April 20, 1998 Contact Maureen Shine (541) 346-3145 Source: Ann Baker Mack, UO Foundation, (541) 346-2127 EUGENE--The University of Oregon will honor one of its top athletes from the early 1950s who later was elected the first black parliamentary speaker in Canadian history as the 1998 UO Pioneer Award recipient during a May 9 gala event in Portland. Emery O. Barnes, 68, will be recognized for his accomplishments during an evening program at the Portland Hilton. However, because of a sudden and serious illness, Barnes won't be able to attend the event. "Emery Barnes is most deserving of this award and even though he can't be with us, the university will honor him for a lifetime of success based on personal integrity and perseverance," said UO Foundation trustee George Stadelman, chairman of the Pioneer Award Gala Steering Committee. The black-tie event, expected to attract several hundred people, will include a reception, dinner, program and dancing. Net proceeds will fund a UO Presidential Scholarship. Those who wish to contribute to the scholarship fund can do so even if they don't attend. For more information about tickets and the scholarship fund, call the Special Events Office in the UO Office of Development, (541) 346-0783. Inaugurated in 1979, the UO Pioneer Award is presented to alumni and others who have become leaders and risk-takers in their fields. Last year's award went to Oregon professional golfer, businessman and philanthropist Peter Jacobsen. This year's recipient, Emery Barnes, overcame a childhood of poverty and racial discrimination to become one of Oregon's most successful athletes and one of British Columbia's most respected political leaders. A three-sport athlete at Jefferson High School in Portland, Barnes won an athletic scholarship to the University of Oregon, where he tied for the NCAA high-jump title in 1952, earned an alternate spot on the U.S. Olympic track team, and was named an All-Conference defensive end in football. Graduating in 1954 with a degree in history, he played professional football for the Green Bay Packers and the British Columbia Lions. He decided to settle in Canada where he became a social worker and an outspoken proponent of human rights and equal opportunity. He was first elected to the British Columbia Legislative Assembly in 1972 and served in that body for almost 25 years. In 1994, Barnes was elected the first black speaker of the legislative assembly in British Columbia and quickly became one of the most popular and respected speakers in province history. "The university has always regarded Emery Barnes not merely as a graduate and a friend but as a role model and an example of what an individual can achieve in the face of adversity," said UO President Dave Frohnmayer. -30- #G-4085/Local,OrDailies,PDX,Special