Distinguished Alumni Awards

Ka-Ping Yee is a distinguished academic and engineer recognized for his outstanding contributions to both scholarship and technology. As the top graduating student from the University of Waterloo, he received the Governor General’s Silver Medal and the Gold Medal from the Ontario Association of Professional Engineers. He later earned a doctorate from the University of California, Berkeley, authoring approximately 20 academic publications. 

Yee has also made a significant impact through his work in crisis response, developing a national survivor registry for victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and creating a Google crisis map platform to aid communities during natural disasters. In recognition of his achievements, he was honored with United College’s 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Tracy Primeau (BA ’98) is a trailblazer in the Canadian nuclear industry and a dedicated community leader. As one of the few women to become a Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission licensed operator at Bruce Power, she made history as the only woman to work her way up from the shop floor to the role of Shift Manager. Currently leading the Emergent Work Team, she mentors both women and men in operations and leadership roles while serving on the Women in Nuclear Canada Board. 

Tracy’s commitment to her community extends beyond her industry work—she is the Board Chair of the Women’s House Serving Bruce & Grey, an executive member of her local hockey club, the Energy Representative on her municipality’s Economic Development Committee, and a member of the United College Board of Governors. In recognition of her achievements, she was honoured with United College’s 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Gary Foerster has built an exemplary career in publishing and printing while dedicating himself to community service and philanthropy. As president and co-founder of Sportswood Printing, he has played a key role in delivering high-quality commercial, digital, and wide-format print services to businesses and institutions across Ontario. His career began at Thomson Newspapers before he pursued his passion for horse racing, joining The Canadian Sportsman magazine as editor in 1977. He later became a partner and publisher, remaining deeply involved in the racing industry for over 35 years. In 1989, he co-founded Sportswood Printing, where he continues to contribute to its growth. 

A committed community leader, Gary serves on the Board of Directors for the Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital and has been a dedicated volunteer with the Tillsonburg Helping Hand Food Bank, where he is a past chair and current board member. His connection to United College runs deep—he joined the Board of Governors in 2013, served a term as Board Chair, and, alongside his wife Val, has generously supported the college through philanthropy and volunteerism. In recognition of his achievements, he was honoured with United College’s 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Sepanta Dorri has forged an impressive career in the mining and resource sector, demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication to her profession. As Vice President of Corporate Development at Teck Resources, she is responsible for identifying and pursuing external growth opportunities while supporting internal initiatives. Her extensive experience includes senior roles at Teranga Gold, Xstrata Nickel, and Merrill Lynch Canada’s Metals and Mining group. 

She has played a pivotal role in several multi-billion-dollar mining deals, including Freeport McMoran’s acquisition of Phelps Dodge, Goldcorp’s acquisition of Glamis Gold, and Barrick Gold’s acquisition of Placer Dome. In recognition of her influence in the industry, Sepanta was named one of the Women Executive Network’s (WXN) Most Powerful Women in 2012 in the Trailblazers and Trendsetters category. She has actively championed gender inclusiveness, mentoring women through WXN’s leadership program and leading Xstrata’s gender diversity strategy. 

In 2020, she broke new ground as the first female director on the board of Horizonte Minerals. A former resident of United College from 1991 to 1993, Sepanta also excelled in athletics, contributing to the University of Waterloo’s 1996 national champion women’s cross-country team. In honor of her professional achievements and service to the community, she was awarded United College’s 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Alison Jackson has built an outstanding career in professional services, demonstrating dedication to her profession and a strong commitment to community service. She joined EY Canada in 1998, became a Partner in 2007, and has served as Managing Partner of the EY Calgary office since 2019. In this leadership role, she is responsible for shaping office culture and driving market strategy.

Alison has further honed her expertise through executive education programs at the Kellogg School of Management, the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University, and the London School of Business, as well as completing the Directors Education Program with the Institute of Corporate Directors. Her commitment to service extends beyond her profession—she has served on the boards of United College, the Ontario Association of Triathletes, the Calgary Public Library, and the United Way Calgary and Area. 

Currently, she contributes her expertise as a member of the Advisory Council of the Simpson Centre for Agricultural and Food Innovation and Public Education at the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy. In recognition of her leadership and impact, Alison Jackson was honoured with United College’s 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Rodd Barr has made an exceptional impact in both his professional career and his longstanding dedication to United College. A retired Chartered Professional Accountant, Rodd had a distinguished career with Deloitte and was elected a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 1988—an honor achieved by fewer than 3% of accountants in recognition of outstanding contributions to the profession. He served on the Institute’s Council from 1999 to 2006, including a term as Chair from 2004 to 2006. In 2009, Rodd was appointed President and CEO of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario, where he played a pivotal role in unifying various accounting designations under the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation.

