Waterloo alumni are making significant contributions to their industries, local communities and the world at large. The Alumni Awards recognize exceptional individuals and their efforts to build a better world.
Working tirelessly to advance important causes, this year’s award recipients are researchers, volunteers and business leaders — each one making their own unique impact.
View winners from:
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Environment
- Faculty of Health
- Faculty of Mathematics
- Faculty of Science
- School of Optometry and Vision Science
- School of Pharmacy
- Conrad Grebel University College
- St. Jerome's University
- United College
View past winners: 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016
Kirsten Mosey (BA ’22)
Rising Star Alumni Award
Kirsten Mosey is a passionate advocate, accomplished researcher and emerging leader in international policy. A recent graduate of the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Arts in political science, Kirsten now serves as a policy officer in the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Division at Global Affairs Canada, where she works to advance global security and disarmament initiatives, with a specific focus on nuclear disarmament.
As one of 10 individuals selected from more than 6,500 applicants, Kirsten served as a United Nations Youth Champion for Disarmament during her undergraduate studies. In this role, she addressed government leaders, UN staff, students and the Conference on Disarmament, advocating for inclusive and sustainable disarmament policies. Kirsten has published extensively, with contributions to Project Ploughshares and the Sankofa Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, and self-published An Intersectional Guide to Disarmament.
Kirsten’s professional experience includes over two years working with universities and non-profits in roles such as communications assistant, researcher and field aid worker in refugee camps in Southern Europe. Her commitment to addressing forced migration, inequality and global disarmament reflects her dedication to social equity and peacebuilding.
Nadia Hohn (BA ’01)
Alumni Achievement Award
Nadia L. Hohn is an award-winning author, educator, musician, aspiring illustrator and advocate for diversity in children’s literature. Alongside her psychology degree from the University of Waterloo, she holds a Bachelor of Education and Master of Education from the University of Toronto, and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Guelph.
Combining activism with creativity, Nadia empowers Black children to see themselves in literature. Her acclaimed Malaika series — Malaika’s Costume (2016), Malaika’s Winter Carnival (2017), Malaika’s Surprise (2021) and Malaika, Carnival Queen (2023) — captures the joys and challenges of a young girl navigating two worlds. Malaika’s Costume was part of the TD Grade One Book Giveaway, distributing more than 550,000 copies to first graders across Canada. Nadia’s biographical works, such as Harriet Tubman: Freedom Fighter (2018) and A Likkle Miss Lou (2019), honour cultural icons. Her writing has appeared in publications like Psychology Today, Quill & Quire, Owl, Chickadee and ByBlacks.
Nadia’s recent accolades include the 2024 Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) Anti-Racist and Equity Activism Award. She also founded Sankofa’s Pen and SCBWI BIPOC Talk, supporting diverse writers and illustrators. As a Toronto District School Board teacher, she continues to inspire through her books and global engagements at schools, libraries, and festivals.
Dr. Clovis Raimundo Maliska (PhD ’81)
Alumni Achievement Medal – Academic Excellence
Dr. Clovis Raimundo Maliska’s pioneering work in computational fluids dynamics (CFD) has revolutionized industries in South America, Europe and North America.
Joining the University of Waterloo from Brazil, where CFD was scarcely recognized, Clovis advanced its applications through groundbreaking research and leadership.
He has supervised 51 master’s and 24 PhD students, authored two widely used textbook — one with more than 14,000 downloads in English translation — and founded a company now serving 16,000 clients globally. Recognized with the rank of commander in Brazil’s National Order of Scientific Merit, Dr. Maliska’s contributions continue to shape the future of CFD worldwide.
Belinda Elysee-Collen (BASc ’92)
Alumni Achievement Medal – Community Service
Belinda Elysee-Collen has distinguished herself through professional achievements and an unwavering commitment to community service. A leader at Dempsey Corporation, she champions food waste reduction while fostering industry relationships.
In addition to her professional work, Belinda volunteers with the Canadian Food Innovation Network, serves as past president of the Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology and mentors women in STEM through Women in Food Industry Management.
