Dr. John Walsh, director of the University of Guelph’s School of Languages and Literatures and a professor of classical studies, has been recognized with a King Charles III Coronation Medal.
The medal was conferred in recognition of Walsh’s support of reservist students through the co-founding and direction of Serving Scholars, a U of G program that provides academic accommodations to students enrolled with the Canadian Armed Forces.
The commemorative Coronation Medal is awarded to Canadians who have made a significant contribution to their country or province. Walsh received his medal alongside a group of veterans and others working to improve the lives of veterans and military personnel.
“I am deeply honoured to receive this medal,” Walsh says. “Although this is an individual recognition, so much of the work done by the CAF students on campus is worthy of being celebrated and acknowledged.”
The Serving Scholars program Walsh co-founded with Darren Sargent helps U of G student-reservists balance the demands of their military service while attending university. This can include everything from rescheduling assignments and exams to helping students find ways to tie their military service with academic courses through experiential learning opportunities. Walsh established the Serving Scholar Prize, which awards $1,000 and a medal to a graduating U of G student-reservist.
Recently, the Serving Scholars team helped arrange an early convocation ceremony for a reservist who was being deployed to Latvia.
“The Serving Scholars Program is a testament to the University of Guelph’s steadfast commitment to those who balance academic pursuit with the duty of military service,” Walsh says. “I am deeply grateful to the University’s administration for its unwavering support of this initiative. For me, it is an honour to be of even the smallest service to those prepared to give so much for their nation.”
During his time at U of G, Walsh has received the Dr. William Winegard Exemplary Volunteer Involvement Award for his contributions to students and the broader community. The University of Guelph Faculty Association recognized Walsh with a Distinguished Professor Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2023.
In conjunction with his support of student-reservists, Walsh organized an event to recognize the 100th anniversary of U of G’s War Memorial Hall in 2024.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal was created to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and is administered by the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall.