Outstanding achievements, dedication celebrated at the College of Arts and Science

As the 2025-26 academic year comes to an end, the College of Arts and Science gathered to celebrate outstanding teaching, research accomplishments and contributions to service.

On April 30, faculty, staff and students celebrated their achievements at Marquis Hall and reflected on how their work has impacted the university community and beyond.

“The College of Arts and Science is an exceptional institution,” said Dean Brooke Milne (PhD). “We transform the lives of thousands of students each year through an education that is rigorous, inspiring, and deeply impactful. Our research, scholarship, and artistic works are widely recognized as exemplary for innovation, discovery, and influence. I am proud to celebrate and honour the extraordinary contributions of our colleagues at the Arts and Science Celebration.”

“It is a privilege to gather together as a college community to celebrate the exceptional work that they contribute in service, teaching, and RSAW, and to honour those who have achieved significant career milestones,” said Vice-Dean Academic Jennifer Lang.

The event also celebrated faculty who achieved tenure, promoted to associate professor or full professor. Another new addition to this year’s program was recognizing retiring faculty members. Faculty members planning on retiring as of June 30 included:

• Wendy Roy, professor in the Department of English
• Carin Holroyd, professor in the Department of Political Studies
• Bruce Eglington, professor in the Department of Geological Sciences
• Tracy Marchant, associate professor in the Department of Biology
• Alison Norlen, professor in the School for the Arts
• Kathleen Solose, professor in the School for the Arts

The event featured appetizers and musical performances by Paul Suchan, a sessional lecturer in the School for the Arts. The office of Scott Walsworth, Vice-Provost Faculty Relations, co-sponsored the event.

Dean’s Distinguished Staff Awards

Two staff members at the College of Arts and Science were chosen for the Dean’s Distinguished Staff Awards.

This year’s winners are Valerie MacKenzie, analytical and physical chemistry laboratory manager in the Department of Chemistry, and Samantha Smith, assistant manager of finance in the Administrative Support Group.

Faculty Service Excellence Award

Dean Brooke Milne presented Dr. Rainer Dick (PhD), professor in the Department of Physics and Engineering Physics with the Faculty Service Excellence Award. He was recognized for an exceptional and sustained commitment to administrative service at the department, college, and university levels.

Lesley Biggs Early Career Teaching Fellowship

This year’s recipient of the 2025-26 Lesley Biggs Early Career Teaching Fellowship is Olivia Abram, a PhD candidate in the Department of English. Abram, who specializes in Indigenous literatures, is updating a popular English course for a changing learning landscape. Vice-Dean Academic Jennifer Lang and Interim Associate Provost, Teaching Innovation and Strategic Initiatives Nancy Turner presented the award.

New Teacher Award in BA, BMus, and BFA Programs

History lecturer Dr. Kyle McLeister (PhD) is the recipient of this year’s New Teacher Award in BA, BMus, and BFA Programs. McLeister was recognized for creating an environment where students are comfortable speaking up. He previously won a national award for innovative use of primary sources in the classroom. Lang was joined by Interim Provost and Vice-President Academic Patti McDougall to present the New Teacher Awards.

New Teacher Award in BSc

Dr. Matthew Toohey (PhD), an associate professor in the Department of Physics and Engineering Physics, was selected as this year’s recipient of the New Teacher Award in BSc. Toohey is known for leading classroom discussions and creative demonstrations to connect scientific concepts to daily life.

RSAW Awards

Ten researchers were recognized for their outstanding research, scholarly and artistic work (RSAW). Interim Vice-Dean RSAW Steven Rayan presented the College of Arts and Science RSAW Awards, alongside Associate Vice-President Research (Engagement) Dawn Wallin.

• Emerging Scholar Award: Dr. Michelle Gagnon (PhD), associate professor in the Department of Psychology and Health Studies; and Dr. Robert Green (PhD), associate professor in the Department of Physics and Engineering Physics
• Distinguished Scholar Award: Dr. Wendy Roy (PhD), professor in the Department of English
• Publicly Engaged Scholar Award: Dr. Robert Patrick (PhD), professor in the Department of Geography and Planning

This was the inaugural year for the Expression Prize, which recognizes a piece of scholarly or artistic work.

• “Synthesis of a Highly Aromatic and Planar Dehydro[10]annulene Derivative,” published by Dr. Michel Gravel (PhD) of the Department of Chemistry; developed and co-written by student co-authors Karnjit Parmar, Christa Blaquiere, Brianna Lukan and Sydnie Gengler
• “Cree and Christian: Encounters and Transformations,” written by Dr. Clinton Westman (PhD), professor in the Department of Anthropology

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