Nipissing University seeking nominations for 2025 Alumni Awards
Nipissing University is pleased to announce that nominations for the 2025 Alumni Awards are now open, with a submission deadline of March 20, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. These prestigious awards honour alumni and university champions who have made significant contributions through their achievements, service, commitment, or philanthropy.
The nomination process is simple and only takes a few minutes to complete. Anyone can submit a nomination, whether they are part of the Nipissing University community or not. While most award categories recognize Nipissing alumni, nominees for the Honorary Alumni Award and Philanthropy Alumni Award do not need to be graduates to qualify.
The Alumni Awards program was established to celebrate the accomplishments of Nipissing University's global community, recognizing individuals who drive positive social, cultural, and economic change. The awards are presented in five categories:
- Dr. James Jamieson Influential Alumni Award – Named after Dr. James Jamieson, a founding member and first president of the Nipissing University Alumni Association, this award honours graduates who have influenced significant change and prosperity within their communities.
- Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award – Recognizing alumni who have distinguished themselves through excellence in their endeavours, contributing to the prestige and reputation of Nipissing University.
- Rising Star Alumni Award – Presented to recent graduates (within five years post-graduation) who have demonstrated significant achievements or show promise of future accomplishments.
- Honorary Alumni Award – Given to individuals who are not graduates but have positively impacted the Nipissing University experience through outstanding service and commitment.
- Philanthropy Alumni Award – Honouring alumni or friends of the university who have demonstrated exceptional philanthropic support.
In 2024, Nipissing University celebrated the achievements of five distinguished individuals:
- Dr. Joyce Helmer – Recipient of the Dr. James Jamieson Influential Alumni Award, Dr. Helmer is a distinguished academic and dedicated advocate for Indigenous education and health.
- Mabel Plourde-Doran – Honoured with the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award, Plourde-Doran is an accomplished professional in physiotherapy and education, exemplifying positive influence and professional excellence.
- Nakissa (Keesa) Koomalsingh – Awarded the Rising Star Alumni Award, Koomalsingh is a pioneering advocate for women's sports in Canada and the founder of HOOPQUEENS, the country's first paid league for women's basketball.
- Dr. Paul Cook – Former Chancellor of Nipissing University and President of Retired Badge Consulting Inc., Dr. Cook received the Honorary Alumni Award for his ethical leadership and community engagement.
- Colin Vezina – A proud graduate and lifelong supporter of Nipissing University, Vezina was honoured with the Philanthropy Alumni Award for his deep commitment to family and community.
To nominate an outstanding individual for the 2025 Alumni Awards, visit www.nipissingu.ca/alumni/awards.
Media Contact:
Khia Beauchesne
Communications Officer
Nipissing University
(705) 474-3450 ext. 4035
communications@nipissingu.ca