The 2023 recipients of the Distinguished Service Award are a group of community members and leaders who have each made a positive and lasting impact upon Queen’s University.

Recipients are selected by the University Council Executive Committee. The Distinguished Service Award recognizes exemplary service to the university over an extended period of time.

“I am so inspired by the amazing work and contributions of this year’s Distinguished Service Awards recipients. I have often said that Queen’s is not just ‘my’ university or ‘your’ university – it’s actually ‘our’ university. And so it is only through our combined efforts that Queen’s will continue to be a place where excellence lives,” says Executive Committee Vice-Chair Marcus Wong (ArtSci’03). “On behalf of University Council, congratulations and thank you for everything you have done, continue to do, and will do for Queen’s.” 

The 2023 recipients of the Distinguished Service Awards are:

Chris Berga

A trusted associate of five Queen’s principals since 1978, who has provided critical support to senior leadership and played an integral role in a multitude of operations. She is a shining example of service, loyalty, integrity, commitment, and dedication to the betterment of the university.

Elizabeth Jane Errington

A professor in the Department of history since 1996, and an inspiring academic leader Errington has made enduring contributions to graduate supervision, departmental and university service, pioneering work in community engagement, pathbreaking scholarship, and influence on the academy as a whole.

Anita Lister

Departmental Manager of the Biomedical and Molecular Sciences and a dedicated staff member since 1978, Lister has proven to be a critical facilitator of growth in undergraduate programming in the Faculty of Health Sciences, who is wholly committed to the learning experience of all students.

Elspeth Murray

Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Social Impact, and professor at the Smith School of Business, Dr. Murray is an innovative thinker and pioneer who created and prioritized entrepreneurial opportunities for students, changing the landscape of business education at Queen’s and across the country.

Brenda Reed

Head Librarian for the Faculty of Education, Reed is dedicated to ensuring that students have access to the resources they need, has provided leadership and guidance in learning and research services, and cares deeply about the success of students, staff, and community members.  

Colette Steer

Manager, Graduate Experience, for the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, Steer’s roles have included recruiter, event innovator, communications expert, member of the Board of Trustees, and tireless name reader at Convocation ceremonies. Involved in all aspects of the graduate student experience, Steer has worked to ensure every opportunity for the success of each graduate student at Queen’s.

Inaugurated by the University Council Executive Committee in 1974, the Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals who have made the university a better place through their exemplary service and extraordinary contributions. University Council was established by statute in 1874 and is one of the three governing bodies of the Queen’s University. All elective members are elected by and from Queen’s alumni. The University Council serves as both an advisory and an ambassadorial body to the university as a whole and is responsible for the election of the chancellor.

Questions about the Distinguished Service Awards can be directed to the University Secretariat at ucouncil@queensu.ca.