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Keith “Skip” Eaman, Sc’72, is used to winning. He helped the Gaels win the 1968 Vanier Cup as a running back and punt returner. He won a Grey Cup with the Montreal Alouettes in 1974.

Now his Queen’s spirit and continued support for the football program has led to another honour – the 2013 John B. Stirling Montreal Medal, which was awarded by the Montreal Branch of the Queen’s University Alumni Association at a reception on June 19.

Supporting the Gaels isn't the only reason Skip was given the award. The engineering grad had a successful construction business career and is active in the Montreal community supporting various charities. But 40 years after graduating from Queen’s, he has not forgotten his alma mater.

“One of the most valuable lessons I learned at Queen’s didn’t come from the classroom. Football shaped my management style. I learned how to work together as a team, and the importance of putting your heart into whatever you do in order to succeed,” says Skip.

Skip has done everything from being a principal contributor to the Gael Force Foundation (which supports student-athletes) to helping recruit top players from Quebec – such as Phillippe Champagne. Skip is also a Campaign Cabinet member of the Fields and Stadium Project, which aims to revitalize Queen’s playing fields and Richardson Stadium to be among the highest quality university facilities in Canada.

Keith "Skip" Eaman (No. 25) was a star running back with the
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Gael football coach Pat Sheahan first met Skip 20 years ago and says Skip’s pride in Queen’s has been undeniable.

“Keith has been a beacon of leadership in his community and a model Queen’s alumnus,” says Pat. “His passion for Queen’s runs deep.”

Winning the John B. Stirling Award has special meaning for Skip because he knew the man after whom the award was named.

Dr. Stirling, BA 1909, BSc 1911, LLD’51, was Queen’s eighth chancellor (1960-74) and was one of Canada’s leading engineers and businessmen. When Skip was starting out in the business world, he met Dr. Stirling who introduced Skip to some important business contacts. Skip will always be grateful for the support.

“It showed me what alumni can do for alumni. When you go to these alumni events, it’s nice to know you can run into someone who can help you and act as a mentor,” says Skip.