Joan Cummings Memorial Award

Purpose:

To provide an annual award to a student with a (dis)Ability who is enrolled in the Bachelor of
Social Work or Master of Social Work program at the School of Social Work, Dalhousie University.

Conditions:

The recipient of the Joan Cummings Memorial Award will be enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work program and will be in good standing and show promise of leadership and service. Preference will be given to a student with a (dis)Ability whose engagement in (dis)Ability scholarship will be evident within the school and community. The applicant must provide supporting evidence of (dis)Ability scholarship/service. The award will alternate between preferences going to BSW one year and MSW the next.    

Donor:

The Estate of Joan Cummings

Background:

Dr. Cummings was a highly respected social work academic who made significant contributions to (dis)Ability scholarship and practice in human rights, access, and inclusion within the academy and community. Dr. Cummings was a faculty member of the Maritime School of Social Work, now known as the School of Social Work, Dalhousie University for over thirty years. Nationally, she was a dedicated member of the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work devoting time and effort to (dis)Ability issues related to curriculum development and (dis)Abled students’ access to social work education. In 2005 she was awarded an honorary doctorate of laws (LLD) from Dalhousie University, acknowledging her outstanding service to the University, the community and the profession of social work. In 2007 she was granted a lifetime membership to the Nova Scotia Association of Social Workers for her work and dedication. Dr. Cummings identified as a woman with a (dis)Ability, and made it her life’s work to improve the lives of those with (dis)Abilities.

Awarding Body:

The Bachelor and/or Master of Social Work Program Committee, School of Social Work or successor committee.

Application Procedure:

Submit your curriculum vitae and a cover letter to:

Director, C/O Linda Power
School of Social Work, Dalhousie University
Suite 3201- 1459 LeMarchant Street, P.O. Box 15000
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2