University of Lethbridge alumnus and honorary degree recipient Dr. Austin Mardon (BA '85, LLD '14) has been recognized by a trio of international organizations in recent weeks.

Mardon was awarded a 2022 Diversity and Inclusion Award from the American Association of Geographers (AAG) for his lifelong research work in addition to sustained work by, for, and with the mental health and disability communities.

He was also recently recognized as a Peace Award winner by the Institute of International Peace Leaders. Mardon was recognized for having publicly assisted the medical profession by supporting development of policy positions that have helped medical providers treat those with mental illness.

The Zimbabwe Academy of Sciences then elected Mardon as an International Fellow. Fellowship in the ZAS recognizes the achievements of individuals in the advancement of evidence based knowledge for sustainable development.

Diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 30, Mardon uses his own experience and his road to recovery in advocating in the areas of stigma, service delivery, awareness and education.

“I have put my experiences out there for all to see, but it hasn’t been easy,” said Dr. Mardon. “My goal is to see the end of unfair and debilitating stigma against the mentally ill held by society through education and research.”

Mardon is currently assistant adjunct professor with the John Dossetor Health Ethics Centre, and was recently appointed as an assistant adjunct professor in the University of Alberta Department of Psychiatry – the first time someone with schizophrenia has been appointed to such a position.