As a Class Rep for her chemical engineering alumni network and a lifelong Girl Guides of Canada member, Elysee-Collen exemplifies dedication to community. Currently serving as president of the Mississauga Masters Swim Team, she embodies leadership in both her career and volunteer roles.
Dr. Gamal Refai-Ahmed (MASc ’91, PhD ’95)
Alumni Achievement Medal – Professional Achievement
Dr. Gamal Refai-Ahmed is a global authority on thermal management for high-performance computing.
At Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) Inc., he leads advancements in thermal solutions that enhance computing performance and broaden the technology’s reach across sectors.
With more than 120 publications and 130 patents or patents pending, Dr. Refai-Ahmed’s work has profoundly influenced high-performance computing and electronics, earning him top honors in his field. His leadership continues to drive transformative technologies for the computing, telecommunications and electronics industries.
Eldon C. Theodore (BES ’02)
Friend of the Faculty
With more than 20 years of experience in land use planning, urban design and sustainability, Eldon Theodore is a partner of MHBC, and a full member of the Canadian Institute of Planners. He has also served as director for the Ontario Professional Planners Institute and the Design Industry Advisory Committee of Toronto. Eldon's extensive experience includes obtaining development approvals, project coordination and research. He advises students and young professionals to take small actions to make a positive impact and emphasizes the importance of volunteerism and philanthropy in building a supportive community.
Dr. Sabine Weber (MES ’15, PhD ’22)
Recent Alumni Inspiration
Sabine is a trailblazer in sustainable fashion and textile waste management in Canada. Her research focuses on social innovation to transition the fashion industry towards sustainability and tackle textile waste. Sabine has had numerous publication and media appearances addressing textile recycling, waste management and overconsumption of clothes. She is a professor at Seneca Polytechnic's School of Fashion and spearheads applied research projects funded by NSERC and ECCC. Sabine also plays a key role in the Canadian Circular Textiles Consortium, uniting stakeholders from industry, government and academia, and is committed to raising awareness and shaping national policies in sustainable fashion.
Dr. Mike Wulder (MES ’96, PhD ’99)
Distinguished Alumni Achievement
Mike is a senior research scientist at the Canadian Forest Service of Natural Resources Canada. Under Dr. Ellsworth LeDrew, he developed statistical algorithms for remote sensing techniques in forestry. Mike is a renowned environmental scientist who has made significant contributions to environmental research and policy through his work with the USGS / NASA Landsat Science Team. His groundbreaking use of LiDAR and satellite imagery has revolutionized forest dynamics, enabling precise ecological health assessments and sustainable resource management practices.
Dr. Steven Rebellato (PhD ’13)
Alumni Volunteer Award
Steven Rebellato embodies exemplary leadership in public health and a commitment to mentoring current undergraduate and graduate students. Steven has played an instrumental role in promoting the health and well-being of children, youth and families through his leadership at the York Hills Centre for Children, Youth and Families. He has guided the organization in delivering comprehensive mental health programs and services tailored to the needs of children and families in York Region. His commitment to mental health is evident through his efforts to develop a diversity, equity and inclusion framework within York Hills, emphasizing the importance of accessible care for all demographics, including Indigenous communities. Since graduating, Steven has remained actively connected to the University of Waterloo. Recently, he signed on to teach a course on the management and administration of public health services over a three-year period in the School of Public Health Sciences. Students are inspired by his words, excited for the start of their degree and reminded as they leave the program about important themes for their own practice.
Jillian Fleming (BA ’02)
Alumni Achievement Award
Jillian Fleming, director of Recreation for the City of Waterloo, has received the Alumni Volunteer Award for her work supporting University of Waterloo students and her lasting impact on the academic and professional community. For more than two years, Jillian has generously served as a guest lecturer in the course Introduction to Recreation and Leisure Services (REC 101), offering undergraduate students invaluable insights into the field of municipal recreation. Her real-world experience has been a source of inspiration for students, giving them a clear picture of how their studies can translate into meaningful careers. Beyond her classroom contributions, Jillian goes above and beyond in offering personalized support to students. She provides thoughtful feedback on their career aspirations and actively connects them with her professional network. By doing so, she has helped students secure internships, job opportunities and mentorship connections that have set them on a path to success. Jillian's commitment to giving back to the University of Waterloo community has made a significant difference in the lives of students and has helped to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world.
