Awards, Recognitions & Letters
YWCA Women of Distinction
The University of Regina was well represented at the Regina YWCA Women of Distinction Awards, with Raynell Andreychuk, Tanya Dahms and Roz Kelsey receiving awards.
Roz Kelsey, an instructor in the faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies, won the category of Education and Mentorship. Kelsey is chair of the Man Up Against Violence movement.
“When this award was announced, there were more than two dozen individuals in purple Man Up Against Violence t-shirts that erupted into applause. I was thrilled to accept this award on behalf of so many that have worked so hard. It takes courage for all of us to stand against what is considered the norm and these people do it every day. I was very proud,” Kelsey says.
“Winning this award confirms that the work we are doing is valued and necessary. This inspires me to continue working to mobilize the University of Regina community in order to address gender based violence. I am honoured to be chosen amongst so many incredible women doing such inspiring work,” she adds.
UofR Alumni Award for Service
Roz Kelsey’s career as a Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies leaves no doubt that she places an emphasis on social justice and embodies the ideal of as one who serves.
Since 2014, Kelsey has worked tirelessly on a remarkable violence against women prevention campaign that has grown to become a powerful social movement known as Man Up Against Violence™ (MUAV). While the campaign began in the classroom, it quickly grew and spread across the University in the form of speakers, film presentations and discussions, and other large events involving multiple academic and administrative departments. The MUAV events have been called “thoughtful, informative, creative and engaging,” and the University’s Director of Security and Operations notes that this community-centred initiative has helped her security team “provide a safe and welcoming environment for the campus community” by, in part, “chang[ing] the way we think about sexual assault and violence against women.”
The MUAV movement is truly innovative, breaking new ground and creating positive change in our university community and beyond. The movement challenges deeply held mindsets about masculinity and works to inspire men, particularly male athletes, to accept their role as advocates for the prevention of violence in our communities. MUAV spends considerable time focusing on how unhealthy constructions of masculinity play a role in domestic abuse and various other forms of violence. The Dean of Kinesiology and Health Studies remarks, “It’s a revolution of thought led by a strong female leader with a team of empowered young men. That’s more than special. That’s extraordinary.” The student-athlete spokesperson for the MUAV movement concurs, calling Kelsey a person of courage, passion and generosity, and naming his role in the MUAV movement as profoundly rewarding and life-changing.
The University of Regina Alumni Association Award for Service Excellence recognizes sustained excellence in leadership by the candidate to promote and provide awareness of the university and her discipline to the public.
Rothesay Netherwood School is a school where high expectations of students and faculty are realized in a caring environment. RNS has built a strong community where respect, courage, and responsibility form the foundation of daily life. As a boarding and day school where faculty lives on campus, the level of commitment is high, and the interaction between students and faculty is exemplary.