2024 Alumni Award Recipients

Atul Malhotra, ’88 BSc, ’92 MD

A global authority in breathing and sleeping issues, Atul Malhotra is leading research, treating patients, and mentoring the next generation of doctors to help people who struggle with these necessities of life. After graduation from U of A undergrad and med school, the Edmonton native went to the United States to train in internal medicine at Mayo Clinic and pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine at Harvard. As an academic physician at Harvard Medical School and, since 2013, the University of California San Diego, Malhotra has specialized in sleep apnea — a condition in which people stop breathing while they sleep — while also working with patients experiencing disorders ranging from respiratory failure and sepsis to narcolepsy. His impressive body of research includes more than 800 published works, while his focus on obstructive sleep apnea — which affects about 20 per cent of the population — led to treatments that are more effective and less expensive. Malhotra was president of the American Thoracic Society (ATS), representing more than 15,000 pulmonary, sleep and critical care physicians; he's a sought-after speaker for professional events; and he's done media interviews on everything from wildfire smoke to daylight saving time. But his drive to share knowledge shines brightest when finding ways to build new expertise, from the ATS programs he created for young physicians to celebrating the achievements of students in his lab.

Linda Dianne Ogilvie, ’93 PhD

Early in her nursing career, Linda Ogilvie recognized the importance of strong intercultural skills to provide effective health care. While teaching nurses in Papua New Guinea, Ogilvie recognized that well-educated nurses could impact individual and population health; meanwhile, her PhD research in Nepal found that nurses with strong leadership abilities can contribute to social change. At the University of Alberta, Ogilvie helped create the International Nursing Office in 1998, bringing a global perspective to all facets of work within the nursing faculty. Notably, she spearheaded the University of Ghana's thesis-based master’s program in nursing that helped develop nurse leaders, some of whom have since completed PhDs and most of whom remain in Ghana. That reduction of nurses migrating to richer nations has strengthened Ghana's health-care system. U of A students can pursue clinical practica or thesis research in Ghana. A health researcher with expertise in child and community health, Ogilvie was co-director of the Prairie Metropolis Centre for Research on Immigration, Integration and Diversity, and led the Prairie arm of the groundbreaking New Canadian Children and Youth Study, which generated publications, policy changes and new programs. At the U of A, Ogilvie has inspired students to think and act globally, changing the course of nursing education and care for future generations.

Robert Philp, ’72 BA, ’75 LLB

Whether in front of a courtroom or behind the scenes, jurist and community leader Robert Philp is working to build a society where all citizens can meaningfully participate. After almost three decades as a lawyer, Philp was named a provincial court judge in 2005, then nine years later became chief of the Alberta Human Rights Commission. As a judge, his commitments to human rights, equality and social justice could be seen in sentences that weighed both the offence and the personal conditions of the offender. But Philp's dedication to making a difference transcended his office walls. In the legal community, he was a revered mentor to students and young lawyers. He transformed an annual grudge match hockey game between prosecutors and lawyers into a fundraiser, and was the driving force behind a Law Society of Alberta initiative requiring its 10,000 lawyers to take Indigenous competence training. In the wider community, Philp has volunteered with Boyle Street Community Services since its inception in 1971 and is a key driver of the group’s new King Thunderbird Centre building project. From his presence on Edmonton's task force to end poverty or his work with associations supporting the welfare of youngsters and marginalized people, Philp has set an example of how to live selflessly and with purpose.

Aileen Jang, ’83 BSc(Pharm)

As a pharmacist, advocate, mentor and innovator, Aileen Jang works behind the counter and the scenes to ensure patient needs are prioritized as the pharmacy industry becomes increasingly integral to Alberta’s health-care system. Since 2002, Jang has organized an event connecting students with independent pharmacy owners like herself, and is a beloved preceptor and mentor. Based on a project of one of those students, she implemented new policies on caring for gender-diverse people, including adding pronouns to patient records and offering training to staff. As both a pharmacist-owner and a director of the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association, Jang works to create opportunities, challenge social and industry structures and encourage collaboration while providing her patients with the time and attention they need.