Analyssa Cardenas (BSc ’18)
Alumni Achievement Award
Analyssa Cardenas displays leadership and strong dedication to health care, research and community service. She is focused on improving health-care outcomes, particularly for children and vulnerable populations across Canada. Analyssa is passionate about raising awareness of Indigenous health services within local emergency departments. As a volunteer at the Wije'winen Health Centre, Analyssa collaborated with community members, staff and hospital teams to create a promotional campaign and advocate for health equity in her local community. Additionally, she plays an active role in promoting Indigenous health through her work with the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Society, where she helps raise awareness of health-care services for Indigenous communities. Her impact extends beyond community service, as she also made notable contributions to the field of research. Currently, she is investigating the burnout, psychological morbidity and job satisfaction among Canadian child protection professionals through IWK Health. Her research findings have been shared at national conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals, significantly impacting the health and well-being of Canadians. Analyssa's research spans across three pediatric hospitals and has led to eight peer-reviewed publications, 19 presentations and more than $35,300 in awards and scholarships, along with key national leadership positions.
Aleem Bhanji (BSC ’05)
Alumni Achievement Medal
Aleem Bhanji is vice president of strategic markets at AlayaCare, a Canadian digital health company delivering cloud-based practice management and clinical home health software globally. With more than 20 years of experience in executive leadership, digital health strategy and project execution, Aleem focuses on advancing health systems through sustainable care models that integrate primary, community and acute care. His work has spanned North America, East Africa, Australia, Europe and the Middle East.
Aleem is passionate about transforming healthcare to create cohesive, patient-centered continuums of care. At AlayaCare, he contributes to the company’s mission to revolutionize home and community care. He also serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Toronto and is a National Health Fellow, contributing to thought leadership in health policy and innovation.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Aleem has been an active contributor to the non-profit sector, serving on boards of community organizations for over two decades.
Aleem holds a Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics and Biology from the University of Waterloo, a Master’s in Health Sciences from the University of Toronto and is recognized as a National Health Fellow by McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business. He is also a member of the Canadian College of Health Executives.
Judi Hess (BMath ’82)
Alumni Achievement Medal
Judi Hess has more than 40 years of experience in British Columbia’s technology industry, from MDA to Creo to Copperleaf. As Copperleaf’s CEO from 2009 to 2023, she led its transformation from a fledgling company to a unicorn, achieving an IPO on the TSX in 2021. She was one of only two women to take a tech company public in TSX history. In 2023, she became Copperleaf’s vice chair and oversaw its $1 billion acquisition by IFS in 2024.
Previously, Judi served as president of Creo until its $1 billion USD sale to Eastman Kodak in 2005 and began her career as a software engineer at MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates in the 1980s.
Judi’s leadership has earned her recognition, including Canada’s Most Admired CEOs, EY Entrepreneur of the Year National Winner, 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada, BC Tech Person of the Year and BC CEO of the Year. A member of the Premier’s Technology Council for many years, she holds an Honors Bachelor of Mathematics Degree with Distinction – Dean’s Honors List from the University of Waterloo and is an avid downhill skier
Mira Lane (BMath ’03)
Alumni Achievement Medal
Mira Lane is a senior director in technology and society at Google. Mira runs a multidisciplinary team focused on showcasing the inspiring potential for artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to benefit people and societies. Prior to Google, Mira was the partner director and founder of ethics and society at Microsoft. There, her team was responsible for guiding technical and experience innovation toward ethical, responsible and sustainable outcomes.
Mira holds a Bachelor of Mathematics from the University of Waterloo, along with numerous patents across platforms and collaborative interfaces. Her art has been featured in film festivals and galleries. She recently edited Collaborative Intelligence: How Humans and AI Are Transforming Our World (MIT Press), a multi-author volume exploring the dynamic interplay between theory and practice on the transformative potential and complexities of AI.
