Seven outstanding faculty members will be honoured for their excellence in teaching and scholarship at the University of Guelph’s 2026 Summer Convocation.
“Two of our guiding areas of focus at the University of Guelph are creating an exceptional student experience and advancing knowledge that shapes society through research and innovation,” says Dr. Rene Van Acker, president and vice-chancellor. “These faculty members have shown exceptional skill and dedication in providing our students with a high-quality, engaging and innovative education, while also contributing significantly to their field and to society.”
The recipients will be honoured at the University convocation ceremonies taking place from June 8 to 12.
John Bell Award
The John Bell award recognizes outstanding contributions to university education at the University of Guelph. The award is made in honour of Prof. John Bell, who served the University with distinction from 1972 to 1987.
Dr. Kimberly Francis
Francis is a transformative curricular leader whose vision, collaborative spirit and intellectual leadership have reshaped arts and humanities education at U of G.
She spearheaded the Bachelor of Creative Arts, Health and Wellness degree, a multidisciplinary curricular innovation that is the first of its kind in Canada. It launched in 2024 and trains students how to apply music, studio art, theatre studies, and soon creative writing, to the Canadian health care system.
Francis was also instrumental in revolutionizing the Music program at U of G. She worked with her colleagues to build a program focused on contemporary music practices across a variety of genres while also offering training in sound production, recording and songwriting. These changes led to significant program growth so that it has become the largest standalone BA Music program in the country.
Medal of Merit
The Medal of Merit is awarded to a professor who has retired from the University of Guelph, and who has made outstanding contributions to teaching, the functioning of the University, or other areas which have resulted in substantial improvement to the academic life and character of the University.
Dr. Lori Jones
Jones has made transformative contributions to teaching, academic leadership and service at U of G in chemistry education during her 36 years here.
In coordinating CHEM 1040 and CHEM 1050, Jones introduced evidence-based innovations such as flipped classrooms, adaptive online homework, and virtual laboratory models to significantly enhance student engagement and success, up to 4,000 students annually.
She also demonstrated exceptional service to the University, serving in multiple governance bodies at U of G and chairing the Chemistry Undergraduate Curriculum Committee.
Dr. Peter Conlon
Conlon is being recognized posthumously for his four decades of service at U of G, where he advanced education and student success at the Ontario Veterinary College and served as a leader in veterinary education.
He has influenced a generation of veterinarians by integrating ethics professionalism and communication skills into veterinary curriculum through his course, the Art of Veterinary Medicine, and developing a formal mental health support program for veterinary students.
Conlon also played a central role in creating the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program, a partnership between U of G and Lakehead University that addresses systemic veterinary shortages in rural northern Ontario.
Professors Emeriti
The honour of University professor emeritus/emerita is given to a retired professor who has produced outstanding, internationally recognized scholarship and continues their scholarly association with the University.
Dr. Michael Hoy
Hoy is an internationally renowned insurance economist whose research excellence has made a lasting impact on the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics.
In service to the University, Hoy stepped in as acting and interim chair of the Department of Economics and Finance on at least three occasions.
A prolific researcher, Hoy served as president of two international associations, the European Group of Risk and Insurance Economists and the Risk Theory Society. His international reputation and research excellence have helped put Lang in the top 20 business schools across Canada.
Dr. Bonnie Mallard
Mallard is a global leader in preventative health, whose work on immunogenetic and immunoceutical strategies has sustainably improved animal health and well-being.
Her pioneering High Immune Response technology, now commercialized as Immunity+ in over 80 countries, has revolutionized livestock disease prevention, enhanced food safety and contributed to the global fight against antimicrobial resistance.
For her work, Mallard was recognized with the Governor General’s Innovation Award and the NSERC Synergy Prize and is the only Canadian to receive both prestigious scientific awards.
Dr. Ed McBean
McBean has significantly advanced engineering practices globally as a renowned environmental engineer and expert in risk assessment and statistical analysis.
Serving as a professor in Water Resources Engineering at U of G for 21 years, McBean has made valuable contributions to our understanding of water systems and contaminants, earning him the Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Water Security and Supply, as well as Research Leadership Chair in Water Security.
A skilled mentor, McBean has seen 13 of his PhD graduate students go on to hold faculty positions at universities around the world.
Dr. Ramesh Rudra
Dr. Rudra is a distinguished researcher and educator whose work on the mechanics and modelling of nonpoint source pollution and watershed management has greatly influenced the global academic community.
Having spent over four decades at U of G, Rudra set the standards for hydrologic and erosion modules used around the world with his fundamental concepts and modeling tools.
As graduate coordinator at U of G, Rudra oversaw major growth to the School of Engineering’s graduate program, nearly doubling enrolment.