Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Colin Harkness
Memorial giving offers a meaningful way to honour a loved one, connecting their name and memory to the causes, values and passions that shaped their life. These tributes create lasting impact, transforming remembrance into opportunity by helping future generations of Carleton University students pursue their goals.
Memorial awards support students directly through scholarships and bursaries. While scholarships are awarded in recognition of high academic achievement, bursaries are awarded based on financial need. Bursary awards, like the Colin J. Harkness Memorial Bursary, recognize potential and remove barriers to education, increasing access to opportunities and experiences that enrich student life.
The Colin J. Harkness Memorial Bursary supports students in financial need in the Bachelor of Humanities program, also known as Carleton’s Great Books program. Established in 2025 by his siblings, Christine, Heather and Andrew, this award honours the life of longtime Carleton library staff member, Colin Harkness (BA/95).
Born in Toronto, Ontario, Colin then spent his early childhood living in Ghana and India following which he spent his remaining elementary and high school years living in Ottawa. Colin first joined the Carleton University community in 1987 as an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in history. After graduating in 1995, Colin returned to campus a few years later as a staff member, working at the MacOdrum Library. Over the next 28 years, Colin built his career as a Gifts Support Coordinator, which allowed him to lean into his interest in, and passion for, unique and rare books.
"He was, possibly the most, passionate individual I had encountered when it came to publications in all the forms that they come,” shared Chris Trainor, Head of Archives and Special Collections.
“He always wanted to chat about who had signed a particular book, the type of binding, the interesting bookplates and just generally the life of a book that came across his desk. He advocated for a lot of the poetry books that now make our collection quite exhaustive on that topic. Aside from his level of passion, he could back it up with his extensive knowledge and understanding of the different time periods in which the books were published, the individuals involved and just knew that area through and through."
Carleton’s rare book collection includes many delicate, one-of-a-kind items — from centuries-old manuscripts to finely bound books. As part of the Archives and Special Collections team, Colin helped ensure the library’s rare book holdings remain a vital tool for research, providing faculty and students with access to rare materials, various print formats and primary sources.
An avid reader and collector of rare books himself, Colin had a deep appreciation for storytelling, access to information and the written word. Throughout his career, Colin gave back to Carleton and supported the library through donations and gifts-in-kind, including several of his own book collections.
Donation of rare books from Michael and Diana Gnarowski received by Colin into the Library for eventual addition to Archives and Special Collections.
Outside of work, Colin found joy in music, art, cooking and travel.
“Cooking was another one of Colin’s passions. He was always eager to catch up on a Monday morning and talk about a new dish he had served over the weekend. He loved food and truly enjoyed cooking for others,” shared colleague and friend, Amanda Goth, University Secretary and Chief Governance Officer.
“Colin was one of the first people I met when I first started working at Carleton. Reflecting back on his impact, it means a lot to be able to donate to the bursary and in some small way, pay that forward.”
For the Harkness family, the bursary is a source of pride and connection, ensuring Colin’s legacy continues. They look forward to cheering on the recipients of the Colin J. Harkness Memorial Bursary as they pursue their interests, share ideas and experience campus life to the fullest.
Colin passed away in November 2025 and is remembered fondly by the entire Carleton community.
To learn more about creating a memorial award, visit the Yours for the Asking page.