Shelagh Rogers talks about her student days at Queen's, her start at CFRC, and her advocacy work in mental health and Aboriginal issues in a Q&A on the Alumni Relations website.

Two of Queen’s top benefactors, a respected CBC radio broadcaster, and some exceptional young alumni are among the recipients of the Queen’s University Alumni Association Awards.

Alfred (Sc'45, Arts'45, MSc'47, LLD'86) and Isabel Bader (LLD’07) will be honoured with the Alumni Achievement Award, the highest honour bestowed by the QUAA.

Alfred and Isabel Bader have transformed the learning experience at Queen’s and the very fabric of the Queen’s campus. They are being honoured for their significant contributions in the arts, philanthropy, business, and education at Queen’s.

CBC Radio broadcaster Shelagh Rogers, Artsci’77, is the recipient of the Alumni Humanitarian Award. Shelagh, who got her start in radio at CFRC, hosts CBC Radio’s book show, The Next Chapter. She is also an advocate and fundraiser for literacy projects, is active in raising awareness about mental illness and mental health issues, and works towards reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.

The Queen's University Alumni Association offers a number of annual awards to recognize alumni and other members of the Queen's community who serve the university and the world in exceptional ways.

“The QUAA Awards are an important way to celebrate the achievements of the Queen’s family,” says QUAA President Jess Joss, Artsci’96. “So many of our alumni, students, and faculty have made major, transformative contributions to their communities and to Queen’s. The QUAA believes it is important for these individuals with initiative to get the recognition they deserve and to share their inspiring stories.”

The other award recipients are:

• Biology professor Daniel Lefebvre, with the Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching. The award recognizes Queen's teachers who "show outstanding knowledge, teaching ability, and accessibility to students.” Whether he is teaching basic biology or bioremediation (the use of living organisms to address environmental problems), students say Dr. Lefebvre goes above and beyond his job title to connect with students and provide an excellent learning environment.

• Jeff Gallant, Com’11, for the One to Watch Award. This award recognizes recent Queen's graduates (less than five years out) who are making significant contributions in their field. Jeff is a hedge fund analyst, a community leader, and a consultant to technology and social finance start-ups.

• Rico Garcia, Artsci’13, for the Outstanding Student Award. Rico has a long history of campus activities, including volunteering as CFRC radio host and intramural soccer referee, working as residence don, and Queen’s Student Alumni Association president (2012-13).

• Sierra Megas, Artsci’13, and Jessica Beakbane, Com’14, with the Queen’s Student Alumni Association Volunteer of Distinction Award.This award is presented to a student volunteer who embodies the vision of the QSAA—helping students connect with their future as alumni.

• Toronto Branch volunteer Sarah Chan and the Kingston Branch’s Mitchell, Arts’53, and Wilda Andriesky, Arts’59, MA’61, for the Branch Marsha Lampman Award for outstanding service and dedication as a Queen’s ambassador. Sarah is a tireless advocate of alumni engagement. She was a founding member of the Young Alumni Committee in Toronto and coordinated many successful events, such as the popular Tournament of Gaels Curling Bonspiel. The Andrieskys have been supporting and volunteering at Queen’s for decades. The pair met at Queen’s and have been married more than 60 years.

• Monica Dingle, Com’02, the president of the Montreal Branch, with the Branch Rising Star Award. She has been described as the “heart and soul” of the Queen’s community in Montreal.

• And the Calgary Branch receives the Event of the Year award for its Student Outreach Program. The branch has done various activities to engage and prepare students for life after Queen’s, including a mentorship program. student newsletter, and “welcome back” pub nights with alumni.

Learn more about the recipients on the QUAA website. The QUAA will present the awards at a gala event on campus on April 5.