Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award

The Faculty of Environment Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award was established in 2008 to recognize and honour alumni who finished their degree more than ten years ago and who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement, proven community impact and significant contribution to sustainability. 

Meet our outstanding 2025 recipients, Michael Brooks, Rex Auyeung, and Jeff Willmer.

Do you know an exceptional alumnus?

We would love to consider them for one of our awards. Please click the link below to nominate them today. It only takes 5 minutes and you could be helping us discover our next award recipient! 

Nominee eligibility

• Graduates of Faculty of Environment undergraduate or graduate programs.
• Minimum of 10 years post-graduation.

• Excludes self nominations and current University of Waterloo faculty and staff.

Selection criteria

1. Demonstrated professional achievement including, but not limited to:
   • Exemplary career success;
   • Significant recognition and/or awards;
   • Leadership, board and/or advisory roles; and/or
   • Visible success/known beyond industry segment.
2. Demonstrated public (local or global) service including, but not limited to:
   • Significant, sustained involvement/volunteerism;
   • Highly visible leadership in the community;
   • Proven impact (local, regional, national, or international); and/or
   • Philanthropy.
3. Demonstrated impact advancing sustainability in one or more of the following:
   • Economic sustainability: economic equity, responsible growth, supply chain management, smart growth etc.;
   • Social sustainability: human rights, gender equality, indigenous rights, social justice, public health, advocacy, well-being etc.; and/or
   • Environmental sustainability: climate change, energy and materials use, carbon emissions, natural resources, waste and pollution etc. ​​​​​​

4. Additional information may be considered that doesn’t necessarily fit in any of the categories above includes:

   • Overcoming personal challenges or systemic barriers;

   • Maintaining work-life balance; and/or

   • Remaining connected to the University of Waterloo.

Nomination process

• Complete the online Nomination Form by April 30.
• The Screening Committee will put forward the top candidates for each category to the Selection Committee.
• The Selection Committee will review the nominees to select one or more recipients for each award.
• The awards will be given out at the annual Alumni Awards Dinner, or alternative event, each fall, dependent on the recipients' availability.