David Choi (BCS ’16, MMath ’21)
Grad of the Last Decade (GOLD) Alumni Achievement Medal
David Choi is an artificial intelligence (AI) researcher focused on pushing the boundaries of what is possible in AI. He co-led research at Google DeepMind that has been featured on the front cover of the journals Nature and Science. With various teams, he created the first AI system to reach the highest tier of performance in an esport, and the first to match average humans in programming competitions. Both were often considered impossible at the time, even the very day before their releases, and he was listed on Forbes 30 Under 30 for his work in AI research.
In 2023 he joined Anthropic, with more of a focus on ethics and safety, but still continuing to advance AI fundamentals by training some of the largest and most capable models in the world. He considers AI alignment, ethics and safety to be one of the most important problems to solve in the coming years.
Emma Heo (BMath ’13)
Grad of the Last Decade (GOLD) Alumni Achievement Medal
Emma is the lead for Data & AI within Accenture Canada’s Public Sector practice, where she spearheads the firm’s efforts to deliver transformative, data-driven solutions to government and public service clients in Canada. With extensive experience ranging from strategic transformations to the development of cutting-edge AI models, Emma has consistently delivered impactful, data-centric solutions that drive efficiency and enhance service outcomes for public sector clients.
A recognized thought leader in the field of data and AI, Emma is the holder of a U.S. patent for applying machine learning models to generate actionable insights from regulatory data, a testament to her pioneering work at the intersection of technology and government. In addition, she has been honored with the Emerging Leaders Award from Women in Defense and Security, acknowledging her significant contributions to the advancement of technology and leadership in the defense and security sectors.
Emma is dedicated to leveraging the power of AI and data to enable public service organizations to make more informed decisions, drive operational excellence and achieve sustainable transformation.
Beryl Tomay (BMath ’05)
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing & Innovation
Beryl leads Amazon's transportation organization, overseeing the global last-mile delivery business and technology, customer-facing delivery experiences, speed programs and returns functions. She works alongside exceptional business, technology and operations teams dedicated to innovating for customers while prioritizing the safety of employees, partners and community members.
A proud Amazonian for 19 years, Beryl has contributed to multiple pillars of the company, including the development of the first-generation Kindle. For more than a decade, she has been deeply involved in operations, playing a pivotal role in building Amazon’s last-mile delivery capabilities.
Beryl holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Waterloo.
Brice Steven Nkengsa (BSE ’12)
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing & Innovation
Brice is the co-founder of Andela, a marketplace that connects developers with remote jobs in global companies, founded on the belief that talent is universal, but opportunity is not. Starting in Africa, Andela identified and trained outstanding minds to become elite developers. To date, more than 100,000 global engineers have participated in the Andela learning community programs. As director of engineering, Brice assembled a team of 30 software developers to build the initial versions of the Andela Talent Cloud. The platform streamlines the process of sourcing, assessing and hiring global tech talent, used by companies like GitHub, Coursera and Goldman Sachs to scale their engineering teams.
Outside of his professional endeavors, he enjoys reading, golfing and traveling the world with his wife.
Dr. Cicely Shillingford (BSc ’15)
Early Alumni Excellence Award
Dr. Cicely Shillingford, she/her, is the director of product development at amika, a top five prestige global hair care brand based in Brooklyn, New York. As the youngest member of amika’s executive leadership team, Cicely oversees a portfolio of more than 50 products and brings her penchant for scientific innovation to the fast-growing brand. Cicely is a first-generation Caribbean-Canadian who grew up in Mississauga. She studied biochemistry at the University of Waterloo and holds a PhD in Chemistry from New York University (NYU). Prior to amika, Cicely oversaw product development for health tech unicorn Ro, evolving their CPG business and supporting the launch of their dermo cosmetic brand. Cicely also worked at the Wyss Institute at Harvard, where she was issued two patents for her work on bioinspired materials engineering. Cicely has authored seven scientific publications spanning from structural biochemistry to colloidal materials. Cicely is passionate about advancing opportunities for minorities in STEM, having quadrupled NYU’s Black PhD students and led more than 20 mentorship and volunteering events through the 175-year-old non-profit The Chemists’ Club and the World Science Festival. Cicely resides in Harlem, New York and can be found biking the central park loop on a warm summer day, or volunteering at her local farmer’s market.
