Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna Achievement Awards

The Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna Achievement Award is presented to an alumnus/alumna who brings honour to the University, the Alumni Association, and their community through exceptional leadership and service. The individual embodies the spirit of StFX through his/her actions and accomplishments.

Nomination Information

2025 Recipient

Katherine Fleming '85

Throughout her life, Katherine Fleming embodied the spirit and values of StFX – a commitment to service, unwavering dedication to social justice, and steadfast leadership.  

Katie graduated from StFX in 1985 where, upon learning of the work of the Coady Institute, her interest in development economics sparked. A Rhodes Scholar, Katie completed her studies in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics at Oxford University before moving to NYC to work as an assistant to Canada’s Ambassador at the UN.    

Katie began her career as a Programme Officer in Eastern and Southern Africa for UNICEF in Kenya where she worked closely with NGOs, UN agencies, and government officials to build their capacity to deliver services to women and children.  

With a true passion for doing fieldwork for children in Africa, and girls’ education especially, Katie was offered the position as Head of Programming at UNICEF’s Western Africa Regional Office in Mali. Working as one of UNICEF’s representatives in the Education Sector Investment Program to expand educational infrastructure in Mali and leading UNICEF’s efforts in Mali to translate the spirit of the UN Child Rights Conventions into tangible programming results.  

Tragically, Katie passed away in 1999 while serving as Senior Programme Officer for UNICEF in Tanzania. Her legacy lives on through the Katherine Fleming International Development Award at the Coady Institute, established by family and friends in loving memory of Katie’s lifelong dedication to eliminating child poverty in Africa. To date, the Katherine Fleming award has supported 46 women from 13 different African countries in their pursuit of economic and social justice.  

Marking the 25th anniversary of her award this year, the Coady Institute launched the first Katherine Fleming Women’s Leadership course in Ethiopia which was held this past June with 21 women from nine different African countries participating. A fierce advocate for the rights of children and women across Africa, Katie’s life continues to inspire. On the 40th anniversary of her graduation, it is our honour to posthumously recognize Katherine with the Distinguished Alumna Award.