Ottawa, Ontario -- Dr. Edward Osei-Kwadwo Prempeh, an influential and respected scholar among faculty and students at Carleton University, passed away March 3 after a losing battle with cancer. He was 47.

The associate professor of political science and sociology specialized in international relations, specifically international political economy and international security.

An alumnus of Carleton, Prempeh was a catalyst for change on campus. He was dedicated to the African Diaspora conference for students of all cultures, focusing on international relationships and slavery, and the latter’s effect on Africa. The conference is set to take place this fall.

The recipient of the prestigious Carleton University Teaching Achievement Award in 2001-02, Prempeh was very involved in the preparation for the African Studies Degree proposed for the 2007-08 academic year.

“Professor Prempeh played a major role in linking Carleton to Ottawa,” said Laura MacDonald, a co-worker and political science department chair.

“He really liked to help people in the union, and was often viewed as self-sacrificing. Everyone is truly recognizing what a loss it’ll be to not have him anymore.”

Bruce Kyereh-Addo, president of the Carleton Black Students’ Union, said Prempeh established himself as a mentor for all his students and strived to help students back in his native Ghana.

“Professor Prempeh was someone who you could always look up to,” said Kyereh-Addo, who added that the death is hitting him hard because he shared a cultural background with Prempeh.

“He always wanted us to do well in school and stand up as black students,” said Kyereh-Addo.

“He had a presence wherever he went, and we could all relate to him.”