Joanne Cuthbertson, BEd'73, Hon. LLD'11

Joanne Cuthbertson is a name that, at UCalgary, is synonymous with leadership, philanthropy and a tireless commitment to education. This year, her contributions are to be recognized with the prestigious Alumni Service Arch Award, a fitting accolade for a woman whose impact has been profound and far-reaching. 

Cuthbertson served as UCalgary’s chancellor from 2006 to 2010, a role in which she left an indelible mark. Her tenure was characterized by a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and supporting students. One of her and her late husband, Charlie Fischer’s, lasting legacies is the Joanne Cuthbertson & Charlie Fischer Chancellor's Scholarship, awarded annually to high-achieving students. This scholarship not only supports academic excellence, but also requires contribution to school and/or community life with demonstrated leadership, embodying Cuthbertson and Fischer’s philosophy on education and community welfare (Fischer was himself a distinguished alum: BSc (Eng)’71, MBA’82, Hon. LLD’04). The list of scholarships and bursaries they both supported is extensive and includes major entrance scholarships for incoming students, a bursary for undergraduate students in geology and a graduate scholarship for students in environmental design. The awards are diverse in their focus, spanning beyond faculties and programs that often have more resources and support. 

Cuthbertson’s philanthropic efforts are extensive and varied, and she has been involved with numerous organizations that reflect her passion for education, health and community welfare. These include the Glenbow Museum, the Alberta Bone & Joint Health Institute and the UNICEF Alberta Regional Advisory Council. Each of these engagements underscores her dedication to improving the quality of life for both individuals and communities. 

Together with her husband, she established the Cuthbertson & Fischer Chair in Pediatric Mental Health in 2007. This initiative aims to advance collaborative programs in prevention, early intervention and treatment for children's mental health issues. The Chair highlights her commitment to addressing critical health needs through innovative solutions. 

Following her appointment at UCalgary, the Chancellor Cuthbertson Student Success Centre (SSC) was established with a mission of providing inclusive advising and academic-support services. Together with the SSC, Cuthbertson established the Scholars Academy. The program enhances the experience of high-achieving and ambitious students at UCalgary. Now in its 14th year, Scholars Academy remains a unique feature of the university and there was no other program of its kind in Canada. 

"It's important to talk about the public good in Canada, but we all need to step up and do more,” says Cuthbertson. “I am concerned that we are coasting and not questioning this enough. Over the past year, Canada has fallen in rankings compared to other Western democracies, which is not good. We cannot rest on our laurels and assume our reputation will carry us. this concern is a significant reason for the Scholars Academy." 

Cuthbertson is the founder and vice-chair of the Advisory Council of Scholars Academy. She currently serves on the steering committee for Quantum City, a role she has held since 2023. Additionally, she is a founding member of the Bachelor of Health Sciences Strategic Advisory Board at the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM), a position she has held since 2010. Moreover, Cuthbertson is a member of the Patrons’ Council for the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation, a role she has dedicated herself to since 2010. 

Her vision was fundamental in establishing the unique core features of Scholars Academy, which includes service-learning projects where students partner with local non-profit organizations or develop new initiatives. In recent years, projects have supported the Bethany Care Society, the Calgary Firefighters Burn Treatment Society and various other organizations. 

Cuthbertson played a key role in developing the Scholars Academy Mentorship Program, which pairs students with distinguished community members. Many UCalgary alumni serve as mentors. 

Support from Cuthbertson and Fischer endowed the Cuthbertson and Fischer Chair in Pediatric Mental Health, currently held by Dr. Scott Patten, PhD’94. In the area of health, they supported the Imagine Citizens Network, which operates in partnership with UCalgary’s O’Brien Institute for Public Health. Today, she remains actively involved with the CSM and the Environmental Design Dean’s Circle. 

Cuthbertson has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, locally and nationally. For her tireless efforts, she received the 2023 Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, the 2019 Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow and, in 2018, she became a Member of the Order of Canada.  

"My passion for education and community welfare has always guided my efforts,” Cuthbertson says. “This recognition is not just about me, but about the incredible teams and communities I've had the privilege to work with."