Looking back
Queen's Year in Review
December 16, 2024
Share
It was another exciting year for the campus community, full of new milestones and notable accomplishments by faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
The past year has been marked by notable achievements, community growth, and global recognition. From sustainability milestones to transformative donations and exceptional student initiatives, 2024 showcased the university’s dedication to innovation, community, and social impact. As we look back, here are some of the most memorable stories featured by the Queen’s Gazette.
For a look at stories of research impact and the moments that helped to shape this 2024, check out our Year of Research Impact.
Thousands of people, including Queen's students, faculty, and staff, filled Tindall Field to observe the total solar eclipse together on Monday, April 8. (Queen's University/Jana Chytilova)
Sharing an astronomical moment together
Queen’s hosted a viewing party for some 6,000 attendees during Kingston’s first total solar eclipse since the 14th century. The university distributed 120,000 safe eclipse glasses citywide—donating over 80,000 to local school boards—and hosted educational eclipse sessions led by faculty and students to help create a memorable community experience during this once-in-a-lifetime event.
From left to right: Dave Tidman, patient advocate; Andrew Craig, Director, Sinclair Cancer Research Institute; Jane Philpott, Dean, Queen’s Health Sciences; Murray Sinclair, alumnus and donor; Annette Hay, Senior Investigator, Canadian Cancer Trials Group; Cara Sinclair; Cathy Tidman, patient advocate; Patrick Deane, Principal and Vice-Chancellor; Paul Kubes, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Immunophysiology and Immunotherapy.
Landmark cancer research donation
A historic gift to Queen’s from the Sinclair family will significantly advance cancer research, enabling breakthroughs in treatment development and care at the newly named Cara & Murray Sinclair Cancer Research Institute.
Rendering of the new home of the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, set to open in 2026. (PFS Studio)
Agnes expansion to transform arts and culture
Set for completion in 2026, the new home of the Agnes Etherington Art Centre will become Canada’s largest university-affiliated museum. Funded by a transformative lead gift from Bader Philanthropies and, this year, another $2 million from the Government of Canada, the Agnes Reimagined project promises a major impact on arts and culture on campus and beyond.
The puck drop before the Cure Cancer Classic in March. (Cure Cancer Classic/Jackie Li)
Student-led charity sports score big
Queen’s students raised over $850,000 through the Cure Cancer Classic and Tri-Colour Classic hockey and basketball charity games. Proceeds from the annual fundraisers support the Canadian Cancer Society.
For the fourth straight year, Queen’s secured a top 10 spot in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings.
Global leadership in sustainability
Queen’s ranked 8th globally and 2nd in North America in the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, reflecting our commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through research, teaching, and community outreach.
Queen’s community member competed and coached at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Clockwise from top left: Rugby players Taylor Perry and Chloe Daniels, basketball coach Claire Meadows, and sailor William Jones.
Paris Olympic Games
Several campus community members pursued their Olympic dreams this year at the Paris 2024 Summer Games. As athletes and coaches, students and alumni showcased excellence in rowing, wrestling, sailing, cycling, and more on the world stage.
Reem Gharib is one of the first graduates of the Promise Scholars program. (Zainab Gharib)
The first graduates from the Promise Scholars program
During spring convocation, Queen’s celebrated its first two graduates of the Promise Scholars program, which supports educational access for local, first-generation students.
A team of engineers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and students is working with children and their families to adapt motorized toy cars to the needs and abilities of each child.
Go Baby Go empowers children with disabilities
Queen’s engineers, students, and community partners adapted electric toy cars to help local children with disabilities achieve greater independence and mobility.
Chancellor Shelagh Rogers was officially installed during fall convocation ceremonies in November.
Shelagh Rogers becomes Queen’s 16th Chancellor
In July, renowned Canadian broadcaster, alumna, and advocate, Shelagh Rogers, took on the role of Chancellor—the ceremonial head and highest officer of the university.
In November, Queen’s joined the rest of Canada in mourning the loss of Chancellor Emeritus The Honourable Murray Sinclair who served in the role from 2021-2024.
The Environmental Science Research and Teaching Centre will be built at the Queen's University Biological Station (QUBS), located on Lake Opinicon.
Environmental science centre announced
Plans for a new Environmental Science Research Centre aim to foster advancements in climate research and conservation, enhancing work researchers and students have been conducting at the Queen’s University Biological Station for nearly 80 years.
