Nipissing University Celebrates 2025 Alumni Award Recipients
Nipissing University honoured five distinguished alumni during its annual Alumni Awards ceremony held at the Grande Event Centre in North Bay. Hosted by the Nipissing University Alumni Advisory Board (NUAAB), this celebration recognizes the exceptional achievements of alumni who have made significant contributions to their professions, communities, and the University.
The Nipissing University Alumni Awards are presented in five categories: the Rising Star Alumni Award, Dr. James Jamieson Influential Alumni Award, the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award, the Philanthropy Award, and the Honorary Alumni Award.
“Each year, we look forward to honour some of our esteemed Nipissing alumni whose passion, dedication, leadership and kindness are making meaningful impacts in their communities and professions,” share Laurel Muldoon, President of NUAAB.
The 2025 Nipissing University Alumni Award recipients are:
Connor Lafortune, recipient of the Rising Star Alumni Award
Connor Lafortune is Anishinaabek, Queer, and Francophone; he uses his understanding of the world to shape his creations as a writer, poet, and musician. He combines the written word with Indigenous beadwork and sewing to recreate the stories of colonization, showcase resilience, and image the future. He works primarily in Life Promotion, harm-reduction, mental health, and Indigenous education.
The Rising Star Alumni Award is presented to a recent graduate of Nipissing University who has demonstrated significant achievements on a professional, community, or volunteer basis or has displayed promise of significant future accomplishments.
Sabah Khan, recipient of the Dr. James Jamieson Influential Alumni Award
Sabah Khan is a strong global leader whose work spans more than a decade across international mobility, public sector administration, private-sector operations, and client services. Working as the International Mobility Coordinator at Nipissing University, she prides herself for being a compassionate changemaker helping to shape a more inclusive and globally connected campus and community future the University.
The Dr. James Jamieson Influential Alumni Award is presented to a graduate whose dedication and leadership has influenced significant change and prosperity within their community.
Anna Pearson, recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award
Committed to inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, equity, and global citizenship, Anna Pearson has taught in both French Immersion and English streams.
Anna was an inaugural Professional Associate at Nipissing University’s Centre for the Study of State Violence where she collaborates with scholars to facilitate workshops, experiential programs, and professional development opportunities for Nipissing students and aspiring teachers. For Anna, teaching complex topics based on age-appropriate strategies ensures that the next generation of teachers are empathetic and capable.
The Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award is presented to an alumnus whose achievement and excellence in their endeavours have distinguished them as a valued leader.
Hayley Heaslip, recipient of the Philanthropy Award
Hayley Heaslip brings energy, creativity, and community spirit to everything she does and gives back to her community through her work on the Bonnechere River Park and Trail Project Working Group and the Renfrew Public Library Board. She also hosts the annual Barr Street Block Party, supports Canada Day celebrations, and has volunteered with the Girl Guides of Canada.
The Philanthropy Alumni Award is presented to an alumnus or champion of Nipissing University who is making significant contributions to improve their community through their generosity, dedication, commitment, and service.
Norm Dokis, recipient of the Honorary Alumni Award
Norm Dokis is a professional nature interpreter who uses Indigenous ways of knowing in his land-based teachings. With a lifetime of experience, Norm employs a balanced approach of storytelling, humour, bushcraft skills, history and a variety of topics to provide a holistic educational experience.
Norm’s teaching philosophy revolves around inclusion and often uses his quote “reconciliation starts with me” as a starting point to unite numerous organizations.
The Honorary Alumni Award is presented to an individual who is not a graduate of the University, but whose actions and dedication have made a positive impact on the Nipissing University experience.
“This year’s Alumni Award recipients truly exemplify the incredible impact Lakers make everyday around the globe and we are proud to celebrate their achievements,” shared Dr. Kevin Wamsley, President & Vice Chancellor at Nipissing University. “Each of these remarkable individuals carries with them a shared Nipissing experience that helped shape their journey. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of them on this well-deserved recognition.”
For full biographies of this year’s award winners, visit https://www.nipissingu.ca/alumni/awards/alumni-awards-2025.
