Awards & Academic Service

Donna has won several national and provincial industry awards as well as academic awards and scholarships for her work. Additionally, giving back to our educational institutions has always been important to us. Donna was recently appointed to University of Calgary’s Senate (2020-2023) and has sat on Queen’s University’s Faculty of Arts and Science Dean’s Council since 2017.

Industry Awards

  • Alberta Premier’s Award of Excellence Bronze Medalist (2009). For work in partnership with the Alberta Agricultural Products Marketing Council on the Agricultural Industry Governance Review.
  • The City of Calgary Community Achievement Award (Education) (2005 Nominee), by Calgary International Language Foundation. For innovative Community and Educational Partnerships.
  • The Donna S. Finley Student Award for Excellence in Leadership (2005). Calgary French & International School, Board-nominated annual award to a student in Grade 12.
  • The Conference Board of Canada’s Global Best Award for Partnership in Business and Education (2004 Nominee), by Calgary French & International School.
  • Award of Distinction for Business in the Arts, Best Arts/Entrepreneur Partnership (2003). For work with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, The Council for Business and the Arts in Canada.

Academic Awards and Scholarships

  • Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) Doctoral Fellowship (May 2009 – April 2011). University of Calgary. $40,000.
  • Queen Elizabeth II Doctoral Scholarship (2009). University of Calgary. $5,000. Declined in favor of SSHRC.
  • Queen Elizabeth II Doctoral Scholarship (2008). University of Calgary. $5,000
  • Canadian Foundation for the Study of Liver Diseases (1979). Research Grant, University of Calgary. $1,500.
  • Rutherford Scholarship (1976). $150 (maximum). Alberta Government. Placed in top 10 of Grade 12 class of 590 students.
  • Henry Birks Centennial Silver Medal (1975). Henry Birks & Sons (for scholarship, citizenship, leadership); top prize for Grade 11, class of 590 students.

Academic Appointments

Volunteer Roles

  • Senate, University of Calgary (2020-2023)
  • Dean’s Council, Faculty of Arts and Science, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario (2016-2020)
  • Dean’s Council Western Caucus, Faculty of Arts and Science, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario (2017-2020)
  • Member, Leadership and Advisory Board, Canadian Centre for the Study of Higher Education (CCSHE), University of Calgary (2006-2011)
  • Co-Chair, WorldSkills Education Committee, WorldSkills Competition Calgary 2009 (2005-09)
  • Mentor, School of Graduate Studies, University of Calgary (2005-06)
  • Member, Queen’s University Alumni Fund Raising Committee (1988-94)
  • Co-Editor, IMD MBA Yearbook (1986)
  • President, Calgary Queen’s Alumni Branch (1981-83)