Laurier’s Awards of Excellence to honour alumni achievements and donor impact

Sept. 7, 2023
For Immediate Release

WATERLOO — Wilfrid Laurier University’s Alumni Association (WLUAA) and Wilfrid Laurier University are proud to announce the recipients of the 2023 Alumni Awards of Excellence and the 2023 Laurier 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 Laurier’s Waterloo campus. All community members are invited to register for a ticket to attend.

“From a Juno-award-winning musician to a number of trailblazing changemakers in their fields, this year’s recipients are positively contributing to Laurier’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 Laurier’s most outstanding alumni and friends, and to celebrate the inspiring ways these members of the Laurier community are leading lives of leadership and purpose.” 

“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.” 

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.   

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 on the Laurier Alumni website.  

Congratulations to this year’s recipients:   

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

This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a Laurier graduate.  

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

This award recognizes friends of Laurier 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 Laurier 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 Laurier 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 Laurier through their exceptional support, volunteerism or service to the university. 

Laurier Philanthropy Award 2023: Peter Izzio ('90) & Eileen Mercier ('68, '13)

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