2025 Father Athol Murray Award Presentation – May 16, 2025
This award is presented to the Notre Dame student who best exemplifies the characteristics, principles and ideals of Father Athol (Père) Murray nominated by staff and students and chosen by a selection committee – chaired by Tom Shoebridge ‘62.
Guest Presenter: Paul Champagne ‘57
Paul Champagne was encouraged to attend the college in 1953 by Father Murray as a very competent goalie. He finished high school and then took his Bachelor of Arts, graduating in 1957.
Paul moved to Ottawa and worked in the federal government before deciding to study and complete a degree in Public Administration at the University of Syracuse. Once again, he returned to the nation’s capital but was awarded a fellowship to study in Japan. After this overseas experience, Paul once again returned to Ottawa. He worked on Parliament Hill and this led to a lifelong interest in politics.
The concept of law came calling and he complete his law degree at the University of Windsor. After practicing in Toronto for a few years, he explored employment in Florida before returning to Canmore, Alberta where he managed the renowned Mountain Hound Lodge which was owned by several Hounds.
Finally, Paul settled in Ottawa where he was a lawyer until his retirement in 2018 when he moved to Fernie, B.C. where he still resides. He has two sons, Bram who was a Hound in 79-80 and Napolean, who is here with him today.
Paul moved to Ottawa and worked in the federal government before deciding to study and complete a degree in Public Administration at the University of Syracuse. Once again, he returned to the nation’s capital but was awarded a fellowship to study in Japan. After this overseas experience, Paul once again returned to Ottawa. He worked on Parliament Hill and this led to a lifelong interest in politics.
The concept of law came calling and he complete his law degree at the University of Windsor. After practicing in Toronto for a few years, he explored employment in Florida before returning to Canmore, Alberta where he managed the renowned Mountain Hound Lodge which was owned by several Hounds.
Finally, Paul settled in Ottawa where he was a lawyer until his retirement in 2018 when he moved to Fernie, B.C. where he still resides. He has two sons, Bram who was a Hound in 79-80 and Napolean, who is here with him today.
Father Athol Murray Award Recipient: Nathan Thompson ‘25
This year’s recipient is someone who leads with quiet strength and unwavering kindness. They consistently treat others with respect and have taken a genuine interest in getting to know those around them from the moment they arrived on campus.
Always ready to lend a hand, they actively participate in school life and have demonstrated meaningful growth — not just in athletics and academics, but also socially and spiritually. Their presence not only uplifts those around them but also brings a sense of energy and fun wherever they go.
This individual has grown tremendously over the past four years, both personally and as a member of our Notre Dame family. Their steady development speaks to their maturity, self-awareness, and deep understanding of what it means to be part of a team — and to lead one.
Respected by fellow Hounds, faculty, and staff alike, this student’s influence is felt across campus. Their dedication, humility, and willingness to put others first have helped strengthen and shape our Notre Dame community.
Always ready to lend a hand, they actively participate in school life and have demonstrated meaningful growth — not just in athletics and academics, but also socially and spiritually. Their presence not only uplifts those around them but also brings a sense of energy and fun wherever they go.
This individual has grown tremendously over the past four years, both personally and as a member of our Notre Dame family. Their steady development speaks to their maturity, self-awareness, and deep understanding of what it means to be part of a team — and to lead one.
Respected by fellow Hounds, faculty, and staff alike, this student’s influence is felt across campus. Their dedication, humility, and willingness to put others first have helped strengthen and shape our Notre Dame community.
Today, we proudly honour a student who embodies the ideals of Père — a true leader, both in name and in action. Congratulations to the recipient of the 2025 Father Athol Murray Award, Nathan Thompson.
2025 Father Athol Murray Award Nominees:
Anya Krueger, Ben Bugeaud, Connor Dunn, Danika Coakwell, Eagle Dubois, Georgia-Lyn Keewatin, Jacey Watson, Jet Wang, Juliette Gagne-Delaunay, Katryna Mattern, Kenton Dumont, Kiara Perrett, Kilian Venhorst, Koby Bossaer, Mason Harrington, Micah Pimm, Natalie Harazny, Nathan Thompson, Pherson Loehndorf, Reagan Lynch, Reid White, Ryder Pisiak, Sam Koester.
Photo: 2025 Father Athol Murray Award Nominees with Guest Presenter, Paul Champagne ‘57
Photo: Award Recipient, Nathan Thompson ’25; Development & Alumni Relations Officer, Andrea Harazny ’98; and Guest Presenter, Paul Champagne ‘57
Athol Murray College of Notre Dame ·
P.O. Box 100 Wilcox · SK, Canada S0G 5E0
Phone: 306-732-2080 · Fax: 306-732-4408 (Confidential) · Email: info@notredame.ca
Phone: 306-732-2080 · Fax: 306-732-4408 (Confidential) · Email: info@notredame.ca
