Dr. Reva Appleby Gerstein was educated as a psychologist at the University of Toronto before the Second World War and was one of the early female graduates with a Ph.D. in psychology. She was also the first woman Chancellor of the University of Western Ontario from 1992 to 1996 and has been a pioneer in the role of women on the boards of major corporations. Her over 50-year career as a psychologist, educator, community leader, member of the business community and humanitarian has contributed in an extraordinary way to Canadian society. A pioneer in Canadian mental health, Dr. Gerstein created two institutions, the Gerstein Crisis Centre and the Hinck's Treatment Centre for Adolescents, in addition to initiating "Mental Health Week". She is also a Fellow of the Canadian Psychological Association.

Her many honours have included:

1974: Made a Member of the Order of Canada, promoted to Officer in 1979 and promoted to Companion in 1997.

1988: Awarded the Order of Ontario.

1993: Awarded an honourary Doctor of Laws (psychologist, community and university service) from York University.

1996: Awarded an honourary degree from the University of Toronto.