Bryan Perkins, ’69 BSc(Ag)

Bryan Perkins upended the tradition of independent family farms to harness the power of strength in numbers. In 1995, Perkins founded Sunhaven Farms, a consortium of about 150 family farms — including his own five-generation farm near Wainwright, Alta. — to share knowledge and expertise while benefiting from economies of scale. But Perkins' dedication to building communities is also evident in his numerous appointments to industry and non-profit boards, and through his leadership of community projects, including a $2.2-million fundraising campaign to bring a CT scanner to Wainwright. Known for his calm demeanor and relentless follow-through, Perkins contributes to the greater good of his community while his commitment and innovation to agriculture set new standards of excellence in that ever-changing industry.

Fatima Mraiche, ’04 BSc(Spec), ’10 PhD

Fatima Mraiche is a transformative educator whose work to promote teaching standards is guided by her lab excellence, classroom effectiveness, and firm belief that students deserve care, support and knowledge. Mraiche spent 12 years at Qatar University’s then-new College of Pharmacy, where her recognition of the importance of equipping students with skills to be successful health professionals led her to explore novel approaches and evidence-informed teaching methods. Now a U of A associate professor, Mraiche became the university’s Vargo Teaching Chair in July 2023, recognizing her dedication to promoting academic teaching practices and curriculum innovation. In June 2024, her academic educational leadership and impactful research earned her the Distinguished Service and Education award from the Canadian Society of Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

Israat Haque, ’11 PhD

Between her own cutting-edge research and the achievements of students she has mentored, Israat Haque is shaping internet connectivity with solutions for today and the future. In seven years at Dalhousie University, as an assistant professor and associate professor, Haque has worked with 40-plus trainees in her lab, which solves applied challenges and develops real-world innovations around smart systems and the Internet of Things. A mid-career academic who has already received almost $7 million in research grants, Haque uses her extensive connections with government and industrial partners — including Intel, Cisco and Ericsson — to create internationally recognized advances in networking applications while giving her students hands-on experiences that are shaping them into the next generation of highly sought computer scientists.

Linda Miller, ’89 BSc(OT)

Linda Miller is an occupational therapist who has improved employee wellness in the workplace by combining her expertise in rehabilitation medicine with best practices in the design of work. Her business, EWI Works, helps businesses implement ergonomic programs. In addition to her graduate-level education in occupational therapy, she also earned a degree in environmental design to understand how design (spaces and work) impacts health and wellness. Now a certified professional ergonomist, Miller is helping the field grow through her ongoing involvement with the U of A as a lecturer, mentor and the designer of new courses in ergonomics, occupational productivity, and workplace health and safety. Outside of her business, Miller is a tireless community volunteer and current board chair of the Edmonton Public School Foundation.

Stephen L. Wood, ’01 BEd

Stephen Wood, a Cree musician, performer and retired educator, lives the values established by his ancestors while influencing future generations of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike, both in his community of Maskwacis, Alta., and across North America. More than 40 years ago, Wood co-founded Northern Cree, the celebrated Grammy- and Juno-nominated powwow and round dance singing group, and is still its drum keeper and longest-serving performer. Wood uses his gift of music and his fluency in the Cree language to bring people together. Wood incorporated Cree into his three-decade career as a teacher and school administrator and uses it in his everyday life, doing his part in keeping the language by encouraging others to use it.

Atif Hirjee, ’14 BEd

Seeing how his students were galvanized by the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement, high school educator Atif Hirjee responded by developing an anti-racism learning resource, which became the foundational element of an ever-evolving educational program on the topic. Anti-Racism 101 is a one-hour workshop that uses uncomfortable conversations to teach students how to take ownership of anti-racist actions. It was the first of a series of anti-racism initiatives still offered to students and educators at 10 Edmonton schools, including W.P. Wagner High School where Hirjee is an assistant principal. Known for his empathy, ability to connect with students, and volunteer work both in the school and with community human rights organizations, Hirjee is a role model whose impact goes beyond his job responsibilities.

