51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø

Sept. 7, 2023
For Immediate Release

WATERLOO — 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø’s Alumni Association (WLUAA) and 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø are proud to announce the recipients of the 2023 Alumni Awards of Excellence and the 2023 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø Philanthropy Awards. The association and the university will honour the recipients of these prestigious awards at a ceremony Sept. 20 as part of Homecoming on 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø’s Waterloo campus. All community members are invited to .

“From a Juno-award-winning musician to a number of trailblazing changemakers in their fields, this year’s recipients are positively contributing to 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø’s reputation in incredible and highly impactful ways,” said WLUAA President Kyle Walker (BA ’11), who will serve as emcee for the evening’s award ceremony. “These awards aim to recognize some of 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø’s most outstanding alumni and friends, and to celebrate the inspiring ways these members of the 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø community are leading lives of leadership and purpose.” 

“We are incredibly proud to count these individuals as members of our 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø community,” said 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah MacLatchy. “In their own unique ways, they are setting an example for our students, demonstrating how generosity and true engagement can effect change and make the world a better place.” 

The Alumni Awards of Excellence are presented annually to recognize significant contributions to the 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø community. The awards are made possible thanks to the dedicated efforts of volunteer WLUAA board members.   

The 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø Philanthropy Awards are presented annually to recipients who exemplify the true spirit of philanthropy. Through their direct financial support, leadership and donations of time, 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø Philanthropy award winners demonstrate a deep-seated commitment and lasting dedication to the mission, vision and values of 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø and its students. 

Learn more about the Awards of Excellence, and find nomination information on the .  

Congratulations to this year’s recipients:   

Alumnus/Alumna of the Year: Priscilla Galvez ('13)

This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø graduate.  

Honorary Alumnus/Alumna of the Year: Dr. Micheál Kelly  

This award recognizes friends of 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø whose contributions enhance the university and outside communities. 

Young Alumnus/Alumna of the Year: Amaryllis Jones ('14, '20) & Oluwatobi Ajibolade ('15) 

This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø alumnus/alumna who is 35 years of age or younger. 

Entrepreneurial Spirit Award: Jeremy Hedges ('15)

This award recognizes an alumnus/alumna from any faculty for their outstanding work as a business founder or entrepreneurial leader with a demonstrated ability to generate business growth. 

Award for Community Impact: Heather McDonald ('98) 

This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø alumnus/alumna to foster a better world through local, national or international initiatives as a volunteer, advocate or employee.   

Forever Golden Hawk Award: Jeff Henderson ('89) 

This award recognizes outstanding ongoing contribution to 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø through their exceptional support, volunteerism or service to the university. 

51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø Philanthropy Award 2023: Peter Izzio ('90) & Eileen Mercier ('68, '13)

The 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø Philanthropy Award is presented in recognition and celebration of an individual, corporation or foundation whose generosity has contributed significantly to the advancement of 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø.