Alumni Association Announces 2026 Alumni Award Recipients

The 2026 Alumni Awards will be presented during Homecoming Weekend in Orillia at Lakehead Celebrates – Thursday, Oct. 15.

Distinguished Alumni Award

Dr. Maureen Adamson, BBA ‘86

  • Maureen Adamson is a distinguished post-secondary leader and proud Lakehead University alumna who has held senior leadership roles across education, health care, government, and the not-for-profit sector, including serving as President and CEO of Fleming College and Colleges Ontario. With more than 25 years of leadership and governance experience, Maureen has made significant contributions to higher education and public service while continuing to advance her own academic journey, recently completing a PhD in Higher Education.
  • Currently President and CEO of Colleges Ontario

Rob Jamieson, BA/HBOR (Geography) '94

  • Rob began his career with the Ontario Provincial Police in 1995 and went on to serve in a variety of leadership roles before becoming President and CEO of the Ontario Provincial Police Association in 2015. During his tenure, he championed the mental health and well-being of police officers and their families, leading the creation of Encompas, a groundbreaking program that has provided critical support to thousands of members and their families.
  • Rob is a Past President of the Alumni Association of Lakehead University, Alumni Legacy Award recipient, and Lakehead University Civitas Award recipient.

Exceptional Alumni Award

Dr. Bryanna Scott-Kay, BA (Sociology) ‘98; HBSW '03; MPH '07; PhD (Education) '21

  • Dr. Bryanna Scott-Kay is a proud Lakehead University alumna and accomplished Indigenous educator, leader, and advocate who has dedicated her career to advancing education, public health, and Indigenous programming across Northern Ontario. Through her leadership with the Métis Nation of Ontario, post-secondary institutions, school boards, and community organizations, Bryanna continues to make a meaningful contribution to Indigenous education and the communities she serves.

Dara McLeod, BEd '94

  • Dara McLeod is a distinguished humanitarian leader and former journalist whose career has taken her from international conflict zones to senior roles in government and global advocacy. As Executive Director of War Child Canada, she draws on decades of experience in journalism, refugee advocacy, education, and public service to advance support for children and communities affected by conflict.

Trailblazer Award

Claudette McGowan, BA '17

  • Claudette McGowan is a globally recognized technology leader and entrepreneur who has led digital transformation and cybersecurity initiatives for major organizations including BMO, TD Bank, Deloitte, and the Toronto Police Service. As CEO of Protexxa and founder of several initiatives supporting diversity and innovation, Claudette is also a passionate community leader dedicated to advancing opportunities for women and underrepresented communities in Canada’s technology sector.

Dr. Temitope Ojo, PhD (Forest Sciences) ‘24

  • Dr. Temitope Moses Ojo is a forestry and natural resources leader whose work in strategic planning, GIS innovation, and ecological sustainability supports responsible resource management in Ontario. A proud Lakehead University alumnus, Temitope is also an active community and professional leader, having served with the Canadian Institute of Forestry, Lakehead’s CUPE Local 3905, and the Thunder Bay Anti-Racism & Equity Advisory Committee.

Alumni Legacy Award

Linda Henderson, HBPHE ’82, MSc ’85, BEd ‘85

  • Linda Henderson is an accomplished coach and post-secondary athletics leader who is still contributing to the wellbeing of students in the sector.  Linda is a long-term Board member of the Alumni Association of Lakehead University and a tireless advocate for alumni engagement.

Ambassador Award

Rebecca Akrasi-Sarpong, BA (English) ‘14

  • Rebecca Akrasi-Sarpong is a talented Canadian writer, poet, and portrait photographer whose creative work celebrates culture, community, and personal expression. A proud Lakehead University alumna, Rebecca has used her writing and photography to amplify community voices and document meaningful stories, including advocacy and science outreach initiatives during her time at Lakehead.

Erin Michele Knight, HBEM '19

  • Erin Knight is a dedicated Lakehead University alumna and passionate community leader who has continued to champion the University through her volunteer leadership with the Canadian Institute of Forestry and Lakehead Conservation Foundation. Through mentoring students, supporting professional development, and building strong connections between Lakehead and the broader community, Erin exemplifies the spirit of a true Lakehead Ambassador. 

Honorary Membership

Dr. Frances Heylar

  • Dr. Frances Helyar is a Professor Emerita of Education at Lakehead University’s Orillia campus who dedicated 15 years to teaching, academic leadership, and advancing innovative approaches to teacher education. Her research and teaching have explored the history of education, teacher identity, and alternative learning environments, including opportunities for student teachers to develop curriculum in museums, parks, and art galleries.

 

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.