2021 Honorees
Meet the 2021 recipients of the Community Connections Awards.
Community Scholar
Lise Gotell, Community Scholar
Lise Gotell
Professor, Women's & Gender Studies
Dr. Gotell is internationally recognized for her expertise in sexual assault law and public policy on violence against women—expertise which she has persistently dedicated to the public good throughout her 30-year career. Not only has she helped shape her field and educate future public leaders, but she has also helped governments in Canada, Scotland, England, Australia, and New Zealand to find innovative approaches to addressing sexual violence. Equally engaged with non-governmental organizations across the country, she represents a national voice on the vital issue of sexual assault, especially on Canadian campuses. Dr. Gotell devotes unparalleled effort to translating her considerable knowledge into policy, advocacy, and legal reform that helps to prevent sexual assault and violence against women, and improve the lives of survivors.
More about Lise Gotell:
Community Leader — Individual
Peter Johnson
Student, MD Program
A first-year medical student, Peter’s affinity for leadership and ability to tap the power of communities have already generated several student-led organizations with regional and national impact. Whether it’s building networks to help fellow students get published, launching physical literacy programs to teach healthy habits in local daycares and schools, or mentoring the next generation of global health researchers, Peter excels at convening his colleagues around critical issues to make a difference. When COVID-19 hit, he engaged hundreds of his peers across the country to fight misinformation on the disease. Together they produced more than 50 books, articles, and multimedia publications in one summer, providing accurate public information on the social, economic, and cultural issues of the pandemic.
More about Peter Johnson:
Community Leader — Team
DiscoverE, Community Leader — Team
DiscoverE
Founded in 1993, DiscoverE engages current students and recent graduates to promote diversity and inclusion in engineering and science. Today DiscoverE reaches more than 26,000 youth each year in 70 different communities across Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories. The program strives not only to spark a sense of curiosity for science and engineering, but also to enable young students from all backgrounds—especially underrepresented groups—to envision a future for themselves in STEM. In less than three decades, DiscoverE has brought its passion for lifelong learning to half a million Canadians. With many former participants now studying at the U of A and volunteering through the program, DiscoverE has excelled at building and sustaining a supportive STEM community in Western Canada.
More about DiscoverE:
UAlberta Advocate
Human Ecology Practicum Program Field Supervisors, UAlberta Advocates
Human Ecology Practicum Program Field Supervisors
For the past 50 years, the Human Ecology practicum program’s field supervisors have created high-quality work-integrated experiences for U of A students across the province and country, and around the globe. This diverse group of professionals from the private, nonprofit and government sectors generously contribute their time, energy and creativity to enable U of A students to seamlessly transition from classrooms to professional settings. They form the bridge between learning and practice, connecting U of A students with surrounding communities to promote scholarship and work experience that benefits everyone involved. Not only do they connect students with world-class experiences and prepare them to become exceptional professionals, but they champion Human Ecology’s mission to enhance everyday life.