KEEN Footwear is a long-standing partner of the University of Waterloo's Faculty of Environment, helping students turn environmental knowledge into action through scholarships, internships and experiential learning.
From changing how children learn about the world around them to rethinking how cities grow, strengthening connections between research and practice and investing in the next generation of environmental leaders, the 2026 Faculty of Environment Alumni Award recipients demonstrate the many ways knowledge can create change when put into action.
Homecoming 2026 brought Environment alumni together for milestone reunions, class gatherings, Faculty events and plenty of opportunities to reconnect.
An Environment faculty member, staff and retiree share what motivates them to support the student experience through their service and philanthropy.
It is with great sadness that we share the news of Joe Bevan’s passing, a staff member in the Faculty of Environment.
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.