Honouring Alumni & Friends
The School of Engineering celebrated its community of alumni and friends at the 10th Annual Honours & Awards Gala, recognizing the excellence they bring to engineering. The celebration took place in the Adams Atrium of the Thornbrough Building and welcomed more than 100 attendees including alumni, friends, family, faculty, students, and industry partners.
The School bestowed seven awards, given to graduates and friends whose contributions to the field of engineering improve life. Award criteria considered achievements in the profession, community, or University of Guelph, and significant professional or volunteer leadership, among others.
2019 Award Winners
Director’s Award of Distinction: Valerie Davidson, University Professor Emerita
Medal of Achievement: Robert Adams, BSc.Eng ’83
Award of Excellence: RWDI
Mid-Career: Tej Gidda, BSc.Eng ’96, MSc ’97, PhD ’04
Outstanding Volunteer: Janey Piroli, BSc. Eng’96
Young Alumni of Honour: Kendra Sakaguchi. B.Eng ’08
Engineering Co-Op Employer of The Year: Baylis Medical
The night’s most prestigious award went to Robert (Rob) Adams (BSc.Eng ’83), who received the “Medal of Achievement” – the highest honour awarded by the School of Engineering. The Medal recognizes contributions to the community, engineering, education, business and industry so significant that they bring honour to their alma mater, fellow alumni and the University of Guelph. It also recognizes lifetime achievement and a sustained commitment to excellence.
The awards were presented by Mary Wells (dean, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences) and John Runciman (director, School of Engineering) at the reception and ceremony November 14. Relive the night's festivities - view photos from the awards gala.
Mary Wells (dean, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences), chats with a friend of the college during the reception.
