Exceptional alumni and donors to be recognized at Laurier’s annual Awards of Excellence ceremony

Sept. 12, 2024
For Immediate Release

WATERLOO — Wilfrid Laurier University and Wilfrid Laurier University’s Alumni Association (WLUAA) will celebrate the winners of the 2024 Alumni Awards of Excellence and the 2024 Laurier Philanthropy Awards at a ceremony on Sept. 26, during Homecoming on Laurier’s Waterloo campus.

“The Awards of Excellence are a powerful testament to the outstanding achievements and unwavering dedication of our alumni,” said WLUAA President Kyle Walker (BA ’11). “These awards strengthen our community and highlight the profound impact Laurier alumni have in their fields and their communities.”

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.

“These alumni embody the spirit of excellence that defines the Laurier community,” said Laurier President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah MacLatchy. “Each recipient represents the very best of what it means to be a Golden Hawk, serving as role models for current students and fellow alumni alike. Their achievements remind us that a Laurier education extends far beyond the classroom—it is about leading with purpose and making meaningful contributions to society.”

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. This year’s recipients, Savvas and Christine (BMUS ’80) Chamberlain, are being recognized for their transformational gift to Laurier’s Making Space for Music Campaign.

“Through their incredible generosity, Savvas and Christine Chamberlain have provided generations of Laurier music students with an inspiring and beautiful space for learning, practice and performance,” said MacLatchy.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients:

Alumnus/Alumna of the Year: Michael Bartlett ('00)

This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a Laurier graduate. Bartlett is the President & CEO of Canada Basketball. Under his leadership, both men and women's teams competed in the Olympics for the first time in 24 years, all while Canada Basketball’s corporate operations brought in record-setting revenue. Bartlett has also been recognized for his leadership in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within the basketball community.

Honorary Alumnus/Alumna of the Year: Shohini Ghose 

This award recognizes friends of Laurier whose contributions enhance the university and outside communities. Ghose is a quantum physicist and professor of physics and computer science at Laurier. She was selected as Chair for Women in Science and Engineering by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Her contributions in the field of quantum physics and advocacy for women in science have greatly enhanced Laurier’s reputation and brought significant recognition to the institution. Ghose co-authored the first introductory astronomy textbook in Canada for university students.

Young Alumnus/Alumna of the Year: Marissa Vettoretti ('20)

This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a Laurier alumnus/alumna who is 35 years of age or younger. Vettoretti is the co-founder and head of product for EarthSuds – a social enterprise that aims to eliminate packaging from cosmetics by providing plastic-free tablets of shampoo, conditioner and body wash. As a student, Vettoretti was a member of the Laurier Enactus team that won the national title in 2020 and 2021. The team was named the global runners up when they presented Marissa’s venture EarthSuds. To date, EarthSuds is the only Canadian and only student venture to be a Top 10 Finalist in National Geographic’s global Ocean Plastic Innovation Challenge.

Entrepreneurial Spirit Award: Darryl Julott ('12)

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. Julott is the managing lead at Digital Main Street, leading the not-for-profit to become a nationally funded program, providing services like grants, training, and technical support to more than 100,000 businesses across Canada. Julott has also focused on youth employment and upskilling, employing over 3,000 youth and providing training programs.

Award for Community Impact: Eric Davis ('01)

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. Davis has been an active volunteer in the Kitchener-Waterloo area for more than 20 years, including serving in significant volunteer roles with the Grand River Canadian Mental Health Association, the K-W United Way, and the Rotary Club. He has also provided free consulting services to non-profits.

Forever Golden Hawk Award: Gary Jeffries ('72) and Cec Joyal ('86)

This award recognizes outstanding ongoing contributions to Laurier through exceptional support, volunteerism or service to the university. Jeffries coached the Laurier Golden Hawks Football Team for 35 years, including a Vanier Cup victory in 2005, and remains an active alumni ambassador. Joyal recently retired from Laurier after spearheading the university’s legacy giving efforts to ensure the success of future classes in perpetuity.

Student Alumnus/Alumna of the year: Ayanfe Ayeni ('24)

This award recognizes the outstanding achievements of a student for furthering the work of the Alumni Association. During her time as a Laurier student, Ayeni made notable contributions as the host and producer of Laurier Alumni’s successful podcast during the 2023-2024 academic year. Of particular note, Ayeni introduced video recording of the podcasts and used her marketing expertise to significantly enhance its reach and impact.

Laurier Philanthropy Award 2023: Savvas and Christine Chamberlain

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. Savvas and Christine Chamberlain generously donated $5 million toward Laurier’s Making Space for Music campaign, a transformational gift that will benefit generations of Laurier music students.