One year into her mandate as President and Vice-Chancellor, Marie-Eve Sylvestre sits down for an exclusive conversation with fellow alumnus Michel Nungisa (LLB '11). In this candid interview, she reflects on her first year, shares her vision and priorities for the alumni community, and — yes — reveals what makes a perfect day off!
Annual Report 2025-2026
A message from the Alumni Association President
Dear Alumni, Colleagues and Friends of the University of Ottawa:
It is my great pleasure to share with you the 2025–2026 annual report of the University of Ottawa Alumni Association. This past year has been one of momentum, growth and transformation as we continued to strengthen the lifelong bond between our alumni, our association and our university.
As is our annual tradition, we celebrated our outstanding alumni and friends through the Alumni Association Awards of Excellence ceremony. Every year, we invite you to nominate classmates, colleagues and leaders in our community and around the world whose accomplishments reflect the very best of the University of Ottawa. This year, we recognized alumni reaching new heights in economics, entrepreneurship, the arts, community service, social impact and philanthropy. The recipients demonstrated the remarkable influence of uOttawa graduates and supporters in Canada and on the world stage. Their achievements remind us that the strength of our uOttawa alumni network lies not only in its size but in its ability to inspire, lead and create positive change.
Meet the President
President Sylvestre answers alumni questions in Toronto
Marie-Eve Sylvestre, the president and vice-chancellor of the University of Ottawa, in a fireside conversation with Dr. Sarah Saska (MA ’10), CEO of Feminuity, at our Toronto alumni reception.
Visiting alumni in Montreal
In conversation with Chantal Durivage (BA ’93) EVP, Creative Affairs of M.A.D. collectif, and Director, Cercle Omer DeSerres, President Sylvestre introduces herself to alumni in Montreal at a sold out…
Philanthropy
Pledge continues to make mental health services more accessible
The Alumni Association’s pledge of $500,000 towards mental health initiatives on campus continues to have a major impact. It has supported the Wellness Lounge and expanded existing counselling services by funding up to 500 additional sessions per year. Emily Houston, 2023 alumna and scholarship recipient, said that receiving support through the wellness lounge relieved my anxiety.
Alumni Association continues pledge to support Indigenous learning community
New residence space will create a culturally rich learning environment for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students thanks to a $500,000 gift over 5-years from the University of Ottawa Alumni Association. This pledge will help Indigenous students cover some of the costs of living in residence.
Events
Scientific partnership for a brighter, more inclusive future
“The future of science is vibrant, but with the condition that we work together more. Partnerships of all kinds are required for us to tackle global grand challenges,” said Sethuraman “Panch” Panchana…
Getting Olympic ready with Jean François Ménard
Invited to speak to alumni at our Toronto regional event, performance coach Jean François Ménard shared game-changing strategies top performers use to reach greatness.
Programs
310k
uOttawa alumni worldwide - and counting!
175+
countries where uOttawa grads are working
12
global alumni networks, including a national Indigenous alumni council
Ten Thousand Coffees platform
Connect with uOttawa alumni mentors from anywhere in the world or meet with and provide advice and support to the next generation of leaders.
2026 Awards of Excellence
Every year, we gather as a uOttawa community to celebrate our outstanding alumni. Meet our 2026 award winners!
Alumni Initiatives
Alumni Businesses
Holiday Gift Guide
Revisit our Holiday Gift Guide, and explore these alumni-owned businesses!
Article Series
Impact Stories
A uOttawa education opens a world of opportunities. Our graduates are remarkable individuals with unique stories.
Inspiration
Impact and discoveries
Our researchers are constantly redefining how to move discovery and innovation forward. They show that, at uOttawa, we don’t just dare to imagine a be…
Sport as a gateway to finding your voice
When Jeannine Ritchot (BA History ’00, MA Conflict Studies ’11) arrived at the University of Ottawa at age 17 from a small town in Manitoba, she was terrified of losing herself on a sprawling campus in the capital. What she discovered was just the person she was meant to be.
Laurence Hamel strikes gold, from uOttawa to the Yukon
Laurence Hamel is an inspiring alumna in both research and industry. After completing her master’s in earth sciences at the University of Ottawa, she began working in the Yukon as a project geologist with Selkirk Copper Mines, a company considered the first majority Indigenous-owned mine in Canadian history.
Finances
Alumni by Faculty
This report represents the fiscal year from May 2025 to May 2026.