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Laurel Muldoon, BA Hons '15, MESc '19

President

Laurel graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor of Art’s Honours specialization in Environmental Geography. She also obtained two certificates from Nipissing in Geomatics and Environmental Planning. Laurel's love for the environment, and Nipissing University, led her to pursue a Master’s in Environmental Science and she graduated in 2019. Laurel has lived in North Bay for almost 13 years and has made it her home. Laurel decided to join the Nipissing University Alumni Advisory Board (NUAAB) to be an advocate for Nipissing's graduate programs and the opportunities that arise when attending a small school. She hopes to provide a voice for our students and assist NUAAB to make positive steps forward with outreach and involvement for and with students. She is honoured to be an active member of the Nipissing University community and to be a part of the NUAAB. She looks forward to continuing to work closely with administration, faculty, staff, students and graduates to highlight what NUAAB can offer.  

Melissa MacNabb, BA '99

Vice President

Melissa's family has a long history in the North Bay and surrounding area. She graduated from Nipissing University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. With this degree she then moved to the United States to work and travel. Melissa returned to Ontario in 2009 to start a career in the financial services industry. In 2016 she was able to move back to North Bay with a progression in her career to management. She is currently the Branch Manager at TD Canada Trust. Melissa is passionate about wellness and mental health. She became a yoga instructor in 2016 to share this passion with others. Since then, she has been teaching yoga classes at the University and supporting with developing the Nipissing University women's volleyball team. She joined the Alumni Advisory Board in 2021 to increase her connection with the University and to increase engagement with other alumni.

Robyn Jones, MESC '20

Robyn completed a Honours B.Sc. in Water Resource Science and a Certificate in Geomatics from Lakehead University in 2016. She continued her education at Nipissing University through the Masters of Environmental Science program and graduated in 2020. She hopes that her time on the alumni advisory committee will help bring positive changes to the Nipissing community. Currently, she works for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. 

Eric Yung, BBA '07, BEd '09

Eric is a graduate of the Bachelor of Business Administration program with a Bachelor of Education in intermediate and senior divisions. Eric has also completed additional qualifications for Special Education Part 1. Born in Hong Kong, Eric came to Canada with his family at the age of 6 residing in Toronto until 1994 when his family made the move to Mattawa, Ontario to open a family business. Eric eventually made the move to North Bay in 2002. During his years at Nipissing he was a member of the Men's Volleyball team as well as the Men's Soccer Team and was recognized as the Al Carfagnini Male Athlete of the Year in 2006 and 2007. Upon graduation, Eric began his career as an educator at local schools and began volunteering his time to athletic programs as a Head Coach within the Near North District School Board. In 2010, Eric became the Head Coach here at Nipissing University and in 2013 led the team to Nipissing's first and only National Championship win. In 2017, he was selected, along with three of his varsity student-athletes to represent Canada as Nipissing Lakers at the World Universiade Games (FISU) games in Tai Pai, Taiwan. He is currently the Head Coach for the Nipissing University Men's Volleyball program. He is also an instructor within the Physical and Health Education program here at Nipissing University. In addition, he is the Owner of Yung Gunz Academy, focused on developing local athletes through Soccer and Volleyball. Eric is also an active member of the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame board. Eric continues to play a vital part in the growth and development of student-athletes both on and off the court and prioritizes community and alumni relations.

Jason Bramburger, BA Hons ’11

Jason Bramburger grew up in Pembroke, Ontario and received a Bachelors of Arts specializing in mathematics and computer science from Nipissing University in 2011. After graduating from Nipissing he went to on to receive an MSc and PhD in applied mathematics from the University of Ottawa in 2013 and 2017, respectively. He is currently an assistant professor of mathematics at Concordia University with research that focuses on pattern formation in models that arise in ecology, combustion, crystallization, plasma physics, and chemical reactions. Prior to his current position he has held prestigious fellowships at Brown University and the University of Victoria. For the 2021-2022 academic year he has been named a fellow of the Institute of Advanced Study in Guildford, UK. He also has a strong enthusiasm for teaching mathematics and mentoring students of all academic levels and over a diverse range of backgrounds.

