2025 Alumni Award Recipients

University of Alberta alumni around the globe use their education to make the world a better place — through their professional achievements, community service and innovation. The Alumni Awards recognize these contributions and tell the stories of our exceptional alumni, inspiring us all to lead with purpose.
Join us at the Horowitz Theatre on Thursday, October 23 as we honour this incredible group and celebrate the change makers our world needs.
Distinguished Alumni Award
The Distinguished Alumni Award is the Alumni Association's highest honour. The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes the outstanding lifetime accomplishments of alumni who have earned national or international regard or have had significant local impact as a result of their outstanding professional achievements and/or service to society.

Cheryl L. Arcand-Kootenay, ’87 BA, ’92 LLB
Cheryl Arcand-Kootenay is a trailblazing judge and devoted child advocate whose remarkable career in law has strengthened Indigenous justice in Alberta and Canada. A Cree woman from Kipohtakaw (Alexander) First Nation, her 25-year career as a lawyer was focused on challenges faced by Indigenous children and families. In 2018, she became the first Treaty 6 Cree woman appointed to the Provincial Court of Alberta, serving as a tri-hat judge (criminal, civil and family law) in the Edmonton region. In 2021, she became the first Treaty person from an Alberta First Nation to be appointed as a justice in Alberta’s Court of King’s Bench. Throughout her career, Arcand-Kootenay has advanced culturally respectful access to justice, launching innovative initiatives like healing circles and a child welfare case management pilot project. Beyond the courtroom, she actively mentors Indigenous law students, providing job-shadowing opportunities in court and doing presentations on campus. She helped launch the first Indigenous law alumni reunion at U of A and contributed to cultural competency resources for legal education. Arcand-Kootenay has received numerous honours, including the 2022 Indspire Award in law and justice. She balances work with family time and personal passions, including multiple marathons and triathlons. Respected for her integrity, dedication and humility, Arcand-Kootenay's legacy is one of justice and hope for future generations.
Malinda S. Smith, ’93 PhD
Malinda S. Smith is a leader and mentor in human rights, anti-racism and equity, helping translate research and scientific evidence into policies that build more inclusive universities and societies. Her groundbreaking work on anti-racism, feminist thought, Africa and diaspora has transformed post-secondary institutions and research organizations across Canada while inspiring scholars, students and policymakers. Her career is marked by many firsts. At the University of Alberta, where she was a political science professor from 2004-20, she was the first Provost Fellow for EDI Policy, shaping its inaugural EDI strategic plan, leading transformative changes in hiring, awards and pay equity, and revitalizing the Academic Women’s Association. At the University of Calgary, she served as its first vice-provost EDI and is currently associate vice-president research EDI. She co-led the U of C’s presidential task force on equity, and spearheaded initiatives on disaggregated diversity data and inclusive research excellence. Smith is a founding member and vice-chair of the Scarborough Charter on anti-Black racism and Black inclusion, adopted by many post-secondary institutions. She is the author or editor of eight books and holds leadership roles on national boards and policy forums. Her numerous honours include a Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) from Simon Fraser University, a Distinguished Scholar Award from ISA-Canada, and a Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation fellowship.

Mary Cardinal Collins, ’80 BEd
Despite residential school, Mary Cardinal Collins retained her ability to speak and understand Cree, then went on to become an educator who is preserving the language for future generations. Collins’s path into education started with the Morning Star teacher-training program at Blue Quills University, located on the site of the residential school she’d attended as a child. As a teacher in Alberta’s sprawling Northlands School Division, Collins helped create Cree language curriculum and teacher development programs that were adopted by numerous Alberta school divisions as well as by education ministries across western Canada. As a lecturer and mentor to post-secondary students, Collins was known for interspersing lessons with stories from her own life. Her wisdom and insight have made her an invaluable adviser to the Alberta Teachers’ Association, the U of A’s Supporting Indigenous Languages Revitalization (SILR) initiative, and the Cree Literacy Network, which aims to support people in becoming fluent in reading, writing and speaking the language. With her firm belief that embracing language will bring people together, Collins is passionate about incorporating Cree into everyday life, working to share it through radio, television and podcasts. She has even translated a series of children’s books into Plains Cree, creating a new way for parents to share the language with their youngsters.

