Call for Nominations: Celebrate Laurier’s champions at the 2026 Alumni Awards of Excellence

Dec. 5, 2025

The Wilfrid Laurier University Alumni Association is proud to announce the call for nominations for our prestigious 2026 Alumni Awards of Excellence program.

These awards recognize and celebrate outstanding individuals who have brought honour and distinction to Laurier through their exceptional achievements and contributions. The Alumni Awards of Excellence seek to recognize those individuals who exemplify this spirit through:

• Professional accomplishment: Achievements that have significantly contributed to their field and have set a benchmark for excellence.
• Notable personal contributions in the community: Efforts and initiatives that have made a meaningful impact in communities, fostering a spirit of service and social responsibility
• Distinguished service to the university: Dedication and contributions that have significantly advanced the mission and vision of Laurier.

We are looking for individuals who, through their action and accomplishments, serve as an inspiration to the Laurier community. Alumni, faculty, staff and friends of Laurier who have made remarkable strides in these areas are eligible for the following award categories:

Alum of the Year

Recognizes outstanding achievement by a graduate of any Laurier program who has brought honour to Wilfrid Laurier University.

Young Alum of the Year

Recognizes outstanding achievement by a graduate of any Laurier program and who is 35 years of age or under who has brought honour to Wilfrid Laurier University.

Student Alum of the Year

Recognizes the outstanding achievements of a graduating student who has forwarded the objectives of the Alumni Association.

Award for Community Impact

Recognizes outstanding achievement by a Laurier alum to foster a better world through local, national or international initiatives as a volunteer, advocate, or employee.

Entrepreneurial Spirit Award

Recognizes an alum from any faculty for their outstanding work as a business founder or entrepreneurial leader with a demonstrated ability to generate business growth.

Forever Golden Hawk Award

Recognizes outstanding ongoing contribution of a Laurier graduate through their exceptional support, volunteerism, or service to the university.

Honorary Alum of the Year

Recognizes friends of Laurier whose contributions enhance the university and outside communities.

Nomination process

To nominate an individual, the following materials are required:

1. Letter from the nominator: Detailing why the nominee is deserving of the Award of Excellence, highlighting specific achievements and contributions.
2. Nominee’s resume/biography or LinkedIn profile: Provide an overview of the nominee’s professional journey, achievements and contributions.
3. One or two additional letters of recommendation: These should come from individuals who can attest to the nominee’s impact and accomplishments, providing further insight into their character and contributions.

How to submit nominations

Nominations can be submitted electronically to the Awards of Excellence Committee. Please ensure all materials are comprehensive and clearly demonstrate how the nominee embodies the spirit of Laurier.

The deadline to nominate is January 16, 2026.

For more information and detailed guidelines on the nomination process, please visit laurieralumni.ca/AOE