Honours and Awards
The Honourable Mayann Francis Faith in Action Award
The Honourable Mayann Francis Faith in Action Award, presented by Atlantic School of Theology, honours exceptional community outreach that is recognized as having provided significant benefit to the wider community.
This outreach award is given to individual(s) whose honoured work is driven by their religious commitment to the faith tradition to which they belong.
Eligibility criteria
The award seeks to recognize individuals whose actions are inspired by their religious commitment, resulting in tangible, positive change in people’s lives.
The award is open to any individual who meets the following criteria:
Connection to Atlantic Canada:
The nominee must either currently reside in Atlantic Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador) or demonstrate a substantial background or connection to the Atlantic Canada region.
Nature of the work:
- The work must be driven by the nominee’s religious commitment and must actively benefit a community and improve the quality of life for its people. This work can take place either within or outside Atlantic Canada.
- The nominated work can either be a body of work carried out over time, and that continues in the current award year (2025/2026), or it can be a significant achievement that took place within the year.
Directions for nominators
- Please fill out the Faith in Action nomination form (2026) that includes details about the type of achievement being recognized, the involvement of the nominated individual, and the impact of the achievement on the wider community and individuals.
- Please be clear and concise in your responses to the questions in the nomination form.
- Fill out the consent form . Be sure to provide the nominee’s signature and contact information.
- You are encouraged to provide a letter of support from a recognized leader within the faith community of the individual nominated. This person must have direct knowledge of the work to be recognized.
- The successful nominee preferably should be able to attend the awards presentation, which is scheduled to take place at Spring Convocation on May 9, 2026.
- Please send nominations and consent forms addressed to:
Mayann Francis Faith in Action Award
C/O The President’s Office
Atlantic School of Theology
660 Francklyn Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 3B5
or email nominations and consent forms to beth.pyesmany@astheology.ns.ca
The Advisory Committee of The Honourable Mayann Francis Faith in Action Award will review and evaluate all nominations based on adherence to the following principle:
The commitment to public service is directly shaped and driven by the nominee’s faith and beliefs.
Closing date for nominations: January 12, 2026
Faith in Action nomination form (2026)
AST Associates
The naming of Associates of Atlantic School of Theology (AST) is intended to publicly recognize outstanding service to the university and to encourage a continuing relationship between the university and its contributors. A maximum number of five (5) appointments will be made in any year.
The Honorary Degree Committee invites nominations from the members of the Senate, the Board of Governors, Founding Parties, students in-course and graduates.
Selection criteria for AST Associates
- Length of service to the AST community
- Significance or quality of contribution to the life and work of the university
- Current staff and faculty of AST are not eligible
Submitted nominations are held in strict confidence. Under no circumstances should the nominee be made aware of their nomination.
Any breach of this confidentiality will result in the immediate cessation of the candidate's consideration by the Honorary Degree Committee.
The Committee considers all received nominations and presents its selection(s) to Senate for approval. Once the President has contacted the recipient(s) and received confirmation of their acceptance, the names of recipients will be made public.
Please fill out the AST Associates nomination form 2026 and include a letter of recommendation no longer than two pages, outlining the reasons for nomination and how the criteria of selection are met by the nominee(s).
These should be sent to:
The Chair of the AST Honorary Degree Committee
C/O The President’s Office
Executive Assistant and Project Manager
Atlantic School of Theology
660 Francklyn Street Halifax,
N.S. B3H 3B5
or email them to beth.pyesmany@astheology.ns.ca with the subject “Nomination Submission: AST Associates 2026”
Closing date for nominations: January 12, 2026
AST Associates nomination form 2026
Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree
The Honorary Degree Committee invites nominations from the members of the Atlantic School of Theology (AST) Senate, the Board of Governors, Founding Parties, students in-course and graduates.
A maximum of two (2) appointments will be made in any year.
Submitted nominations are held in strict confidence. Under no circumstances should the nominee be made aware of their nomination.
Any breach of this confidentiality will result in the immediate cessation of the candidate's consideration by the Honorary Degree Committee.
The Committee considers all received nominations and presents its selection(s) to Senate for approval. Once the President has contacted the recipient(s) and received confirmation of their acceptance, the names of recipients will be made public.
About the criteria:
The AST Honorary Doctorate is awarded to persons who exemplify our mission to serve by shaping faithful and effective ordained and lay leaders and understanding among communities of faith, and who would be perceived as bridge-builders. Bridge-building may begin inside or outside of the specific faith traditions that are most central to the life of AST.
Current staff and faculty of AST are not eligible.
The degree reflects the theological commitment of AST and our aspirational vision as a university that develops connections with different religious traditions and communities beyond.
AST may award the Doctor of Divinity honoris causa to persons whose public views are consistent with the ecumenical ethos, and who have made outstanding lifelong contributions in any of the following: church, community, business, public service, culture, arts, and education.
Recipients will typically inhabit the Christian tradition, but they may also inhabit a different tradition. If possible, they will have local connections but may also be honoured on the basis of national or international reputation. They should embody who we are but may also help show us who we aspire to be.
Submission details:
Please fill out the Honorary Doctorate nomination form 2026 .
Also attach a letter of recommendation no longer than two pages, outlining the reasons for nomination and how the criteria of selection are met by the nominee(s).
Mail them to:
The Chair of the AST Honorary Degree Committee
C/O The President’s Office
Atlantic School of Theology
660 Francklyn Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 3B5
Or email them to: beth.pyesmany@astheology.ns.ca with the subject “Nomination Submission: Honourary Doctor of Divinity Degree 2026”
Closing date for nominations: January 12, 2026