Ashley Stegelmeier (BSc ’15, MSc ’17)
Early Alumni Excellence Award
Ashley is passionate about the invisible microbial world. She is dedicated to using the smallest of organisms to tackle the world’s largest challenges. She obtained her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Microbiology from the University of Waterloo under Dr. Josh Neufeld. In 2021, she received her doctorate from the University of Guelph. Ashley has more than 20 publications to date on a range of microbial topics including archaea, the skin microbiome, oncolytic virotherapy and adeno-associated virus gene therapy. She has won more than 40 awards including the prestigious Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship.
Ashley is currently the director of product development at Ceragen. Her research focuses on developing inoculants for the hydroponic greenhouse industry to increase the supply of nutritious fruits and vegetables. At Ceragen, Ashley leads a team of world class researchers that have brought two bacterial inoculant products to market for use with tomatoes and lettuce. Her research team uses novel isolation techniques paired with whole genome sequencing to culture previously unculturable microorganisms.
Throughout her career Ashley has had the opportunity to mentor 21 graduate and undergraduate students, helping them gain the scientific skills required to excel in their field. Ashley’s work on Ceragen’s co-op mentorship program led to Ceragen being recognized as Waterloo Co-op Employer of the Year for Impact in Research in 2022.
Olga Shmaidenko (BSc ’05)
Contribution to Humanity Award
Olga Shmaidenko, a University of Waterloo alum with a Science and Business degree, has worn many hats throughout her career. After spending a decade in HIV vaccine research in New York, she traded city life for full-time travel, documenting stories of inspiring women across more than 50 countries. Her website, WOWwoman.com, showcases these women’s stories, bringing them positive exposure, support and funding.
A proud Ukrainian, Olga was deeply affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. This event spurred her into action, leading her to volunteer on the Polish border amid the refugee crisis, fundraise for Ukrainian causes, assist Ukrainian media with English translations and collaborate with on-the-ground nonprofits. She has since focused on highlighting the resilience of Ukrainian women who have taken on extraordinary roles amid the conflict — fighters, volunteers, paramedics and everyday women showing immense courage. This project is called Inside Ukraine: wowwoman.com/inside-ukraine.
For Olga, this work represents her life’s purpose. With a toddler and husband by her side, Olga continues to amplify the voices of women worldwide, with a special focus on Ukrainians who continue to persevere in the face of Russian attacks.
Dr. Michael A. Kerr (BSc ’85)
Contribution to Science Award
Michael attended the University of Waterloo, graduating in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science, performing his undergraduate research under the supervision of Professor Victor Snieckus. After a summer with Professor Derrick Clive, he proceeded to graduate school at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, studying under Professor Marcus Tius. After completing a total synthesis of morphine and obtaining his PhD in 1991, he took a post-doctoral position under Professor K.C. Nicolaou where he worked toward the total synthesis of dynemicn A as well as developing pro-drugs of Taxol. In 1993, he became an assistant professor at Acadia University. Working entirely with undergraduates, he built a strong research program gaining tenure and promotion to associate professor in 1998. He moved to London, Ontario in 1999 to be an assistant professor at Western University, where he gained tenure for a second time in 2000, and was promoted to full professor in 2005.
Michael has received several awards including a Premiers Research Excellence Award in 2000, a Faculty Scholar Award in 2008 and the Alfred Bader award from the Canadian Society for Chemistry in 2015. He has continuously held an NSERC Discovery Grant since 1994. He has held research funding from Merck Frosst, Boehringer Ingelheim, Glaxo Smith Kline, MedMira Laboratories and Sepracor Canada.
