Rising Star Alumni Award

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 and are making a difference in the world through their professional and/or academic achievements, or through their significant contributions to the community. 

Meet the 2023 Rising Star Alumni Award Sara Cumming

• Graduates of the Faculty of Arts undergraduate or graduate program
• Working in Canada and/or internationally
• Distinguished themselves through a significant record of professional accomplishment, community and/or public service since graduation
• Maximum of ten years post-graduation
• Excludes current University of Waterloo faculty and staff

The Faculty of Arts welcomes nominations for its Rising Star Alumni Award from anyone (alumni, students, faculty, staff, retirees, and members of the public) familiar with the work, character and/or achievements of a UWaterloo Faculty of Arts alumnus.

To nominate an individual for the Rising Star Alumni Award, an online nomination form must be completed and submitted by April 30.

1. Call for nominations continues throughout the year. Friends, family, colleagues, faculty members and other alumni may nominate alumni candidates.
2. All nominations will be reviewed by the Nominating Committee, which consists of Faculty of Arts alumni, faculty, staff, and past award recipients.
3. The Selection Committee will select the Rising Star Alumni Award recipient.
4. The Rising Star Alumni Award winner will be notified by the Dean of Arts.
5. Alumni nominated but not chosen by the Selection Committee will remain in a nomination pool for consideration in subsequent years.