Network built on relationships

Network built on relationships

Queen鈥檚 is reserving its honorary degrees in 2016 for alumni in celebration of the university鈥檚 175th anniversary. Throughout spring convocation, The Gazette will profile all 11 honorary degree recipients and explore how Queen鈥檚 has impacted their life and career. 

June 7, 2016

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Debra Pepler, left, and Wendy Craig (Psychology), co-scientific directors of Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network (PREVNet), celebrate Dr. Pepler's honorary degree. (University Communications) 

[Queen's 175th logo]

For Debra Pepler (Artsci/PHE鈥73, Ed鈥74), the importance of relationships is clear.

They are the foundation of her groundbreaking research through  with co-scientific director Wendy Craig (Psychology).

鈥淭hat鈥檚 what Wendy Craig and I have learned through our research over the last 28 years, that the quality of relationships that children, youth and adults have shape their development, and there鈥檚 no way of escaping that,鈥 says the Distinguished Research Professor at York University.

On Tuesday, Dr. Pepler returned to Queen鈥檚 University to receive an honorary degree as part of the spring convocation ceremony at Grant Hall.

Following their findings, the duo, along with partners and collaborators, were able to secure funding to create PREVNet. But even in this, Dr. Pepler points out, relationships, or co-creation, again played a key role in the development of the national network. Organizations, such as the Red Cross and Big Brother Big Sisters, wanted to integrate the research into their programs, and understanding each other and what each partner was seeking was a crucial first step.

The result has been positive, she says. Healthy relationships are now a part of many conversations at many levels.

鈥(PREVNet) really moved things forward in Canada in a way I鈥檓 not sure other countries have been able to do 鈥 that strong link between research and practice,鈥 Dr. Pepler says.

The message is getting out.

A recent survey, Dr. Pepler says, showed that 98 per cent of Canadian parents identified bullying as a concern. While that signals a greater awareness, Dr. Pepler says a lot of work remains, such as putting the tools in the hands of those who can make a difference, such as teachers.

鈥淲e鈥檝e started to make a dent but, that being said, PREVNet can鈥檛 claim full responsibility,鈥 she says, pointing to the many partners, including graduate students. 鈥淏ut I think that with everyone working together to raise awareness and to address the problem, we鈥檝e probably started to make a difference. It鈥檚 very exciting.鈥

Dr. Pepler completed her undergraduate studies at Queen鈥檚 and earned her Bachelor of Education as well. She looks back on her five years here fondly, saying that along with the academic foundation that Queen鈥檚 provided, she also gained life experience, and a sense of community.

鈥淚 met lifelong friends and learned so much about community because I think that鈥檚 one of the things that Queen鈥檚 teaches you, the importance of connecting with others, supporting others and being supportive of others,鈥 she says.

However, there were difficulties to overcome as well. In 1973, she was graduating top of her class, earning a gold medal. Despite this, she says, not one of her professors suggested that she pursue graduate studies.

It was a very different time for women, she adds. But, once again, it is something she herself has set out to change throughout her career.

鈥淥ne of my passions is to mentor young women to ensure that they recognize their potential and have all the opportunities to become who they want to be,鈥 she says. 鈥淲hich is why I love being a university professor 鈥 because in so many ways, that is my job, that鈥檚 my responsibility, and it鈥檚 so thrilling to walk beside someone for seven years and watch them step out as a leader.鈥

Arts and Science