The University of Winnipeg and the Alumni Association are proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards. This year’s honourees represent three exciting new categories that showcase the remarkable ways our graduates are shaping their professions and their community.
Following a thorough nomination process, these outstanding individuals were selected from an impressive collection of alumni, all nominated by their peers. Due to an overwhelming number of high-quality nominations, we are proud to name two recipients of the One to Watch award this year – a testament to the incredible impact young alumni are making in our communities.
The recipients for 2025 are:
Outstanding Achievement: JP Perron (BA 88)
When people come first, UWIN
From his time as a standout student-athlete to his remarkable career in the financial and human resource sector, JP has consistently demonstrated the qualities of an inspiring and visionary leader. His people-first approach has been central to his leadership journey, including as the President and CEO of Payworks, a leading Canadian workplace management company. He is the current chair of the United Way Campaign, continuing to empower others and foster positive change wherever he goes.
Community Impact: Jaimie Isaac (BA 05, PACE 09)
When curiosity builds knowledge, UWIN
An Anishinaabe member of the Sagkeeng First Nation, Jaimie is a leading voice of truth and reconciliation through the arts. Jaimie has used her curatorial and artistic expertise to amplify underrepresented communities and voices. By working with major art galleries and co-founding ROSEMARY, her commitment to knowledge through the arts continues to inspire and empower the next generation of Indigenous and racialized cultural producers.
One to Watch: Marc Tallman (BBA 17)
When vision and hard work come together, UWIN
A visionary leader, Marc’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to the community makes him one to watch. He is a co-owner of Harvey Tallman International and the founder of the Empty Cup Collective, applying his vision and creativity to build the local coffee company into a beloved Winnipeg fixture that projects to have more than 30 locations across Western Canada within the next decade. Marc’s journey is a testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership and the value of hard work.
One to Watch: Josh Gandier (BBA 22)
When community and traditions align, UWIN
A proud member of the Peguis First Nation, Josh Gandier has quickly emerged as a well-respected and dynamic leader supporting both Indigenous and sports communities. A former Wesmen Men’s Basketball standout (2016-2022) completing his Juris Doctor at the University of Manitoba, he is a dedicated volunteer and advocate, contributing to organizations such as Zaagi-idiwin Sport Performance, Southern Chiefs’ Organization, YM-YWCA, and the Manitoba Aboriginal Sport and Recreation council.
“We are thrilled to recognize these four exceptional alumni and celebrate the diverse ways our graduates are making an impact,” said Danielle Dunbar, Vice-President, University Advancement. “Not only do each of these recipients embody the spirit and excellence at the heart of the UWinnipeg community, but they also inspire future generations of students to pursue their own bold paths.”
The 2025 award winners will be honoured at the University’s inaugural Distinguished Alumni Awards Night on Thursday, October 23, at the Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq. Everyone is welcome to share in this celebration. Tickets are available now on the Distinguished Alumni Awards website.
