A pioneer in employment law in Canada and a former grand chief dedicated to improving the lives of Indigenous peoples across Canada are among this year’s Queen’s University Alumni Association (QUAA) award recipients.

Ten people and one organization will be honoured at the QUAA Awards Gala on April 4 for outstanding service to Queen’s and their communities.

“These alumni and recipients make me proud to call myself a graduate,” says QUAA President Jeremy Mosher (Artsci’08). “They are leaders and volunteers who have made a big difference in their fields of work, and in their communities and the world.”

Lawyer Hugh Christie (Artsci’78, Law’81), is receiving the Alumni Achievement Award, the highest honour the QUAA gives to alumni.

Christie, who has been recognized by several organizations as one of the top lawyers in Canada, is a pioneer in the field of employment law. One of his important contributions was helping establish the Centre for Law in the Contemporary Workplace at Queen’s, which has made Queen’s the leading school for employment law in Canada. He is now serving as a co-chair.

Over the past four decades, he has served his alma mater in many leadership roles, including as Alma Mater Society president, as rector, and on the Board of Trustees.

Blaine Favel (Law’90), is receiving QUAA Alumni Humanitarian Award for his tireless efforts to help the Indigenous communities across Canada. Whether launching an Aboriginal-focused business partnership or serving as the grand chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations or chancellor of the University of Saskatchewan, he is always focused on supporting Indigenous communities and people. When he was grand chief, he helped launched the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, which has distributed more than $750 million to First Nations communities.   

The other award recipients being honoured by the QUAA this year are:

Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching: Holly Ogden (Ed’02, MEd’08, PhD’13) (Faculty of Education)

Alumni Mentorship Award: John Armitage (Sc’71)

One to Watch Award: Idrees Ali (Com’13)

Outstanding Student Award: Rebecca Maciver (Artsci’12, PhD’20)

Herbert J. Hamilton Volunteer Service Award: Elke Beecken (MEd’84)  

Marsha Lampman Award: Allan McGavin (Com’08, Law’12)

Rising Star Award: Jacklyn Lewis (Artsci’11)

QSAA Volunteer of Distinction Award: Gillian Baker (Artsci’20)

QUAA Initiative of the Year Award: Queen’s Black Alumni Chapter (for the QBAC Homecoming Launch event)

Visit the Queen’s Alumni website and watch the Queen’s alumni social media channels in the coming weeks to learn more about the recipients.