Vol. 5 No. 1 (2020): The Jan Rehner Prize for Writing Journal

The Jan Rehner Prize for Writing was created in honour of University Professor Jan Rehner, a long-time member of York University’s Writing Department. For many years, Professor Rehner introduced and inspired students to the study of writing, teaching students at all year levels. A University-wide AND a National 3M award teaching winner, she was equally and excellently skilled at one-on-one Writing Centre tutoring and in the lecture hall; her careful, thoughtful feedback in tutorial and seminar has been greatly valued by her students for many years. Professor Rehner was also instrumental in the formation of the LA&PS Writing Department, helping bring together the Writing Centre and the Professional Writing Program in her capacity as program coordinator in 2012.

Professor Rehner taught her students both to challenge dominant narratives, and to find their own voice as writers and persons. She encouraged them to become critically aware of their society, and of their own writing processes. This award was established in recognition of her ceaseless efforts to empower and embolden students as writers and citizens, and with the gratitude of the many students, colleagues, and friends met during her years of contribution to the Writing Department and to the University.