Patricia I. Goodwill-Littlechild, ’95 BEd
Patricia Goodwill-Littlechild is an educator, Elder and cultural protector whose impact on Indigenous education and language revitalization is felt in her home community of Maskwacis, Alta., and around the world. Over her 30-year career as a teacher, principal and administrator, Goodwill-Littlechild advanced education to build a healthy, vibrant community. As president of Maskwacis Cultural College from 2007-17, she brought in culturally grounded policies and expanded degree opportunities for students. Her efforts led to the community's historic 2016 adoption of Nêhiyawêwin (Plains Cree) as the official language of Maskwacis, a landmark step that helped catalyze the United Nations' 2019 Year of Indigenous Languages. She has been a member of numerous boards and committees and an adviser to all levels of government, always working to champion Indigenous self-governance, culturally responsive education and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. A member of the Ermineskin Cree Nation and enrolled member of the Lakota Nation in South Dakota, Goodwill-Littlechild was honoured in 2024 with two lifetime achievement awards — from the Esquao Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women and the Ermineskin Education Trust Fund — that recognized her enduring impact as an educator, wisdom keeper and “angel among us.” Now retired, she continues to mentor students, study Indigenous languages and contribute to reconciliation efforts.
Samuel Óghalé Oboh, ’10 MA
Samuel Óghale Oboh is a celebrated Canadian architect whose work blends creativity with precision, designing spaces that are thoughtful, transformative and people-focused. With over 25 years of experience across the public and private sectors, academia and diplomacy, Oboh has advanced sustainability, innovation and cultural stewardship through visionary leadership and high-impact projects. Oboh has led major initiatives such as the multibillion-dollar Alberta Legislature Centre Redevelopment and the federal LabsCanada Design Framework (RLDF), helping to shape national standards that elevate the quality of government architecture. He made history as the first Canadian of African descent to serve as president of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada — one of many accolades he has received. A global voice for design innovation, Oboh serves on the board of advisors of Urban.MASS Ltd., a U.K.-based firm pioneering zero-emission mobility. He also teaches at universities worldwide in an adjunct capacity and spearheaded Global Affairs Canada’s “Diplomacy by Design” initiative, which defines design excellence for Canada’s diplomatic missions abroad. Oboh’s service as Honorary Consul for Botswana, his leadership in reconciliation-focused design and his advocacy for excellence in the built environment reflect his belief in architecture as a force for public good. Whether mentoring students, shaping policy or designing impactful spaces, Oboh’s legacy is rooted in inclusive excellence and visionary leadership.Alumni Honour Award
Recognizes the significant achievements and contributions over a number of years by University of Alberta alumni to their profession and/or their community.

Bonnie Lépine Antoine, ’07 BEd
Bonnie Lépine Antoine is transforming Canadian classrooms to integrate Indigenous perspectives, land knowledge and promote reconciliation. A proud Wendat First Nation and Michif woman, the Campus Saint-Jean grad is dedicated to advancing Indigenous and francophone rights through innovative teaching and fierce advocacy. During 18 years in schools and in her current role as director of Reconciliation and Indigenous Education for B.C.’s Francophone school board, Lépine Antoine has cultivated strong relationships with First Nations communities, the Métis Nation and other Indigenous organizations. From co-hosting a CBC podcast, developing award-winning programs and curriculum or raising thousands for pediatric cancer research, her impact resonates far beyond the classroom as she builds bridges between cultures, languages and communities across Western Canada.

