Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award

The Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award is the highest honour presented by the ºÚÁϳԹÏ×ÊÔ´ Alumni Association. Presented annually to an alumnus/alumna who has demonstrated the high ideals imparted by a ºÚÁϳԹÏ×ÊÔ´ education through significant lifetime contributions to one or more of the following: the arts or sciences; public service; leadership in business, industry or a profession; community, charitable or volunteer work.

In 2022 the QUAA renamed this award from the Alumni Achievement Award. The Queen's University Alumni Association (QUAA) respectfully acknowledges the past recipients of the Alumni Achievement Award as the terms of the award remain unchanged.

Award eligibility and criteria

Candidates should be:

  • A ºÚÁϳԹÏ×ÊÔ´ alumnus/alumna
  • Someone who has accomplished a lifetime of contributions and achievement in one or more of the following: the arts or sciences; public service; leadership in business, industry, or a profession; community, charitable, or volunteer work
  • A contributor to society on a regional, national or international level
  • Recognized within her/his community or field as a leader
  • An inspiration to the ºÚÁϳԹÏ×ÊÔ´ community

2026 Recipient

David Phipps

  • Artsci'85, PhD'91

photo of David Phipps holding a microphone wearing a black suit jacket, collared shirt and black framed glasses

David Phipps is the administrative lead for all research and innovation programs and their impact on local and global communities at York University in Toronto.  

Graduating from ºÚÁϳԹÏ×ÊÔ´ with a Life Sciences degree in 1985 and a PhD in Immunology in 1991, his 10 years at the university not only set him up for a professional career in academic research, it also developed his commitment to the classical performing arts, thanks to his time playing flute in the Kingston Youth Orchestra and ºÚÁϳԹÏ×ÊÔ´ Symphony and singing in the ºÚÁϳԹÏ×ÊÔ´ Choral Ensemble and Chamber Choir. As he transitions to retirement, he aims to focus on pursuing engagement with choral and ballet organizations.

With a strong commitment to helping university research have a positive impact on society, he has received many honours and awards, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his work in knowledge mobilization and research impact, and was named the most influential knowledge mobilizer in Canada. He sits on knowledge mobilization committees around the world and is network director for Research Impact Canada.  â€¯