Frincy Clement, ’21 MSc

One of Canada’s top women in artificial intelligence, Frincy Clement is helping define global guidelines around its responsible development and use, while being an inspiration and advocate for women in science and technology. Clement is an expert contributor to the development of AI governance strategies with the Standards Council Canada and the World Economic Forum. In 2024, Clement was named North American head of Women in AI, after years of volunteer work as the group’s Canada ambassador, helping to create initiatives to educate, connect, mentor and inspire women to enter or advance careers in AI. Clement has been the minority in the room as an immigrant, mother and woman of colour, and is now a passionate advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion.

Gavin Bradley, ’15 MSc

From teaching classes of future paleontologists to writing internationally acclaimed poetry, Gavin Bradley is carving out a rare reputation for excellence in science and arts. The one-time Irish exchange student in Philip Currie’s dinosaur lab is now a lecturer who has taken over Currie's introductory paleontology courses while also co-ordinating the university's massive open online courses (MOOCs). As a student, Bradley began exploring his creative side by writing for The Gateway and taking his first tentative steps as a published poet. In 2022, he released his first full-length poetry collection — Separation Anxiety, based on his emigration from Northern Ireland to Canada — which won the annual UNESCO Bridges of Struga International Poetry Award, recognizing him as an outstanding emerging poet.

Lauren Ellen Seal, ’13 BA

As a teen, Lauren Seal participated in camps and a spoken word choir for young writers, where she developed a unique style of poetry that explores social issues and personal health journeys, including an eating disorder and a brain tumour. Now this librarian’s powerful poetry is getting noticed. In 2022, the City of St. Albert named Seal its third Poet Laureate; in October 2024, her first book, Light Enough to Float — a novel-in-verse informed by her anorexia and chronic anxiety — will be published by Penguin Random House. Seal continues to attend YouthWrite camps and participate in the Spoken Word Youth Choir as a volunteer, co-director, mentor and role model for both youngsters and adults who, like her, dream of becoming writers.

Maureen Moneta, ’08 BCom

Maureen Moneta is driving the creation of a more inclusive business community, shaping a better future for generations to come. As a distinguished Chartered Professional Accountant with governance expertise and an underrepresented perspective as a millennial-aged Métis woman from rural Alberta, she inspires innovative thinking to drive business transformation and sustainable growth. Moneta is a former executive leader, founder of Shine Advisory, principal at Ozone Advisory Group, active board director on five boards, and member of the Institute of Corporate Directors’ Edmonton chapter executive. She is an inspiration to future leaders as she champions inclusion and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, demonstrated by her leadership as a strategic adviser in the global-first Indigenous education pilot that is transforming the national accounting profession.

Stephanie Liu, ’13 MD, ’15 PostgradCert(MedEd)

Necessity is the mother of invention, and motherhood inspired family physician Stephanie Liu to become an online innovator who delivers evidence-based health information for moms and little ones. Her blog, Life of Dr. Mom, was launched after the birth of her first child to debunk unscientific information shared on parenting blogs. It established her as a relatable, credible source of information — on topics ranging from breastfeeding to postpartum depression — that she shares with 150,000-plus social media followers and as an expert commentator for major media outlets. In addition to her medical practice and work as a U of A assistant clinical professor, the entrepreneur has also launched By Dr. Mom, an infant skin care line, and Pomme MD, an electrolyte beverage.

Loreen Wales, ’93 BSc(HEc), ’95 BA

In 2014, dietitian Loreen Wales launched My Viva Plan®, one of the earliest comprehensive digital health programs powered by data-driven technologies to support people with chronic diseases. The thoughtful integration of nutrition and fitness guidance with cognitive behaviour therapy saves time for clinicians like her while helping patients stay on track between visits. Since its launch, Wales has led numerous collaborations, the latest being the development of an augmented reality avatar currently undergoing clinical validation. Several research studies have also established My Viva Plan’s efficacy as a tool to help with countless health concerns. Wales’s visionary foresight has helped pave the way to digital and self-managed care while making her a role model for future women leaders in digital health care.