Conni Massing, ’80 BA(Spec), ’83 MFA
Conni Massing is an acclaimed playwright whose creative voice brings the spirit of prairie life to Canadian theatre. Born in rural Alberta, Massing weaves wit, emotional honesty and unforgettable characters into plays, screenplays, essays, short fiction, radio drama and memoir. Massing is a well-regarded mentor and educator, guiding emerging writers at the University of Alberta, YouthWrite, Broad View International Film Festival, and through residencies across Alberta and beyond. She is a founding member of the Alberta Playwrights' Network, a champion of underrepresented voices in theatre and film, and a key contributor to The Shoe Project, helping immigrant and refugee women to share their stories. Her award-winning work and community spirit have earned her a Queen’s Jubilee Medal and the hearts of many Canadians.

Glen Dunsworth, ’75 BSc(Forest), ’77 MSc
Glen Dunsworth, the first U of A forestry student to earn a post-graduate degree, is a leader in sustainable forestry whose work redefined forest management worldwide. While working at Macmillan Bloedel and Weyerhaeuser in B.C, Dunsworth helped create a strategy — which is still used by forestry companies — to shift away from clear-cutting to the so-called “variable retention” approach that leaves parts of the forest intact. Science and ethics grounded his 35-year career, which encompassed breeding seed for reforestation, creating certification standards for sustainably produced forest products, and authoring a case study textbook on sustaining biodiversity in managed forests. Now retired, Dunsworth's legacy is rooted in the forests he’s helped protect and in the generations of future foresters he continues to inspire.

Kim Shore, ’95 BA
Kim Shore is an internationally recognized safe sport advocate who has changed the conversation around athlete safety and systemic abuse in Canada. A former elite gymnast, Shore drew on personal experiences to become a trusted ally and champion for young athletes. In 2022, she co-founded Gymnasts for Change Canada, initiating a wave of calls for reform and justice from former athletes. Her advocacy, from meeting with federal leaders to testifying before parliamentary committees, culminated in the creation of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission, which will make recommendations for necessary reforms to end abuse across the breadth of the sport community. A hard-working volunteer with numerous organizations, Shore remains dedicated to transforming the culture and governance of youth sport.

Nhung N. Tran-Davies, ’96 BSc(Spec), ’02 MD
Nhung Tran-Davies is a rural Alberta physician, author and philanthropist whose empathy and energy make life better for people in her community and around the globe. The former Vietnamese refugee founded the Children of Vietnam Benevolent Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports underprivileged children. She has sponsored Syrian refugee families, mentors U of A medical students, and writes children's books with themes of hope and resilience. In the town of Calmar, Alta., where she lives and works as a family physician, she established a gallery that opens opportunities in the arts, while her many scholarships and endowments empower youth and amplify marginalized voices. Tran-Davies is a humble yet powerful force whose legacy of kindness and justice will resonate for generations.
Alumni Horizon Award
Recognizes the outstanding professional achievements and/or contributions to community of recent graduates. Nominees must be 40 years of age or younger at nomination deadline.

Cameron Mang, ’08 BPE, ’10 MSc
Cameron Mang is bettering the lives of countless Canadians with neurological conditions thanks to his groundbreaking research into the role of exercise in brain health. As a graduate student, Mang discovered how high-intensity exercise enhances learning and brain function; that work grew into his ongoing research, which has garnered numerous grants and scholarships. At the University of Regina, Mang is an award-winning associate professor who founded the much-lauded Enrich Neurorehabilitation program — which provides individualized, accessible exercise to people living with multiple sclerosis, stroke and other neurological challenges — while mentoring the next generation of rehabilitation professionals. With empathy, outside-the-box thinking and a collaborative spirit, Mang's purposeful actions are sparking lasting change in the lab, classroom and community.

Christopher Song, ’10 BSc(Nutr/Food)
Christopher Song is a passionate food scientist, innovator and community builder who bridges the gap between evidence and everyday fare. A quiet leader, Song pushes the boundaries of food innovation with work that reflects technical excellence and a deep care for sustainability, attributes seen in his creation of a plant-based cream liqueur or food and pet products made from hemp byproducts. At NAIT, Song shares his knowledge as an educator and a coach who sparks critical thinking and creativity, helping mentor the next generation of chefs and scientists. Beyond the lab, you’ll find him volunteering at The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse in Edmonton, where he’s been a cornerstone since 2013 helping transform it into a vibrant hub of creativity and connection.

