Friend of NSAC Award to be presented at NSAC Convocation

Vida Woodworth, Director of the Colchester Sexual Assault Centre, exemplifies the belief that one person can make a difference. With her commitment to helping and educating others she is a fitting candidate for the Friend of NSAC Award to be presented during the university=s 105th Convocation ceremony, Friday, May 7th.

The Friend award was designed in 2004 to recognize persons from outside the university community who have been instrumental in furthering the aims of the institution.

Vida has made a difference in Colchester County for the past 14 years as the Director of the Colchester Sexual Assault Centre. On a daily basis, Vida counsels individuals through the most difficult times of their lives; helping them to rebuild their lives, move past traumatic events and achieve new goals.

She is committed to her community in all aspects of her life and has volunteered her time to assist organizations like the Colchester East Hants Interagency for Family Violence Prevention, FutureWorx, the Eating Disorder Action Group, AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia and the Musquodoboit Valley Youth Health Centre.

Vida has been a friend to NSAC for the past 14 years. She has provided invaluable training for staff and students on the topics of leadership, sensitivity, peer education, team building and sexuality. In doing so, she has played a critical role in training NSAC resident assistants, peer educators and student ambassadors.

This year, Vida has taken a lead role in the implementation of NSAC’s SPIRIT Leadership Program. Her passion and commitment to others was felt by everyone who participated in her sessions. Vida inspires leadership in others by personifying the role of a leader herself. She is diplomatic, inclusive, sensitive and always willing to help others when needed.

NSAC focuses on research and education for the health and well being of society. Vida shares this focus in her work. She has created and delivered training programs for Nova Scotia’s service providers, help line volunteers, corrections workers, youth groups, abuse survivors and pride organizations. Her support, expertise and leadership have been indispensable to the health and well being of NSAC’s community and in preparing NSAC’ students to be tomorrow’s leaders.

More than 170 students are scheduled to participate in convocation ceremonies in the Langille Athletic Centre beginning at 2 p.m Friday May 7th.

NSAC is a specialized university that cultivates learning and research, focusing on improving and sustaining our environment for the health and well-being of society.