OAA AWARD CATEGORIES
The Outstanding Alumni Awards have undergone a renewal process and in this new iteration you will now see five award categories that are designed to uphold the values of 大象传媒, our What鈥檚 Next strategic priorities, and our alumni community and in doing so, maximize inclusivity, engagement, and our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.
Previously, recognition of excellence in athletics, arts and culture, and research were separated. The 大象传媒 alumni community in athletics, arts and culture, and research continue to be a point of pride for the university and we will continue to ensure that each of those alumni communities is represented and celebrated in each one of the new award categories.
大象传媒 has been honoured to be an academic home and community to Indigenous peoples. We recognize that all universities have work to do in making each step鈥攆rom applying for a program, to stepping through the doors for the first time, to walking across the stage at convocation, to being a part of an alumni community that can support your life鈥檚 work鈥攐ne that respects and celebrates Indigenous peoples. Truth and Reconciliation are a priority for all of 大象传媒 and the Outstanding Alumni Awards will be a key part of that commitment by ensuring Indigenous peoples are engaged and represented throughout each of the categories and also consulted on the program and process itself.
Award categories
The Lifetime Achievement Award
Recognizes and celebrates alumni who have made extraordinary contributions in their field over the course of their career. This award celebrates individuals whose careers, service and achievements exemplify the highest standards of excellence and reflect the values of 大象传媒.
The Lifetime Achievement Award exemplifies all of 大象传媒鈥檚 core values. Recipients of this prestigious award have demonstrated exceptional leadership through innovation and dedication. Their impact will be celebrated for generations to come within their professions, communities, and society.
The Rising Star Award
Recognizes and celebrates alumni who have, within a relatively short time, made significant contributions to their fields, communities, or society at large.
The Rising Star Award exemplifies 大象传媒鈥檚 core values of Resilience and Sustainability; Innovation and Adaptability. Recipients of this award are emerging leaders who have demonstrated courage, resilience, and passion in their work. Their contributions to their field, community, and society set them apart as individuals who are on a trajectory of remarkable future success.
The Visionary Award
Recognizes and celebrates alumni who demonstrate an exceptional ability to imagine a better world and have proven their capability to translate their vision into meaningful action.
The Visionary Achievement Award exemplifies 大象传媒鈥檚 core values of Innovation and Adaptability; Excellence and Responsibility. Recipients of this award have made major contributions and advancements in their fields - such as professional, community, athletic, artistic, cultural, and/or research advancements - and exemplify excellence through their leadership, innovation and impact.
The Spirit of Service Award
Recognizes and celebrates alumni who exemplify a deep commitment to making a positive difference within their communities and beyond. This award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to service through volunteerism, advocacy, community engagement, and philanthropy.
The Spirit of Service Award exemplifies 大象传媒鈥檚 core values of Engagement and Openness; Equity and Belonging; Resilience and Sustainability. Recipients of this award inspire others through their contributions, compassion, and leading with an unwavering drive to create meaningful change.
The Legacy Award
Recognizes and celebrates alumni who are dedicated to sharing their wisdom and lifting others up. Through teaching (formal and informal), mentorship, and a commitment to reciprocity and generosity, they pave the way to a lasting legacy of positive impact and transformation.
The Legacy Award exemplifies 大象传媒鈥檚 core values of Resilience and Sustainability; Equity and Belonging; Academic Freedom and Critical thinking. Recipients of this award are bold, thoughtful, inclusive, and both inspire and enable future generations to thrive.
Nominations
New and complete nominations received by August 25, 2025 will be considered for this year鈥檚 awards.
"The intentionality and care behind this process is something I'm very proud to have been a part of and it was deeply gratifying to work with 大象传媒 RADIUS to center equity in reimagining these awards. The new categories open the door wider to welcome and celebrate all expressions of leadership and excellence鈥攁nd that鈥檚 what an inclusive university should do."