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“E������� child grad student needs a champion—an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” —Rita Pierson

For many of us, that person is the incredible Colette Steer, who has spent the past 18 years making Queen’s a better place as so much more then Manager of Graduate Experience in the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.

In this blog post, our Gradifying bloggers share just a few reflections on the lasting impact Colette has had on our graduate journeys.

Zestful. That would describe Colette if we were playing an alphabet game of characterizing her. I recall her great enthusiasm at the 2018 orientation event. She was sporting one of her many Queen’s University T-shirts and cheerleading for the newbies. I had just arrived in Canada, and quite disoriented. Before my eyes, there was this thirty-something woman—or so I believed then. I remember thinking, “When I grow up, I’ll be like that woman.” 

Capable. Colette has the power to make things happened. Her greatest feat is ensuring that Queen’s graduate students accomplish their degrees. She is unsurpassed at organizing the writing retreats. Dissertation on the Lake in Summer 2022, a week-long writing retreat, was my favourite. She is so competent, resourceful, and practical that she was able to accommodate a fussy eater like me. 

Humorous. Colette’s naturally enthusiastic tone makes you feel less anxious. That was the case when I was on Grad Chat. 

Ah! We should obtain a patent for her special “G'day”.  No one can make you smile with a simple expression like that except Collette. 

• Özlem Atar

Since day one of my grad studies, Colette has been a guiding light for graduate students at Queen's. As an international student, it’s not always easy to feel included in new academic spaces, but Colette made all the difference for me. She always made me feel like my voice mattered, welcoming me into conversations with genuine interest. As a vegan, I was amazed by the care she took during various writing retreats, even driving all the way back to Kingston from Elbow Lake just to make sure everyone had what they needed. I will always remember her gathering us around the fire pit at the camp, creating a warm and funny atmosphere that brought everyone closer together. Those moments will stay with me forever. I also remember a day when I had to pick up an important document; she didn’t hesitate to take me back to Kingston so I wouldn’t miss it.

Colette also helped me explore opportunities I might not have considered otherwise. She encouraged me to share my research beyond technical circles, inviting me onto Grad Chat, which turned out to be a fun and rewarding experience. Even after finishing my Ph.D. and moving into a postdoc, she continued to support my desire to keep contributing to the Gradifying blog team.

Colette is someone who sees the potential in others and goes out of her way to nurture it. Her kindness, encouragement, and quiet leadership have left a lasting impact on my journey and so many of my friends and colleagues. She truly is a role model, and I wish her all the best in her life after retirement.

• Ahmad Nagib

From my enrollment at Queen's, as soon as I started receiving the SGSPA's newsletter, Colette seemed like an amazing, approachable person. Reading her weekly personal notes made me feel at home, which is more than seven thousand kilometres away. Then I volunteered to do a GradChat interview and met her in person - all my assumptions were confirmed! Colette is not only amazing and approachable, but she is also funny, intelligent, wise, and she can make you feel at ease. I always think she must be some magical creature to be able to do everything she does with so much competence and grace. She deserves the most wonderful time as a retiree. Interacting with her over the past year as a Gradifying Blog member has been a pleasure, and I will miss her.

• Graziella Bedenik

Throughout my journey at Queen’s University, one person has been a constant pillar of strength and support — Colette. Her presence is like a beam of light, effortlessly brightening the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her. Colette is an incredible orator, a natural leader, and a beautiful soul at heart. Her qualities are so many and so profound that listing them all would hardly do justice. Whether it’s through her inspiring speeches, her genuine care for students, or her unwavering dedication, Colette leaves an unforgettable mark on everyone she meets.

Beyond Queen’s, Colette’s impact has extended to graduate students across multiple universities, thanks to her involvement in inter-university collaborations like the Lake Shift summer program. She has built bridges across institutions, creating opportunities, memories, and a sense of community that stretches far and wide. And of course, who could forget the joyful memories — from "DJ the CJ" to "Colette’s elbow" — moments that bring a smile even now. Colette’s spirit, laughter, and kindness will always have a special place in our hearts.

Thank you, Colette, for being the light, the leader, and the legend we all look up to.

• Bhavya Bogra

Colette is someone I deeply admire, someone I strive to be like, someone I see as a role model and someone I’m lucky to call a friend.

Colette is like our campus mom—especially when our real moms are far away. She’s the one walking around with Ziploc bags, encouraging us to take home leftovers and making sure we’re eating ok. It takes her forever to cross campus because someone is always stopping her for a chat. And within minutes of any event, she’s somehow memorized everyone’s names and made each person feel seen, welcomed, and valued.

Personally, Colette has made my time as a grad student immeasurably better—not only by helping me build community, but by encouraging me in my studies and believing in me. The journey hasn’t always been easy. In fact, my first year was incredibly challenging, sad, and often lonely and it has been up and down since then. But Colette helped me through it all, and I will always be grateful for her kindness and support.

She has been actively involved in every aspect of my graduate experience and has helped me form lasting friendships and memories. Colette has provided positive support and opportunities for me to make significant writing and research progress. She is one of my—and Charlie’s—favorite people on campus, and she is already missed so much.

I’m already looking forward to the moment she reads my name at Convocation in her legendary Aussie accent.

Colette, we love you! Wishing you a G’day Mate and a G’retirement.

• Elyse and Charlie