Awards of Excellence
The CAPDHHE National Awards of Excellence celebrate and honour CAPDHHE members and volunteers who promote Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) in higher education in Canada, with six distinct award categories.
Student Leader Award
This award identifies students as future leaders of EDI in higher education – up-and-coming individuals in the areas of equity, diversity, inclusion, human rights, accessibility, employment equity, Indigenous issues, advocacy, etc., known for their innovative, meaningful contributions to the improvement of their campus climate or the advancement of EDI at their institution.
Awards Winners – 2017 to Present
| 2021 | Evelyn Asiedu – University of Alberta |
| 2019 | Cory Haslett – Sheridan College |
| 2018 | Jaimie Kechego – University of Western Ontario |
| 2017 | n/a |
Emerging Leadership Award
This award identifies faculty and staff as future leaders of EDI in higher education – up-and-coming individuals in the areas of equity, diversity, inclusion, human rights, accessibility, employment equity, Indigenous issues, advocacy, etc., known for their innovative, meaningful contributions to the improvement of their profession and the efficacy of their institution.
Awards Winners – 2017 to Present
| 2021 | Scott Thomas – Cape Breton University |
| 2019 | Tanya (Toni) De Mello – Ryerson University |
| 2018 | Irfan Chaudhry – MacEwan University |
| 2017 | n/a |
Leadership in Learning Award
This award recognizes outstanding individual contributions to CAPDHHE professional development activities, including the current or past annual conferences, pre-conference seminars, online courses, workshops and webinars.
Awards Winners – 2017 to Present
| 2021 | Sarah Gauen – Algonquin College |
| 2019 | Michelle Poirier – Brock University |
| 2018 | Darrell Bowden – Ryerson University |
| 2017 | Jodie Glean – York University |
Honorary Lifetime Membership
Honorary lifetime memberships (without voting privileges) may be granted to former representatives of member institutions who have rendered exceptional service in promoting the purposes for which CAPDHHE stands. Honorary membership is a meaningful recognition bestowed sparingly and only to those individuals among those satisfying the criteria for a Distinguished Service Award who are deemed to have made an extraordinary contribution to CAPDHHE and the management of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in higher education. More than one award may be presented each year.
Awards Winners – 2017 to Present
| 2021 | Milé Komlen – Brock University |
| 2019 | Marie Brunelle – Simon Fraser University |
| 2018 | Dale Hall – George Brown College |
| 2017 | Patrick Case – formerly of Guelph University |
Distinguished Administrator Award
CAPDHHE’s most prestigious award recognizes an administrator who has made an extraordinary contribution to the advancement of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in higher education and has demonstrated outstanding leadership in CAPDHHE and/or regional groups, thereby facilitating the achievement of CAPDHHE objectives and goals. Any CAPDHHE member can nominate a fellow member for this Award.
Awards Winners – 2017 to Present
| 2019 | Wade King – University of Alberta |
| 2018 | Ingrid Ali – Seneca College |
| 2017 | Nancy Simms – Humber College |
Distinguished Career Service Award
A Distinguished Career Service Award is granted to persons who have made a significant contribution to CAPDHHE and the management of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in higher education over a long period of time. It is typically awarded upon the conclusion of an individual’s career in college or university administration. Any CAPDHHE member can nominate another member for this Award.
Awards Winners – 2017 to Present
| 2019 | Vilma Rossi – McMaster University |
| 2018 | Shirley Voyna Wilson – University of Calgary |
| 2017 | Margot Coulter – Queen’s University |
Award Guidelines and Nomination Information
Each nominee and their nominators must be current members of CAPDHHE Each nomination package must contain:
- A nomination letter no longer than 500 words in length, with a focus on how the nominee meets the award criteria (self-nominations are permitted)
- A current curriculum vitae of the nominee
- Up to two letters of support are welcomed
- A letter of consent from the nominee agreeing to be nominated
Should your nomination be selected, CAPDHHE may reach out to gather additional information such as photos or videos if available.
Nomination Period
The nomination period is for four weeks prior to the run-up of the CAPDHHE Annual Conference, and all current CAPDHHE members are invited to nominate other CAPDHHE members for the awards.
All submitted nominations are reviewed by the Nominating Committee, consisting of three appointees drawn from CAPDHHE’s current and past boards of directors.