The late Dr. Ralph C. Serin of the Department of Psychology has been posthumously honored by the Association of Paroling Authorities International and the National Institute of Corrections. Dr. Serin has worked with APAI for over a decade to improve parole release decision-making with an evidence-based approach. They have passed a resolution honoring Dr. Serin’s contribution and awarded him the Renee Collette International Excellence Award from the Association of Paroling Authorities International.

Renee Collette International Excellence Award

The Awards Committee also unanimously agreed that an award honoring our international colleagues be created to honor the incredible efforts and works of Renee Collette.
Renee Collette served as a member of the Quebec Parole Board for three years and as Chairman for ten years before being appointed as a full-time Board Member and Executive Vice-Chairperson for the Parole Board of Canada. Renee also served as the Acting Executive Director and Acting Chairperson for the Board during her tenure. Her commitment to International Criminal Justice existed throughout her career and reached far beyond the borders of North America. Renee served APAI from its earliest days, in every elected and appointed position that the Association of Paroling Authorities International Constitution embodies. Renee’s leadership fostered international growth and advancement throughout the years. Her representation and promotion of the international criminal justice community successfully helped form APAI into the strong international association that it is today. Renee holds numerous awards and recognitions, including the Vincent O’Leary Award, Ben Bear Award, and the President’s Award with the Association of Paroling Authorities International, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Commemorative Medal, and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal of recognition.

This award, which is given in her name, is to recognize and reward an international individual or an organization, which has contributed significantly to the advancement of international criminal justice.