Hadis Karimipour, ’16 PhD
Hadis Karimipour is one of Canada’s foremost experts in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence whose work is protecting society's critical infrastructure. Karimipour’s innovative research has set new standards to detect cyber threats in real-time, using deep learning and quantum machine learning to identify issues targeting vital systems like energy, health care and transportation. She mentors the next generation of cybersecurity professionals as Canada Research Chair in Secure and Resilient Cyber-Physical Systems at the University of Calgary and inspires future leaders through her work in organizations like IEEE Women in Engineering. Karimipour’s expertise, sought by government and industry alike, has earned national and international recognition while her contributions will have a lasting impact on national security and digital resilience.

Jinting Zhao, ’09 BA
Jinting Zhao is a music industry leader, who uses skills honed during a distinguished public service career to set bold standards for equity in music production. Over 15 years in Alberta’s public service, she led high-profile initiatives — including cannabis legalization and teaching professional oversight — while simultaneously building a second career as one of few women working in Western Canada's recording studios. In 2023, she founded SHE-Q Audio to support women and non-binary producers and audio engineers build professional careers in an industry long dominated by men. Whether creating brand partnerships, leading equity-focused initiatives or speaking on global stages, Jinting’s influence is growing. A 2025 Women in Music Canada “Change Maker of the Year” nominee, Zhao isn’t just advocating for inclusion — she’s making it happen.

Melody McArthur, ’15 BA
Melody McArthur is a multi-award-winning singer, songwriter, and actress from Bigstone Cree Nation who has taken the music and theatre world by storm. A powerful voice in contemporary Indigenous arts, she’s released six full-length albums and charted multiple singles on the Indigenous Music Countdown. She’s also captivated theatre audiences as the lead in the hit musical Bear Grease, including during its off-Broadway debut in summer 2025. A self-made artist who writes her music and crafts her brand, McArthur’s work has garnered national and international recognition, including honours from the Native American Music Awards and Edify Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40. Deeply rooted in her Cree identity, McArthur’s influence extends beyond the stage through mentorship, advocacy and inspiring the next generation of Indigenous creators.

Tonya Simpson, ’16 BSc, ’21 MA
Tonya Simpson is a forensic anthropologist who contributes to unidentified remains and missing persons cases across Alberta. Simpson works as a researcher, educator and curator at the University of Alberta. As a research analyst with the RCMP and independent consultant, she assists with complex investigations to help bring answers to families. The Augustana alumna engages her policing network to create opportunities for students while inspiring them to explore the intersections of anthropology, ethics and social responsibility. Simpson is also an acclaimed children’s author whose books celebrate Indigenous worldviews and the land. From her research to her participation in community reburial initiatives, Simpson champions reconciliation, respect and transformative change.
Alumni Service Award
Recognizes alumni who have demonstrated an extraordinary level of commitment, dedication and volunteer service to the U of A.

Charlene Butler, ’09 MBA
Charlene Butler is a strategic, compassionate and dedicated volunteer who has used her considerable energy and expertise to shape the future of her alma mater. Butler has served with six University of Alberta groups, ranging from the Alumni Council, Senate and Board of Governors to the ThresholdImpact Venture Mentoring Service. Her expertise in governance, finance and risk management was vital in navigating challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and the introduction of major institutional changes, while her experience as a senior executive and consultant makes her a dynamic mentor to emerging entrepreneurs. Beyond the university, Butler has served on numerous boards and panels, including nine years with the Mental Health Foundation. She challenges convention with warmth, wisdom and a deep commitment to community.

