The 2021 recipients of the Distinguished Service Award are a group of faculty and staff members who have made a lasting impact throughout their Queen’s University careers.

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 continually impressed by the high calibre of the faculty and staff at Queen’s University. This year's recipients of the Distinguished Service Award are shining examples of the greatness that is innate to our university. Indeed, they have made truly lasting contributions to Queen’s and have helped to shape the university in ways that will continue to be felt for decades to come,” says Executive Committee Vice-Chair Marcus Wong (ArtSci’03). “On behalf of University Council, congratulations to all of our Distinguished Service Award recipients and thank you for everything that you have done, and will do, for Queen’s.”

The 2021 recipients of the Distinguished Service Awards are:

Thomas Courchene
Professor Emeritus, inaugural Director of the School of Policy Studies and Stauffer-Dunning Chair in Policy Studies, Officer of the Order of Canada, outstanding professor, influential academic, and prolific, award-winning author who has cemented Queen’s presence in public policy.

Patty McHenry
Dedicated staff member since 1987, Principal Gifts Officer in the Office of Advancement, fostered relationships that have advanced Queen's with transformational gifts, trusted advisor and partner of Queen’s leaders, renowned for her personal and caring stewardship of the university community.

Helen Connop
Manager, Education and Equity Services (School of Law), committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, impacted the lives of thousands of law students over close to two decades through tireless advocacy and unwavering support.

Anthony Sanfilippo
Associate Dean (Undergraduate Medical Education), exemplary medical educator, practicing cardiologist, and leader, instrumental in the creation of innovative programs and curricula that have contributed to the success of Queen’s School of Medicine. 

Sue Fostaty-Young
Queen’s alumna, Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning, spearheaded numerous initiatives to improve the quality of teaching and learning, whose efforts have fostered connection, innovation, and enhanced student outcomes.

Lucinda Walls
Public Services Librarian, expert in art and music reference materials, educator on information literacy and invaluable resource to students and faculty within Art History, Fine Arts, Music, and Drama, with profound impact across the Queen’s community.

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. The University Council was established by statute in 1874. It is one of the three governing bodies of the Queen’s University and 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.