After almost 21 years with the magazine, including 14 years as its editor, Peggy Berkowitz is leaving University Affairs (UA).

Berkowitz future plans include leading a workshop at the Ottawa Public Library and taking some much deserved time off.
 
“At this point, I feel that my future contributions to publishing will be in the mentorship vein,” Berkowitz told Masthead. “Whether helping to edit the work of women academics and other professional women who are trying to write opinion pieces for mainstream media, (via Shari Graydon’s terrific venture Informed Opinions) or acting as a receptive sounding board for younger colleagues with questions about their career—and probably things I haven’t thought of yet.” 

Among the many great memories created during her time at UA, Berkowitz says the collaborative atmosphere and small team she was able to work with was a career highlight.

“I am lucky to work for a publisher, Universities Canada (formerly the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada), that takes pride in having a high-quality, well-read magazine and understands that part of this stems from editorial independence,” she said. “I’ve had a lot of trust put in me and more editorial latitude than is common for association magazine editors.”
 
Léo Charbonneau will step into Berkowitz’s roll in September. Charbonneau joined the magazine as a senior writer in 2000 and became deputy editor in 2003.

“It has been a great ride, and  leaving is something of a roller coaster, emotionally,” Berkowitz said. “But what makes it easier is knowing that I leave the magazine in the best possible hands with Léo Charbonneau, my colleague of 15 years and true partner in directing the editorial side of the magazine.”

UA has won awards and recognition from the National Magazine Awards, the Canadian Online Publishing Awards, and the Kenneth R. Wilson Awards, including being chosen  this year as the Magazine of the Year at the KRWs. In 2013 Berkowitz was PWACs editor of the year. Under the design direction of Underline Studio since 2010, UA has also won awards from the Society of Publication Designers.