Beyond his professional achievements, Rodd has been a dedicated volunteer and generous supporter of United College and the University of Waterloo. He served multiple terms on the St. Paul’s Board of Governors, including one term as Chair, helping to guide the college’s growth and development. His commitment to student success is reflected in his establishment of a Family Entrance Scholarship with the School of Accounting and Finance, ensuring future generations have opportunities to excel. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to his profession and to United College, Rodd Barr was honoured with the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Winnie Lam has built an outstanding career at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and global impact. A 2000 graduate of the University of Waterloo with a degree in Systems Design Engineering and a minor in Management Science, Winnie has dedicated over 15 years to Google, where she currently serves as Director of Energy for Google Cloud. In this role, she leads strategy, product development, and key partnerships with customers in the energy sector, driving innovation in sustainable solutions.

Beyond her corporate achievements, Winnie is deeply committed to environmental conservation. She serves on the National Council Advisory Group for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and co-founded the Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online, a groundbreaking initiative that united major tech companies—including Google, Facebook, and Microsoft—to ban online sales of elephant ivory and endangered animal products. Her leadership has been recognized internally at Google, where she has received the prestigious Founder’s Award and is a three-time recipient of the Executive Management Group Award.

Winnie’s commitment to sustainability, technological innovation, and community service embodies the values of United College, making her a deserving recipient of the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award.

James Fraser is celebrated for his exemplary career, unwavering dedication to the advancement of education, and steadfast service to the St. Paul’s community. An Associate Professor of Physics at Queen’s University, James is highly regarded for his groundbreaking research in ultra-fast light-matter interactions and non-linear optics, as well as his innovative work to enhance precision laser cutting. 

Alongside his research, he has earned widespread recognition for his exceptional teaching, including the prestigious 2017 3M National Teaching Fellowship, the 2016 Medal for Excellence in Teaching Undergraduate Physics from the Canadian Association of Physicists, and the Queen’s Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2012. 

James and his wife, Lisa Sansom, have also demonstrated their commitment to education through their loyal support of United College and the University of Waterloo as dedicated donors for over two decades. His contributions to academia, research, and community service exemplify the values of leadership and excellence making him a deserving recipient of United College’s 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Anne Vivian-Scott has dedicated her career to advancing education, innovation, and healthcare technology. As the President and CEO of BKIN Technologies, she leads a company that utilizes robotic instruments to assess brain injuries, bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world applications. Prior to this role, Anne spent 15 years at PARTEQ Innovations, the former technology transfer agency of Queen’s University, where she played a key role in transforming university-based research into meaningful products.

Her leadership extends beyond her company, as she actively contributes to the broader scientific and entrepreneurial communities. She is a member of the Ontario Brain Institute’s Industry Advisory Council and serves on the board of Launch Lab, a Regional Innovation Centre supporting businesses in Kingston and Southeastern Ontario.

Anne’s dedication to education and research is matched by her longstanding commitment to United College and the University of Waterloo. Alongside her husband Steve, she has been a loyal donor for more than 20 years, supporting the next generation of students and researchers. Her impact on innovation and education makes her a deserving recipient of the 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Jo-Anne Willment has dedicated her life to education, community service, and breaking down barriers for others. Her connection to St. Paul’s began in 1973 as a first-year resident, where she quickly became involved in campus life, performing in some of the earliest editions of BlackForest Coffeehouse. Over the years, she has remained a devoted member of the St. Paul’s community, serving on the Board of Governors, the alumni association executive, and continuing to give back as an active volunteer and donor.

At age 34, Jo-Anne faced a life-changing challenge when she suffered a stroke. Rather than letting it define her, she used the experience as motivation to pursue an Ed.D. in Education, dedicating her career to removing barriers and improving access to learning. A recognized expert in adult and distance education, she held positions at the University of Waterloo, Dalhousie, and the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary, leaving a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike.

Now retired, Jo-Anne continues to enrich her community through music, as a member of the Knox United Church choir and the Royal Canadian College of Organists. Her unwavering commitment to education, inclusion, and service makes her a truly deserving recipient of the 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Dr. Ian Goulden has built an exceptional career in mathematics while remaining deeply connected to the St. Paul’s community. His journey began in 1972 as a resident of St. Paul’s, where he formed lifelong friendships. In 2015, he led a fundraising effort that raised over $50,000 to establish a student award in memory of his close friend and fellow alumnus, Tom Dabrowski, demonstrating his commitment to giving back.

Ian earned his BMath from the University of Waterloo in 1976, graduating with the inaugural Alumni Gold Medal for highest academic achievement. He continued at Waterloo for his MMath (1977) and PhD (1979), before joining the Department of Combinatorics and Optimization as a faculty member in 1980. His academic leadership included three terms as Department Chair, a role as Director of the Mathematics Business programs in the late 1990s, and a five-year term as Dean of Mathematics beginning in 2010.

A Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Ian is renowned for his research in algebraic combinatorics. He is also an esteemed instructor, recognized with the Faculty of Mathematics Award for Distinction in Teaching in 2009. His dedication to education, research, and St. Paul’s makes him a deserving recipient of the 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Nancy McCalder has dedicated her career to improving mental health services and support for those in need. A graduate of the Honours Co-op Recreation and Leisure Studies program, she lived at United College in 1973-74 before embarking on a lifelong journey of advocacy and service.

Recently retired, Nancy spent over 25 years working in mental health awareness and advocacy in Alberta. As Executive Director of The Support Network, she played a pivotal role in collaborating with Alberta Health Services to create the Wellness Network, Alberta’s first peer-to-peer mental health support service. Her efforts led to the development and expansion of critical resources such as the 24-Hour Distress Line, Suicide Grief Support, and 211—a wayfinding telephone and web service designed to enhance wellness and accessibility for Albertans.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Nancy was honored with the 2016 True Leadership Award by the Lieutenant Governor’s Circle on Mental Health and Addiction. Her unwavering dedication to helping others and improving mental health support systems has made her a deserving recipient of the 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Sean Murphy has built an exemplary career as a leader in business management while remaining deeply engaged in his community. A graduate of Mechanical Engineering, he lived at United College in 1988-89 before continuing his education with a Master of Business Administration from the University of Ottawa. His connection to Waterloo remains strong, as he recently joined the University of Waterloo Alumni Council as one of two College representatives.

With over 20 years of experience as a management consultant, Sean is currently a Partner with MNP LLP, where he specializes in business and IT strategy, digital transformation, information management, and project management. Prior to this, he founded and served as CEO of A Hundred Answers (AHA), an award-winning Ottawa-based professional services firm. Under his leadership, AHA was recognized as one of Canada’s fastest-growing companies and one of Ottawa’s top employers, as voted by employees, before merging with MNP LLP in 2016.

Beyond his professional achievements, Sean is dedicated to his family life. He is married to Tracy and is the proud father of Delaney, Jack, and Quinn. His leadership, commitment to innovation, and service to the community makes him deserving of the 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Rev. Adam Kilner has dedicated his life to ministry, social justice, and community engagement. A 2006 graduate of the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, Adam resided at United College during his studies. He currently serves as the congregational minister at Dunlop Central United Church in Sarnia, Ontario, where he leads a diverse and inclusive congregation. In 2021, he played a pivotal role in the amalgamation of Dunlop United Church and Central United Church, fostering unity and growth within the community.

Beyond his pastoral duties, Adam is an editorial advisor for Touchstone, a Canadian journal of theology and heritage, contributing to the discourse on faith and society. His passion for Black history is deeply personal; as an infant, he was fostered by Rev. Adam Vinson, a Black Baptist minister, and his wife Erma. This early experience has profoundly influenced his commitment to social justice and inclusivity. Adam's dedication extends to community activism, focusing on developing just and healthy relationships concerning race, gender, orientation, and interreligious dialogue. In 2015, he was honoured with United College's Distinguished Alumni Award.

Bill Watson has demonstrated unwavering dedication to both his profession and the University of Waterloo community. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Economics and Political Science in 1976, he furthered his education at Osgoode Hall Law School, earning an LLB in 1979. Professionally, Bill is a principal with the international law firm Baker & McKenzie LLP, specializing in administrative law, complex negotiations, employment law, labour relations, international labour standards, and occupational health and safety.

Bill's commitment to the University of Waterloo is evident through his extensive service. He served on the Board of Governors from 2011 to 2017, including a term as Chair from 2015 to 2017. Previously, he held the position of President of the University of Waterloo Alumni Association. In recognition of his professional achievements and public service, Bill was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2015.

Brad Siim has built an impressive career as a technology entrepreneur while remaining a dedicated ambassador for United College. A 1992 graduate of the University of Waterloo’s Computer Engineering program, Brad co-founded multiple successful companies, including PixStream and Sandvine, both of which became major players in the tech industry.

His entrepreneurial success has been widely recognized—he was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year in Technology by Ernst & Young’s Ontario region in 2007 and was later inducted into the Waterloo Region Entrepreneur Hall of Fame as an Intrepid Entrepreneur.

Beyond his professional achievements, Brad has remained deeply connected to United College, serving as a long-standing member of the Board of Governors and consistently advocating for the College’s growth and success. His leadership and generosity have helped strengthen the College’s mission, making a lasting impact on the community, making him a recipient of the 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award.

David Cornfield has combined a successful career in technology with a deep commitment to philanthropy. After graduating from the University of Waterloo in 1985 with a degree in Engineering, David joined Microsoft, where he contributed to the company’s early growth. He later became an early investor in Amazon, positioning himself at the forefront of the tech industry’s evolution.