Roxanne Martin-Pitchenese, BEd ’15

Roxanne Martin-Pitchenese (Wikwemikong Unceded First Nation) is a Anishinaabe Educator, Community Justice Coordinator, Visual Artist and Cultural Activist. A graduate from the Cambrian College Theatre Arts Production, an honours graduate from the Bachelor of Fine Arts/minor in Anishinaabemowin studies from Algoma/Shingwauk University and Bachelor of Education from the Schulich School of Education at Nipissing University, Martin-Pitchenese inspires her community to work with visual interpretations, storytelling and oral history of her surrounding lands and waters of Lake Huron and Superior.

She’s an award recipient for the Ashoka Changemaker Innovative approaches for First Nations people and received the Michaelle Jean Foundation Youth Solidarity Project Recognition at the Art Gallery of Ontario. She is listed on the Wikipedia website for her accomplishments and has established a small home business providing Ojibwe language revitalization resources.

Growing up in Toronto and Northern Ontario, allowed Martin-Pitchenese to have a better understanding of her own self identity and the cultural loss she experienced as a child. Teaching in a northern community allows Roxanne the ability to speak her own language with students and peers, collaborate with community members and have a sense of belonging to better the future for many more generations to come.

Joe Burt, BEd, BA, ’14

Joe is a graduate of the Concurrent Education program, graduating in 2014 with a Bachelor of Education in junior/intermediate division, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in English Studies, with a minor in History. During his time at Nipissing, Joe was heavily involved in campus life. He was a floor representative, a frosh leader, a Residence Don and Community Advisor. Joe’s passion for the Nipissing experience and campus involvement led to him being awarded the Dave Marshall Leadership Award in 2014. His passion for Nipissing has not wavered which is why he is now working on the Nipissing University Alumni Advisory Board. Joe currently works as an Instructional Designer for the Government of Canada, creating training and learning initiatives on the subjects of diversity, equity and inclusion. In his personal time, you can find him walking his two miniature schnauzers, Ella and Louis, in the Ottawa area.

Riley X. T. McEntee, B.A. (Hons) '24

Riley X. T. McEntee was born and raised in Huntsville, then moved to North Bay in late-2019. He is a graduate of Nipissing University, with an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and Political Science. He currently works as a Residence Life Supervisor at Nipissing University. Before this, he was the Nipissing University Student Union President from May 2022 to April 2024. While there, he advocated for change and sought to help many, primarily with food and housing insecurity. He has been a NUAAB Board Member since May 2022 and was honoured to stay on after his time with NUSU ended.

Outside of work and advocacy, he’s often found with his fiancé either at home, attending a community event, or eating a nice meal at a local restaurant.

Dr. James Jamieson Influential Alumni Award​

Presented to a graduate whose dedication and leadership has influenced significant change and prosperity within their community. The recipient may be an alumnus of one of the following institutions: North Bay Normal School, Teacher’s College, Nipissing University College or Nipissing University. 

The award is named after Dr. James Jamieson, who was made an honorary member of the Nipissing University Alumni Association in the early 1980s. He was one of the founding members of the Alumni Association and served as its first President from 1973 - 1975. He served as a member of the Board of Governors from 1975 –1986. In 1981, he, along with Dr. George Zytaruk, was instrumental in the setting up of the Office of Alumni Affairs.

The award will be presented during a yearly event (the date will be determined each year).

