Ron Calhoun: A Legacy of Impact
1933–2020 · A life of service
Ron Calhoun
PIR’s first Executive Director, a community builder and a mentor whose influence continues through the people he encouraged.
Bringing people together
Ron became PIR’s first Executive Director in March 1988. The supplied organizational history describes his work bringing researchers, volunteers and supporters together around public education about biomedical research. He later helped develop the idea for Virtual Researcher On Call, working with colleagues to connect researchers with classrooms through live video.Service beyond PIR
Western’s 2011 convocation account records Ron’s role as national coordinator of Terry Fox’s original 1980 run and credits him with the phrase “Marathon of Hope”. It also describes his contributions to health charities and community service. On June 17, 2011, Western conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws upon Ron in recognition of his service. His convocation address returned to a theme that shaped his work: the power of an individual to make a difference.From the photograph collection
My time with Ron
By Kevin Cougler, PIR’s second Executive Director
My involvement with Partners in Research began in 2005, after my father mentioned that our family friend, Ron Calhoun, was developing a project called Virtual Researcher On Call (VROC). I was running my technology company, CLICK, and initially questioned whether I could take on another commitment. After giving it some thought, I contacted Ron and arranged a meeting.
Ron and Dr. Doug Jones introduced me to the vision behind VROC: connecting researchers directly with students through live video conversations. At the time, making those connections work reliably presented considerable technical and organizational challenges. The educational potential was clear, however, and I welcomed the opportunity to help develop the program.
That meeting began a working relationship that would have a lasting influence on my career.
Bringing people together
Working with Ron gave me a fuller appreciation of Partners in Research’s history and the network of researchers, volunteers and supporters behind it. I had known him primarily as a family friend. Through our work together, I came to understand the breadth of his contributions to charitable and community life.
Ron’s particular strength was his ability to bring people together around a shared purpose. He listened carefully, understood different perspectives and found practical ways to build support. Watching him work taught me a great deal about communication, persistence and the importance of personal relationships.
High standards and trust
Ron was careful with charitable resources and attentive to the details of the organization’s work. He expected that same care from those around him.
His approach to writing was a good example. Grant proposals and other documents often went through several rounds of review, frequently involving Ron, Doug and me. Ron’s detailed feedback reinforced the importance of clear language, accuracy and presenting an organization’s work thoughtfully.
He also gave me considerable responsibility in developing VROC. He remained available for advice while allowing me the independence to make decisions and move the program forward. That combination of trust, clear expectations and support helped me grow as a leader.
Leading by example
Ron contributed wherever help was needed, including the routine tasks that keep a charitable organization running. His willingness to do that work strengthened the respect others had for him.
He was equally attentive to supporters. One lesson that stayed with me was his insistence that every donation deserved acknowledgement, regardless of its size. For Ron, recognizing a contribution was an essential part of maintaining trust and respecting the person behind it.
A lasting influence
Over the years, Ron became a valued mentor, colleague and friend. I particularly appreciated his invitation to his honorary degree ceremony at Western—a memorable recognition of his many contributions.
Our work together strengthened my commitment to education and community service. His example continues to inform how I approach leadership, relationships and the responsibilities that come with building an organization.
I remember Ron with respect and gratitude. It was a privilege to work alongside him and to help carry forward the educational mission he championed.
Sources
PIR’s supplied organizational history; Kevin Cougler’s personal account; and Western News, June 17, 2011. Photograph captions use the existing collection labels; dates and the identities of other people have not been inferred.My Time With Ron...
By Kevin Cougler, PIR’s second Executive Director
My involvement with Partners in Research began in 2005, after my father mentioned that our family friend, Ron Calhoun, was developing a project called Virtual Researcher On Call (VROC). I was running my technology company, CLICK, and initially questioned whether I could take on another commitment. After giving it some thought, I contacted Ron and arranged a meeting.
Ron and Dr. Doug Jones introduced me to the vision behind VROC: connecting researchers directly with students through live video conversations. At the time, making those connections work reliably presented considerable technical and organizational challenges. The educational potential was clear, however, and I welcomed the opportunity to help develop the program.
That meeting began a working relationship that would have a lasting influence on my career.
Bringing people together
Working with Ron gave me a fuller appreciation of Partners in Research’s history and the network of researchers, volunteers and supporters behind it. I had known him primarily as a family friend. Through our work together, I came to understand the breadth of his contributions to charitable and community life.
Ron’s particular strength was his ability to bring people together around a shared purpose. He listened carefully, understood different perspectives and found practical ways to build support. Watching him work taught me a great deal about communication, persistence and the importance of personal relationships.
High standards and trust
Ron was careful with charitable resources and attentive to the details of the organization’s work. He expected that same care from those around him.
His approach to writing was a good example. Grant proposals and other documents often went through several rounds of review, frequently involving Ron, Doug and me. Ron’s detailed feedback reinforced the importance of clear language, accuracy and presenting an organization’s work thoughtfully.
He also gave me considerable responsibility in developing VROC. He remained available for advice while allowing me the independence to make decisions and move the program forward. That combination of trust, clear expectations and support helped me grow as a leader.
Leading by example
Ron contributed wherever help was needed, including the routine tasks that keep a charitable organization running. His willingness to do that work strengthened the respect others had for him.
He was equally attentive to supporters. One lesson that stayed with me was his insistence that every donation deserved acknowledgement, regardless of its size. For Ron, recognizing a contribution was an essential part of maintaining trust and respecting the person behind it.
A lasting influence
Over the years, Ron became a valued mentor, colleague and friend. I particularly appreciated his invitation to his honorary degree ceremony at Western—a memorable recognition of his many contributions.
Our work together strengthened my commitment to education and community service. His example continues to inform how I approach leadership, relationships and the responsibilities that come with building an organization.
I remember Ron with respect and gratitude. It was a privilege to work alongside him and to help carry forward the educational mission he championed.