Long-time head coach of Queen’s women’s soccer Dave McDowell, Artsci/PHE’86, Ed’87, will be among the honorees at the 2025 Queen’s University Alumni Association (QUAA) Awards Gala. &Բ;
This year’s festivities, which will take place on June 19 in Toronto at , will see 10 individuals and one initiative honoured for their important, measurable contributions to their local and global communities. &Բ;
In both their professional careers and in their volunteer work, the award recipients serve as reminders of the impactful change Queen’s alumni make around the world. &Բ;
“Several of this year’s recipients, including Dave McDowell, have strong and enduring local connections, to both Queen’s and the Kingston community,” says QUAA President Allison Williams, Artsci’09. “We are looking forward to celebrating each of these worthy alumni, who have demonstrated excellence and shown a dedication to improving the lives of those around them.”
McDowell, who has been the head coach of Queen’s women’s soccer since 1988, will receive the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award, the highest honour granted by the QUAA. It’s given to an alum who has made significant contributions to at least one of the following: the arts or sciences; public service; leadership in business, industry, or a profession; and community, charitable, or volunteer work.
As a student, McDowell played varsity soccer throughout his time at Queen’s. A year after graduating from the Faculty of Education, he took charge of the women’s soccer program and has gone on to become one of the most decorated coaches in the university’s history.
McDowell has received two CIS/U SPORTS Coach of the Year awards and seven OUA Coach of the Year awards. He has also guided the Gaels to three national championships and six conference championships. His teams have advanced to the national championships 15 times and have never had a losing season or missed the conference playoffs. &Բ;
“I have spent so many years of my life surrounded by an amazing group of committed, capable, and passionate players and staff,” says McDowell. “I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed it. Through all the highs and lows that sports bring, it has remained a constant passion, filling my daily life with direction and joy.”
The other award recipients are: &Բ;
Alumni Global Citizenship Award: Laura Tamblyn Watts, Artsci’94
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigenization Alumni Award: Edward Thomas, Sc’06, MASc’12
Herbert J. Hamilton Volunteer Service Award: Colin McLeod, Artsci’10
Initiative of the Year Award: Bachelor of Art Education/Bachelor of Fine Art 55th Reunion
Marsha Lampman Volunteer Award: Kristine Robinson, Com’15; Susanne Gage, Artsci’92
One to Watch Award: Daria Juüdi-Hope, BNSc’11, MPH’20
Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award: Jill Barber, Artsci’02
Outstanding Student Leader Award: Daniel Reddy, PhD Candidate &Բ;
Queen's Student Alumni Association Volunteer of Distinction Award: Aliza Tiwana
Register now for the QUAA Awards Gala on June 19 in Toronto.
