2025 Faculty of Environment Alumni Awards announced

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From advancing urban transit networks to building community resilience and capacity for climate justice and affordable housing, the incredible impact of this year’s Faculty of Environment alumni award recipients reflects and exemplifies values foundational to the faculty itself: co-creation in pursuit of meaningful change, social responsibility and stewardship of our planet. 

Established in 2008, Environment’s annual awards recognize and celebrate graduates and partners who stand out amongst the rest. They are alumni making tangible, real-world impact, demonstrating just how far an Environment degree and a lot of hard work can take you, and partners whose unwavering support and shared values have amplified our impacts towards some of the world’s most urgent and complex challenges.

Over the years, the faculty has recognized more than 40 incredible honourees, among them, a Nobel-prize contributing researcher on the impact of climate change on water resources and wetlands, a founder of one of the largest, long-standing planning firms in Ontario and a founder of a social enterprise championing Indigenous inclusion in the clean energy economy.

This year, from a competitive field of talented and dedicated nominees, we are pleased to welcome six more deserving recipients to this prestigious group. Their impact has driven transformative change for people and planet, and can be witnessed in communities across the country and around the globe.

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 one of our 2025 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award winners.

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 one of our 2025 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award winners.

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 one of our 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.

For over a decade, Co-operators and Farm Mutual Re have partnered with the Faculty of Environment to advance flood preparedness and climate adaptation across Canada. Through applied research, innovative tools, and student mentorship, they are helping communities build resilience to climate hazards. Their collaboration demonstrates how industry and academia can work together to create lasting, equitable impact. They are the 2025 Friend of the Faculty Award winners.

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