North Bay, ON – Yesterday, Nipissing University honoured five outstanding alumni during its annual Alumni Awards ceremony held at The Grande Event Centre in North Bay. Hosted by the Nipissing University Alumni Advisory Board (NUAAB), the awards celebrate graduates and community champions whose leadership, service, and achievements have made a lasting impact on their professions, communities, and Nipissing University.
Awards were presented in five categories: the Rising Star Alumni Award, Dr. James Jamieson Influential Alumni Award, the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award, the Philanthropy Award, and the Honorary Alumni Award.
“Our alumni are making meaningful contributions in their professions, communities, and fields of expertise every day,” said Laurel Muldoon, President of NUAAB. “These awards celebrate not only their exceptional achievements, but also the positive difference they are making in the lives of others. We are honoured to recognize and share their stories.”
The 2026 Nipissing University Alumni Award recipients are:
Dylan Dastany, recipient of the Rising Star Alumni Award
Dylan Dastany has combined his passion for business, leadership, and community impact through roles in both the construction and mental health sectors. As Assistant Controller at McDonald Brothers Construction and co-founder of Dastany Psychotherapy & Wellness Clinic, he continues to build on the confidence and practical skills he developed at Nipissing University while pursuing an MBA at Université Laval.
The Rising Star Alumni Award is presented to a recent graduate of Nipissing University who has demonstrated significant achievements on a professional, community, or volunteer basis or has displayed promise of significant future accomplishments.
Aamil Mohammed Ferhath, recipient of the Dr. James Jamieson Influential Alumni Award
Aamil Mohammed Ferhath has built his career around service, advocacy, and helping international students navigate transitions he once experienced. Originally from Chennai, India, Aamil draws on his own experience adapting to a new country and helps students navigate immigration, academic and cultural transitions, and life in Canada and beyond in his role as International Education Officer at Ontario Tech. In 2023, he established the Aamil Mohammed Ferhath Award at Nipissing University, supporting international students pursuing business and who demonstrate volunteerism and involvement in campus life.
The Dr. James Jamieson Influential Alumni Award is presented to a graduate whose dedication and leadership has influenced significant change and prosperity within their community.
Fran Couchie, recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award
Fran Couchie began her post-secondary education at Nipissing College, before earning a Bachelor of Arts and Science from the University of Guelph. She later returned to Nipissing University to complete her teaching credentials, launching a career that would span classrooms, communities, government, and educational leadership. Throughout her career, Fran has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to advancing education, supporting Indigenous communities, and creating opportunities for children, families, and future generations.
The Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award is presented to an alumnus whose achievement and excellence in their endeavours have distinguished them as a valued leader.
Gowri Sahasranama Krishnan, recipient of the Philanthropy Award
When Gowri Sahasranama Krishnan arrived in Canada, she brought with her a dream of building a meaningful life rooted in purpose, service, and community. A Financial Planner at IG Wealth Management and Board Director for Nipissing Serenity Hospice, she is passionate about empowering others and creating opportunities that strengthen individuals, families, and the communities they call home, whether through financial literacy, volunteer leadership, or community engagement.
The Philanthropy Alumni Award is presented to an alumnus or champion of Nipissing University who is making significant contributions to improve their community through their generosity, dedication, commitment, and service
Dr. Carole Richardson, recipient of the Honorary Alumni Award
Dr. Carole Richardson is an educator, musician, researcher, and academic leader whose career has spanned Ontario and the Cayman Islands. For over two decades at Nipissing University, she has served Nipissing University as faculty member, researcher, and academic administrator and has held several leadership positions, most recently, Interim Provost and Vice-President, Academic.
The Honorary Alumni Award is presented to an individual who is not a graduate of the University, but whose actions and dedication have made a positive impact on the Nipissing University experience.
“The achievements of these alumni reflect the lasting impact of a Nipissing education and the strength of our alumni community,” said Dr. Kevin Wamsley, President and Vice-Chancellor, Nipissing University. "We are proud to celebrate these five exceptional individuals whose leadership, dedication, and accomplishments exemplify the values of Nipissing University and inspire current and future generations of students."
To read more about this year’s award recipients, visit: https://www.nipissingu.ca/life-at-nu/alumni/awards/alumni-awards-2026.
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(705) 474-3450 ext. 4035
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