Alumni Recognition

The accomplishments and achievements of Algoma University's alumni are recognized through two annual awards:

Alumni Achievement Award

The Alumni Achievement Award acknowledges the professional, civic, and personal accomplishments of an Algoma University alumn who has graduated within the last 10 years.
 

Distinguished Alumni Award

The Algoma U Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award recognizes the accomplishments of an Algoma University alum who has reached a pinnacle of personal and professional achievement in his or her chosen field.
 

Nominations

To learn more, or to nominate an Algoma University alum for the Alumni Achievement Award or the Distinguished Alumni Award, please download the Algoma U Alumni Recognition Awards Nomination Form (PDF).
 

Current Award Recipients

2009 Alumni Achievement Award: Nevin Buconjic

Nevin is a mentor, entrepreneur, educator and businessman. Currently, he is a Strategic Business Advisor with the Ministry of Natural Resources. He has a BA (Computer Science) from Laurentian University/Algoma U, a B.Sc. in Marketing and Management and a MBA (Lake Superior State University), a Certificate in Internet Marketing (University of British Columbia) and in 2007 completed his Economic Developer's Certification through the Economic Development Association of Canada.

While working on his Accelerated Degree in Computer Science in 2001 at Algoma U, Nevin was tutoring at a local elementary school. Struck by the lack of enthusiasm that students had for computers, Nevin set out to change their attitudes and interests by teaching young people skills in web design and video game design. His passion for computers and entrepreneurship lead Nevin to create Adventures in Computing summer camps, now in their 9th year, here on campus. Nevin went on to co-found a local web design firm, before starting his own internet market and consulting company from which he created a scholarship for students entering into the Computer Science program here at Algoma U.

Over the years, Nevin has committed to being an advocate for youth in our community, taking part in the original Sault Youth Task Force where he spearheaded the Saultyouth.com portal. He has mentored, taught and worked with hundreds of students and young people in the topics of entrepreneurship, computers and technology. He currently writes a technology column for Fresh Magazine and has taught both computer and business courses at Algoma U and Sault College. In 2006 he was a finalist for the Osprey Media/Ontera Northern Ontario Youth Entrepreneur Award for Sault Ste. Marie and Area.
 

2009 Distinguished Alumni Award: Les Dunbar, BA 1980

Les graduated from Algoma U with BA (Economics) in 1980, while working full-time at Algoma Steel. He continued his studies at Lake Superior State University, earning his MBA.

Changing careers in the early 1990's, Les entered the world of finance as an Investment Advisor. He became Edward Jones' first Limited Partner in Canada in 1995 and was one of 20 people selected (out of 9000 candidates) to receive Edward Jones' Extraordinaire Mentor Award.

A strong community volunteer, Les believes in giving back to his community. Les has been actively involved with many organizations including the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Downtown Rotary Club, and the United Way. His volunteer activity has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Trillium National Award and the City of Sault Ste Marie Mayor's Award.

After attending an Alumni event in 2004, Les joined the Algoma U Alumni Council and was instrumental in rebuilding the Alumni Council. He helped to organize the Algoma U Reunion in 2005 and has been deeply committed to the University ever since. Les currently sits on the Algoma U Foundation Board of Directors, the Algoma U Board of Governors, Chair of the Finance Committee and Chair of the annual Foundation Dinner Planning Committee.
 

Past Award Recipients

2008 Alumni Achievement Award:
Dr. Laurie Bloomfield, BA Hons 2000

Dr. Laurie BloomfieldDr. Bloomfield grew up in Sault Ste Marie and attended Algoma U from 1996 to 2000. Her honours thesis project was entitled, Temperature Effects on Foraging Behaviour in Black-capped Chickadees.

In September of 2000 she began work on her Master's degree at Queen's University with Dr. Ronald Weisman. She would go on to receive the Canadian Psychological Association Award for Academic Excellence for her thesis project entitled, Production and Perception of Chickadee Calls: A Comparative Analysis.

After completing her Masters, Dr. Bloomfield was awarded an NSERC scholarship and an Alberta Ingenuity Studentship to work at the University of Alberta with Dr. Christopher Sturdy.

Following the completion of her Ph.D. in June 2007 Dr. Bloomfield moved back to the Soo to begin her position of Assistant Professor at Algoma University.
 

2008 Distinguished Alumni Award: Dave Jones, BA 1989

David JonesDavid Jones is the founder of Turtle Concepts. He is presently an entrepreneur, researcher and motivational speaker.

Dave strongly believes in his traditional Aboriginal teachings. Since 1999, Turtle Concepts has traveled worldwide with the message that "you have a right to feel good about yourself" and to "celebrate your successes".

Dave holds a degree in Sociology from Algoma U and a degree in Education that empowers him to speak confidently. He is currently applying to be a PH.D. candidate with a plan to research the effects of gaining confidence and how difficult that may be, specifically for Aboriginal People.

Dave is a founding member and moderator for the Youth Panel for the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers, the director for the Canadian Aboriginal Fashion Show, a board member of the National Aboriginal Music Awards and a former elected member of the Garden River First National Council.
 

2007 Alumni Achievement Award: Jody Rebeck, BBA Hons 1997

Jody RebekAfter graduating from Algoma U, Ms. Rebek continued her education at Royal Roads University in Victoria BC, where she was awarded the Canada Graduate Scholarship from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada to complete her Master of Arts in Leadership and Training.

Ms. Rebek is the Managing Director of Destiny Sault Ste. Marie, a position she has held since 2006. Prior to joining Destiny Sault Ste. Marie, Ms. Rebek was the Executive Director for Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI). There she spearheaded community partnerships and established relationships with various government and private sector leaders to engage in the development of continuous quality improvement for Sault Ste. Marie and area.

Ms. Rebek has researched and published a number of reports and publications, including the Community Resilience Project of Sault Ste. Marie, the Blossom's Project, Vision 20/20, and Healthy Youth Needs Assessment. She has been actively involved in the community through her service with organizations such as the lake Superior Conservancy and Watershed Council, Sault Ste. Marie Best for Kids Committee and the Sault Ste. Marie and Area Physician Recruitment program. In addition, at the 2007 Chamber of Commerce Awards, Ms. Rebek was awarded the Athena Award.
 

2007 Distinguished Alumni Award: Dianne Marshall, BA 1974

Dianne MarshallDiane Marshall is well known for her outstanding service and career with the Algoma District School Board. As an educator, Mrs. Marshall developed programs for special needs and gifted children. She later became the Administrator of Special Education with the ADSB and was the first female Superintendent.

Diane continues to be active in the community, serving with such organizations as the Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie, Christmas Cheer program, Sault Area Hospital Board, Canadian Cancer Society, United Way, Algoma University College Foundation, and the Central United Church.