2014 Prime of Life Achievement Award

As a scholar in Educational Foundations and Education Thought and Values, Professor Emeritus Don Cochrane created the first U of S course in 1996 focusing exclusively on sexual minority issues. This led to the long and continuing collaboration with the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation and other community groups to the annual conference “Breaking the Silence: On Issues of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.” Don has been the leader and voice for taking the GLBT issues out of the closet to be a champion for youth and educators of all sexualities.

He was the founding Editor, Paideusis (The Journal of the Canadian Philosophy of Education Society) in 1987 and continued in the role until 1999. His honours and recognition prior to retirement include: Kuhmerker Award, Association of Moral Education (1995); Doug Wilson Award for significant contributions to improving the quality of life for gays and lesbians on the U of S campus (2000); Distinguished Service Award, Canadian Philosophy of Education Society (2002); Arbos Award for Outstanding Services Rendered to the Cause of Education, Saskatchewan Teachers Federation (2004); Saskatchewan Centennial Commemorative Award (2005). His scholarly commitment to the issues relating to social justice continues with publications such as Chinese University Students’ Commitment to Social Justice and Their Willingness to Confront Sexual Orientation Issues (2013) and continuing organizing role with the Breaking the Silence annual conference.

Since his retirement, he has been recognized with The C.A.F.E. Service Award for significant contributions to the Canadian Association of Foundations of Education (2007) and Peter Corren Award for Outstanding Achievement, Breaking the Silence Conference (2014).