi Epsilon honorary engineering societies and was inducted into Phalanx. He was recognized by the Clarkson Alumni Association as a recipient of the Golden Knight Award in recognition of his civic and professional achievement.
Thompson and his wife, Nancy, have three married children and six grandchildren. He is still active with the Edmonton Vintage Hockey team.
It is with great pride that Clarkson University recognizes Joseph D. Thompson, Class of 1956, as the twenty-third recipient of the Arnold H. Barben Award.
Previous Barben Award Recipients
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Year Awarded |
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Name and Class Year |
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1981 |
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Robert L. Houston '34 |
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1982 |
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Robert A. Campbell '61 |
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1983 |
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William J. Little '61 |
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1984 |
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Charles R. Hyde '48 |
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1985 |
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John T. McLennan '68 |
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1986 |
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Douglas B. Brown '53 |
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1987 |
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H. Allan Graham '59 |
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1988 |
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Donald E. May '57 |
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1989 |
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David A. Taylor '77 |
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1990 |
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Frank R. Schmeler '64 |
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1991 |
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Stephen J. Warr '72 |
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1992 |
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Terry A. Yurkiewicz '66 |
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1993 |
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J. Ronald Frazer '45 |
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1994 |
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Robert E. Empie '68 |
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1995 |
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Richard S. Wetmore '77 |
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1996 |
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G. Lionel Hewitson '49 |
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1997 |
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George N. Maclean '42 |
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1998 |
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William D. O'Flaherty '71 |
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1999 |
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Not Awarded |
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2000 |
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Michael A. Smith '68 |
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2001 |
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Charles J. Bullard Jr. '76 |
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2002 |
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Wayne F. LaChance '70 |
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2003 |
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Not Awarded |
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2004 |
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Joseph R. Drago '63 |
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2005 |
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Not Awarded |
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2006 |
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Not Awarded |
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2007 |
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Joseph D. Thompson '56 |