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2024 Distinguished Alumni Awards

The Distinguished Alumni Awards celebrate the remarkable achievements of University of Victoria graduates in 1 of 3 categories:

Presidents' Alumni Awards

Presented by UVic's President and the President of the UVic Alumni Association (UVAA) to distinguished alumni, 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 and/or service to society
Rob Bennett
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  • UVic degree: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, 1983
Susan Blanchet
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  • UVic degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Environmental Studies, 1997; Law Juris Doctor, 2002
Jonny Morris
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  • UVic degree: Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care, 2007; Master of Arts in Child and Youth Care, 2011               
Bren Simmers
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  • UVic degree: Bachelor of Arts in Women Studies, 2000
Danielle Stevenson
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  • UVic degree: Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and History, 2010
Carrie Tennant
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  • UVic degree: Bachelor of Music in Music Education, 1999; Teaching Certificate, 2000

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.

Scott Beatty
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  • UVic degrees: Master of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering, 2009; PhD in Mechanical Engineering, 2015
Dennis Gupa
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  • UVic degree: Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Theatre, 2021       
Katłįà (Catherine) Lafferty
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  • UVic degree: Law Juris Indigenarum Doctor, 2023
Trevor MacKenzie
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  • UVic degrees: Bachelor of Arts in English, 2003; Teaching Certificate, 2004; Master of Education in Math, Science, Social Sciences and Education Technology, 2020       
Karen Saini
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  • UVic degrees: Bachelor of Social Work, 2015; Master of Public Administration, 2018
Jayesh Vekariya
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  • UVic degree: Master of Business Administration, 2019     
Fiona Wong
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  • UVic degree: Law Juris Doctor, 2020

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.

Melinda Kachina Bige
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  • UVic degree: Master of Arts in Indigenous Governance, 2016
Jon Carr
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  • UVic degrees: Bachelor of Science in Geography, 2010; Bachelor of Education, 2012
Jess Housty (Cúagilákv)
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  • UVic degree: Bachelor of Arts in English, 2009
Ivy Martin
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  • UVic degree: Diploma in Cultural Resource Management, 2023
Lydia Toorenburgh
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  • UVic degree: Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, 2018; Master of Arts in Anthropology, 2023

Nominate a UVic alum

Learn more about how to nominate an alum.

Past DAA recipients

UVic has been celebrating distinguished alumni for over 10 years.

Meet our past award recipients.

UVic alumni community

About UVic Alumni Relations

UVic Alumni Relations is part of the Alumni & Development department, led by Associate Vice President Jane Potentier. The department is part of UVic's Division of External Relations.

About the UVic Alumni Association

The volunteer-led UVic Alumni Association is a registered society that works with staff of the Alumni Relations office. Together, they provide all kinds of ways for alumni to stay involved with UVic.