Award to honour Dr. Doug Franks

A new memorial award honouring the life and work of longtime NU professor Dr. Doug Franks is in the works and you can help make it a reality. The Dr. Doug Franks Memorial Award will be presented annually during convocation to a graduate of Nipissing’s Bachelor of Education program who is enrolling in the Masters degree program. The recipient will have demonstrated care and compassion for fellow learners and made a contribution to the enrichment of the Nipissing community.

The award, established by the Schulich School of Education, is currently collecting funds so that it can offer financial assistance to students for many years to come.

“Doug was a remarkable professor, always well-informed and very committed to his students and to Nipissing,” said Dr. Barb Olmsted, associate dean in the Schulich School of Education.  “He was also a truly wonderful man, kind and gracious, with a playful smile. He made a positive impact on so many people throughout his life and career; we hope that many of those people will choose to honour him by making a donation to help fund the award.”

Franks retired from Nipissing’s Schulich School of Education in 2013, after a 23-year tenure, marked by his intelligence, professionalism and dedication as well as his courteousness, generosity and warm smile.

The associate professor of math education helped thousands of individuals hone their teaching craft to become better mathematics teachers.  He was also actively involved in outreach programs for local elementary and secondary school students to build their math skills.

Franks served the Nipissing University Faculty Association for ten years, holding the role of vice-president from 2000-2006. 

A man of many talents, he was also a member of the Taoist Tai Chi Society of North Bay and more recently, was on the Board of the North Bay Symphony Orchestra.

He died on October 19, 2014, at 68 years of age.

If you would like to make a donation to honour Dr. Doug Franks, the Office of Development (F301) will accept cash, cheque, Visa & Mastercard, monthly direct withdrawal (bank or credit), and payroll deduction for Nipissing staff and faculty, or online by following this link; https://advance.nipissingu.ca/DrFranksMemorial

Cheques must be addressed to Nipissing University and all donations over $10 will receive a charitable tax receipt.