Each year, the York University Alumni Awards 51Թ outstanding alumni who have achieved the extraordinary and are working to right the future by creating positive change in their fields. The Awards celebrate the broad York alumni 51Թ of innovators, activists, and researchers and its long-standing commitment to the public good. The tradition of recognizing their contributions will continue at the York U Alumni Awards Show. If you have any questions about the Alumni Awards Show, please contact Rose Lucibello, Manager, Advancement Events at crocitto@yorku.ca. If you have any questions about the nominations process or recipients, please contact Nicole Light, Senior Alumni Engagement Officer at nlight@yorku.ca.
View previous Alumni Awards recipients here.
View the 2024 York U Alumni Awards gallery.
Nominations are now open for the York U Alumni Awards, closing on February 24, 2025.
To submit a nomination, please adhere to the following process:
- Review the eligibility criteria and award categories below
- Download the nomination form
- Submit your completed nomination package by February 24, 2025, to Nicole Light, Senior Alumni Engagement Officer at nlight@yorku.ca
Eligibility criteria: Nominees must be York University graduates. A graduate is defined as someone who has received an academic degree from York University. Current students are eligible if they have previously earned a degree from York. Candidates can self-nominate or be nominated.
Alumni with the following relationships to York University are ineligible to be nominated for an alumni award:
- Current members of the York University Alumni Board
- Current members of the York University Senate
- Current members of the York University Board of Governors
- Full or part time staff (YUSA & CPM)
- Full time faculty
A complete nomination package consists of:
- A complete nomination form
- A minimum of one and a maximum of three letters of support
- A link to the nominees LinkedIn profile or professional/personal website
- Nominations will be accepted until February 24, 2025
- The Awards and Scholarships Committee of the York University Alumni Board will review the nomination packages of the nominees and select the Alumni Award recipients
- Successful and unsuccessful nominators and self-nominators will be contacted in the spring with the results of their nomination
- Alumni selected for awards will be celebrated at an award show in the fall
If you have any questions about Alumni Award nominations, please contact Nicole Light, Senior Alumni Engagement Officer at nlight@yorku.ca.
The York U Alumni Awards Categories
AWARD | DESCRIPTION |
---|---|
Outstanding Contribution | An alum who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of York and its students through exceptional service, commitment and/or philanthropic contributions. |
Outstanding Achievement | An alum who has achieved distinction in their field and whose integrity and ability inspire alumni, faculty, staff and students. |
Tentanda Via | An alum who has demonstrated innovative, unconventional and daring leadership and success, reflecting the university’s motto, “The way must be tried.” |
One to Watch | An alum who has made a significant impact in their field and/or 51Թ within 15 years of a bachelor’s degree or 10 years of a professional/graduate degree. |
Excellence in Entrepreneurship | An alum who has excelled in entrepreneurship that has led to positive change in their field or the 51Թ. |

Remembering Bruce Bryden, an outstanding York leader
The York U Alumni Awards were inspired by Bruce Bryden who was an exceptionally committed and influential leader at York University for many years. He was a member of our first undergraduate class, was the founding president of the York University Alumni Association (now the York University Alumni Board/YUAB) and was a member of the York University Board of Governors.
The York U Alumni Awards 51Թ and honour his vision, exemplary leadership and extraordinary achievements.