This award recognizes the inspiring talent, effort and influence of the University’s graduates. Nominees must have distinguished themselves through excellence and achievement in their professional field throughout their career; have demonstrated leadership in their profession; have made a positive contribution to the prestige, influence and reputation of the University of Ottawa; and have exercised and continue to exercise a strong positive influence in the community.
Meritas Tabaret Award for Alumni Achievement
Established in 1991, the Meritas Tabaret Award for Alumni Achievement is the association’s oldest and highest honour.
2023: Ian Telfer
An astute business figure and visionary entrepreneur, Ian Telfer (MBA ’76, honorary doctorate ’15) has founded, led and scaled some of the world’s most prominent mining and resource companies. His professional accomplishments and philanthropic support of uOttawa and the School of Management have made him stand out as one of the University’s greatest ambassadors.
2022: Calin Rovinescu
From a young law graduate to an iconic business figure, Calin Rovinescu (LLB ’80) had a brilliant career in corporate law before making his name as a talented strategist heading Air Canada, a corporation he took to new heights before his retirement in 2021. Today, he continues his multiple efforts on behalf of his alma mater.
2021: Dr. Noni MacDonald
Dr. Noni MacDonald (MSc ’71, MD ’75) is an international leader in pediatric infectious disease, development of children’s vaccines and global health research. The race to develop COVID-19 vaccines brought her work to the forefront and she was involved with many governing bodies to help guide vaccination campaigns.
2020: Dr. John Jack Kitts
Dr. John Jack Kitts (MD ’80, EMBA ’01) has been president and CEO of the Ottawa Hospital for nearly 20 years. A champion of patient-centred care practices, Dr. Kitts has also been influential in creating a more integrated health-care system in Ontario.
2019: Dr. Rosa Braga-Mele
Dr. Rosa Braga-Mele (MD ’93) is a renowned surgeon and innovator who has focused her career on improving cataract surgery through better patient care, surgical practice, technology and training for surgeons.
2018: Catherine Cano
Catherine Cano (BSocSc ’84) is a journalist by training and is the president and general manager of the Cable Public Affairs Channel (CPAC). Catherine has tirelessly committed her career to ensuring all Canadians have access to the information needed to actively participate in democracy.
2017: Camille Villeneuve
Camille Villeneuve (BCom ’67) is one of the National Capital Region’s most influential business figures. As president of Multivesco, a real-estate development and management firm, Camille has long supported the Telfer School of Management in a philanthropic and advisory capacity.
2016: Marc Jolicoeur
Marc Jolicoeur (BAdm ’75, LLB ’78) is one of Canada’s most respected lawyers. He has given his time and financial support to more than 25 organizations working in the areas of health and education, to support youth and combat poverty. The University has benefited greatly from this same generosity.
2015: Judge Richard Wagner
Judge Richard Wagner (BSocSc ’78, LL.L. ’79) has held a number of positions within his professional order, including as a civil and commercial litigator with Lavery de Billy, president of the Bar of Montreal and, most notably, as a judge on the Supreme Court of Canada.
2014: Gilles Patry
Gilles Patry (BASc ’71, MASc ’73) was president of uOttawa from 2001 to 2008, guiding the University through a period of unprecedented growth and helping build its national and international reputation for research. He is currently the president and CEO of the Canada Foundation for Innovation.
2013: Richard L’Abbé
Richard L’Abbé graduated in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Ottawa in 1979. Two years later, he co-founded Med-Eng Systems, which became a world recognized leader in the design and production of suits, helmets and electronic products to protect first responders against explosive devices.
2012: Sheila Block (LLB ’72)
Sheila Block is a senior trial counsel with Torys, a highly respected international business law firm. She has been with the firm since 1972 and continues to represent prominent clients in court. She has been especially active in teaching trial advocacy, the skills associated with courtroom procedures, to students as well as working lawyers. This has carried out this work in Canada, the United States, and Latin America, as well as working with international courts in Rwanda and Sierra Leone.