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Faculty of Environment Alumni Awards

Environment alumni are shaping our sustainable future

Each year, we are honoured to recognize some of our most illustrious graduates through our annual awards program.

All across the world, Faculty of Environment alumni are making the world a better place. From Argentina to Zimbabwe and 80 countries in-between, alumni are working to improve their communities and the planet as urban planners, policymakers, scientists and educators. Some run businesses, others consult industry, and some start nonprofit organizations. Whether they are working for the public or private sector, and regardless of the program they graduate from, a common thread ties environment alumni together - they care and they want their work to matter.

The Faculty of Environment is proud of every one of its alumni and all the ways they contribute to a safer, more equitable, and more sustainable planet.

Congratulations to our 2025 alumni award winners!

Read about our winners and their impact! All winners will receive their awards during our annual Evergreen banquet.

Recipient of distinguished alumni achievement award 2025
Monday, October 20, 2025

Leading Canada’s real estate transformation with purpose and vision

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.

Recipient of distinguished alumni achievement award 2025
Monday, October 20, 2025

Global leadership in finance, transportation, and public service

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.

Man with glasses and hat in front of houses, Recipient of 2025 distinguished alumni achievement award
Monday, October 20, 2025

Urban planner and civic leader driving community innovation

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.

Recipient of recent alumni inspiration award 2025
Monday, October 20, 2025

Bridging Law, Storytelling and Sustainability: An Interdisciplinary Journey

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.

Recipient of friend of the faculty 2025
Monday, October 20, 2025

Building resilient communities: advancing flood preparedness and climate adaptation

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 winner.

All award recipients

Do you know an exceptional friend or alumnus?

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