Alumna of Honour: Judy Maddren

Judy Maddren
B.A.Sc. '72

Judy Maddren is a humanitarian, entrepreneur and icon in the Canadian broadcasting industry. As host of CBC Radio's World Report for 30 years, she helped Canadians across the country begin their day with Canadian and world news. When she first joined CBC as a reporter in 1972, the company was not hiring women as announcers. Through persistence and excellence, Judy became one of the first female announcers on CBC radio.

In 1990, Judy produced the first public reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol with CBC readers, and then expanded the readings across Canada. The readings are now held each year in more than 100 communities, raising more than $5 million to benefit local foodbanks, shelters and hospitals across the country. In recognition, Judy received the Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General.

In 2003, Judy was also recognized for her achievements with the Mac-FACS Alumni Association’s Centenary Award. She was made a Senior Fellow of Renison College at the University of Waterloo, and received the Second Harvest's Golden Fork Award.

In 2012, Judy co-founded a company called Soundportraits. Along with her business partner, Judy records people’s lives in an audio scrapbook as a celebration of an individual’s life story. The company creates lasting memories for people to share with friends and family.

Judy will be honoured at the UGAA Awards of Excellence Gala on June 9, 2017.