We know a lot of folks share these thoughts on social media, but it’s also nice to have a central space to hold our thoughts. Please say anything you like: tell us how you met Eli, your favourite memory of her, or share how you’re feeling.
(Guestbook is moderated by one of Eli’s family)
wrote on July 7, 2026
at
1:40 am
I first met Eli (Elizabeth) as a childhood classmate in Winnipeg. Even then, she had a pronounced sense of justice and the kind of radiant, surefooted charisma that you'd have to go out of your way to ignore. There was no question in my mind that she was far more mature than I was: she was kind and considerate, but also utterly unintimidated when called upon to tell those around her where she stood on issues she cared deeply about. I was impressed by her character even then. And I wasn't alone.
Decades later, I was pleasantly surprised to discover, through a mutual friend in Vancouver, that Eli had gone on to become a trailblazing social work scholar who'd touched countless people's lives. I only wish I'd taken the initiative to reconnect in adulthood so that I could have told her how impressed I was by the brave, singular path she's taken through this world.
It's so hard to avoid descending into clichés at terrible times like this. But I can't help but think that the world (and academia, in particular) would be so much the richer if it produced more folks like Eli. Too bad that courage and ethical rigour of that variety can't be preprogrammed. When you encounter someone who possesses those rare, glimmering qualities, you just have to cleave to them and hope that some of that stardust rubs off on you.
Decades later, I was pleasantly surprised to discover, through a mutual friend in Vancouver, that Eli had gone on to become a trailblazing social work scholar who'd touched countless people's lives. I only wish I'd taken the initiative to reconnect in adulthood so that I could have told her how impressed I was by the brave, singular path she's taken through this world.
It's so hard to avoid descending into clichés at terrible times like this. But I can't help but think that the world (and academia, in particular) would be so much the richer if it produced more folks like Eli. Too bad that courage and ethical rigour of that variety can't be preprogrammed. When you encounter someone who possesses those rare, glimmering qualities, you just have to cleave to them and hope that some of that stardust rubs off on you.