The chair of the Queen’s Initiative Campaign, a former Queen’s rector, and a doctor with a passion for teaching were honoured at the Queen’s University Alumni Association (QUAA) Awards Gala on April 8.

The event was hosted by Principal Daniel Woolf (Artsci’80) and QUAA Volunteer President Sue Bates (Artsci’91). 

“The QUAA Awards are a wonderful way to honour alumni for their hard work and contributions,” says Ms. Bates. “Thank you to the students, staff and my fellow alumni who submitted nominations. I’m also grateful to the association volunteers whose dedication make the awards program possible.”

Every year, QUAA members and the Queen’s community nominate individuals for 11 awards honouring students, professors, alumni and volunteers and their exceptional impact on the communities they serve.

The QUAA takes great pride in presenting the following recipients of this year's Alumni Association Awards:

The Chair of the Initiative Campaign, Gord Nixon (Comm’79, LLD’03) received the Alumni Achievement Award, the highest honour bestowed by the Alumni Association. The former Royal Bank of Canada CEO and Gaels rugby player has a long history of volunteering and supporting his alma mater. Dr. Nixon and wife, Janet, recently made a significant gift to Queen’s in support of the revitalization of the campus rugby field, which is now named Nixon Field.

It’s not every day that students nominate their professor for an award, but Department of Medicine Professor Michelle Gibson (MEd’13) is clearly exceptional. Dr. Gibson received the Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching Award. Her passion goes beyond simply teaching students; she is invested in curriculum development and student assessment. Her nomination is a true testament to her dedication to her students and her impact in the classroom.

Mike Young (Artsci’16) was presented with the Outstanding Student Award. Mr. Young is known to Queen’s students and alumni alike for his role as Rector. Since Mr. Young came to Queen’s, he has been a peer leader on campus and an advocate for mental health, student equity and autonomy. Inside and outside the classroom, his greatest wish is to do what he can to ensure more Queen’s students have the same positive experience. 

Also recognized were: 
• Alumni Humanitarian Award – John MacIntyre (Comm’78)
• Alumni Mentorship Award – Greg McKellar (Artsci’78, MA’84)
•Herbert J. Hamilton Volunteer Service Award – Kathy Owen (Arts’67)
• Marsha Lampman Branch Volunteer Award – Monica Dingle (Comm’02)
• One to Watch Award – CleanSlate - Taylor Mann (Artsci’14), Scott Mason (Artsci’15), Oleg Baranov (Sc’15)
•Rising Star Volunteer Award – Theresa Wetzel (Artsci’07)
• Initiative of the Year Award – Calgary Career Management Panel - Calgary Branch.