Past Recipients of the Dr. James Jamieson Influential Alumni Award:

• 2023
  Dr. Jonathan Pitt
• 2022
  Gemma Victor
• 2021
  Emily Gillespie
• 2020
  Hariett Madigan
• 2019
  Julio Viskovich
• 2018
  Jennifer Conley
• 2017
  David K. Bell
• 2016
  Dr. Peter Bush
• 2014
  Erin Dokis
• 2012
  Marianne Berube
• 2011*
  ​Alexandra Archibald, Tina Benevides, Kim Boechler, Gerry Brennan, Jennifer Burgoyne, Naomi Cheechoo, Cameron Culbert, Anthony D'Agostino, Marianne den Haan, Ian Desjardins, Anna Fitzsimmons, Barbara Groves, Alison Herst, Yves Kalala, Matthew McKean, Paula Murphy, Michelann Parr, Julie Pennell, Andrew Perrin, Trina Prince, Doug Rogers, Kevin Salzman, Virginia Schonhoffer, Andrzej Schreyer, Fred Watkin, Ann Marie Welsh, Alan Williams, Rosie Zinn, & JoAnn Zytaruk

*The Dr. James Jamieson Influential Alumni Award was introduced in 2011 and was presented to a multitude of exceptional alumni.

Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award

Presented to an alumnus/ae whose achievement and excellence in their endeavours have distinguished themselves as a valued leader. The recipient will have demonstrated positive influence through their professional pursuits. As a result of their actions, the alumnus will have made a strong contribution to the prestige and reputation of Nipissing University. The recipient may be an alumnus of one of the following institutions: North Bay Normal School, Teacher’s College, Nipissing University College or Nipissing University.

*Please note that this award was previously known as the Distinguished Alumni Award.

Past Recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award:

• 2023
  Maggie Horsfield
• 2022
  Stacie Fiddler
• 2021
  Dillon Richardson
• 2020
  Dr. Thomsen D'Hont
• 2019
  Alicia Gal
• 2017
  Aengus Finnan
• 2015
  Sylvie Vannier
• 2013
  Kristopher Stevens and Rob Graham
• 2012
  ​Paul Heinrich and Dr. Glynn Sharpe
• 2011
  ​Ted Weltz
• 2010
  Kimberly Burley and Judy Derick 
• 2007
  Philomena Bonis
• 2006
  Jamie Lim 
• 2004
  Dr. Jeff Kleim
• 2003
  Dr. Cecile Somme
• 2002
  Dr. Laverne Smith and Dr. John R. McCarthy
• 2000
  Professor Jack Jones
• 1999
  Dr. Elizabeth Thorn​​​​​

Rising Star Alumni Award

Presented to a recent graduate of Nipissing University who has demonstrated significant achievements on a professional, community and/or volunteer basis or has displayed promise of significant future accomplishments. Restricted to alumni up to and including their fifth year of graduation.

*Please note that the Rising Star Alumni Award was previously known as the Alumni Achievement Award. 

Past Recipients of the Rising Star and Alumni Achievement Award:

• 2023
  Megan Odd
• 2022
  Avery Beall
• 2021
  Alexander Maycock
• 2020
  Cameron Ghent
• 2019
  Alysha Young
• 2018
  Annie Sumi
• 2017
  Timothy Brazeau
• 2016
  Robert Shaw
• 2014
  Matthew Adamson
• 2013
  ​Jaymie Lathem and Shannon Palmer
• 2012
  Leah Symington
• 2011
  ​Ashley Brown
• 2010
  Alex Kappos
• 2009
  Gordon Kerr
• 2008
  Ms. Kimberly Blacker
• 2007
  Mr. William Ferguson
• 2006
  Ms. Krista Lariviere
• 2004
  Mrs. Marilyn Orieux-Tignanelli
• 2003
  Mr. Theo Margaritis
• 2002
  Ms. Lotje Hives and Ms. Gay Smylie

Honorary Alumni Award​

Presented to an individual who is not a graduate of the University, but whose actions and dedication have had a positive impact on the Nipissing University experience. This honour recognizes friends of Nipissing University for outstanding service, commitment and contribution, past or present, to the University.

