Wilfrid Laurier University’s Alumni Association (WLUAA) honoured the recipients of its most prestigious awards at an event on Wednesday, Sept. 20 as part of the 2023 Homecoming celebrations in Waterloo.
“The Alumni Association is thrilled to be recognizing the exceptional contributions of these individuals not only in the Laurier community, but also the broader communities they are a part of,” said WLUAA president Kyle Walker (BA ’11) who hosted the ceremony. “Each recipient knows how proud we are of their many accomplishments and contributions.”
The Alumni Awards of Excellence are presented annually to recognize significant contributions to the Laurier community. The awards are made possible thanks to the dedicated efforts of volunteer WLUAA board members.
“We are incredibly proud to count these individuals as members of our Laurier community,” said Laurier 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.”
In addition to the Awards of Excellence, the ceremony presented the 2023 Laurier Philanthropy Awards to two well-known Laurier alumni, Laurier Chancellor Eileen Mercier (’68, ’13) and Peter Izzio (’90), who both highlighted what makes Laurier special in their remarks.
“My family and I give to support younger people at Laurier… because it’s really the people who make the difference here,” said Izzio.
Through their direct financial support, leadership and donations of time, Laurier Philanthropy award winners demonstrate a deep-seated commitment and lasting dedication to the mission, vision and values of Laurier and its students.
“When I walk around campus, I see a lot of things that have changed,” said Mercier. “But the things that have not changed are the smiles I see on students’ faces, the atmosphere around campus and the feeling of family here at Laurier.”
Among the Awards of Excellence recipients, Amaryllis Jones (’14, ’20) was awarded one of the Young Alumni of the Year awards and spoke about the positive changes she has seen at Laurier.
“I’m so proud to call myself a Golden Hawk and to see the advancement and investments made to increase the opportunities for marginalized students, students like me, who took advantage of a lot of the funding and resources available from Laurier,” said Jones.
Watch the full recording of the ceremony and speeches:
Congratulations to this year’s recipients:
Entrepreneurial Spirit Award: Jeremy Hedges ’15
Jeremy is the founder and CEO of InkSmith Educational Technology. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he recognized the severe shortage of quality PPE in Canada and decided to pivot his focus towards protecting front line workers. Jeremy is also the founder of Forward Education, a spinoff of InkSmith launched this summer, which aims to foster a new generation of students to address climate change by bringing coding and Climate Action together in the classroom to make teaching computer science easy.
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
Heather is a respected health care leader in her field who is often recognized for excellence. She is currently the CEO of LOFT Community Services – responsible for multiple programs serving people with serious mental health, physical health and substance use challenges. Heather is a strong advocate for the important leadership role that social workers play in health care.
This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a Laurier alumnus/alumna to foster a better world through local, national or international initiatives as a volunteer, advocate or employee.
Young Alumni of the Year: Oluwatobi Ajibolade '15
& Amaryllis Jones '14, '20
Oluwatobi is a two-time Juno Award winner for Best Rap Album of the Year. He brings attention to social issues through his music, and his commitment to supporting his community continues. Oluwatobi funded an initiative for counsellors to provide six months of free therapy to those impacted by the pandemic who were unable to afford counselling.
Amaryllis is a two-time Laurier alum, recently appointed HR director, Canada Talent Acquisition and E & I at Procter & Gamble. She co-created an “anti-racism mindset” four-part workshop series to further Equity and Inclusion dialogue and understanding around systemic racism. Amaryllis also received an Equity & Inclusion Award from P&G to recognize her leadership work in 2021.
This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a Laurier alumnus/alumna who is 35 years of age or younger.
Alumna of the Year: Priscilla Galvez '13
Priscilla is a co-founder of Silent Tower production company. She has produced films that have appeared on Netflix, Hulu, Crave, PBS and the New Yorker and directed work for the CBC, she also has earned a fellowship at the revered Accelerator Lab with the Toronto International Film Festival. Priscilla is actively working to create a safe, inclusive and equitable environment for BIPOC, immigrant and female filmmakers.
This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a Laurier graduate.
Forever Golden Hawk: Jeff Henderson ’89
Jeff has worked in several critical leadership roles including Group Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer and Chief Auditor. Currently, he is the Chief Technology Officer at Interac. He is also Chair of the Advisory Board of the Canadian Institute of Cybersecurity. His early commitment of TD as a sponsor of Laurier’s international Case conference made it viable and attracted other sponsors and top schools from around the world. Jeff gives generously through his time and talent, often offering to judge and speak to students and seeks opportunity to educate.
This award recognizes outstanding ongoing contribution to Laurier through their exceptional support, volunteerism or service to the university.
Honorary Alumnus of the Year: Dr. Micheàl Kelly
Dr. Kelly was Dean of the Lazaridis School of Business & Economics for 10 years, leading an exceptional transformation. Under his leadership, the Lazaridis School program grew from a highly respected yet modest department at Laurier to the world-renowned Lazaridis School of Business & Economics housed in the award-winning Lazaridis Hall. Dr. Kelly tirelessly worked to connect with alumni and the broader community to raise awareness and build the reputation of the Lazaridis School.
This award recognizes friends of Laurier whose contributions enhance the university and outside communities.
Laurier Philanthropy Award: Eileen Mercier '68, '13 & Peter Izzio '90
Laurier's Chancellor since 2016, Eileen is a champion for higher education, presiding over convocation, officially bestowing all degrees and diplomas. She has been Chair of the Board (1989-91) and a member of the Senate and the Board of Governors, the Board of Governors Development Committee, the President’s Council of Advisors and the Building Canada’s Best Business School Campaign Cabinet. Eileen is a true leader who uses her passions to inspire others.
Peter Izzio is one of Laurier’s most devoted Golden Hawks and a champion of equity in sports. His efforts have kept Laurier's football program strong, he has inspired and connected countless Football alumni, and has had a direct impact on the success of many cohorts of student athletes. He also pioneered the Score-to-Win program, has generously created the Izzio Family Award for Women’s Hockey players, the Izzio Family Award for Women's Basketball players
The Laurier Philanthropy Awards are presented annually to recipients who exemplify the true spirit of philanthropy. Through their direct financial support, leadership and donations of time, Laurier Philanthropy award winners demonstrate a deep-seated commitment and lasting dedication to the mission, vision and values of Laurier and its students.
Learn more about the Awards of Excellence and find nomination information.