Following his retirement, David and his wife turned their focus to philanthropy, dedicating their time and resources to meaningful causes. His journey from Waterloo to the heights of the technology sector reflects his vision and drive, while his dedication to giving back demonstrates a lasting commitment to making a difference in the world, and makes him deserving of the 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Don Shilton has dedicated over three decades to advancing healthcare in Ontario. After earning his Bachelor of Science from the University of Waterloo in 1981, he pursued an MBA in Health Services Management from McMaster University and became a Certified Health Executive with the Canadian College of Health Leaders. In 2010, Don was appointed President of St. Mary's General Hospital in Kitchener, where he unveiled an ambitious vision to make St. Mary's "the safest and most effective hospital in Canada." 

Under his leadership, the hospital achieved the lowest Hospital Standardized Mortality Ratio in Canada twice within five years, leading media to refer to St. Mary's as "the safest hospital in Canada." Don's innovative approach also led St. Mary's to become the first hospital to post emergency room wait times online, enhancing transparency and patient trust. After retiring in 2018, Don continued his commitment to healthcare and education by joining the United College Board of Governors in 2019. His decades of dedication towards ensuring patients have a healthy experience makes him a recipient of the 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Douglas Grenkie has built a distinguished career in law and community service. After graduating from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Arts in 1965, he earned his LLB from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1968 and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1970. Practicing general law for over five decades, Douglas was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1980, a designation recognizing exceptional merit in the legal profession. His contributions were further acknowledged with the prestigious Law Society Medal in 2009 and the Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. Beyond his legal career, Douglas has been deeply involved in his community, embodying the values of leadership and service, making him a recipient of the 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Graduated from the University of Waterloo with a BA in Psychology in 1978, followed by an MA in Clinical Psychology and advanced training in marriage and family therapy. Throughout her career, Elizabeth has dedicated herself to supporting individuals and families as a therapist, focusing on creating meaningful, lasting change. Her expertise has had a profound impact on many lives, offering guidance and healing through counseling and therapy.

Beyond her work in psychology, Elizabeth served as a United Church minister, blending her spiritual and therapeutic practices to help those in need. Her compassionate service and commitment to her community have made her a recipient of United College's 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Dr. Frances Chapman completed her BA in Sociology at the University of Waterloo in 1998 before pursuing a law degree at Western University. After being admitted to the bar in 2003, she returned to her studies in 2005 to focus on criminal law, further refining her expertise.

In 2007, Dr. Chapman joined the University of Waterloo as a Legal Studies instructor at St. Jerome’s University, where her passion for teaching and law flourished. She became a full-time Assistant Professor in 2009, significantly contributing to the development of legal studies programs and inspiring countless students.

In 2013, Dr. Chapman relocated to Thunder Bay, Ontario, where she became a founding professor at Lakehead University’s Faculty of Law. Her transition to this leadership role helped shape the future of legal education at the university, marking a new chapter in her distinguished career. Dr. Chapman’s commitment to legal education, mentorship, and community impact made her a standout choice for the 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Gary Albach holds a B.Sc from the University of Waterloo, along with an M.Sc and PhD in Physics from the University of British Columbia. With over 30 years of experience in managing high-tech companies, Gary’s expertise in the industry has been transformative.

As the founder and CEO of Mattson Canada, the first official spin-off company at UBC, Gary helped pave the way for innovation and entrepreneurship in the tech sector. His leadership and entrepreneurial spirit also led him to serve as UBC’s inaugural Entrepreneur-in-Residence for two years, where he mentored and supported emerging startups.

Gary retired in 2012 as the founding CEO of Alberta Innovates, an organization dedicated to advancing innovation and technology in Alberta. Throughout his career, Gary’s contributions have significantly shaped the growth and success of the high-tech sector, leaving a lasting impact on both industry and academia.

Gary’s career exemplifies leadership, innovation, and a commitment to advancing technology, making him a deserving recipient of the 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Mark Lukowski completed his Math degree at the University of Waterloo in 1973 and obtained an MBA from McMaster University in 1975. He went on to have a distinguished career in business, serving as a senior executive with major companies such as HP, Motorola, and Clarke Transport. His leadership and expertise in the corporate world contributed to the growth and success of these organizations.

In April 2009, Mark was appointed as the CEO of Christian Children’s Fund of Canada, where he led the organization with dedication and a strong commitment to its mission of improving the lives of children and families worldwide. During his time as a student at St. Paul’s in the early 1970s, Mark was also part of the original group that started the Blackforest Coffeehouse, a space that became an iconic part of the student community.

Mark’s career in both business and charitable leadership, along with his entrepreneurial spirit, makes him a deserving recipient of United College's 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award.