Carley Rosaline Kennedy January 13, 1987 – Feb 10, 2014

Carley Rosaline Kennedy received a posthumous Bachelor of Kinesiology degree on May 22, 2014. Her achievement and contribution to UBC and the School of Kinesiology will not be forgotten. She was actively engaged with the UBC First Nations House of Learning and a valued member of the Aboriginal health team in Dr. Darren Warburton’s laboratory, playing an instrumental role in numerous studies. She was a caring and compassionate person who enriched the lives of everyone that she interacted with.

Carley was a trusted and valued member of the Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Prevention Unit at UBC who demonstrated caring and compassion beyond her years. Carley was particularly interested in addressing health inequities in Aboriginal peoples. She was a key member of our Indigenous Health and Physical Activity program, and worked throughout the province with Aboriginal community leaders. Her work has received widespread acclaim and we are indebted to Carley’s legacy. She enriched all of our lives.

The Carley “Kitty” Rosaline Kennedy Memorial Leadership Award for Aboriginal Students is a $1,000 award that has been endowed in memory of Carley “Kitty” Rosaline Kennedy by the School of Kinesiology. In Kitty’s words, “Follow your heart but let your body lead the way and BE the health for the life you want to live. RAWR!” The award is be given to a third or fourth year Aboriginal student in the School of Kinesiology who has demonstrated inspirational leadership in their community and in Aboriginal programs at UBC. The award is provided in the fall to students registered in courses or the Co-op program. The award is made on the recommendation of the School of Kinesiology.

Carley was an inspiration to the faculty, staff and students in the School of Kinesiology who worked and studied with her. She was actively engaged with the UBC First Nations House of Learning and a valued member of the Aboriginal health team in Dr. Darren Warburton’s laboratory, playing an instrumental role in numerous studies. We know that she was also actively engaged in her community.

The award would be given to a third or fourth year Aboriginal student in Kinesiology who demonstrated leadership in their community and at UBC, similar to the leadership exemplified by Carley.