Alumni Awards

The University of Alberta Alumni Awards recognize the professional achievements, community service and innovation of graduates around the globe. Join us at the Horowitz Theatre on Thursday, October 22 as we honour 2026’s incredible group.

Meet the 2026 Recipients Search for Past Recipients Alumni Awards Society

Distinguished Recipients

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the University of Alberta’s highest honour, recognizing graduates whose leadership, vision and impact make a lasting difference. While the 2026 recipients bring these ideals to life in very different ways, together their achievements reflect the enduring U of A spirit: leading with purpose and creating change close to home and around the world.

Meet three University of Alberta alumni who have dedicated their careers to making a difference.

Myrna Ann Kostash, ’65 BA

For more than five decades, Myrna Kostash has shaped Canada’s understanding of identity, memory and community through her groundbreaking writing, literary leadership and enduring advocacy for culture and civic engagement.

Judy Mill, ’96 MN, ’00 PhD,

Dr. Judy Mill's career united nursing, research and activism, advancing HIV and AIDS prevention and care while fostering cross-cultural partnerships, empowering communities and replacing stigma with understanding and support.

Louis Hugo Francescutti, ’85 PhD, ’87 MD

With courage, compassion and innovation, physician and educator Dr. Louis Hugo Francescutti has advanced public health, transformed care for society’s most vulnerable and inspired lasting change in medicine, policy and human dignity.