News

We are pleased to honour six deserving recipients whose impact can be witnessed in communities across the country and around the globe. Congratulations to our 2025 Alumni Award recipients: Rex Auyeung (BES ’77), Michael Brooks (BES ’75, PhD ’98), Jeff Willmer (BES ’86), Ashoke Mohanraj (BES ’21) and Co-operators and Farm Mutual Re.

A new documentary by Dr. Brian Doucet in the School of Planning takes a cross-Canada look at solutions that can put housing in the hands of those who need it the most. Catch a free screening of Thinking Beyond the Market near you.

It is with great sadness that we share the news of Joe Bevan’s passing, a staff member in the Faculty of Environment. 

This is the question a new documentary, Metabolism of Islands, by Dr. Simron Singh explores. Featuring voices from across the world’s small island nations, the film brings together science, storytelling, and lived experience to illuminate both the challenges and pathways to climate change resilience.

Wondering what your classmates have been up to? Find out who's been promoted, launched a new project, published a book or started a family. Catch up, then submit an update of your own for the next issue of Class Notes. 

The Faculty of Environment celebrates 178 new graduates this fall, including the first class of the Master of Future Cities program and PhD Alumni Gold Medalist Dr. Michelle Anagnostou, whose groundbreaking research at Oxford is helping dismantle illegal wildlife trade networks.

Michael Brooks (BES ’75, PhD ’98) has spent decades shaping Canada’s real estate sector with vision, purpose, and a commitment to sustainable development. From his early days in urban planning at the University of Waterloo to leading REALPAC, he has advanced housing policy, championed mentorship, and fostered collaboration across the industry. His work continues to transform communities and inspire the next generation of real estate leaders. He is the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award winner.

Rex Auyeung (BES ’77) has dedicated his career to advancing sustainable urban development across finance, insurance, and transit. As Non-Executive Chairman of MTR Corporation, he oversees one of the world’s most advanced urban transit networks, while his lifelong commitment to public service and education continues to inspire communities in Hong Kong and beyond. He is the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award winner.

Jeff Willmer (BES ’86) has spent nearly three decades transforming the Waterloo Region through thoughtful urban planning, strategic municipal leadership and innovative community initiatives. From revitalizing Kitchener’s downtown to co-founding A Better Tent City, Jeff’s work demonstrates how planning, public service and social equity intersect to create lasting positive impact. He is the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award winner.

Ashoke Mohanraj (BES ’21) is an emerging leader shaping the intersection of environmental law, policy, and education. From advocating for climate justice on international platforms to inspiring young readers through his bestselling books, Ashoke’s interdisciplinary approach demonstrates how creativity, resilience, and civic engagement can drive meaningful change. Discover how his journey from the classroom to the courtroom is lighting the way for a sustainable future. He is the 2025 Recent Alumni Inspiration Award winner.