The Diane Mintz Memorial Award in Social Work, a new award for social work students at Memorial University, was officially announced at the Grenfell Campus launch of Unboxing the History of Social Work Practice and Education in NL on Nov. 15. The award was established in memory of Diane Mintz by her daughter Kaila Mintz, husband Eric Mintz, and an extended circle of adoring family and friends.

The award will be granted annually to a full-time undergraduate student in any year of study in any Bachelor of Social Work degree program at Memorial University who will be traveling to rural Newfoundland and Labrador for their field practicum. Preference will be given to a student who chooses to complete their field practicum in the West Coast region of Newfoundland. The inaugural award will be given out in fall 2025.

The Mintz family has a longstanding connection to the Grenfell Campus community, where Kaila Mintz serves as innovation coordinator and Diane's husband, Eric Mintz, is a retired associate professor of Political Science and Environmental Studies. In anticipation of Giving Tuesday (Dec. 3), we spoke to Kaila about what this award in memory of her mother means to her.

Q: There are many ways to honor and remember someone we love when they’re gone; what made you decide to create this particular award in your mom’s name?

Kaila: One of the core values my mom Diane lived by – and instilled in me - is community and public service. She and my father Eric believed deeply in supporting advocacy and fundraising campaigns for social justice. Diane’s Memorial University education, which she completed by distance while raising me and my brother Aaron in Corner Brook, enabled her to transform this compassion and energy into a meaningful career, one that connected her deeply to her adopted community and its surrounding areas.

Social workers drive the compassion and change we need in society, and are often under-resourced, especially outside of our urban centres. My mom worked for many years serving communities “up the coast” in Western Newfoundland, through Gros Morne and the Northern Peninsula, often driving in harrowing winter weather after long days of essential visits. My goal is to keep Diane’s memory and dedication alive by helping the next generation of social work students carry out this incredibly important work in our rural and remote communities. 

Q: The official description of the award provides us with some information about your mom and the wonderful work she did in Corner Brook, but is there anything else you’d like us to know about her?

Kaila: My mom really found her community and calling through social work. Diane worked in addictions for many years and though it was challenging work, she forged tight bonds with her colleagues and those she served. Anytime she went out in community, people would stop her to chat. Often, they would thank her for helping them and their families. As a professional, she would never share details, but her face showed how proud she was to be involved in being a safe listening ear and supporting positive changes in people’s lives.

Also - for a “come-from-away” from Ottawa, Diane seemed to know everyone, and even picked up a bit of a local accent!

Q: What do you think your mom would make of this award?

Kaila: My mom loved learning and teaching others. She also delighted in getting to know people and their stories – especially the younger generations of social workers and healers, many of whom she mentored. Diane would have loved to get to know the award recipients and to encourage them on their journeys.

She would also be the first to call her friends and encourage a donation, no matter how small. It’s my turn to channel that energy. Thanks in advance to all those who can contribute!

Donations to the Diane Mintz Memorial Award in Social Work can be made online, or by contacting Memorial’s Office of Development via email at giving@mun.ca or by phone at (709) 631-4826.