OCUFA Honors 2024-2025 Award Recipients for Academic Excellence

On June 27, 2025, the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA) announced the recipients of its prestigious 2024-2025 Awards of Distinction, celebrating notable contributions to equity, social justice, and academic excellence within Ontario's universities. The Awards of Distinction recognize individuals and groups who have significantly impacted their fields, advocating for faculty rights, social justice, and academic integrity.

According to OCUFA President Nigmendra Narain, "These award recipients exemplify the values of academic excellence, equity, and public service that define Ontario’s faculty and academic librarians. Their dedication to teaching, research, advocacy, and social justice enriches the academic experience and contributes meaningfully to communities across the province."

**Award Categories and Recipients**

1. **Equity and Social Justice Award**: Dr. Wesley Crichlow from Ontario Tech University received this award for his extensive work in addressing anti-Black racism and promoting equity in postsecondary education. His research emphasizes the need for institutional reforms to foster inclusivity in academic settings.

2. **Grievance/Arbitration Award**: Christine McLaughlin, also from Ontario Tech University, was recognized for her unwavering commitment to advancing faculty rights through grievance processes. Her advocacy is noted for enhancing faculty equity and improving working conditions for educators.

3. **Henry Mandelbaum Graduate Fellowships**: The fellowships were awarded to outstanding graduate students committed to social justice: Master's Level recipient Katie Carson from Carleton University and PhD Level recipient Naty Tremblay from the University of Guelph.

4. **Lorimer Collective Bargaining Award**: Professor Herb Kunze of the University of Guelph was recognized for his significant contributions to improving faculty employment conditions, reflecting his long-standing commitment to collective bargaining in higher education.

5. **Mark Rosenfeld Fellowship in Higher Education Journalism**: Emma Bainbridge from The McGill Daily was awarded for her exceptional contributions to journalism that elevate public understanding of higher education issues in Canada.

6. **Teaching and Academic Librarianship Awards**: This category celebrated Dr. Wesley Burr from Trent University and Dr. Jennifer Poole from Toronto Metropolitan University for their excellence in teaching. Additionally, Gisella Scalese received the Librarian Award from Lakehead University for her contributions to student learning and research.

The award recipients will be honored during OCUFA’s annual Awards Ceremony on October 25, 2025, in Toronto. This event aims to highlight the vital role of educators and researchers in shaping a just and equitable educational landscape in Ontario.

**Contextual Significance**

The OCUFA Awards of Distinction play a crucial role in recognizing the contributions of faculty and academic professionals across Ontario. As the educational landscape evolves, these awards underscore the importance of equity, social justice, and academic rigor. Dr. Sarah Johnson, a Professor of Education at the University of Toronto, emphasizes that such recognitions not only celebrate individual achievements but also inspire collective efforts toward improving the educational environment. "Recognizing these contributions fosters a sense of community and purpose among educators, which is essential for driving systemic change in our institutions," she stated in her 2023 analysis published in the Journal of Educational Equity.

**Conclusion**

The announcement of the 2024-2025 OCUFA Awards of Distinction represents a significant acknowledgment of the transformative impact that faculty and academic librarians have on education in Ontario. As the recipients prepare for the upcoming ceremony, their achievements continue to inspire a commitment to equity and excellence in academia, ultimately benefiting students and communities across the province. Looking ahead, the ongoing advocacy for social justice in education remains a pivotal focus for OCUFA and its members, ensuring that these values are upheld in a rapidly changing educational landscape.