International award shines spotlight on Thanatology at King's

Dr. Eunice Gorman, Chair of Thanatology and Associate Professor at King’s, has received international recognition for her excellence in teaching and curriculum development in the area of dying, death, loss and grief.

Gorman was named Academic Educator of the Year by the Association for Death Education and Counselling (ADEC). The award was announced at the association’s annual conference, held March 4 to 7, 2026, in Baltimore, Maryland.

The honour recognizes an educator whose teaching, scholarship and leadership have made a meaningful impact in the field. For King’s, it also reflects the depth and distinctiveness of the Thanatology program Dr. Gorman helps lead.

This year, King’s is celebrating 50 years of offering education on dying, death, loss and grief. What began with a single course taught by Dr. John (Jack) Morgan has grown into a department that includes more than 30 courses, a certificate, a research lab, cross-disciplinary partnerships and an undergraduate degree program.

In her acceptance remarks, Dr. Gorman reflected on the significance of receiving the honour during a milestone year for both ADEC and King’s. The award is a significant personal achievement, and also underscores the longstanding strength of Thanatology at King’s and the program’s role in preparing students to engage thoughtfully and compassionately with some of life’s most profound experiences.

“To receive the Academic Educator Award during ADEC’s 50th anniversary celebrations is particularly meaningful,” said Gorman. “Here at King’s, we are also celebrating 50 years of dying, death, loss, and grief education.”

Dr. Gorman’s recognition also draws attention to a field of study that is increasingly relevant. At King’s, students in Thanatology explore grief, bereavement, caregiving, aging, death literacy and non-death loss through an interdisciplinary lens, with pathways to careers in health care, counselling, education, social services and community-based work.

She also recognized the community of educators and students who have helped shape Thanatology at King’s over the years, while acknowledging the broader network of professionals working in the field.

“I am truly blessed to be part of the group of extraordinary educators and students who have built Thanatology at King’s over the years,” said Gorman. “Thank you also to all of you who are so dedicated to educating, promoting death and grief literacy, and supporting and caring for those who are grieving. I am deeply honoured to be your colleague.”