Michael has 100 publications relating to his research activities as well as about 100 invited lectures, both national and international. Very early in his independent career, and in the confines of a primarily undergraduate milieu, he focused on the development of new synthetic methods at ultra-high pressures as well as novel lanthanide catalysis. Upon moving to Western, he expanded his research program to include the development of cycloaddition reactions of donor-acceptor cyclopropanes. He also branched out with an aggressive program in the area of natural products total synthesis, completing more than 30 targeted molecules.
Erin Spicer (BSc ’06, MSc ’08)
Distinguished Alumni Award
Erin is a physician, quality improvement (QI) researcher and medical educator whose interests center on the quality of care of hospitalized patients. She is a collaborator on provincial, national and international projects identifying and implementing innovative patient-centered solutions to common healthcare challenges.
At London Health Sciences Center (LHSC), Erin has led the development of WalkMORE, a volunteer-led patient mobility program, as well as co-developed the widely recognized London Urgent COVID-19 Care Clinic, which provided virtual care to more than 2000 patients, freeing up desperately needed hospital resources. She currently co-leads the QI and Education Research Hub where her multi-disciplinary team is focused on preventing the physical and cognitive decline commonly experienced by older admitted patients. Erin is a co-investigator on a multi-hospital project applying artificial intelligence to predict delirium and is the local lead for the provincial QI network of hospitals for research and analytics called General Medicine Quality Improvement Network (GeMQIN). Erin is a strong believer in mentorship and integrates trainees into these research teams where they authentically develop their own QI skills.
In addition to her Waterloo degrees, Erin holds a degree in Medicine and a Master’s of Science in QI and Patient Safety from the University of Toronto. She is a staff physician at LHSC, an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at Western University and an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto.
Jake Reder (BSc ’97)
Distinguished Alumni Award
Jake is cofounder, director and CEO of Celdara Medical, LLC, and director of new ventures at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. Focused on translational research and medical innovation, Celdara has repeatedly been one of the fastest-growing companies in its region. Jake has studied, worked and taught in Canada, Germany and the United States. His career includes corporate roles at Cabot Corporation and venture investing at PolyTechnos Venture-Partners. He serves on numerous boards, including the New Hampshire Academy of Science. There, he led the creation of the Fanger Center, which includes well-equipped labs for middle- and high-school scientists and engineers. He has testified before Congress on issues of governmental support for entrepreneurship, serves on the Small Business Advisory Committee for United States Senator Jeanne Shaheen and was appointed by Governors Hassan and then Sununu to the New Hampshire Innovation Research Center’s Board of Directors. A Tibbetts Awardee, Jake was also selected by the United States Small Business Administration as New Hampshire Small Business Person of the Year, and currently serves on Small Business Administration’s Invention, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Advisory Committee. Jake earned a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honors from the University of Waterloo, and a PhD in Chemistry as a Brown-Wetherill Fellow at Purdue University and Ludwig Maximilians Universität.
Dr. Sophia Leung (OD ’14)
Early Career Alumni Award
Dr. Sophia Leung graduated from University of Waterloo School of Optometry in 2014. She also completed an ocular disease and refractive surgery residency, and an advanced glaucoma and cornea fellowship with Oklahoma Medical Eye Group, affiliated with Northeastern State University Oklahoma, College of Optometry (NSUOCO). Dr. Leung is the current president-elect of the Alberta Association of Optometrists, a diplomate of the American Academy of Optometry in the anterior segment section, a diplomate of the American Board of Optometry, a fellow and board member of the American Society of Optometric Surgeons and a fellow of the Canadian College of Specialties in Optometry. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member with NSUOCO and an adjunct clinical lecturer with the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science.
Dr. John Mastronardi (BSc ’96, OD ’96)
Alumni of Honour Award
Dr. John Mastronardi was born and raised in Leamington, Ontario. He completed both his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Optometry degrees from the University of Waterloo in 1996. He completed an externship in ocular diseases and therapeutics at the Vitreo-Retinal Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee. He currently practices optometry in Windsor with his wife, Dr. Cathy Adams.
