Award for Commitment to the University
The Award for Commitment to the University recognizes an extraordinary alumnus/alumna who has set a high standard for volunteerism for or philanthropy towards the University. Specifically, this award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of uOttawa through their dedication, generosity and commitment to its values.
2024 - Raoul Barbe and Yolande Larose
Judge Barbe (LL.L. ’62, DESD ’64) began his remarkable career with a licenciate in civil law in 1962 and taught at the Faculty of Law until 1971. He then served as a legal expert for the Government of Quebec before becoming a judge for the Court of Quebec and the Professions Tribunal. In 2005, he and his spouse, Yolande Larose (BA ’71), founded a foundation supporting university research and the Francophonie, focusing on the judiciary. This foundation annually awards grants and scholarships to students and professors researching the judiciary, thus strengthening the couple's legacy.
2023 - Duane Green
Award-winning financial services leader, philanthropist and uOttawa alumnus — these are three titles that Duane Green (BSocSc ’94) wears with pride. Green currently serves as president and CEO of Franklin Templeton Canada and Fiduciary Trust Canada. An active contributor to the uOttawa community, he has spoken with hundreds of students and alumni interested in pursuing a career in economics.
2022 - Michel Prévost
A loyal guardian of Franco-Ontarian heritage, Michel Prévost (BSocSc ’78, MA ’85) has both helped to enhance the University’s pride and knowledge of its history through his archival work and served as a valued philanthropist benefitting his alma mater’s next generation.
2021 - Sarah Paquet
Sarah Paquet (LLL ’93, LLB ’01) has been deeply involved with uOttawa for many years. This includes with the Deputy Minister University Champion Initiative, where she has strengthened the University’s links with the federal public service and advocated for the promotion of women in STEM fields.
2020 - Dr. Marie des Anges Loyer DaSilva
Dr. Marie des Anges Loyer DaSilva (Dipl. ’55, Cert. ’58, BScN ’60, MEd ’68, PhD ’82) has made major contributions to the University of Ottawa (research, teaching, service) as a student, alumna, faculty member and donor, always promoting her alma mater.
2019 - John McEntyre
John McEntyre (BASc ’65, MEng ’69) started his career at the advent of computer science engineering. He enjoyed a career with IBM and other industry giants such as Northern Telecom, Bell Northern Research, the Defence Research Board and Honeywell, both in Ottawa and around the world.
2018 - Jean Desgagné
Jean Desgagné (BCom ’86) has spent his career contributing to the advancement of youth, particularly students at the Telfer School of Management. The president and CEO of Global Enterprise Services, TMX Group, Jean has held increasingly senior positions at some of Canada’s leading financial institutions.
2017 - Constance Nozzolillo
Dr. Constance Nozzolillo (PhD Sc ’63) spent 28 years teaching biology with uOttawa’s Faculty of Science. A member of many scientific associations, Dr. Nozzolillo has travelled the world honing her research skills. She’s also on campus most weeks, attending lab meetings with former colleagues.
2016 - Shirley Greenberg
Shirley Greenberg (CM, LLB ’76) was already in her forties and the mother of three children when she started law school at uOttawa. She pursued a successful career in family law that saw her start Ottawa’s first all-female law firm and launch the careers of many female lawyers.
2015 - Ken Guarisco
Ken Guarisco (BA ’77, Cert ’83) is one of the Gee-Gees football program’s most faithful allies. Part of the legendary team that won the 1975 Vanier Cup, Ken has contributed to a scholarship for student athletes, run fundraising campaigns and supported football players both on the field and in life.
2014 - Robert (Bob) Gorman
Robert (Bob) Gorman (BSc ’75) is a chartered financial analyst who rose through the ranks to become the chief portfolio strategist of TD Wealth. Loyal to his alma mater, Bob has created two scholarships, one for student athletes and another for students in environmental studies.
2013 - Linda Eagen (Telfer EMBA)
Linda Eagen is the President & CEO for the Ottawa regional Cancer foundation. She has successfully completed the Executive MBA Program at the university of Ottawa and directed several campaigns. She has developed a variety of revenue-generation programs that have raised over $100 million in support of health, education, arts and culture , community and social welfare organizations.
2012 - François Guimont (BSc ’76)
Francois Guimont has been Deputy Minister of Public Works and Government Services since 2007. This post is the latest in his federal government career that dates back to the 1980s, which includes executive positions in the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, the Privy Council Office, and Environment Canada. He is also designated as a Champion of the University of Ottawa, part of a Canadian government program that employs deputy ministers to enhance ties between the public and academic sectors.