April 13, 2022
In Memoriam: Dr. Margaret (Peggy) Patterson, Werklund School of Education
It is with profound sadness that we mourn the death of our friend and colleague, Dr. Peggy Patterson, EdD.
An award-winning professor emerita in the Werklund School of Education, Peggy鈥檚 career was marked by her outstanding commitment to student experience.
As a doctoral student at the University of Toronto, she balanced commuting to classes with raising her family and tending to their farm. Motivated by her own experience, she later devoted her energies to ensuring student interests were central to the university mission.
She joined the 荔枝视频 in 1995, after providing leadership in education and student affairs at the University of Guelph and serving as the president of the Canadian Association of College and University Student Services.
As U荔枝视频鈥檚 associate vice-president (AVP), student affairs, Peggy committed more than 10 years to providing direction for programs and services that positively impacted student life. After serving as AVP, the Students鈥 Union created an award in her name, recognizing her 鈥渆xtraordinary contribution to student advocacy, and the enhancement of the undergraduate student experience.鈥
As a professor at the Werklund School, Peggy was dedicated to the advancement of post-secondary education leadership. In addition, she was instrumental in establishing the Doctor of Education program.
During her career, Peggy was awarded the Teaching Excellence Award, the Order of the 荔枝视频, and the Dr. Ralph Steinhauer Award for her contribution to Writing Symbols Lodge (formerly The Native Centre).
In a 2019 interview, Peggy explained her rationale for supporting students: 鈥淚f we鈥檙e going to develop citizens who care passionately about the world, we have to invest in them. We have to provide them with support to do their work.鈥
Retiring in 2019, Peggy鈥檚 contribution to student engagement continued, especially through her named award, the Dr. Peggy Patterson Scholarship for Post-Secondary Education Leadership, dedicated to supporting the hard work and sacrifice of students who choose to lead boldly. Those wishing to contribute to this fund in her memory may do so here: .
The family will host a Celebration of Life in July 2022. More information will be posted once confirmed. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at .
In Peggy鈥檚 memory, the U荔枝视频 campus flag will be flown at half-mast on Wednesday, April 13, 2022.