History of the Awards

Dr. James Jamieson Influential Alumni Award​

Presented to a graduate whose dedication and leadership has influenced significant change and prosperity within their community. The recipient may be an alumnus of one of the following institutions: North Bay Normal School, Teacher’s College, Nipissing University College or Nipissing University. 

The award is named after Dr. James Jamieson, who was made an honorary member of the Nipissing University Alumni Association in the early 1980s. He was one of the founding members of the Alumni Association and served as its first President from 1973 - 1975. He served as a member of the Board of Governors from 1975 –1986. In 1981, he, along with Dr. George Zytaruk, was instrumental in the setting up of the Office of Alumni Affairs.

The award will be presented during a yearly event (the date will be determined each year).

Past Recipients of the Dr. James Jamieson Influential Alumni Award:

• 2022
  Gemma Victor
• 2021
  Emily Gillespie
• 2020
  Hariett Madigan
• 2019
  Julio Viskovich
• 2018
  Jennifer Conley
• 2017
  David K. Bell
• 2016
  Dr. Peter Bush
• 2014
  Erin Dokis
• 2012
  Marianne Berube
• 2011*
  ​Alexandra Archibald, Tina Benevides, Kim Boechler, Gerry Brennan, Jennifer Burgoyne, Naomi Cheechoo, Cameron Culbert, Anthony D'Agostino, Marianne den Haan, Ian Desjardins, Anna Fitzsimmons, Barbara Groves, Alison Herst, Yves Kalala, Matthew McKean, Paula Murphy, Michelann Parr, Julie Pennell, Andrew Perrin, Trina Prince, Doug Rogers, Kevin Salzman, Virginia Schonhoffer, Andrzej Schreyer, Fred Watkin, Ann Marie Welsh, Alan Williams, Rosie Zinn, & JoAnn Zytaruk

   

*The Dr. James Jamieson Influential Alumni Award was introduced in 2011 and was presented to a multitude of exceptional alumni.

Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award

Presented to an alumnus/ae whose achievement and excellence in their endeavours have distinguished themselves as a valued leader. The recipient will have demonstrated positive influence through their professional pursuits. As a result of their actions, the alumnus will have made a strong contribution to the prestige and reputation of Nipissing University. The recipient may be an alumnus of one of the following institutions: North Bay Normal School, Teacher’s College, Nipissing University College or Nipissing University.

*Please note that this award was previously known as the Distinguished Alumni Award.

Past Recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award:

• 2022
  Stacie Fiddler
• 2021
  Dillon Richardson
• 2020
  Dr. Thomsen D'Hont
• 2019
  Alicia Gal
• 2017
  Aengus Finnan
• 2015
  Sylvie Vannier
• 2013
  Kristopher Stevens and Rob Graham
• 2012
  ​Paul Heinrich and Dr. Glynn Sharpe
• 2011
  ​Ted Weltz
• 2010
  Kimberly Burley and Judy Derick 
• 2007
  Philomena Bonis
• 2006
  Jamie Lim 
• 2004
  Dr. Jeff Kleim
• 2003
  Dr. Cecile Somme
• 2002
  Dr. Laverne Smith and Dr. John R. McCarthy
• 2000
  Professor Jack Jones
• 1999
  Dr. Elizabeth Thorn​​​​​
   

Rising Star Alumni Award

Presented to a recent graduate of Nipissing University who has demonstrated significant achievements on a professional, community and/or volunteer basis or has displayed promise of significant future accomplishments. Restricted to alumni up to and including their fifth year of graduation.

*Please note that the Rising Star Alumni Award was previously known as the Alumni Achievement Award. 

Past Recipients of the Rising Star and Alumni Achievement Award:

• 2022
  Avery Beall
• 2021
  Alexander Maycock
• 2020
  Cameron Ghent
• 2019
  Alysha Young
• 2018
  Annie Sumi
• 2017
  Timothy Brazeau
• 2016
  Robert Shaw
• 2014
  Matthew Adamson
• 2013
  ​Jaymie Lathem and Shannon Palmer
• 2012
  Leah Symington
• 2011
  ​Ashley Brown
• 2010
  Alex Kappos
• 2009
  Gordon Kerr
• 2008
  Ms. Kimberly Blacker
• 2007
  Mr. William Ferguson
• 2006
  Ms. Krista Lariviere
• 2004
  Mrs. Marilyn Orieux-Tignanelli
• 2003
  Mr. Theo Margaritis
• 2002
  Ms. Lotje Hives and Ms. Gay Smylie
   

Honorary Alumni Award​

Presented to an individual who is not a graduate of the University, but whose actions and dedication have had a positive impact on the Nipissing University experience. This honour recognizes friends of Nipissing University for outstanding service, commitment and contribution, past or present, to the University.

Past recipients of the Honorary Alumni Award:

• 2022
  Toivo Koivukoski
• 2021
  Dr. Mike DeGagné
• 2020
  Dr. Denyse Lafrance Horning 
• 2019
  Gordon H. Durnan
• 2018
  Dr. Matti Saari
• 2017
  Vicky Paine-Mantha
• 2016
  Edward Salai
• 2013
  Dr. Maria Cantalini-Williams
• 2012
  Colleen Miller
  Cheryl Kelley
  Sandra Foster
  Gerry Foster
  Ted Thomson
• 2006
  Murray Green
  Dr. Dave Marshall
  Dr. George Zytaruk
  Dr. Douglas Pollard
  Dr. James Jamieson
   

Philanthropy Alumni Award

Awarded to an alumnus or champion of Nipissing University who is making significant contributions to improve their community through their generosity, dedication, commitment and service. The ideal candidate is passionate about an important social cause, freely gives their time, exemplifies great leadership qualities and has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the social challenge related to his or her cause. This can include attempting to break down biases, change perceptions and alleviate issues impeding progress, working toward conquering a problem and/or responding to a need in a tangible way. An individual that graduated from one of the following institutions is considered an alumnus: North Bay Normal School, Teacher’s College, Nipissing University College or Nipissing University.

Past recipients of the Philanthropy Alumni Award:

• 2022
  Macrina Perron
• 2021
  Tammy Morison
• 2020
  Cindy Karugia