Marilou Neufeld, ’64 Dip(Nu), ’65 BScN
Marilou Neufeld is a connector, collaborator and tireless volunteer whose impact at the university stretches back to her undergrad days as the Students’ Union vice-president. A proud nursing alumna, she has served in key Alumni Council roles, including president, and helped found the faculty’s Nursing Alumni Association. She has contributed to countless class reunions and get-togethers and is the spark behind many initiatives to strengthen the greater alumni community. In addition to university activities, she volunteers with her church and the Red Hat Society for women. Whether offering strategic advice, checking in on classmates or welcoming new volunteers, her passion for the U of A community is evidenced by the lasting relationships she helped build across generations of alumni, students and staff.
Sports Wall of Fame
Recognizes the contributions of alumni as athletes and builders of University of Alberta sport.

Joel Schmuland, ’09 BA
Joel Schmuland, ’09 BA, embodies the Golden Bears Volleyball model: recruit promising talent, develop them through strong coaching, before unleashing a national-caliber athlete. A top recruit from Calgary, Schmuland spent his early years as a Golden Bear refining his skills. And by 2007, he emerged as one of the best players in the country. From 2007-2009, Schmuland helped lead the Bears to two Canada West titles and two CIS championships, earning three conference all-star selections and a CIS All-Canadian nod. His 2009 campaign remains one of the greatest in U of A history — Canada West and CIS MVP, national champion, CIS Tournament MVP, U of A Male Athlete of the Year, and the only Golden Bear ever to win the CIS (BLG) Athlete of the Year Award. Schmuland finished his varsity career with 789 kills and 932 points — each ranking top 10 all-time in team history. He spent seven years on the Canadian National Team, before playing two seasons professionally.

Harlan Anderson, ’08 BCom
In the storied history of Golden Bears Hockey, few players have left a legacy as impactful as Harlan Anderson, ’08 BCom. Between 2003 and 2008, Anderson was at the heart of one of the program’s greatest eras: four Canada West titles, three national championships, and back-to-back University Cup wins on home ice in 2005 and 2006. A fearless leader and standout defenceman, Anderson captained the Bears in 2007 and 2008, earning Canada West MVP and University of Alberta Male Athlete of the Year honours in his final season. He ranks second all-time in career points by a Golden Bears defenceman (181) and is third in conference scoring (107). From his days captaining the Moose Jaw Warriors to playing professionally in Europe, Anderson elevated every team he joined. He was named a CIS All-Canadian, CIS Tournament All-Star, and Academic All-Canadian multiple times. He’s since translated his on-ice leadership into professional success as a Partner at Acuity Advisors LLP.

Jordan Baker, ’13 BCom, ’17 MA
Few athletes live up to lofty expectations — fewer still exceed them. Jordan Baker, ’13 BCom, ’17 MA, did both. The son of U of A Sports Wall of Fame inductees Trix and Doug Baker, Jordan entered Golden Bears Basketball with the pressure of legacy. Arguably the most complete player in program history, Baker holds an astonishing 10 all-time records, including points, rebounds, assists, steals, and double-doubles. His five-year varsity career included two Canada West titles, a CIS bronze medal, three conference all-star selections, and recognition as Canada West MVP, U of A Male Athlete of the Year, and CIS Top 8 Academic All-Canadian. He made an immediate impact as a rookie in 2009, and by his fifth year, he was the dominant force behind one of the Bears’ most successful seasons. Off the court, his academic achievements and leadership matched his athletic brilliance. Baker played professionally in Germany, Portugal, Japan, and in the CEBL before transitioning into coaching.

Heather Jones, ’93 MSc, ’98 MD
In a university rich with athletic tradition, Heather Jones, ’93 BSc, ’98 MD, achieved a remarkable first — becoming the first woman to win the University of Alberta Female Athlete of the Year award multiple times. Jones joined the Pandas Field Hockey team in 1988 and quickly established herself as one of the program’s greats. Her combination of speed, skill, and relentless drive helped elevate both her team and Canadian field hockey. She earned three Canada West All-Star nods, two CIAU All-Canadian honours, and back-to-back national championship MVP awards in 1992 and 1993, a feat unheard of for a player not on the title-winning team. By age 22, Jones was already a Pan Am Games silver medallist and 1992 Olympian with Team Canada. Now a physician in Halifax, Jones was an Academic All-Canadian, Jones completed her undergraduate and medical degrees at the U of A.