Ed Bigelow and Janice Elliott on their wedding day at Carleton University on April 9, 2016 in the midst of Elliott’s battle with cancer. (George Haram)

Awarded annually on the recommendation of the Director of the Paul Menton Centre for Students with Disabilities, to students in financial need. Recipients will demonstrate extraordinary dedication in assisting the Paul Menton Centre in providing services to students with disabilities. Endowed in 2016 in memory of Janice Elliott, a Carleton staff member for 27 years. This bursary is inspired by her service to the university, its students and her wonderful sense of humour.

Janice was a Carleton staff member for 27 years until 2014, when she left to deal with a diagnosis of bladder cancer. Following her diagnosis, Janice found ways to handle her cancer therapy but remain for as long as possible at the job that she was devoted to and dearly loved.

As the departmental administrator, Janice Elliott was often the face first encountered at the Paul Menton Centre for Students with Disabilities (PMC), the student service department on campus that coordinates academic accommodations and support services for students with disabilities.

It was in Janice’s numerous interactions with the clients that her true nature shone through. In the midst of the stresses of university life, clients were drawn to Janice for her uncanny ability to bring laughter and light-heartedness to any situation. Her selflessness, welcoming demeanor, positive attitude, down-to-earth guidance, and hearty laugh were among the most obvious charms of her character.

Two notable ways in which Janice learned of her incredible impact at Carleton were through demonstrations by students and then by the greater Carleton community.

Many former clients of the PMC visited Janice at her bedside throughout her fight to regain her health. A former client with his own challenges travelled two hours to the hospital by bus to visit Janice on a few separate occasions. It was important for him to spend time with her. When he was attending Carleton, Janice was always available to him for support, empathy, and encouragement. He wanted to express his gratitude for these things as well as his genuine concern for her.

Janice once said that working with students at the PMC “is the best job in the world.” This bursary remembers Janice for her service to the university and its students.