Alumni and community invited to celebrate Laurier champions

May 11, 2026
For Immediate Release

WATERLOO — Wilfrid Laurier University and the Wilfrid Laurier University Alumni Association (WLUAA) invite alumni, donors and the greater Laurier community to join in celebrating the 2026 winners of the Alumni Awards of Excellence and the Laurier Philanthropy Award at a ceremony on May 28 from 6 to 9 p.m. on Laurier’s Waterloo campus. The awards ceremony will be hosted by celebrated alumnus Kevin Michie (BA ’11), one of Laurier Brantford’s 25 Alumni of Impact.

“We are excited to bring the Laurier community together to celebrate our 2026 Alumni Awards of Excellence recipients,” said WLUAA president Candice Joseph (BA ’16). “These exceptional alumni truly represent the spirit of Laurier, and we invite everyone to join us in recognizing their achievements and the difference they continue to make.”

This year’s recipients include:

• Entrepreneurial Spirit Award — Jenny Bird (’99) and Adam Kohn (’99)
• Entrepreneurial Spirit Award — Pavan Konanur (’06)
• Community Impact Award — Tiina Eldridge (’18)
• Young Alumna of the Year — Katerina Gimon (’15)
• Alumna of the Year — Rachel Phan (’11)
• Forever Golden Hawk Award — Dan Dawson (’88, ’89)
• Honorary Alumnus of the Year — David McMurray
• Student Alumnus of the Year — Jesulayomi Ojutalayo

The Alumni Awards of Excellence are presented annually to recognize significant contributions to the Laurier community. The awards are made possible thanks to the dedicated efforts of volunteer WLUAA board members.

The Laurier Philanthropy Award is also presented annually to recipients who exemplify the true spirit of philanthropy. Through direct financial support, leadership and donations of time, Laurier Philanthropy Award winners demonstrate a deep-seated commitment and lasting dedication to the mission, vision and values of Laurier and its students.

This year’s Laurier Philanthropy Award recipients are the Race Family and Brian Penman (’65).

“Our donors have a profound impact on our students’ services, spaces and success,” said Jason Coolman, vice-president, advancement and external relations. “As Laurier has grown, we have seen the impact from the Race family’s long history of support for Laurier Brantford and Brian Penman’s generosity and advocacy for Laurier Milton.”    

Alumni, donors, students, staff, faculty and members of the greater Laurier community are encouraged to learn more and register to attend this special evening of purple and gold pride.