The Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA) is pleased to announce that Queen’s University Professor Elizabeth Hanson is the recipient of the 2020 Lorimer Award. This honour recognizes individuals who have worked to protect and promote the interests of Ontario’s academic staff through collective bargaining.
“For more than two decades, Elizabeth Hanson has been central to the Queen’s University Faculty Association’s work to bargain for improved working conditions for their members,” said Rahul Sapra, President of OCUFA. “Her nuanced and principled approach to collective bargaining has resonated across the province, benefiting us all.”
The Lorimer Award was established in honour of Doug and Joyce Lorimer, who were instrumental in advancing faculty association collective bargaining in Ontario. Winners of the award all share the Lorimers’ commitment to advancing Ontario’s university system through strong faculty associations and fair collective agreements.
A confident and inspirational leader, Elizabeth was instrumental in negotiating special consideration in personnel processes and evaluations for Queen’s University faculty impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Her work has ensured the university recognizes the dedication and sacrifice made by faculty and academic librarians to keep the institution running in incredibly challenging circumstances. Her lengthy list of accomplishments includes winning improvements to online course authorship, revision, and teaching language; helping to build the foundations of the University Pension Plan; and improving how student questionnaires on courses and teaching are used at Queen’s University.
“OCUFA is very proud to celebrate those exceptional individuals whose commitment to collective bargaining advances the interests of faculty and other academic professionals,” said Sapra. “Quality education and vibrant campus communities are built on the foundations established by these collective agreements. Through the Lorimer Award, we recognize the outstanding contributions and leadership of those who work tirelessly to ensure that faculty and academic librarians have the protections and resources they need to thrive.”
Hanson will receive her award at a virtual ceremony on February 20, 2021.
Founded in 1964, OCUFA represents 17,000 professors and academic librarians in 30 faculty associations across Ontario. It is committed to enhancing the quality of higher education and recognizing the outstanding contributions of its members towards creating a world-class university system. For more information, please visit the OCUFA website at www.ocufa.on.ca.
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To arrange interviews or for more information, please contact:
Ben Lewis, OCUFA Communications Lead
416-306-6033 | communications@ocufa.on.ca