Faculty of Arts alumni awards

The Faculty of Arts is extremely proud of exceptional Arts alumni who are making a difference in the world through their professional and/or academic achievements or through their significant contributions to the community.

The awards

The Alumni Achievement Award was established in 1998 to recognize the accomplishments of inspiring Faculty of Arts alumni who graduated more than 10 years ago.

The Rising Star Alumni Award (formerly Young Alumni Award) was established in 2009 to recognize the outstanding accomplishments and achievements of Faculty of Arts alumni who graduated in the last 10 years.

Read the award pages linked above for more information about nomination criteria and previous recipients.


2025 award recipients

Justice Avvy Yao-Yao Go

Alumni Achievement Award for Professional Achievement

Madam Justice Avvy Yao-Yao Go (BA ’86 Economics) has more than 30 years of advocacy and litigation experience in support of disadvantaged communities, and is the 2025 Alumni Achievement Award recipient for Professional Achievement.

Read more about Jutice Avvy Yao-Yao Go

Susan McKenzie in a backyard garden

Alumni Achievement Award for Community Builder

Susan McKenzie (BA '96, MA '98 English) is a communications and fundraising leader whose personal journey as a kidney transplant recipient sparked a powerful movement for patient advocacy and community building, and the 2025 Alumni Achievement Award for Community Builder.

Read more about Susan McKenzie

Eyitemi sitting at a table in a cafe holding a latte

Rising Star Alumni Award

Eyitemi Popo (MDEI '16 Digital Experience Innovation) is a visionary entrepreneur and Forbes-listed changemaker whose work is reshaping how women explore and experience Africa, and the 2025 Rising Star Alumni Award recipient.

Read more about Eyitemi Popo


Nominate an outstanding alumnus!

Recognize the achievements of an outstanding alumnus by completing and submitting the forms below!

Deadline to nominate is April 30.