Founders Award

Carleton University Founders Award

“It is people, not buildings, that make an institution; and if we can put our hearts to it we can do something worthwhile.”

Henry Marshall Tory, June 18, 1942

Led by Dr. Henry Marshall Tory, a small group of Ottawa citizens dared to imagine a university in the nation’s capital that would serve Canadians whose education was interrupted by World War II. Carleton University was established in 1942, because of the dedication and commitment of our founders:

Henry Marshall Tory Mr. C.C. Gibson

Dr. Hugh Keenleyside Mr. E.J. Jenkins Mr. William Connor

Dr. John Robbins Mr. Frank Patten

Mr. C.H. Bland Mr. L.R. Shaw Mr. T.R. Montgomery

It is our individual founders – past, present and future – whose commitment has helped build one of Canada’s most respected universities and whose leadership will ascertain our future.

The Award

The Founders Award, Carleton’s highest non-academic honour, was inaugurated in June 1996 to recognize and pay tribute to those individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of Carleton through their dedication, generosity, and commitment to the values of the university. It is awarded annually, when merited, at Spring Convocation.

View past recipients

Qualification Criteria

Exemplary leadership, dedication and commitment to Carleton University.
Service is demonstrated through active, involvement in and contributions to the community.
A record of exceptional commitment that inspires others to engage in service.
Generosity through philanthropy or volunteerism.
The recipient cannot be a current Board member.

All nominations will be considered each year for a maximum of three years.

Timeline

Date	Step
December 5, 2025:	Call for Nominations opens
March 6, 2026:	Deadline for receipt of nomination (4pm)
April 2026:	Jury to review applicants and identify a successful nominee.
June 2026:	Presentation of Award at Convocation and feature news story.

Founders Award 2026

"*" indicates required fields

Name of Nominee*

First Last

Degree / Year

Address

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Phone

Job Title

Outstanding contributions and other criteria on which the nomination is based:

Positions held since graduating from Carleton University:

Awards/Honours Received:

Other Activities:

Supporting Document #1

Max. file size: 15 MB.

Supporting Document #2

Max. file size: 15 MB.

Supporting Document #3

Max. file size: 15 MB.

Part 2: Nominator's Information

Name*

First Last

Address

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Phone

Email*

Privacy Information

Personal information collected through this form will be used and disclosed by Carleton University under the authority of the Carleton University Act, 1952, and in accordance with sections 39, 41 and 42 of Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The purpose of this processing is to administer the application process for the Carleton University Founders Award. If you have any questions about the processing of personal information by Carleton University, please contact the Manager, Privacy & Access to Information, by phone at 613-520-2600 ext. 2047 or by e-mail via University_Privacy_Office@carleton.ca.

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BOG Student Application Form 2026/27

The Carleton University Board of Governors is seeking Expressions of Interest from students to fill four vacant positions as Student Governors for the 2026/27 Board Year. All interested candidates must fulfill the requirements and submit the below Expression of Interest form by Jan. 23, 2026.

"*" indicates required fields

Applicant Information

Name*

First Last

Student Number*

Email*

Phone*

Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code

Self-Identification (optional)

Woman

Visible Minority

Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit or Métis)

Persons with disabilities

This question is voluntary. You may select as many categories that apply to you. The information will be used in an aggregate and non-identifiable format in order to asses our ability to recruit individuals with diverse backgrounds.

What position are you applying for?*

Program of Study*

Current Year Standing in Program*

Photo*

Max. file size: 15 MB.

Please upload a photo of yourself to be published for the purpose of elections.

Expression of Interest

Please answer the three questions below. It is recommended to write your answers in a word document and then copy and paste into the below fields to avoid potential loss of work.

Question 1: I believe that I would be an excellent candidate to be considered as a Student Governor because:*

Question 2: I have the following skills and experiences which would be beneficial in my role as Student Governor:*

Question 3: If elected to the Board, what would you like to gain from the experience and/or what skills would you like to further develop?*

Expression of Interest

Max. file size: 15 MB.

If you wish to attach a brief (max. 500 words) statement of interest, please do so above:

Eligibility Criteria & Consent

1. I confirm that I meet the eligibility criteria as outlined in the Candidate Selection Process Handbook.*

I confirm.

2. I confirm that I have attended one mandatory Board 101 Information Session.*

Specify date.

3. I have answered the Expression of Interest questions and consent to the answers being published.*

I confirm.

4. I have included a photo of myself that I authorize to be published.*

I confirm.

Privacy

Personal information collected through this form will be used and disclosed by Carleton University under the authority of the Carleton University Act, 1952, and in accordance with sections 39, 41 and 42 of Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The purpose of this processing is to administer the application and nomination process for Board of Governor positions. If you have any questions about the processing of personal information by Carleton University, please contact the Manager, Privacy & Access to Information, by phone at 613-520-2600 ext. 2047 or by e-mail via University_Privacy_Office@carleton.ca.

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Administration

The Advancement and University Relations Committee of the Board of Governors will administer the Founders Award. Any recommendations regarding the Founders Award will be brought forward to the Board of Governors by the Chair of the Advancement and University Relations Committee for approval.

Composition of the Founders Award Jury

Chair or Vice-Chair or designate of the Board of Governors, as Chair of the Jury
President, Alumni Association
Chief Advancement Officer
One BoG Faculty Representative
One BoG Staff Representative
One BoG Student Representative
One BoG Alumni Representative

Additional supporting documentation may be sent to:
Carleton University Founders Award Committee
c/o Department of the University Secretariat
Carleton University
607 Pigiarvik (ᐱᒋᐊᕐᕕᒃ) – formerly Robertson Hall
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6 Canada

Contact

For more information regarding the award or the application process, please contact Amanda Goth, University Secretary or 613-520-2600 ext. 2386.