Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award

The Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award is the highest honour presented by the Queen’s University Alumni Association. Presented annually to an alumnus/alumna who has demonstrated the high ideals imparted by a Queen’s University education through significant lifetime contributions to one or more of the following: the arts or sciences; public service; leadership in business, industry or a profession; community, charitable or volunteer work.

In 2022 the QUAA renamed this award from the Alumni Achievement Award. The Queen's University Alumni Association (QUAA) respectfully acknowledges the past recipients of the Alumni Achievement Award as the terms of the award remain unchanged.

Award eligibility and criteria

Candidates should be:

  • A Queen’s alumnus/alumna
  • Someone who has accomplished a lifetime of contributions and achievement in one or more of the following: the arts or sciences; public service; leadership in business, industry, or a profession; community, charitable, or volunteer work
  • A contributor to society on a regional, national or international level
  • Recognized within her/his community or field as a leader
  • An inspiration to the Queen’s community

2023 Recipient

Eleanor Daley

  • Mus
    ’78

Eleanor Daley

Eleanor Daley, Mus’78, holds diplomas in piano and organ from the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto, and Trinity College, England. Eleanor has been the director of music at Fairlawn Avenue United Church in Toronto since 1982, establishing a thriving choral program.  

One of Canada’s most successful and gifted composers of choral music, Eleanor is a globally recognized leader. Eleanor has more than 150 published compositions and has been commissioned extensively by Canadian and American choirs. Eleanor’s works are widely performed, recorded, and aired throughout the world and her pieces published by 15 publishing houses.    

Eleanor was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2022 and was the recipient of the Ontario Arts Council’s Louis Applebaum Composers Award in 2020. On June 22, 2023, Daley will receive an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD) from Queen’s University.