Dr. Mastronardi is dedicated to serving and advocating for optometry. He has served as the president of the Ontario Association of Optometrists from 2009 to 2011. During his tenure as president, he helped lead the Association during the final stages of enacting a new Ontario regulation in 2011 that allows optometrists to prescribe medications for patients with eye disease. Between 2021 and 2023, he played a pivotal lead role in securing a historic deal with the Ontario Government to increase payments for publicly funded services. He has served on the board of directors of FYidoctors, as a councilor for the Canadian Association of Optometrists and a committee member of the Eye Health Council of Ontario to further the interests of optometry.
Dr. Harvey Bass (OD ’83)
Distinguished Alumni Award
Dr. Harvey Bass graduated from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry in 1983. At 24 years old, he began his professional career managing The Mobile Vision Program in New Brunswick. During the school year, he worked with a team of optometrists and nurses examining grade one students, and during the summer months, examining nursing home residents. He is past president of the New Brunswick Association of Optometrists and is now on a national vision care working group with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). His latest project for ISC was to create a fully equipped state of the art Optometry examination room for the Indigenous community of Natuashish, Labrador. The success of this project has led to the development of four more vision clinics in remote Indigenous communities.
Region of Waterloo
Vision Champion Award
The Region of Waterloo is awarded the 2024 Vision Champion Award in recognition of the Region’s exceptional support of the Waterloo Eye Institute and the School of Optometry & Vision Science, including the $1 million pledge to support access to high quality and specialized care for the community. With the support from the Region, the Waterloo Eye Institute will expand access to quality, specialty care for the Waterloo Region and elevate vision care for communities across the country by supporting education and research.
Dr. Cindy Hoi Ting Yeung (PhD ’23)
Pharmacy Alumni Achievement Award
Dr. Cindy Hoi Ting Yeung is a postdoctoral fellow at The Hospital for Sick Children where her research focuses on optimizing medications to improve neonatal care. Specifically, she seeks to understand the dose, exposure and response relationship through studying the genetics and maturation of proteins that affect how drugs are cleared by rapidly growing and changing neonates. This information helps Dr. Yeung to identify the “right doses” for this understudied population to have therapeutic effects and yet avoid adverse drug reactions. Dr. Yeung graduated from the University of Waterloo with a PhD in 2023 under Andrea Edginton in the area of pediatric physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling to advance knowledge of breastfeeding infant exposure to maternal medications. She was awarded the 2023-2024 Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and was ranked 13 out of the 182 researchers for work on, “Advancing towards model-informed precision dosing: Ontogeny and pharmacogenetics of commonly used drugs in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit”. Earlier this year, Dr. Yeung joined the College of Pharmacy at Dalhousie University as an assistant professor in Pharmacokinetics to establish her independent research program.
Larry Cornies (BA ’75)
Distinguished Alumni Service Award
For 45 years, Larry Cornies has sustained a distinguished career in journalism, teaching and community service. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from the University of Waterloo in 1975, Larry pursued journalism at Wichita State University and earned a Master of Arts in Journalism from the Western University in 1986. He has worked as an editor and writer at The Mennonite, London Magazine, The London Free Press and The Globe and Mail. Larry has been recognized for his writing with numerous awards and he is a sought-after speaker on topics like ethics, community and history. Larry is invested in educating new journalists, having taught at Toronto Metropolitan University, Conestoga College and Western University. Today, Larry is a freelance columnist at Postmedia Network and writes a column every two weeks. His community contributions include judging for the Junos and Ontario Newspaper Awards, serving as a cultural consultant to The Grand Theatre, being a board member for Canadian Mennonite Publishing Service and Council on Church and Media and serving on Grebel’s Board and Alumni Committee. Larry exemplifies the ideals of Conrad Grebel University College through his writing, teaching and community involvement, making him a deserving recipient of the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Service Award.
Rebecca Mancini (BA ’08)
The Sister Leon White, SSND Early Alumni Excellence Award
This award celebrates outstanding early-career accomplishments of St. Jerome’s alumni who have graduated within the past 15 years. Named in honor of Sister Leon White, SSND, who served at St. Jerome's from 1962 to 1980 as a respected director, dean and professor, this award recognizes those who reflect her legacy of service and dedication.