Eric Axford, ’95 MBA

Eric Axford’s reputation as a transformational leader was earned as Suncor Energy’s first chief sustainability officer, where he led initiatives relating to climate change, the environment and social responsibility. A longtime member of the Alberta School of Business advisory council, Axford is now transforming the educational experience of U of A business students. The Axford Impact Series, launched in 2022, is a socio-economic grand challenge where first-year commerce students are assigned a complex, real-world challenge that will become a cornerstone project over their four years at university. In addition to moulding career-ready business graduates, Axford is well-known in the city of Calgary for being generous with his time, expertise and resources to causes where he believes he can make a difference.

Phillip Wong, ’85 BSc(Spec)

Whether in university boardrooms or campus cafés, volunteer Phillip Wong listens to what students need and endeavours to make it happen. His U of A involvement dates to his undergrad days when he volunteered to provide peer support and new student orientation services. The long-time human resources professional served on Alumni Council from 2016 to 2019 in various capacities, before joining the Alumni Student Support and Engagement Team (ASSET) where he is a valued advocate, mentor and empathetic listener who creates a kind, safe, supportive space for students facing challenges or seeking community. In the past two years, Wong has volunteered on the Unitea team, sharing tea and conversation while helping build bridges between the alumni community and new generations of students.

Carla Duncan (Somerville), ’98 BPE

For the better part of two decades, the face of the Pandas Field Hockey program was star athlete turned head coach, Carla Duncan (Somerville), ’98 BPE.

A talented athlete, leader, and motivator, Duncan holds the distinct honour of being arguably the best student-athlete and coach in program history. From 1991-1996, Duncan was a star on the pitch for the Pandas, earning multiple awards, including being named the 1997 University of Alberta Female Athlete of the Year.

After 97 international caps with Team Canada, highlighted by competing in the 1998 Commonwealth Games, Duncan returned to campus in 2002, spending nearly a decade as the team's head coach, leading the Pandas to their sole national title in 2005.

Len Vickery

One of the biggest reasons for the continued success Golden Bears and Pandas Athletics has sustained for over 100 years is the strength of their head coaches.

They are recruiters, talent evaluators, mentors and role models. They are culture builders and leaders. They are able to extract the best out of their student-athletes – both academically and athletically. There are few coaches who embody these values and attributes quite like Len Vickery.

Vickery holds the distinction of being the longest-tenured head coach in U of A history, guiding Bears Soccer for 34 years. His accolades speak for themselves; 307 wins, seven Canada West Championships, and three national titles.

He cared deeply about his student-athletes, pushing them to be leaders in their respective communities and ambassadors for the University of Alberta.

Cheri Wright, ’98 BA

It may be an oversimplification, but winners win. No excuses, no ‘what ifs’, no almosts, no coming up just short. There are just some athletes who have the grit, determination, and drive to be a champion.

And that was Cheri Wright (Lansdown), ’98 BA; a leader and elite athlete who always found a way to come out on top. Wright was an integral member of the Pandas Volleyball dynasty teams of the late ’90s, herself winning three Canada West titles and three national championships between 1992 and 1998.

During her five seasons with the Pandas, Wright was a four-time conference all-star, the 1998 University of Alberta Female Athlete of the Year, and represented Canada at the 1995 FISU Games in Japan.

Robert Swartz, ’94 BSc(Pharm)

There was a measure of humility, grace, and unparalleled athleticism when one watched Rob Swartz, ’94 BSC Pharm, compete in middle-distance running events for the Golden Bears.

But despite his calm demeanor and modesty, what was hidden underneath was a fearless competitor, one who propelled both the Track & Field and Cross-Country programs in the late ’80s and early ’90s.

Both an individual and team champion, who set numerous Golden Bears records during his time on campus, Swartz was the catalyst in re-establishing the Track and Cross-Country teams as conference and national title contenders.

Between 1989 and 1993, Swartz captured four CIAU medals – including three individual national titles – eight Canada West medals, and was a 1993 Canada West team champion.