Education’s 2024 Alumni Award Winners

Alumni Horizon Award: 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. Learn more.

The 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.

Distinguished Alumni Award: 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. Learn more.

The Distinguished Alumni Award, the Alumni Association’s highest honour, 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.

Alumni Honour Award: 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. Learn more.

The 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.