Congratulations to the following Mathematics alumni who have received the J.W. Graham Medal since 1995. This distinguished group of Mathematics alumni have received this medal in recognition of their leadership, as well as their innovative contributions to the University of Waterloo and the Canadian computer industry.
2024
Brice Steven Nkengsa, Co-Founder, Andela
B.S.E., Software Engineering, 2012
Is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation
for his exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial achievements at Andela, a company he co-founded in 2014, as well as his substantial impact on the field of software engineering.
Beryl Tomay, Vice President of Transportation, Amazon
BMath, Computer Science, 2005
Is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation
for her innovative solutions and remarkable achievements in software development at Amazon, including her work on the first Kindle and the creation of Amazon's last mile delivery technology, ultimately enhancing customer experiences across Amazon's platforms.
2021
Don Cowan, Distinguished Professor Emeritus and Director of the Computer Systems Group, University of Waterloo
PhD, 1965, Applied Mathematics
Is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation
for his extensive academic career, pioneering research in mathematics and computer science, entrepreneurial spirit, and devotion to mentorship and knowledge sharing.
2020
BMath 2000, MMath 2002, Computer Science
is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation
for her exceptional contributions and leadership in software development, and for her work as an advocate and role model for women in technology.
2019
Eldon Sprickerhoff, Co-founder CIO, eSentire
BMath 1991, Computer Science
is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation
for his innovative and entrepreneurial achievements, and his contributions to the field of cybersecurity.
2018
Alex Nicolaou, Engineering Director, Google
BMath 1993, MMath 1999, Computer Science
is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation
2017
Vicki Iverson, Co-founder CTO, Iversoft
BMath 2006, Computer Science
is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation
2016
Tas Tsonis, CEO, Pulse Microsystems
BMath 1975, Computer Science and Statistics
is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation
in recognition of his innovative and entrepreneurial achievements, and inspiring the same spirit in others.
2015
Tom Duff, Senior Research Scientist, Pixar
BMath 1974, Applied Analysis
is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation
for his contributions to computer graphics and entertaining the world.
2014
Jeromy Carriere, Engineer Director, Google Inc.
BMath 1995, Computer Science
is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation
for his exceptional combination of technical innovation, drive, leadership and hands-on invention in organizations ranging from startups to the world's largest internet and software companies.
2013
Jay Steele, Former Senior Director, Blackberry Halifax
BMath 1996, Computer Science
is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation
for his exceptional entrepreneurial spirit exemplified by his innovation in start-up ventures and leadership in the high tech sector.
2012
Stephen M. Watt, Professor, University of Western Ontario;
PhD 1986, Computer Science
is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation
for his contributions to computing and software in academia and industry, and to university-industry collaborations.
2011
Zack Urlocker, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Zendesk
MMath 1986, Computer Science
is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation
2010
Steven Woods, Site Director, Google Inc.
PhD 1996, Computer Science
is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation
2009
Craig Eisler, Corporate Vice President (VP), Entertainment Client Software,
Microsoft Corporation
BMath 1989, Applied Mathematics and Computer Science
is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation
2008
Eric Veach, Distinguished Software Engineer, Google Inc.
BMath 1990, Combinatorics Optimization and Computer Science
is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation
2007
Ricardo Baeza-Yates, Director of Yahoo! Research in Barcelona, Spain;
PhD 1988, Computer Science
is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation
2006
Deane Farrar, Senior Vice President (VP), Industry Solutions, Bycast Inc.
BMath 1988, Mathematics and Business - Information Systems
is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation
2005
Garth A. Gibson, Co-founder Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Panasas Inc.;
BMath 1983, Applied Mathematics
is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation
2004
David P. Yach, Senior Vice President (VP) of Software, Research in Motion
BMath 1983, Computer Science
is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation
2003
F. David Boswell, VP General Manager, Siebel Institutional Finance
BMath 1978, MMath 1980, Computer Science
is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation
2002
Peter Savich, Co-founder, Nutch 
BMath 1985, MMath 1987, Computer Science
is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation
2001
Terry Stepien, President, iAnywhere Solutions
BMath 1981, MMath 1988, Computer Science
is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation
2000
Paul Van Oorschot, Vice President (VP) Chief Scientist,
BMath 1984, MMath 1986, PhD 1988, Computer Science
is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation
1999
Kim Davidson, President COO, Side Effects Software Inc.
BES 1978, BMath 1981
is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation
1998
Dan Dodge, President, QNX Software Systems Ltd.
BSc 1977, MMath 1981, Computer Science
is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation
1997
James Mitchell, Vice President (VP), Sun Laboratories, Sun Microsystems Inc.
BSc 1966, Mathematics
is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation
1996
William Reeves, Manager of Animation Research and Development (RD),
BMath 1974, Applied Analysis
is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation
1995
Ian McPhee, President, Watcom International Corporation
BMath 1973, MMath 1979, Computer Science
is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation