Professor Caroline Andrew of the Faculty of Social Sciences received the Ontario Francophonie Award (Francophile) from the government of Ontario during a special ceremony in Ottawa, on November 20. The goal of these new awards is to honour people who have contributed significantly to advancing the French language and culture
in Ontario.
Brought up in British Columbia, Andrew studied at UBC, Laval and the University of Toronto before beginning her University of Ottawa career in 1971. One of the influencing factors in choosing to join the University was its commitment to promote French culture in Ontario. “The connection to the francophone community of Ontario is part of the mission of the University and this was, and is, very important to me,” said Andrew.
“I have been fortunate to have been able to work on projects, both within the University and within the broader community, that have been part of this role of the University of Ottawa,” she continued.
As a committed and determined francophile, Caroline Andrew is one of the Francophonie figureheads in both Ottawa and Ontario. Her various activities include most notably her work with the Fondation franco-ontarienne and the francophone association of municipalities of Ontario, as well as her leading role as vice-president of the City of Ottawa’s Advisory Committee on French-language Services. She has also been a long-time member of the board of directors of the Lowertown Community Resource Centre, the board of Inter Pares, a Canadian organization devoted to improving life for women in developing countries in the areas of health, education and political life and the steering committee of A City for All Women Initiative, a partnership with the City of Ottawa.
The award recognizes Professor Andrew as a driving force for change within her community. “Ms. Andrew has consistently promoted the Francophonie within her faculty and her community. Her social conscience and her active role within the francophone community are worthy of recognition,” said the selection committee.
“The University of Ottawa is very privileged to be able to rely on a researcher of Caroline Andrew’s calibre, particularly since she is an outstanding ambassador for the University of Ottawa in the area of bilingualism,” points out President Gilles Patry.
In addition to promoting the French language and culture, her firm belief in the important role of universities in building strong communities through education, academics and research, is a constant in her professional and volunteer commitments. “Helping to build new programs that are important to building the capacity of the community, such as the creation of the School of Social Work, has been one way the University has served the community,” she added.
For Caroline Andrew that sense of community responsibility is paramount. She sees this award is an indication of “how important it is for the University to see itself as part of the community and as playing a role in the community.”
Other recipients of the 2006 Ontario Francophonie Awards were uOttawa alumnus Gérald Savoie, President and CEO of Montfort Hospital, Annie Dell, Regional Director of the Réseau de développement économique et d'employabilité de l'Ontario, and Raymond Tremblay, Rector of the Université de Hearst.
The deadline for nominations for the second annual Francophonie Awards is April 1, 2007.
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