The Agnes Benidickson Tricolour Award (ABTA) and induction into the Tricolour Society is the highest tribute that can be paid to a Queen’s University student for distinguished service, leadership, character, and community impact during their time at ֱ.
The award is named in honour of Dr. Agnes Benidickson. In 1980, Ms. Benidickson was elected as Queen’s first woman chancellor and served for 16 years, working tirelessly to advance the university’s interests. She travelled across the country fundraising and “friendraising” for Queen’s, inspiring numerous graduates to reconnect with their alma mater. She also helped to increase the collections of the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, scouring family attics for period-appropriate furniture for the restoration of Etherington House.
She was humbled when the Tricolour Award was renamed in her honour in 1996, 55 years after she had been a recipient.
Chancellor portrait of Agnes Benidickson
2024 Tricolour Society member, Meena Waseem (center) at Award reception
Award Process
In the late Fall of each year, the ABTA Selection Committee releases a nomination form. 2026 Deadline: December 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST
Who can I nominate?
The Agnes Benidickson Tricolour Award is for students only. If you know a student who has significantly and positively impacted life at ֱ, in your life or the lives of others while attending ֱ, submit a nomination!
How can I make a nomination?
The nomination package is done entirely online by two (2) current students as the nominators, collecting and submitting three to five (3-5) letters of support.
- Letters must be Times New Roman, size 12 font, with standard margins
- The nominators must write either their own letter or co-write a letter; the remainder of the letters may come from anyone in the community who can speak to the nominees' contributions
Terms of Reference
Read the Agnes Benidickson Terms of Reference (last updated August 2025) for detailed information about nomination steps, award criteria, and the selection process.
All questions related to the Tricolour Award and the Terms of Reference can be directed to the University Rector via email at
