Distinguished Alumni Awards
The University of Winnipeg Alumni Association's Distinguished Alumni Awards honours alumni for outstanding contributions to their professions or their communities. Established in 1990, the award is the Alumni Association's highest tribute.
Celebrate UWinnipeg excellence!
Join us as we honour four inspiring alums for outstanding contributions to their professions and communities. Tickets are on sale now for the inaugural Distinguished Alumni Awards.
Thursday, October 23, 2025
6:00 p.m. - Cocktail Reception
7:00 p.m. - Program
Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq, 300 Memorial Blvd.
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Take part in celebrating the achievements of our alumni and gain meaningful exposure among influential professionals, students and community leaders by sponsoring this inaugural event.
Learn more about sponsorship opportunities
Meet the 2025 recipients
Outstanding Achievement
JP Perron (BA 88)
When people come first, UWIN
From his time as a standout student-athlete to his remarkable career in the financial and human resources sector, JP Perron has consistently demonstrated the qualities of an inspiring and visionary leader. He was named Most Valuable Player in his 1986-87 season with the Wesmen, and carried that same drive and excellence into the professional world. His people-first approach has been central to his leadership journey, including as the President and CEO of Payworks, a leading Canadian workplace management company. JP’s deep commitment to community shines through his involvement with charitable organizations like World Trade Centre Winnipeg (board of directors), Oak Park High School, (coaching staff) and United Way Winnipeg (2025 Campaign Chair). JP’s generosity and leadership continue to make a meaningful impact, empowering others and fostering positive change wherever he goes.
Community Impact
Jaimie Isaac (BA 05, PACE 09)
When curiosity builds knowledge, UWIN
Jaimie Isaac is an Anishinaabe member of Sagkeeng First Nation, and a leading voice in the Winnipeg and Canadian arts community. For over 20 years, she has championed decolonization and inclusion through curatorial and artistic work. By working with major art galleries across Canada, Jaimie has led groundbreaking exhibitions that challenged settler narratives and fostered transformational social change. She co-founded ROSEMARY, a roving gallery that nurtures artist and community engagement. Her curatorial practices amplify underrepresented voices especially womxn, IBPOC and @SLGBTQIA+ communities, while mentoring emerging curators. As a visual artist, her work reflects Indigenous ways of knowing and calls for decolonization, making a lasting impact locally and globally. Jaimie's commitment to truth and reconciliation through the arts continues to inspire and empower the next generation of Indigenous and racialized cultural producers.
One to Watch
Marc Tallman (BBA 17)
When vision and hard work come together, UWIN
Marc Tallman has quickly positioned himself as a visionary leader, distinguished by his entrepreneurial spirit and deep commitment to community. As a third-generation co-owner of Harvey Tallman International, Marc embraced responsibility early, balancing leadership in business with his role as a dedicated student and teammate. His bold and creative vision led to the creation of the Empty Cup Collective, a beloved local coffee company that has grown to seven thriving Winnipeg locations, with plans to expand to 30 across Western-Canada in the next decade. Grounded in values of hard work, honesty and integrity, Marc ensures his ventures give back. Every July 15, all Empty Cup profits are donated to organizations chosen by team members, reflecting his deep commitment to community. Marc’s journey is a testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership and the impact of doing things the right way.
One to Watch
Josh Gandier (BBA 22)
When community and traditions align, UWIN
A proud member of the Peguis First Nation, Josh Gandier has quickly emerged as a well-respected and dynamic community leader. A former Wesmen Men’s Basketball standout (2016-2022), Josh channels his passion for giving back to supporting Indigenous and sports communities. He is a dedicated volunteer and advocate, contributing to organizations such as Zaagi-idiwin Sport Performance—a youth sport-development program that sees to combine training with Indigenous knowledge—and the Manitoba Aboriginal Sport and Recreation council. In 2023, Josh was appointed Youth Chief of the Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO), representing 32 First Nations across Manitoba. He has represented Indigenous youth on a global stage including at the United Nations in Geneva and the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Josh is currently pursuing his Juris Doctor at the University of Manitoba. Whether it’s through grassroots engagement, or international advocacy, Josh continues to inspire future generations and remains a powerful voice for Indigenous communities.
Thank you to our sponsors!
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Distinguished Alumni Award Categories and Eligibility Criteria
The Distinguished Alumni Awards have expanded to include three inspiring categories: recognizing alumni who are early in their careers, alumni making an impact on their communities, and alumni who have achieved outstanding lifetime achievements.
Do you know a graduate who has made an outstanding contribution to their profession or to the community? Why not nominate them?
Graduates of The University of Winnipeg, The University of Winnipeg Collegiate, United College, Wesley College, and Professional, Applied and Continuing Education (formerly The University of Winnipeg Division of Continuing Education) diploma or certificate programs are considered alumni, and therefore eligible for this award.
Sitting politicians, current faculty, staff and current members of the Board of Regents, the Alumni Association Council and individuals who have received an Honorary Degree from the University of Winnipeg are ineligible for this award. There are no provisions for a group award or a posthumous award.
As the highest honour presented by the University of Winnipeg Alumni Association, this award recognizes an alum for an outstanding achievement of personal and professional accomplishments and contributions to the social, cultural, and economic well-being of society in their field(s).
Nominate TodayThis award recognizes an extraordinary alum who is currently making significant personal and professional contributions in society, demonstrating exceptional leadership in their field(s) of endeavour, maintaining a standard of excellence that inspires their colleagues and peers, with promise of future achievement and resulting in a demonstrable betterment of their community.
This award recognizes a young alum who is making significant personal and professional contributions in society, resulting in a demonstrable betterment of their community, and setting an example for fellow and future alumni to follow. Nominees and recipients must be 35 years of age or younger.
Nominate TodayFor more information or to receive the nomination form in PDF format, please contact Alumni Affairs at 204.988.7118 or email alumni@uwinnipeg.ca.