Eight standout members of the Queen鈥檚 community, including four alumni, are being recognized this year with鈥Distinguished Service Awards鈥痜or their long-time dedication and impact on the university.
Chosen by the University Council Executive Committee, the awards honour individuals who have gone above and beyond to make Queen鈥檚 a better place.
The 2026 recipients include faculty, staff, and volunteers whose years of dedicated service have taken many forms, some highly visible and others behind the scenes, but all deeply felt across the university.
鈥淨ueen鈥檚 is shaped every day by people who give their time, talent, and care to this community,鈥 says Principal Patrick Deane. 鈥淭his year鈥檚 Distinguished Service Award recipients have done that with extraordinary dedication over many years, and their impact can be felt across the university. On behalf of Queen鈥檚, I offer my deepest congratulations and thanks to each of them.鈥
Recipients will be celebrated on Nov. 13 during a reception at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts.
The 2026 recipients are:
Peter Chin
Peter Chin is the associate dean of teacher education with 15 years of dedicated service. He is recognized for transformative leadership in developing and implementing innovative multi-session teacher education programs that expand access and address critical teacher shortages across Ontario. Known for fostering partnerships with Indigenous communities and championing equity, accessibility, and social responsibility, his contributions have strengthened the Faculty of Education鈥檚 role locally and internationally. He is also a committed mentor and collaborator, whose work has enhanced program quality, student success, and the university鈥檚 reputation as a leader in inclusive and forward-thinking teacher education.
Te ho wis kw没nt, Clinton Allen Doxtator
A cultural advisor and Indigenous knowledge keeper within the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, Te ho wis kw没nt鈥檚 (Clinton Allen Doxtator) longstanding service has been marked by leadership in fostering Indigenous presence, education, and reconciliation at Queen鈥檚. He is renowned for creating inclusive spaces through the Elder Talk series and Fire for Peace initiatives, and he has significantly advanced campus Indigenization, curriculum development, and community connections. His embodiment of Haudenosaunee values and commitment to supporting Indigenous and international students have deeply enriched the university鈥檚 culture, promoting belonging, understanding, and success across diverse communities.
Bruce Elliott, Arts鈥70, MSc鈥72, PhD鈥74
Bruce Elliott is a professor emeritus whose six-decade tenure at Queen鈥檚 has profoundly shaped cancer research, education, mentorship, and community outreach. A founding member of the National Cancer Institute of Canada Cancer Research Labs, he established a pioneering transdisciplinary breast cancer research program and core research resources. His innovative curriculum development integrated basic, translational, and clinical perspectives and has impacted learners across all levels. Renowned for mentoring students and fostering allyship, particularly through Indigenous student mentorship programs, his community engagement includes pioneering science education initiatives for youth. His enduring contributions have significantly advanced Queen鈥檚 research excellence, inclusivity, and community partnerships.
Beverly Lapham
A professor in the Department of Economics, Beverly Lapham has more than three decades of dedicated service marked by extensive leadership and mentorship. She has played a pivotal role in departmental and university governance, including committees on equity, graduate studies, and academic appointments. She is also renowned for championing diversity and inclusion, particularly through national initiatives supporting women economists. Her internationally recognized research and policy engagement have elevated the university鈥檚 academic reputation, while her mentorship has guided generations of students toward impactful careers. She is a committed contributor whose efforts have greatly enriched Queen鈥檚 academic culture and institutional success.
Robert McFarlane, Com鈥83
Robert McFarlane is a longstanding member of the Queen鈥檚 community with more than 30 years of dedicated volunteer service, notably as a Board of Trustees member and key contributor to athletics and capital development projects. The trustee emeritus has demonstrated exceptional leadership in governance, fundraising, and alumni engagement, particularly advancing the football program and major infrastructure initiatives including Richardson Stadium and the John Deutsch University Centre. Recognized for unwavering commitment, strategic vision, and community-building, he has served as a trusted mentor and influential ambassador whose philanthropic and volunteer efforts have had a lasting impact on student success and university excellence.
Lynnette Purda
Lynnette Purda has more than two decades of dedicated service at Queen鈥檚 and is currently the vice-provost of Professional and Continuing Education. Previously the interim dean and associate dean of graduate programs at Smith School of Business, she is recognized for visionary leadership across undergraduate, graduate, and executive education. Instrumental in enhancing academic programs, faculty governance, and external partnerships, she is also a champion of equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. She is known for decisive, values-driven leadership during periods of challenge, helping to revitalize internal culture and ensure financial sustainability. A committed mentor and strategic leader, her efforts have significantly strengthened the reputation of Smith School of Business and furthered the university鈥檚 academic excellence and global engagement.
Daniel Tisch, Artsci鈥91, MBA鈥96
Former vice-chair of the Board of Trustees, trustee emeritus, and long-serving member of University Council, Daniel Tisch has provided sustained governance leadership spanning more than two decades. He has been instrumental in strengthening university advancement, communications, government relations, and alumni engagement through strategic clarity and integrated approaches. He is also noted for thoughtful advice, pragmatic guidance, and inclusive leadership that positively influenced senior administration, trustees, and student leaders. Beyond governance, his contributions include philanthropy focused on Indigenous student support and ongoing advocacy for higher education at the provincial and national levels, significantly enhancing Queen鈥檚 reputation and external relationships.
Stephen Vanner, Artsci鈥78, MA鈥81, Meds鈥83
Stephen Vanner is a professor with more than 40 years of service at Queen鈥檚 who is recognized for exceptional leadership in gastrointestinal disease research and clinical care. As founder and director of key research institutes, he has advanced multidisciplinary collaboration and attracted substantial funding, enhancing institutional capacity and national prestige. A prolific researcher and mentor, his work in gut inflammation has influenced both science and clinical practice. Known for steady, above-and-beyond leadership during critical institutional transitions, his dedication to research, education, clinical excellence, and administrative service has had a lasting impact on the university鈥檚 success and global reputation.
Learn more about the Distinguished Service Awards.
Celebrate this year鈥檚 recipients by supporting the鈥.
