Engineering Alumni: The Heart of Our Legacy and Future
Graduates of Engineering at Guelph embody the strength, innovation, and impact that define our school. As we work toward our vision of becoming one of Canada’s top-ranked engineering institutions—driven by exceptional, design-based education and research that truly Improves Life—our alumni remain a vital part of that journey.
Whether you're looking to reconnect, give back, or get involved, there are countless ways to make a difference and help shape the next generation of Guelph Engineers:
Is your engineering class or club approaching a significant anniversary? If you and your former classmates will be celebrating a milestone or anniversary, let’s organize a reunion to celebrate! The Frosty Mug (January) or Homecoming (September) festivities are an exellent way to reconnect with your classmates. Want to celebrate a different anniversary? Let us know – we can help! Visit the Plan a Reunion page here: https://alumni.uoguelph.ca/plan-a-reunion
Class Projects:
One of the most impactful ways to give back to the College of Engineering is through class projects. These fundraising projects are spearheaded by a group of volunteers from a particular graduation year (“class”) or club. These volunteers select what priority they will fundraise toward, set a fundraising goal, timeframe and work with their classmates to meet the goal.
Class projects have a significant impact on the students, programs, faculty and capital projects they support. Our Alumni Affairs and Development team will work with you to determine a meaningful area of giving and support you through the process. This includes organizing appeals and crafting a compelling message to send to your classmates.
Examples of on-going or completed class projects:
Classes of 1980, 1981 & 1982 fundraised to endow a $2000 bursary for students with financial need.
Classes of 1976, 1977 & 1978 fundraised to establish an annual $5000 student leadership scholarship in honour of former U of G engineering professor Peter Chisholm.
Alumni, family, friends, and faculty fundraised to establish a $1,000 scholarship in memory of Kaled Salih, ENG’18, to support engineering students who exemplify his spirit and dedication.
Getting Involved with College of Engineering (COE)
Here are a few ways to get invovled:
Help increase engineering alumni engagement by joining theEngineering Alumni Association (EAA). As a member of the EAA, you will: network with fellow engineering professionals, connect with Guelph engineering students, advance the priorities of the COE and be exposed to career development opportunities. Come to an EAA meeting today (eaapres@uoguelph.ca)!
Join the new Ten Thousand Coffees Engineering Cafe- an online mentorship program. This program connects you Engineering students or recent grads to share career advice, provide industry insights and help prepare them for their next big step.
Want to talk to students about your career path and what it’s like working as a professional engineer (P.Eng) or an engineer-in-training (EIT)? Join us at the annual College of Engineering Career Night. Alumni from all graduation years and disciplines are welcomed! Occurs every year in late-January.
Design Day Judges. Get involved as a 4th-year design (41X) project judge or a judge for 2nd- and 3rd-year design (2100 and 3100, respectively) projects. Occurs every year in early-April.
Honours & Awards
COE Alumni Honours and Awards Nomination Categories
Nominations are now open for the 2025 College of Engineering Alumni Honours and Awards
Nominations close on Friday, August 15, 2025.
Award categories include:
recognizes a University of Guelph Engineering graduate of the last 10 years. The award is presented to an individual who has distinguished him/herself in the profession, the community, the university and/or a related field. Nominees demonstrate significant professional and/or volunteer leadership since graduating from the university. Eligibility requirements: University of Guelph Engineering graduate of the last 10 years who has been out for at least one year (Classes of 2014-2023).
recognizes an alumnus/a who graduated 10 to 25 years ago from the University of Guelph’s College of Engineering. This award is presented to an individual who has earned respect within the engineering profession and in the broader community, already attained significant achievements and gives promise to future contributions. Eligibility requirements: University of Guelph Engineering alumnus/a who graduated 10-25 years ago, inclusive (Classes of 1999-2013).
is the highest honour awarded by the College of Engineering and recognizes an individual or a group/organization (company, foundation or association) for its 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. This award recognizes lifetime achievement or a sustained commitment to excellence. Nominees demonstrate both professional and volunteer contributions made on international, national, provincial and/or local levels, as well as demonstrated leadership in business, cultural activities and contributions to other organizations within our communities. Eligibility requirements: individual or group/organization (company, foundation or association) that has demonstrated a lifetime achievement or a sustained commitment to excellence.
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Past Recipients
Guelph Engineering Medal for Vision & Legacy: Dr. Aref Ali Nayed, B.Sc.(Eng.) '85, MA ‘86, PhD ‘94
