Dave McAnerney Memorial Award

July 1, 2023

As a Canadian business leader, Dave McAnerney had a reputation for excellence and exceptional leadership. However, for those closest to him, McAnerney's legacy lies in his deep interest and commitment to people. "Dave was absolutely exceptional, someone who took the time to get to know you, showed an interest in you as a person and a human," says Ken Stober, President of the Stober Foundation. "Anyone in his orbit benefited from his kindness, his strength, and his deep love for his family and community."

McAnerney passed away suddenly in October 2022. At the time, he served as the CEO of Stober Group, one of Kelowna's premier family-owned construction and commercial development companies. He had deep ties to the Okanagan business community, having also held the positions of President and CEO at SunRype, as well as executive positions with Labatt's and Columbia Brewing.

In honor of his accomplishments and legacy within their family company, the Stober Foundation is establishing the Dave McAnerney Memorial Award in Management with a generous $50,000 gift to UBC Okanagan. These funds, matched by the university, will provide perpetual support to third and fourth-year students in the Faculty of Management who excel academically, demonstrate a commitment to community service, and display financial need.

Sandy Hilton, Dean pro tem of the Faculty of Management, expresses the profound meaning behind the award, given McAnerney's legacy of leadership in business, both within the region and in Canada. "As a management faculty, we foster opportunities to redefine leadership in today's globally connected world," says Hilton. "We are honored to receive this gift and grateful that our students will uphold Dave's legacy as a compassionate leader and business innovator."

Keith Brewster, CEO of the Stober Foundation, reflected on the significance of establishing this memorial award and Dave's impact on his life, both professionally and, more importantly, as a friend and mentor. "Dave McAnerney was an incredible human being, a gentle soul, a wonderful friend, and an even better man. Those of us fortunate enough to have known him firsthand experienced his zest for life and his deep love for his remarkable family," the CEO shares. "To say that Dave was a leader is an understatement. He was a force for good, a man who stood up for his beliefs, took care of those around him, and consistently went above and beyond to do what was right. He truly represented the best of us, and his absence is deeply felt every day. Establishing this award, with the support of his beloved wife Anne and their cherished children Michelle and Renee, is not only a blessing but also the right thing to do. It warms our hearts to know that countless young scholars will benefit from these awards in Dave's name, honoring his incredible legacy and uplifting our community, just as he did in life."