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Jan Basso
Jan Basso
Laurier’s Jan Basso honoured with inaugural Educator Award at 2025 Oktoberfest Women of the Year gala

Laurier’s Jan Basso honoured with inaugural Educator Award at 2025 Oktoberfest Women of the Year gala

May 26, 2025

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After more than five decades shaping student success at Wilfrid Laurier University, Jan Basso was honoured with the first-ever Educator Award at the 2025 Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year Awards, held at Bingemans in Kitchener on May 22, 2025.

Basso, who serves as assistant vice-president: Experiential Learning and Career Development, has been a transformative force at Laurier since joining the university as a staff member in 1971. Known for her ground-breaking work in experiential learning and career development, Basso has not only made an impact at Laurier, but across the country.

The Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year Educator Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and innovation in education, empowered individuals, and strengthened community through contributions to education and lifelong learning.

“Education is more than academic success – it’s also about gaining experience, building confidence, making good career decisions and preparing for your future,” says Basso. “To have spent my career at Laurier, and to be part of so many students’ journeys, has been a privilege.”

With her retirement planned for June 30, 2025, Basso’s impact spans generations of Laurier graduates. Her nomination for the Educator Award was led by Frances Humphreys, associate director, Career Development and External Relations at Laurier.

The awards gala also saw Joan Fisk recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to an individual who has served as a role model, mentor and advocate for positive social change for more than 25 years. Fisk, the CEO of United Way Waterloo Region Communities, is an active member of the Laurier community, serving as a member of the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics Dean’s Advisory Council since 2000 and a past long-term member of the university’s Board of Governors. Fisk was awarded the university’s Distinguished Governor Award in 2012 and has also contributed her time as a guest judge in student competitions.

The 2025 Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year Awards brought community members together to celebrate achievements across 12 categories, including Community Service, Arts and Culture, and STEM.

Several members of the Laurier community also received award nominations: 

  • Mary Abdel-Malek Neil (MA ’15), research ethics coordinator in the Faculty of Science; nominated for the Arts and Culture Award.
  • Jessica Chalk (BBA ’11), Lazaridis School of Business and Economics Dean’s Advisory Council member and founder of myStoria; nominated for the Rising Star Award.
  • Jennifer Gruber (GDip Accounting ’07), CFO at Communitech; nominated for the Professional Award.
  • Shannon Hall (BBA ’15), events and recruitment specialist at St. Jacobs Market District; nominated for the Rising Star (Under 40) Award.
  • Avvey Peters, vice-chair of Laurier’s Board of Governors and head of ecosystem strategy at NorthGuide; nominated for the STEM Award.
  • Meredith Woodwark, associate professor in the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics; nominated for the Educator Award.
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