Recipients of the J.W. Graham Medal in Computing & Innovation

Congratulations to the following MathematicsĀ alumni who have received the J.W. Graham Medal since 1995. This distinguished group of MathematicsĀ alumni have received this medal in recognition of their leadership, as well as theirĀ innovative contributions to the University of WaterlooĀ and the Canadian computer industry.Ā 

2024

Bryce

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

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.Ā 

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.

Professor Don Cowan

2020

woman with long dark hair smiling and posing for a picture
Joanne McKinley, Director of Software Development, Google
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

Eldon Sprickerhoff

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

Alex Nicolau

BMath 1993, MMath 1999, Computer Science

is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation

2017

Vicki Iverson, Co-founder CTO, Iversoft

Vicki Iverson

BMath 2006, Computer Science

is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation

2016

Tas Tsonis, CEO, Pulse Microsystems

Tas Tsonis

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

Tom Duff

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.

Jeromy Carriere

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

Jay Steele

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;

Stephen M. Watt
and Lead Director, Descartes Systems Group
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

Zack Urlocker

MMath 1986, Computer Science

is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation

2010

Steven Woods, Site Director, Google Inc.

Steven Woods

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,Craig Eisler 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.

Eric Veach

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;

Ricardo Baeza-Yates
and Director of Yahoo! Research Latin America in Santiago, Chile
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.

Deanne Farrar

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.;

Garth A. Gibson
and Associate Professor, Carnegie Mellon University
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

David P. Yach

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

F. David Boswell

BMath 1978, MMath 1980, Computer Science

is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation

2002

Peter Savich, Co-founder, Nutch No picture available
BMath 1985, MMath 1987, Computer Science

is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation

2001

Terry Stepien, President, iAnywhere Solutions

Terry Stepien

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,

Paul Van Oorschot
Entrust Technologies Ltd.
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.

Kim Davidson

BES 1978, BMath 1981

is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation

1998

Dan Dodge, President, QNX Software Systems Ltd.

Dan Dodge

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.

James Mitchell

BSc 1966, Mathematics

is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation

1996

William Reeves, Manager of Animation Research and Development (RD),

William Reeves
Pixar Animation Studios
BMath 1974, Applied Analysis

is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation

1995

Ian McPhee, President, Watcom International Corporation

Ian McPhee

BMath 1973, MMath 1979, Computer Science

is awarded the
J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation