2021 Arch Award winner illustrations with an orange background

Celebrate our visionary alumni

Watch the 2021 Arch Awards recording to discover how curiosity, optimism and determination are building a brighter tomorrow.

The UCalgary Alumni Association recognized six outstanding alumni who demonstrate innovation and excellence in their careers and communities in September. From artists and technology titans to doctors and entrepreneurs — this year’s cohort of six visionaries continue to inspire, inform and illuminate our world. These graduates are impacting the world by:

  • tackling challenging humanitarian issues;
  • improving and inspiring communities on campus and beyond;
  • advancing animal health and well-being; and
  • animating the entertainment sector and boosting the arts.

Throughout their careers, these graduates have contributed significantly to their industries and communities while upholding the highest standards and values in everything they do. As such, they represent the best of our alumni body. 

Award Categories

Distinguished Alumni Award for Lifetime Achievement: Recognizing a graduate who, having reached the pinnacle of professional and personal success, enriches the lives of others through their leadership, shared knowledge, creativity and innovation.

International Career Achievement Award: Acknowledges those whose international career accomplishments have brought distinction to themselves, their alma mater and their communities.

Career Achievement Award: Honours those whose careers have made a positive and significant contribution to their community.

Community Commitment Award: Salutes a graduate who has made outstanding and powerful contributions to their community through professional or volunteer service.

Alumni Service Award: Celebrates a graduate whose philanthropy and/or generous volunteer endeavours has improved the lives of alumni.

Early Career Award: Recognizes professional accomplishments or creative leadership in any field by a recent graduate who is 30 years of age or younger.

Meet the 2021 Arch Award recipients

Dr. Bryan Kolb

Dr. Bryan Kolb, BSc’68, MSc’70, PhD

Distinguished Alumni Award for Lifetime Achievement

Dr. Helga Holst

Dr. Helga Holst, MD’75

International Career Achievement Award

Dr. Sharon Friesen

Dr. Sharon Friesen, BEd’86, MEd’91, PhD’00

Career Achievement Award

Lourdes Juan

Lourdes Juan, BGS’05, MEDes’10

Community Commitment Award

Dr. Janice Heard

Dr. Janice Heard, MD’84

Alumni Service Award

Dr. Bogdan Knezevic

Dr. Bogdan Knezevic, BSc’15, PhD

Early Career Achievement Award

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