Dr. Carol Harvey Donor Spotlight

French Studies at the University of Winnipeg would not be where it is today without Dr. Carol Harvey. Her interest in French started as a seventeen-year-old, when she spent a year in France as an au pair. Harvey then developed her academic talent at the University of Edinburgh, beginning with an undergraduate honours degree in French Language & Literature in 1963 before transferring to the Université de Caen for a year in 1963-4. Spurred on by her love of the language and interest in French medieval texts, she returned across the Channel to her alma mater to refine her skills and immerse herself in the works of 12th – 15th century writers. She completed her PhD in Medieval Studies in 1969. 

“I began rather tenuously at UWinnipeg in 1970 as a sabbatical replacement professor, but I was fortunate enough to move beyond that role as the years went on.” says Harvey. “By 1984, I was a full professor teaching a multitude of courses, some of which I helped create.” 

During her academic career, Harvey received numerous awards, including the Robson Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1980, the Clarence Atchison Award for Community Service in 1999, and the Erica & Arnold Rogers Award for Excellence in Research in 2000. She also served as Chair of the department from ’83 to ’88 and was made Professor Emerita of Modern Languages and Literature shortly after retiring in 2008 and Fellow of United College in 2017. 

In 1991, Harvey made her first donation to the Kay Duckworth fund which supports a range of Art History and entrance scholarships at the University. Since then, she has given more than $118,000 to 15 distinct awards—three of which are endowments she created to better support Collegiate and French Studies students. 

“If you believe in something—be it a cause, establishment, or institution—then I feel you should support it financially if you are able.” says Harvey. “I benefitted greatly from financial support while studying in Edinburgh, and I want to help today’s students plot their own path through life in much the same way that my donors helped me.” 

The Harvey Travel Scholarships in French and Harvey Scholarships for Collegiate Model School Students are the latest awards born from Harvey’s incredible generosity. Established in December 2024, both awards represent her commitment to supporting the institution she faithfully served for 36 years. 

“The greater community of alumni and retired educators like me play a big role in supporting this University. It is my hope that people who can now give back realize this and decide to contribute to the next generation of great minds who come here to learn and work,’ says Harvey. “Supporting the Model School was an easy decision when I learned that students are drawn from Winnipeg’s inner-city and other backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented at the Collegiate. I created the Harvey Scholarships for Collegiate Model School Students to make a positive impact in the lives of deserving students who often face considerable barriers as they strive for a quality level of education.” 

Dr. Harvey had originally intended to leave a bequest in her will but decided that she wanted to see her funding make a difference during her lifetime. With all funding in place since December 2024 and Senate approval to move forward, both scholarships will be available to students in 2026.