Rebecca Mancini completed her Bachelor of Arts in History in 2008 and has since dedicated her career to supporting those who are often overlooked in society, including individuals with mental health challenges, physical disabilities, addiction and those experiencing homelessness or financial hardship. Through her roles at The Working Centre, Rebecca quietly leads and supports a wide range of initiatives, embodying the organization’s commitment to simplicity, community and dignity. Her approach is rooted in “radical kindness” and solutions that prioritize human dignity, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Rebecca’s compassionate service mirrors the values of Catholic Social Teaching and St. Jerome’s University’s mission, and we are delighted to present her with the Sister Leon White, SSND Early Alumni Excellence Award.
Dr. Rosemarie Burton Spohn (BA ’90)
Father Norm Choate, C.R., Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award
This award honors alumni who demonstrate extraordinary accomplishments in their professional and community lives, aligned with St. Jerome’s University’s mission, vision and values. Named after Father Norm Choate, C.R., a former president of St. Jerome’s and a notable sociologist, this award highlights a lifetime commitment to Catholic Higher Education at both community and provincial levels.
Dr. Rosemarie Burton Spohn earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English with a minor in French at St. Jerome’s in 1990, followed by a Master’s in Educational Technology and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Calgary. Over a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years, Dr. Spohn has served as a teacher, guidance counselor, program manager, education officer, superintendent and director of education. During her tenure at the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board, she championed teacher development and the implementation of religious education courses. As an early advocate for e-learning, she contributed to provincial e-learning initiatives and later supported Catholic education through her work with the Canadian Catholic School Trustee Association.
Dr. Spohn’s contributions exemplify the values we strive to instill in St. Jerome’s students. We are honored to recognize her with the Father Norm Choate, C.R., Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award.
Paul Lorilla (BA ’01)
Distinguished Alumni Award
Paul Lorilla, a senior advisor for Indigenous Affairs, has devoted his career to preserving and revitalizing Indigenous languages, cultures and knowledge through treaty negotiations, policy development and advocacy. Within his role in government, Paul has been instrumental in advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, particularly in educating public servants about the history and contributions of Indigenous Peoples. He spearheaded the development of Indigenous Protocol Packages across Western Canada, empowering colleagues with the knowledge and tools to ensure Indigenous cultures and protocols are integrated into policy and program development.
A passionate ally to Indigenous communities in Canada, Paul inspires action among his peers by forming expert working groups that keep Indigenous issues at the forefront of government initiatives.
In addition to his public service work, Paul founded the Isa Mundo Foundation in 2007, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting local and international community projects. Through partnerships with grassroots organizations, Isa Mundo has improved the lives of countless families worldwide.
Paul’s contributions have earned him five Deputy Ministers’ Awards and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. His leadership in advancing Indigenous issues and philanthropy continues to create a lasting impact on communities in Canada and globally.
Trishala Pillai (BA ’16)
Emerging Alumni Award
Trishala is a lifelong learner, storyteller and changemaker who brings energy and intention to every interaction. Drawing on her experiences as an immigrant and innovator, she advocates for social change and inspires others to embrace new perspectives. As a mentor and leader in the entrepreneurship community, Trishala operates at the unique intersection of technology, society and culture.
During her time at GreenHouse at United College, Trishala launched The Dialogue Xchange, a series of flagship events across Ontario that engaged hundreds of policymakers, academics, entrepreneurs, students and community members. These events tackled critical topics such as mental health, failure, empathy and gender equity. Endorsed by the Government of Ontario in 2017 as part of the Open Government Initiative, this project promoted meaningful public participation in social issues.
Trishala has moderated and spoken at more than 60 conferences, collaborating with organizations like Microsoft, RBC, the University of Toronto and the British Council. Most recently, she produced, directed and hosted a 12-episode interview series celebrating the journeys of Canada’s immigrant entrepreneurs. Released digitally and on OMNI TV through a partnership with New Canadians TV Network, the series reached hundreds of thousands of viewers. Following its success, Trishala is now working on a second season, further amplifying the voices of changemakers.