The awards ceremony was held on October 2nd at Huguette-Labelle hall hosted by the 91¾«Æ·ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï Alumni Association, the event was an opportunity to step back from the busyness of daily life to celebrate the achievements of these outstanding alumni leaders.
This year’s bilingual ceremony was hosted by Mélanye Boissonnault (BEd ’98) and Jesse Jones (BA ’03; Gee Gees Men’s Basketball ’00-’02) and featured musical performances byQuartet: Ryan Vis, Viola; Justin Azerrad, Violin; Ember-Leah Reed, Violin; Vinci Chen, Cello and Soloist, Vinci Chen, Cello.
In 2023, 91¾«Æ·ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï is pleased to recognize the following alumni:
Meritas Tabaret Award for Alumni Achievement: Ian Telfer (MBA ’76, Honorary Doctorate ’15)
This year’s highest honour was awarded to Ian Telfer, one of 91¾«Æ·ºÚÁϳԹÏ's greatest ambassadors and generous donors. In his career, Telfer founded and led some of the world’s most prominent mining and resource companies.
Alumna of the Year Award: The Honourable Michelle O'Bonsawin (LLB ’98, PhD ’22)
Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin has already left a tremendous mark on the Canadian legal community in her roles as a 91¾«Æ·ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï law professor, general counsel, judge with the Superior Court of Justice in Ontario, and now as the first Indigenous person appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada. .
Award for Commitment to the University: Duane Green (BSocSc ’94)
When it comes to volunteerism and philanthropy towards 91¾«Æ·ºÚÁϳԹÏ, Duane Green has a long track record of engagement. The award-winning financial services leader has never stopped being an active contributor to the Gee-Gees community.
Award for Community Service: Myrtha Lapierre (BSc ’71)
In the early 1970s, Myrtha Lapierre became the first Black French-speaking woman to obtain a degree in nursing from 91¾«Æ·ºÚÁϳԹÏ. She is an active contributor to the Haitian community in Canada and has supported three generations of francophone Black nurses to follow in her footsteps.
Young Alumni Award: Mattieu Gamache-Asselin ​(BSc ’12)
In the decade since graduating with a software engineering degree, Mattieu Gamache-Asselin has revolutionized the digital pharmacy space in the United States. His digital health startup helps ensure more people have the ability to access essential medications. .
Honorary Member of the Alumni Association: Dr. Sibel Aydin ​
Dr. Sibel Aydin has made significant contributions to the Faculty of Medicine at 91¾«Æ·ºÚÁϳԹÏ, establishing the University’s research program in inflammatory arthritis and helping mentor and attract students to study in the Faculty.
Congratulations to all our award winners and thank you for being role models for the entire 91¾«Æ·ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï community!