Trent University’s top honour, the Eminent Service Award, will be presented to Dr. Deborah Berrill at convocation ceremonies in June 2012, as recommended by the Subcommittee on University Honours and approved by the Board of Governors on March 30, 2012.

Professor Berrill has been affiliated with Trent University since 1989 when she began as acting director of the Trent-Queen’s Concurrent Education Program and then as program director from 1990-1998. In 2002 Dr. Berrill was hired as the founding director of Trent University’s School of Education and Professional Learning, a position she held until 2007.  In 2004 she was promoted to full professor. Dr. Berrill’s teaching has been recognized at the institutional, provincial and national levels through her receipt of eight teaching awards over her career, including the Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching (1988), the 3M Teaching Fellowship (2006), and the Leadership in Faculty Teaching Award from the Government of Ontario (2007). Dr. Berrill’s programs, such as the Penpals Program, have also had a significant and positive impact on young students in the local school boards.

One nominator letter states, “Her approach to education is underpinned by her scholarship, including her understanding of feminist and education theories. In fact, it is not sensible to try to separate the strand of service from the other strands of educator and scholar. Together these three strands make a very strong braid.”

Established in 1978, the Eminent Service Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the life of Trent University above and beyond excellence in carrying out their employment or volunteer responsibilities. It is normally awarded at the culmination of service to Trent. The award is presented on behalf of the Board of Governors, acting upon the recommendation of the Senate.

Posted on Friday, April 13, 2012.