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Alumni

ɬíɬəl ʔa kʷs ƛ̓kʷəxnəq Skʷukʷəlstəŋəƛ̓ | SIÁMĆEȽ | 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards

The ɬíɬəl ʔa kʷs ƛ̓kʷəxnəq Skʷukʷəlstəŋəƛ̓ | SIÁMĆEȽ | Distinguished Alumni Awards celebrate the remarkable achievements of University of Victoria graduates in 1 of 3 categories:

Save the date

We will announce the recipients of the ɬíɬəl ʔa kʷs ƛ̓kʷəxnəq Skʷukʷəlstəŋəƛ̓ | SIÁMĆEȽ | 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards in late February, followed by a reception Thursday, March 26, 2026. More details to come.

Presidents' Alumni Awards

Presented by UVic's President and the President of the UVic Alumni Association (UVAA), this award recognizes the outstanding lifetime accomplishments of alumni who have either:

  • earned national or international regard
  • had a significant local impact as a result of their outstanding professional achievements
Jennie Christensen
Person with shoulder length hair, wearing glasses and a lab coat smiling.
  • UVic degree: Doctor of Philosophy in Earth and Ocean Sciences, 2008
Learn more about Jennie Christensen
Leopoldo Infante
Man wearing glasses and standing in front of a large telescope at night.
  • UVic degrees: Master of Science in Physics, 1985; Doctor of Philosophy in Physics, 1990
Learn more about Leopoldo Infante
Cassandra Miller
Person standing outside holding a shell or rock with a hole in it up to their eye.
  • UVic degree: Bachelor of Music in Composition and Theory, 2005
Learn more about Cassandra Miller
Suromitra Sanatani
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  • UVic degree: Bachelor of Arts in French, 1985
Learn more about Suromitra Sanatani
Laurel Schafer
Woman wearing glasses smiling in a science lab.
  • UVic degree: Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry, 1999
Learn more about Laurel Schafer
Jill Schnarr
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  • UVic degree: Master of Business Administration, 2018 
Learn more about Jill Schnarr
Tania Willard
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  • UVic degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts, 1998
Learn more about Tania Willard
Thom Garfat
  • UVic degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, 1974; Doctor of Philosophy in Child and Youth Care, 1996
Learn more about Thom Garfat

Emerging Alumni Awards

These awards recognize the outstanding professional achievements and/or contributions of recent alumni (graduated within the last 10 years) to the community.

Chari Arespacochaga
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  • UVic degree: Master of Fine Arts in Theatre, 2015
Learn more about Chari Arespacochaga
Katie Gamble
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  • UVic degree: Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurship, 2018     
Learn more about Katie Gamble
Sahar Sam
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  • UVic degree: Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering, 2016
Learn more about Sahar Sam

Indigenous Community Alumni Awards

These awards recognize the contributions of alumni to Indigenous communities, which have improved outcomes for Indigenous people and contributed to Truth and Reconciliation.

Crystal Clark
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  • UVic degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts, 2002
Learn more about Crystal Clark
Verna Miller
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  • UVic degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Environmental Studies, 1996
Learn more about Verna Miller
Aaju Peter
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  • UVic degrees: Bachelor of Laws, 2005; Certificate in Indigenous Language Revitalization, 2022
Learn more about Aaju Peter
Marcia Turner
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  • UVic degrees: Certificate in Administration in Aboriginal Governance, 1996; Diploma in Public Sector Management, 2005; Bachelor of Arts, 2012
Learn more about Marcia Turner

Nominate a UVic alum

Learn more about how to nominate an alum.

Nominate an outstanding alum

Past DAA recipients

UVic has been celebrating distinguished alumni for over 10 years.

Meet our past award recipients.