Alumni award recipients

alumni award

Our alumni have a long history of distinction; although we are a smaller department in the Faculty of Engineering, Systems Design Engineering alumni have won more awards than any other department.  

Anyone can submit a nomination for a UW Engineering alumni award. Please consider nominating other Systems Design Engineering alumni for one of the alumni awards.

2012

Ilia Kaufman
PhD 1971, Systems Design Engineering

is awarded the Faculty of Engineering Alumni Achievement Medal for Professional Achievement

in recognition of his role as founder, president and CEO of Kaufman Consulting Services Ltd., a world-leading software company that developed language technologies such as multilingual spell checking, grammar and search programs, and localization systems.

2011

Stephan Matusch

Stephan F. Matusch
BASc 1991, Systems Design Engineering

is awarded the Faculty of Engineering Alumni Achievement Medal for Professional Achievement in recognition of his remarkable accomplishments as founder of Ionic Engineering, a leader of industrial automation in the mining industry, and his significant contributions to his community as the founding director of SudburyROCKS!!! Race, Run or Walk for Diabetes.

Kurtis McBride

Kurtis N. McBride
BASc 2004, Systems Design Engineering
MASc 2008, Systems Design Engineering

is awarded the Faculty of Engineering Young Alumni Achievement Medal in recognition of his co-founding Miovision Technologies Inc. while a Waterloo systems design engineering master’s student, and for his numerous impressive contributions to the industry and to the community, which include volunteering as a mentor at the Accelerator Centre.

2010

John Baker

John A. Baker
BASc 2000, Systems Design Engineering
Young Alumni Achievement Medal

in recognition of his impressive entrepreneurial accomplishments as the founder, president and CEO of Desire2Learn, an innovative e-learning business that he started as an undergraduate Waterloo Engineering student.

2009

Cameron Piron

Cameron A. Piron 
BASc 1998, Systems Design Engineering 

For his innovative leadership as president and co-founder of Sentinelle Medical Inc. in the research and manufacturing of leading-edge MRI technologies that allow physicians to more quickly and accurately diagnose breast cancer and other medical conditions.

Kevin Salvadori

Kevin Salvadori
BASc 1993, Systems Design Engineering

For his unique combination of skills and compelling vision of the future that as executive vice president of business transformation and technology operations at Telus has helped him lead significant transformational programs.

2007

Donald Noakes

Donald J. Noakes
MASc 1979, Systems Design Engineering
PhD 1985, Systems Design Engineering

For his outstanding role as a national leader in the protection of Canada’s natural resources and the development of its fisheries, and for his international reputation as a scientist who pushes for greater understanding.

2006

Vivienne Ojala

Vivienne Ojala
BASc 1984, Systems Design Engineering

For her extraordinary talents and accomplishments as a business professional and an engineer, for her visionary leadership of Brock Solutions and for her generous service to Waterloo Engineering and the Kitchener-Waterloo community.

2005

Catherine Booth

Catherine A. Booth
BASc 1988, Systems Design Engineering
MASc 1990, Management Sciences

For her outstanding professional achievements as a role model and exceptional leader in the field of information technology consulting, and for her community service as a volunteer dedicated to making her community a better place to live.

John Seminerio

John M. Seminerio
BASc 1982, Systems Design Engineering

For his remarkable leadership in the volatile high-tech computer industry as one of the top serial entrepreneurs in Canada. His involvement with venture capital groups to invest back into the high-tech communcation.

2003

William M. Tatham
BASc 1983, Systems Design Engineering

For his entrepreneurial spirit and success as a business leader in the software industry and continued support and commitment to the Faculty of Engineering and the University of Waterloo.

2001

David S. McLeod
BASc 1979, Systems Design Engineering

For his continuing support to the enhancement of the medical profession and his many contributions to his community as a doctor, leader, and volunteer, particularly in the athletic sector.

Mark P. Turchan
BASc 1983, Systems Design Engineering
MASc 1985, Systems Design Engineering

For his academic excellence, his continuing contributions to the education of others, and his remarkable professional achievements through multiple careers and across multiple industries.

2000

Jim Estill
BASc 1980, Systems Design Engineering

For his outstanding entrepreneurial talent, witnessed by his professional accomplishments and encouragement of young entrepreneurs, and for his ongoing professional and educational contributions.

1996

Kathryn L. Woodcock
BASc 1979, Systems Design Engineering
MASc 1988, Systems Design Engineering

For her professional accomplishments, outstanding public service, and her inspiration for students and others with disabilities.

1995

Michael C. Volker
BASc 1972, Electrical Engineering
MASc 1973, Systems Design Engineering

For his creative entrepreneurship, beginning with the co-founding of one of the first of UW's "spin-off" companies (Volker-Craig Ltd.), and his innovative community service exemplified by his key role in the establishment of the Shad Valley Program.