2025 Killam Awards highlight mentorship excellence

Celebrating scholars whose work is shaping Canada’s future one student at a time, UCalgary’s most prestigious award this year recognizes an author who balances wellbeing and accountability, and an entrepreneur professor driven by collaboration.

Recipients of the 2025 Killam Undergraduate Mentorship and Graduate Supervision and Mentorship Awards, these University of Calgary faculty members exemplify the transformative power of mentorship in higher education. 

Killam Undergraduate Mentorship Award  

Houston Peschl, BA’98, MBA’10 

Associate professor (teaching) at the Haskayne School of Business 

Houston Peschl has mentored more than 100 undergraduate students through funded research programs, directed studies, and co-authored publications, curriculum design, conference presentations and community-engaged social ventures.   

In his work, he ensures that students are treated as collaborators because he considers mentorship a core part of teaching.  

Peschl’s flexible approach to teaching encourages innovation and inquiry, turning the classroom into a dynamic environment where learners actively shape their educational journey. His philosophy is deeply rooted in helping his students find meaning and agency, despite unpredictable circumstances.  

Peschl’s mentorship has inspired confidence and ambition in his students, ultimately shaping their trajectories. Many of his mentees have grown into leaders who have transformed their respective industries.  

Learn more about Peschl’s teaching and research. 

Killam Graduate Supervision and Mentorship Award  

Dr. Suzette Mayr, BA’90, PhD 

Professor of creative writing in the Department of English in the Faculty of Arts 

Dr. Suzette Mayr is a distinguished author with six published novels. 

Mayr is a vital voice in Black and queer Canadian literature. Her commitment to mentorship is reflected in her supervision of 12 PhD and 24 MA students, an achievement that speaks to her dedication to student success and academic excellence. 

Mayr’s approach to mentorship is rooted in care, creativity and accountability. She prioritizes student well-being and equips her mentees with the tools to navigate challenges with confidence.  

Her innovative strategies, such as playful consequences for missed deadlines, encourage a supportive and engaging environment that strengthens student relationships and leads to personal growth. 

Driven by a belief in lifelong learning, Mayr inspires her students to remain endlessly curious. She models this commitment by ensuring that at least 30 per cent of the material in every course she teaches is newly developed, challenging herself to evolve alongside her students. 

Learn more about Mayr’s teaching and research. 

Congratulations to the 2025 Killam awardees 

UCalgary applauds these exemplary educators for their unwavering support and leadership.  

Through dedicated guidance, mentors help shape once-in-a-lifetime academic journeys that inspire innovation and personal growth. 

“Houston Peschl’s and Suzette Mayr’s exceptional contributions to student development reflect the highest standards of scholarly mentorship,” says Dr. William Ghali, vice-president (research). “Their work not only enriches the academic experience, but also reinforces the value of investing in student success.” 

Funded through the enduring vision of the Killam Trusts, the Killam Awards honour researchers whose discoveries expand knowledge and help define the world to come. 

The Killam Awards were presented on Oct. 22, with Peschl and Mayr each receiving a cash prize of $5,000.  

For more information on the 2025 Killam Award honourees, visit the webpage.