Doreen Vautour honoured for care, commitment, and community

King’s University College is proud to introduce the Doreen Vautour Student Leadership Award, named after the former Associate Dean of Students who recently retired after thirty years. The award was announced at a special reception held on June 13, 2025, attended by current students, alumni, staff and faculty, honouring Vautour’s retirement.

“Doreen made King’s feel like home. She saw potential in us before we even saw it in ourselves, and she taught us to lead with grace and humour,” said recent graduates Maili Walker ’24 and Fiona Bousada ’25 during the reception.

Joe Henry, Dean of Students, referenced Vautour as being “the heart of the Residence and Campus Life Team, leading with compassion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to student well-being. Her impact on campus life is immeasurable—from shaping inclusive communities to supporting students through every high and low, she has touched countless lives with her wisdom and care. Her name is synonymous with care, commitment, and community.”

Henry also said that Vautour was “a mentor, a leader, and a source of strength for both students and colleagues alike,” a sentiment that was echoed by many of those King’s students who worked with her or were touched by her presence on campus.

Ryan Durgy ’14, who was a Residence Assistant (RA), says that Vautour was “an incredible person who is passionate about mentorship and growth. I'm thankful for Doreen always believing in me and pushing me to be better and supporting my journey. While I'm sure the King's community will miss her, I know she will continue to do great things and make an impact on everyone she meets – as she always has.”

“Doreen’s impact on my time at King’s was beyond what I could’ve expected. She is a true leader that has taught me how to lead. She is the most pure and kind soul at King’s, and has impacted the King's community and orientation program for the better! It wouldn’t be what it is today without her,” says Jacob Gibson, ’24, who was a Programming Assistant and member of the 2023-2024 Head Soph Team.

Kristine Murphy, ’08, enjoyed working with Doreen as a RA during her second and third years at King’s. “Doreen always made me and the others RAs feel like family. From team building at Circle Ranch to conversations in the cafeteria, my best memories at King’s involve Doreen and the Residence team.”

“Doreen Vautour’s legacy is woven into the fabric of King’s—her dedication over the past 30 years has inspired generations of student leaders to lead with compassion, integrity, and purpose,” says Henry.

The decision to name the award after her came from discussions with staff and students about the best way to honour that commitment. The award will embody the values that Vautour exemplified: compassion, resilience, service, and a deep commitment to enhancing student life at King’s.

The award will recognize and celebrate exceptional student leaders who have demonstrated outstanding dedication, commitment, and service to the King’s community. The next generation of leaders will be celebrated, those who continue to uphold King’s tradition of community, service, inclusion and academic excellence.

“I can’t think of a more meaningful way to leave King’s. Creating this award is something I’ve always hoped to do, but never had the chance to bring to life, so thank you. This truly means the world to me,” Vautour said during the reception.

Nominations will open in the fall, with more information to be posted on myKing’s. The first Vautour Student Leadership Award will be presented. in March 2026. All members of the King’s community, including students, staff, and faculty, can nominate a student for the award.