On Nov. 7, the Queen’s community gathered at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts to celebrate the six recipients of the 2025 Distinguished Service Awards. Five alumni were among the honourees.
Chosen by University Council’s executive committee, the annual awards go to those who have made the university a better place through their outstanding contributions. Queen’s faculty, staff, students, retirees, the Queen's Alumni Association, the Board of Trustees, and Council members (elected, appointed, ex officio, or honorary) can nominate candidates.
Receiving the awards this year were Stephen Archer, Meds’81; Heather Black, Sc’81; Tianna Edwards, MA’23; Panagiotis (Takis) Katsabanis, MASc’83, PhD’88; Sandra Murray; and Ann Tierney, LLB’89, MPA’04.
The evening at the Isabel began with a reception, followed by the award presentations featuring remarks by Queen’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane, Chancellor Shelagh Rogers, and the recipients.
Tianna Edwards, MA’23, was one of the awardees, and says she’s touched by the time and thoughtfulness students put into nominating her.
“I often talk about how much I love my job,” says Edwards, the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Coordinator at the Yellow House Student Centre for Equity and Inclusion. “I am grateful for the opportunities to watch students grow into confident, self-assured people ready to conquer their dreams. My role is incredibly life-affirming. Recognition like this is icing on the cake.”
Keep reading to learn more about this year’s six recipients.
Stephen Archer, Meds’81
Stephen Archer is a professor and former head of the Department of Medicine. For more than 13 years, he led transformative change in clinical care, education, and equity, while founding the Translational Institute of Medicine and the translational medicine graduate programs. A renowned physician-scientist and mentor with 300-plus publications, he advanced Queen’s standing in translational research, played a key role in pandemic response, and developed sustainable academic funding models – leaving a lasting impact on the Department of Medicine and strengthening Queen’s reputation for innovation.
Heather Black, Sc’81
Alumna and volunteer leader Heather Black has dedicated more than 40 years of transformative service to Queen’s. She’s held nearly every major alumni and governance role – including president of the alumni association and member of the Board of Trustees – leaving a legacy of thoughtful leadership, principled mentorship, and inclusive community-building. A champion of alumni engagement and student support, she’s a connector and behind-the-scenes force whose lasting contributions continue to shape Queen’s in meaningful ways.
Tianna Edwards, MA’23
Tianna Edwards is the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Coordinator at the Yellow House Student Centre for Equity and Inclusion and has eight years of service to Queen’s. A dedicated advocate and visionary leader, she has helped transform student life through initiatives like Black@Queen’s, Black Swims, and the Black Student Caucus. Her work advancing the Scarborough Charter and fostering community, mentorship, and systemic change has made a lasting impact on equity, inclusion, and student well-being at Queen’s and beyond.
Panagiotis (Takis) Katsabanis, MASc’83, PhD’88
An associate professor in the Robert M. Buchan Department of Mining, Takis Katsabanis has devoted more than 37 years of his career to Queen’s. A leader in engineering education, he developed a fully online Bachelor of Mining Engineering Technology program that expanded access and innovation. He has also helped guide departmental transitions, led accreditation reviews, and managed unique research facilities, all while being a committed mentor. His work has significantly enhanced Queen’s international reputation, strengthened its academic programs, and supported the success of the broader university community.
Sandra Murray
Sandra Murray dedicated 37 years of extraordinary service to Queen’s, becoming a cornerstone of the Centre for Teaching and Learning. Starting as a receptionist and progressing to impactful leadership, she played a vital role in supporting faculty and staff, advancing teaching excellence, and fostering a rich academic environment benefitting generations of educators and learners alike. She leaves an enduring legacy defined by steadfast dedication, generosity, and an unparalleled support network vital to Queen’s academic community.
Ann Tierney, LLB’89, MPA’04
As the Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs from 2011 to 2025, Ann Tierney led one of Canada’s largest student affairs portfolios. She is now Vice-Provost (Global Engagement). Known for advancing student access, inclusion, and well-being through initiatives like need-based awards and food security programs, her leadership has fostered a more equitable and supportive Queen’s. Her impact also extends nationally through her expertise and advocacy, shaping best practices in student services and contributing broadly to the success and reputation of the institution.
Keep an eye on the Distinguished Service Awards web page to watch the full recording of the awards ceremony at the Isabel.
Nominations for 2026 will open in February 2026.
