Alumni Association Awards

Award Details and Criteria

• Alumni Achievement Award

  The Alumni Achievement Award recognizes alumni who reflect the values of Ontario Tech, which were cultivated during their time as students. There are four values: integrity, inclusion, intellectual resilience and innovation. With this award, the Alumni Association Council honours individuals who continue to demonstrate these core values while creating positive change in their lives and the lives of others.

  Who is eligible to be nominated?

  Alumni who graduated at least 10 years ago (in or before 2015) and act as ambassadors of these values in their lives, whether related to career, community or education.

  Evaluation criteria

  • Pursuit of innovation (25%) – Champion transformative ideas and re-imagine what's possible in your field or community. Through your contributions, foster curiosity, creativity, ingenuity and willingness to take risks, even when that includes failure.
  • Intellectual Resilience (25%) – Pursue excellence in all areas by engaging thoughtfully and respectfully with different points of view. Embrace challenges and navigate complexities with openness and persistence when exploring ideas. Use your experiences to create impactful action.
  • Integrity and respect (25%) – Support a culture of trust and belonging in all environments. Actively promote equity, fairness, kindness and ethical decision-making.
  • Inclusion (25%) – Advance a community where reconciliation is prioritized, diverse voices are celebrated, and systems of exclusion are challenged.

   

• Up and Coming Award

  The Up and Coming Award celebrates recent alumni who are passionate, dedicated and striving for meaningful impact early in their careers.

  Who is eligible to be nominated?

  Alumni who have graduated within the last 10 years (after 2015) and are significantly contributing to their professional field.

  Evaluation criteria

  • Accomplishment (50%) - Demonstrates pattern of sustained effort, thoughtful execution and measurable impact. Completes projects, research or initiatives that contribute to a field, community, organization or institution in meaningful ways.
  • Innovation (25%) -  Drives innovation through creative and critical thinking, developing new ideas, improving systems and solving problems. Pushes boundaries and is willing to take risks to create something new.
  • Leadership (25%) - Leads with integrity, participates actively, and inspires others through initiative and collaboration. This can include mentoring, guiding teams, taking on key roles in boards/committees or inspiring others as a role model.

   

• Community Impact Award

  The Community Impact Award recognizes alumni who are actively working to improve society through exceptional service, dedication, and in-kind or financial charitable contributions.

  Who is eligible to be nominated?

  Alumni who are passionate about social causes freely give their time and resources and demonstrate strong leadership in addressing societal challenges. This includes responding to community needs in meaningful, tangible ways through volunteer service, advocacy, or philanthropy.

  Evaluation criteria

  • Service (50%) - Demonstrate an exceptional commitment to community service or volunteerism by consistently creating meaningful and lasting impact on society. Reflects a deep sense of responsibility, compassion, and a proactive drive to improve the lives of others and strengthen communities.
  • Innovation (50%) - Drive creative approaches to solving social issues by improving systems, challenging barriers, and leading change through volunteer service, advocacy or philanthropic engagement.

   

• Ethical Tech Advocate Award

  The Ethical Tech Advocate Award recognizes alumni who focus on building a brighter future by using technology as a tool for good, infusing it with human ethics and ideals to help create a sustainable and equitable tomorrow.

  Who is eligible to be nominated?

  Alumni who are working, researching or volunteering in a technological field, while strongly advocating for and advancing the ethical use of technology.

  Evaluation criteria

  • Pursuit of innovation (20%) - Inspire world-changing ideas by re-imagining learning and in so doing, foster an environment that provokes curiosity, creativity, ingenuity and failure while stimulating growth.
  • Ethical Commitment (40%) - Uphold and advocate for ethical practices in the development and use of technology, including transparency, accountability, equity, and the well-being of individuals and communities.
  • Technological Dedication (40%) - Demonstrate deep engagement with emerging technologies through meaningful application, research, or leadership, ensuring innovation serves a greater societal good.