On October 23, alumni and friends of the University gathered to celebrate the 2025 recipients of UWinnipeg’s Distinguished Alumni Awards.
Award recipient Josh Gandier addresses attendees at the Distinguished Alumni Award Night.
During the celebration, the University honoured four inspiring alumni who are making outstanding contributions to their professions or community. At this inaugural award celebration, UWinnipeg was pleased to present awards in three brand-new categories. JP Perron received the Outstanding Achievement Award, Jaimie Isaac received the Community Impact Award, and Marc Tallman and Josh Gandier received One to Watch Awards.
“Our alumni are a constant source of inspiration and pride at UWinnipeg,” said Dr. Todd Mondor, President and Vice-Chancellor. “Tonight, we celebrate four individuals who – through their vision, leadership, and commitment to making a difference – represent the best of what UWinnipeg is and all that we strive to become.”
This year’s Outstanding Achievement Award recipient, JP Perron, was selected for his visionary leadership in the business and Winnipeg communities. Perron is a former standout Wesmen volleyball player, past President and CEO of Payworks, and the United Way campaign chair.
“To the University of Winnipeg, a heartfelt thank you for the nomination. I’m deeply honoured and grateful,” Perron said. “When we combine two things – compassion and action – when these two connect, we win. When we work united, to the greater wellbeing of those in need, we all get back way more than we put in.”
Celebrated Winnipeg artist and curator, Jaimie Isaac, was presented with the Community Impact Award for her efforts toward the decolonization of art institutions, support for Indigenous perspectives and marginalized voices in the art community, and exemplary mentorship of emerging curators.
“Thank you so much for seeing me in this light. It’s a huge honour to be awarded with this Community Impact award from University of Winnipeg,” Isaac said. “Community has impacted me immensely, and as a curator, artist, and cultural researcher, I feel an accountability and responsibility to weave together, amplify, and elevate contributing stories and experiences with respect and with humility.”
Former Wesmen basketball star and dedicated volunteer and advocate, Josh Gandier, was celebrated for his contributions to youth sport-development, community leadership, and mentorship of Indigenous youth.
“Being a Wesmen athlete—those were some of the most memorable years of my life,” Gandier said. “It’s at UW where I was inspired to study Indigenous and Aboriginal ways. It’s also the place where I learned to introduce myself in Ojibway and to be really proud of that. It’s where I built my academic foundation.”
UWinnipeg Business alum and Empty Cup Collective founder, Marc Tallman, was honoured for his entrepreneurial spirit and deep commitment to community.
“20-year-old me would not believe that I am in front of all of you today,” said Tallman. “Our team has created something truly special,” he said, crediting his team for the success of Empty Cup and its impact on the community. “[This award] shows that we’re doing something right and we’re making an impact.”
The University of Winnipeg was proud to celebrate these remarkable alumni alongside our community. Nominations are now open for next year’s awards. We encourage you to nominate outstanding UWinnipeg graduates who are making a positive difference in our city and province.
