Lamine Diallo and Ciann Wilson honoured with Laurier’s Faculty Award for Service Excellence and Community Engagement

June 15, 2021

Two Wilfrid Laurier University professors, Lamine Diallo from the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, and Ciann Wilson from the Faculty of Science, are being recognized with the university’s Faculty Award for Service Excellence and Community Engagement.

The award recognizes full-time faculty and librarians who, in addition to their teaching and scholarship, are leaders in service to the community and/or university. The selection committee, made up of the provost and vice-president: academic, the university librarian and deans from faculties across the university, looks for individuals whose service contributes to the university’s mission, vision and academic plan and enhances teaching, scholarship and public influence.

“I am incredibly pleased to see the contributions of Dr. Diallo and Dr. Wilson recognized,” says Tony Vannelli, provost and vice-president: academic. “They are not only steadfast in their commitment to their day-to-day work, but also go above and beyond to improve the community we live and work in. That is certainly worth celebrating.”

Lamine Diallo

Prior to joining Laurier, Diallo worked as a research coordinator for the Better Beginning, Better Futures research project at Laurentian University, as the executive director of l’Observatoire du Development in Montreal (UQAM) and was the executive director of the Social Planning Council of Cambridge (Ontario). Diallo is also the founding director of Laurier’s Tshepo Institute for the Study of Contemporary Africa and the African-Canadian Association in Waterloo Region.

Diallo obtained his PhD in Sociology from the University of Quebec in Montreal and also has a certificate in race relations from the National Coalition Building Institute in Washington.

His research is focused on leadership program design, as well as the role and impact of governance and leadership in the African continent with a focus on youth leadership.

“I am proud to congratulate Dr. Lamine Diallo for receiving the Faculty Award for Service Excellence and Community Engagement,” says Lauren Eisler, dean of Laurier’s Faculty of Human and Social Sciences. “This award recognizes individuals who have exceptional academic, professional and community service and I cannot think of another individual who is more deserving of this award than Lamine. He epitomizes service and community engagement in both his professional and personal life with grace and goodwill. He is truly an example of how an individual can contribute to the lives of all they interact with.”

Diallo chose to offer a special dedication upon receiving the award, citing an African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

“I believe that we have a responsibility beyond ourselves,” says Diallo. “We should all contribute as much as possible to creating a better space for those who will come after us. Everything I do starts with building a team of people who share the same vision. I dedicate this award to those who have shared the road with me.”

Ciann Wilson

Wilson has over a decade of experience working within Black, Indigenous and racialized communities across Canada. Her body of work aims to utilize research as an avenue for sharing the stories and realities of Black, Indigenous and racialized communities, as well as promoting community health and well-being.

Her work and research areas of interest include critical race and class theories, anti-colonial theory, African diasporic and Indigenous community health, HIV/AIDS, public health, social determinants of health, sexual and reproductive well-being, equity, diversity and inclusion, and community-based research.

Wilson obtained her PhD in Environmental Studies from York University in 2016 and is one of this year’s recipients of the Status of Women and Equity Award of Distinction from the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations.

“I am delighted that Dr. Wilson has been distinguished by the university with our Faculty Award for Service Excellence and Community Engagement,” says Anthony Clarke, dean of the Faculty of Science. “It is absolutely most fitting that her dedication to community engagement on issues of social justice, equity, diversity and inclusion are recognized in this prestigious way.”

Wilson offered appreciation for the individuals who nominated her for the award.

“I would like to thank my colleagues and peers Dr. Vanessa Oliver, Humera Javed and Dr. Manuel Riemer for nominating me for this honour,” says Wilson. “The significance of one’s work in the university and surrounding community takes on an entirely different meaning when members of the community and your esteemed peers acknowledge the importance of your contributions and presence.”

The Faculty Award for Service Excellence and Community Engagement would normally be presented at spring convocation. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a ceremony to honour this year’s recipients will be held when public health measures allow.