The Awards Committee has taken the nominations for this prestigious award very seriously every year.

This year, it was evident who should be our recipient.

Unfortunately she could not be here, but I’m certain you all agree that she is most deserving.

In honor of those whose legacies continue to inspire and whose contributions echo through the corridors of time, I proudly announce our 2024 Thinkerer Award recipient is our own, recently lost but always in our hearts, Lorraine Mockford, our dear LoriVonne Lustre.

As Kevin mentioned earlier, LV was not only our dedicated and engaging Programs Chair for the past five years, but she has also been a vital part of the Conference in many roles for the entire 17 years it has been held.

LV was a lifelong educator. She raised her children while getting her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Alberta, and she went on to get her MA in education, focusing on community college leadership from the University of PEI.

Her professional career included over 25 years of service to the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC). She worked mainly in Health and Human Services, having a hand in creating the Early Childhood Studies program. She then worked as an instructional designer, helping pioneer the NSCC’s adoption of online and blended learning.

Lorraine entered Second Life on Nov.14, 2006, and her focus included her exemplary leadership with VWBPE. She served as a valuable member and transcriptionist for Virtual Ability and was active with One Billion Rising, the White Tiger Mentors, Whole Brain Health, NonProfit Commons, VWEC, and other Virtual Communities, including the Virtual Midwife Organization.

She was very active in facilitating the Virtual International Day of the Midwife. She was always promoting education in Virtual Worlds, as well as in her Real Life as she continued to teach after retirement for the NSCC.

Lorraine’s obituary described her as a spiritual force of nature. She valued her friendships deeply and stood strong as her family’s matriarch.

She was that for her Virtual friends and colleagues as well.

With this award, we honor Lorraine, whose remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on education and us all. Through her unwavering dedication, passion, and ingenuity, she has forged paths illuminating the way for many to come.

Join us as we shine a spotlight on her enduring legacy, weaving together the threads of her remarkable journey into the very fabric of VWBPE history.

Please join us in celebrating Lorraine Mockford/LoriVonne Lustre as our 2024 Thinkerer Award recipient.

Phelan Corrimal will be delivering the physical award to Lorraine’s children: Damion, Tiffany, and Willow after the conference.