Alumni News

Mary Lou Smoke, LLD’22, is a lifelong Indigenous advocate and now is Western’s new Elder-in-Residence.

Peter Howitt, MA’69, won the Nobel Prize in Economics in recognition of his work on creative destruction.

Simu Liu, HBA’11, shared his journey of growing up between cultures, struggling with family expectations and facing mental health struggles.

Fawn Porter, BSc’20, leads the Haudenosaunee Nationals Women’s Box Lacrosse team with heart.

Thousands of Western alumni from all over the world gathered on campus and virtually to celebrate Homecoming Sept. 26 to 28.

Asha Parekh, PhD’15, is the recipient of the 2025 Engineering Young Alumni Award.

Perry Dellelce, Kelly Meighen and David Simmonds are engaging fellow alumni Western’s “All in” Campaign.

Lisa Nguyen, MSc’24, and kinesiology professor Marc Mitchell examined whether fitness app usage can result in long-term exercise habits.

Priya Modi, BMSc’23, and professor Anita Woods designed a new online tool with diverse scientific illustrations to boost representation.

Joey McDowell, BA’98, BEd’99, reflects on lessons learned as a special education teacher.

Heather Rea-Macaulay, BA’84, became an advocate, fundraiser and compassionate caregiver when ALS struck her husband.

Benson Law, BHSc’21, MSc’23, combines his passions for medicine and service to his country.

Shane McCarthy, BESc’25, is a champion boxer turned entrepreneur thanks to the support at Morrissette Entrepreneurship.

Dayanqi Si, MLIS’16, studies how libraries can help second-generation immigrants maintain their mother tongues.

Kathy Hibbert, BA’82, PhD’05, has been helping to rebuild the education system in Cambodia for more than 15 years.

Lorraine Greaves, BA’70, MA’74, Glenn Murphy, BA’84, and Chris Tambakis, HBA’86, were were appointed to the Order of Canada.

Three health-technology startups led by Western grads and faculty were awarded up to $500,000 for their health innovations.

Patrick Adjei, MEng’20, PhD’25, is Western’s first fellow to graduate from Indigenous and Black Engineering and Technology PhD Project.

Jordyn Hunter, BA’25, earned a groundbreaking opportunity with the Canadian Football League.

Aaron Lewis, MD’25, reflects on his roots and the path that led him to rural family medicine, including his grandmother’s influence.

Bruce Ross, BESc’85, received his honorary Doctorate of Laws during spring convocation.

Dylan, Julia, Lauren and Christopher Devito all attended Western at approximately the same time, with three siblings graduating in 2025.

Varsity swimmer Hilary Bruce was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in her second year and graduated on the dean’s list.

Angel Abraham, BMOS’25, is a pilot, flight dispatcher, Navy reservist and YouTuber. Her journey at Western helped her blossom, developing new leadership skills.

Jim McCormick, BA’18, MA’20, is Western’s only octogenarian graduate this spring.

Manisha Braithwaite, BA’97, is a dedicated volunteer and alum.

Heather Whittle, BScN’90, MScN’94, Dip’00, is paying it forward by ensuring future students have the same chances to grow and thrive.

Abe Oudshoorn, PhD’11, travelled to Santiago, Chile, in late 2025 for a five-week visiting scholar appointment at the University of Alberto Hurtado.

Eric Doerr, BESc’14, MESc’16, is a dynamic and ambitious leader with a passion for connecting people and solving complex problems.

Raywat Deonandan, PhD’01, is redefining the role of public health educator and defender of science.