Three Alberta academics are recipients of first Distinguished Academic Awards from the Confederation of Alberta Faculty Associations. The award recognizes members of academia whose research or other scholarly, creative or professional activities have significantly contributed to the wider community locally and nationally.

Alvin Finkel of Athabasca University was chosen to honour his long and distinguished career as a scholar and teacher in the field of Canadian history, while Lisa Doolittle of the University of Lethbridge was singled out for her innovative contributions to the wider community through her academic research and creative work with dance and theatre.

Emily Luce, who took up her appointment in the department of new media at the University of Lethbridge in 2006, is the recipient of the early career award, in recognition of her work as a member of the Hupacasath First Nation language preservation team.

“The CAFA Distinguished Academic Awards are being offered for the fist time this year,” said Peter McCormick, president of CAFA. “I’m delighted that we are able to recognize in this way the extraordinary contributions university academic staff members make to communities in Alberta and beyond.”

CAFA is the provincial organization representing academic staff associations at the University of Alberta, the University of Lethbridge and Athabasca University.