The Alumni Awards of Excellence reception April 10 honoured grads Lisa Voakes, Bukola Salami, Irene Moore Davis, Lisa Williams, Mathew Zaia, and Jordan Goure.
The Alumni Awards of Excellence, celebrated at a reception April 10 in the CAW Student Centre, offer proof that achievement doesn't end at graduation — it begins there, says Kelly Gosselin, director of advancement and alumni relations.
“We come together at this event to recognize and applaud some remarkable individuals who have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also contributed significantly to our community and beyond,” she says. “It is a matter of pride for the University to celebrate their accomplishments and inspire each other to reach new heights of achievement.”
Bukola Salami (BScN 2004), a professor in the Department of Community Health Sciences at the University of Calgary, received the Alumni Award of Merit. She expresses gratitude for the support she received as an undergraduate from faculty members, colleagues, and the community.
“I feel very honored to receive the award, especially in the presence of faculty members who taught me 20 years ago and my family,” Dr. Salami says. “I would have never thought this was possible 20 years ago. I remember coming to the University of Windsor with the goal of surviving and realized my potential to thrive.”
Odyssey award recipient Mathew Zaia (BA 2016, MA 2018), a Toronto-based lawyer, calls the recognition “a profound honour.”
“Receiving this award is a profound honour and a testament to my mentors and loved ones who generously offered their guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support,” he says. “Their belief in me gave me the courage to keep learning, growing, and stepping outside my comfort zone.”
Lisa Williams (BA 1991), recently retired after 38 years as a host in morning news and talk radio, says recognition with the Alumni Ambassador Award validates the connection she formed with listeners across Windsor-Essex.
“It was incredible to share the evening with other alumni and award recipients who have all made their mark by accomplishing such wonderful things both in and outside of our community,” she says. “Thank you to the University of Windsor Alumni Association.”
Rounding out the honorees were Alumni Award of Merit recipient Irene Moore Davis (BA 1993), Alumni Ambassador Lisa Voakes (BHK 1999, B.Ed 2000), and Odyssey Award winner Jordan Goure (BA 2014).
Learn more about the Alumni Awards of Excellence, awards categories, and recipients on the event website. Find photos from the reception on the alumni Flickr page.