Lakehead celebrates distinguished alumni

The Alumni Association of Lakehead University is pleased to announce its 2024 Alumni Award recipients. The awards will be presented during Homecoming Weekend in Thunder Bay at Lakehead Celebrates, Saturday, Oct. 5.

Distinguished Alumni Award

Richard Henderson, HBPHE'73

  • educator, community leader and internationally recognized coach


Exceptional Alumni Award

Jeff Moorley, BA (Psych)'10

  • supporter, advocate, mentor and community volunteer

*Heidi Warren, BSC’09, BEd'10

  • educator and passionate advocate for change


Trailblazer Award

Farhan Yousaf, BEng'21

  • student advocate and activist, passionate Lakehead ambassador

*Whitney Glage, BEd'18

  • Education innovator


Alumni Legacy Award

Debra Woods, HBComm'05

  • Past President of the Alumni Association (2018-20)


Ambassador Award

Therese Lim, HBScN’91, BA'93

  • Assistant head marshal, long-term volunteer

John Bonofiglio, HBA'81

  • Tireless advocate and ambassador for the Alumni Association


Honorary Membership

Stan Nemec

  • Campus community builder and facilitator

Cathy Tuckwell

  • Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors


Award Descriptions

Distinguished Alumni Award
The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented annually in recognition of a seasoned Lakehead University alumnus/a well-established in their chosen career or field. The award recognizes significant lifetime contributions by an individual, whether through professional accomplishment, community involvement, or philanthropic dedication. 

Exceptional Alumni Award
The Exceptional Alumni Award is presented by the Alumni Association to an alumnus/a who has demonstrated distinction or outstanding achievement in a particular field, community service work, personal accomplishment, or significant local, national, or international recognition for a personal endeavor.

Trailblazer Award
The Trailblazer Award is presented annually in recognition of a Lakehead University graduate, of the last ten years, who has flourished since graduation. The recipient will have shown exceptional and unconventional accomplishment in their professional career, community involvement, and/or philanthropic work in Canada or around the world.

Alumni Legacy Award
The recipient of the Alumni Legacy Award has demonstrated exceptional commitment and contribution to the Alumni Association and the University, exemplifying the highest standards of personal and professional integrity, civic responsibility, vision and leadership.  This award identifies the recipient as a valued member of the alumni community.

Ambassador Award
The Ambassador Award is presented annually in recognition of a champion of Lakehead University. This award is presented to an individual whose dedication and continuing support of Lakehead University has made a significant impact on students, alumni, faculty and staff. Presented to an internal or external champion, the award recognizes the exceptional and unconventional community of Lakehead University.

Honorary Membership
This award, given at the discretion of the Board of Directors, is the highest honour that the Association can bestow upon a non-graduate of Lakehead University. It is in recognition of your significant efforts on behalf of, and contribution to the success and advancement of Lakehead University.

Lakehead celebrates its alumni