Recent Alumni Inspiration Award | Environment

Recipient of recent alumni inspiration award 2025

In 2013, the Faculty of Environment established an award to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of recent graduates whose early professional or academic achievements, community impact and contributions to sustainability serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Environment students.

Initially the Young Alumni Award, it was renamed the Young Alumni Inspiration Award in 2019 and the Recent Alumni Inspiration Award in 2022.

The award may be presented in either an undergraduate or graduate category, or both, depending on the strength and composition of the nominations received.

Get to know our incredible 2025 recipient, Ashoke Mohanraj

Do you know an exceptional alumnus?

Nominations are accepted for both undergraduate and graduate alumni who completed their studies within the last 10 years. Please click the button below to fill out our 5-minute nomination form.

Nominee eligibility

Graduates of Faculty of Environment undergraduate or graduate programs. Nominees are considered within the category that corresponds to the credential for which they are being nominated.
Less than 10 years since graduation.
Excludes self nominations and current University of Waterloo faculty and staff

Selection criteria

Nominees are evaluated relative to their career stage, opportunities and demonstrated impact since graduation. Undergraduate and graduate nominees are reviewed separately.

Demonstrated professional achievement including, but not limited to:
- Career advancement and success;
- Recognition and/or awards;
- Leadership and/or board roles; and/or
- Visible success/known beyond industry segment.
Demonstrated public (local or global) service including, but not limited to:
- Volunteerism;
- Community leadership;
- Proven impact (local, regional, national, or international); and/or
- Philanthropy.
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.
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 Selection Committee will review all eligible nominations and select the recipient(s).
The award may be presented in the Undergraduate category, the Graduate category, or both, depending on the strength and composition of the nominations received.
The award(s) will be presented at the annual Alumni Awards Celebration each fall.

Nominations are accepted throughout the year and will be considered during the next annual selection cycle.