Young Alumni Inspiration Award

In 2013, the Faculty of Environment established an award to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of recent graduates who finished their studies in the last decade and whose early professional or academic success, community impact, and contribution to sustainability serve as an inspiration to the next generation of environment graduates.

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

Get to know our incredible 2022 recipient, Laura Maxwell

Do you know an exceptional alumnus?

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

Nominee eligibility

Graduates of Faculty of Environment undergraduate or graduate programs.
Less than 10 years since graduation.
Excludes current University of Waterloo faculty and staff.

Selection criteria

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 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.

Note: nominations are accepted throughout the year but will be awarded based on the above timeline.