College Sports Information Directors of America

Bob Kenworthy Community Service Award
Presented annually to a College Sports Communicators member for civic involvement, community service and accomplishments within and/or outside of the athletics communications profession. Voted on by the Special Awards Committee.

Mary Beth Challoner — CSC First Vice President

Mary Beth Challoner, CSC’s first vice president, becomes the first CSC Canadian recipient to earn the Bob Kenworthy Community Service Award for her civic and volunteer involvement both within and outside of the athletic communications profession.

The current CSC first vice president, Challoner is just the second Canadian to serve on the CSC Board and is the first Canadian female to serve. She is also the first Canadian to serve in CSC's officer rotation.

Challoner has helped countless people with her work in the Good Shepherd Ministries Project, a downtown Toronto charity providing food, shelter, clothing for homeless and vulnerable people. She also volunteers with the Good Neighbour Project, a Canada-wide initiative, going grocery shopping for people with compromised health, seniors or single parents with no one to look after their children while they're out.

Challoner also volunteers as a youth girl's hockey coach with her niece's team on weekends.

During her career, Challoner has served in numerous sports administration roles in Canada, including working at her alma mater, the University of Toronto, as director of intercollegiate athletics and high performance sport and manager of events, marketing and sports.

Prior to returning to campus, Challoner worked for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment in viewer relations and was events/media relations coordinator at Athletics Canada.

A college student-athlete, she graduated from the University of Toronto with a bachelor’s in sociology and French in 1998 and was a member of the Varsity Blues women's hockey team.


 

Beth Ali, former University of Toronto Executive Director of Athletics & Physical Activity: "Leadership isn’t just about excelling in your profession—it’s about using your position to uplift others. Mary Beth has always understood this, finding ways to serve her community even in the midst of an incredibly demanding career and global pandemic…She works with integrity, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. This award is a testament to the impact she has had, not only on those she serves but on all of us who have had the privilege to work alongside her."

Jill Clark, University of Toronto Senior Marketing Communications Officer: "In a field as demanding and fast-paced as ours, finding the time to give back to the community is no small feat. Mary Beth has not only made the time—she has made it a priority. Her unwavering dedication to service, speaks volumes about her character and leadership. It is truly inspiring to see her recognized with this well-deserved award."

James Reid, who works with Challoner as an assistant youth coach in the Toronto area: "Volunteering is a powerful act of passion and Coach MB stands as a beacon, guiding the girls with unwavering support. Her selfless heart ignites passion in others, nurturing growth and motivates change. Through her kindness, dedication, and encouragement, she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire the girls for years to come."

Mike Bergsma, Toronto-area girls hockey volunteer assistant coach working with Challoner: "Dedication can be measured in early mornings, long drives, and the extra effort to make a difference. Coach MB does all this and more, making our girls not just better players, but confident, supportive, and passionate athletes."



Challoner on earning the Bob Kenworthy Community Service Award…
"To be recognized with the Bob Kenworthy Community Service Award is a profound honour. Community isn’t just where we live — it’s where we show up, give back, and grow together. I’m humbled to stand in the spirit of service that Bob embodied so fully, and grateful for the opportunity to make even a small impact in the lives of others. 

Giving back and helping others was instilled in me at a young age. It is what my mother believed in and embodied her entire life, even with seemingly little to give. This recognition brings me so much joy as it is a testament to her – thank you."