R. Paul Kerston Community Educator Award

Named after long-time community educator, R. Paul Kerston, this annual award was established in 2014 to honour outstanding community educators who have made a difference to student learning at UBC.

The award is valued at $1,000. In the event there is more than one recipient selected, the award value will be shared amongst recipients.

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Eligibility Criteria
  1. A patient/community educator who has made an outstanding contribution* to student learning and/or student professional development in health and human service programs at UBC.
  2. Current faculty are NOT eligible.
  3. Current clinicians/health professionals are NOT eligible.
  4. Previous award recipients are not eligible but other nominees can be nominated again.

*Evidence considered to demonstrate outstanding contribution to student learning and/or student professional development includes:

  • Number of students impacted;

  • Length of time of impact on students;

  • Nature of impact and values instilled on students (e.g. Values of interprofessional practice, patient-centred care, accessibility, lived experience, holistic learning, community engagement by students).

Note: The following persons may not be nominated for the Kerston Award:

  • Staff members of the Office of the Vice-President, Health

  • Serving members of the UBC Health Awards Committee

Nomination Process

An online nomination form must be completed and must include nomination letters from at least two nominators whose experiences have been positively impacted by the nominated individual. Nominations can be made by anyone (student, community member, community agency, staff, faculty) but must be seconded by at least one student.

Nomination letters should describe the nominee’s contributions to student learning and/or student professional development in health and human service programs at UBC and, in particular, the nominee’s direct interactions with and impact on students. Letters must include specific evidence of how the nominee meets the eligibility criteria and why the nominee is deserving of the award.

Other documentation to support the nomination may also be submitted. This may include testimonials, quotes from students, film, artwork, supporting photos, etc.

Selection Process

The Kerston Award recipient(s) are selected by the UBC Health Awards Committee, which is composed of UBC faculty members, students, and public members from the health community. 

By accepting the Kerston Award, recipient(s) consent to having their name(s) and photo(s) published in UBC Health and Patient & Community Partnership for Education communications.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact Susana Leon, Administrator, UBC Health at susana.leon@ubc.ca.

View Past Recipients