Past recipients of the Honorary Alumni Award:

• 2023
  Maurice Switzer
• 2022
  Toivo Koivukoski
• 2021
  Dr. Mike DeGagné
• 2020
  Dr. Denyse Lafrance Horning 
• 2019
  Gordon H. Durnan
• 2018
  Dr. Matti Saari
• 2017
  Vicky Paine-Mantha
• 2016
  Edward Salai
• 2013
  Dr. Maria Cantalini-Williams
• 2012
  Colleen Miller
  Cheryl Kelley
  Sandra Foster
  Gerry Foster
  Ted Thomson
• 2006
  Murray Green
  Dr. Dave Marshall
  Dr. George Zytaruk
  Dr. Douglas Pollard
  Dr. James Jamieson

Philanthropy Alumni Award

Awarded to an alumnus or champion of Nipissing University who is making significant contributions to improve their community through their generosity, dedication, commitment and service. The ideal candidate is passionate about an important social cause, freely gives their time, exemplifies great leadership qualities and has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the social challenge related to his or her cause. This can include attempting to break down biases, change perceptions and alleviate issues impeding progress, working toward conquering a problem and/or responding to a need in a tangible way. An individual that graduated from one of the following institutions is considered an alumnus: North Bay Normal School, Teacher’s College, Nipissing University College or Nipissing University.

Past recipients of the Philanthropy Alumni Award:

• 2023
  Paige Trudeau-Shemilt
• 2022
  Macrina Perron
• 2021
  Tammy Morison
• 2020
  Cindy Karugia

About Madigan Hariett

Hariett Madigan has been an active social and environmental champion in North Bay for decades. Graduating from North Bay Teacher’s College in 1970 and from Nipissing University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1986, Hariett’s passion for education and learning can be seen in all that she does. As an educator with the Near North District School Board from 1981 to 1996, Hariett taught her students to be passionate about the world around them and to pursue whatever interests they had. Since her retirement Hariett has not slowed down. In fact, she is just as busy in her retirement as she was in her working career. She is currently the President and CEO of the community events hub, Tangr.com, as well as the owner and facilitator of Living Fit Senior Women’s Club. Living Fit Senior Women’s Club actively promotes learning from various people within the North Bay community and creates networking opportunities for women 55 and over.

In addition to her business pursuits, Hariett is a passionate volunteer. Hariett has paired her love for the environment with her expertise in horticulture to lead activities throughout the city of North Bay for many years. She has been actively involved in many volunteer led groups such as the North Bay Heritage Gardeners (Co-founder and Chair), Communities in Bloom (Co-Chair), Community Waterfront Friends (Vice-Chair), The Waterfront Pergola project (Lead for Fundraising), Nipissing Botanical Gardens (Founder and Past Chair), Trees 4 Nipissing (Board Member),and North Bay Heritage (Board Member). Currently, she is the founder and lead for Clean, Green, Beautiful North Bay, a grassroots initiative encouraging citizens to make a difference to the environment around them by keeping it litter-free.

Above all, Hariett is a mentor that has created many positive changes within the North Bay community. She has been recognized with the Queen’s Jubilee medal twice, once as an Honorary Colonel with the 22 Wing North Bay (2002) and as the Kiwanis Citizen of the Year (2012). Her passion and enthusiasm are contagious to many around her and her leadership is inspiring. When asked what her greatest achievement thus far has been, Hariett said, "My greatest achievement in life is being able to live what I love, my passion, to be an active contributor to the growth and beauty of our community, and to help build a culture of volunteerism and stewardship through different programs and projects in which I have been involved."

About Dr. Thomsen D'Hont

Born and raised in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Dr. Thomsen D’Hont grew up camping, fishing, hunting and trapping throughout the southern Northwest Territories with his family. Representing Canada at the World Cup and the World University Games, Dr. D'Hont has trained and competed in cross-country skiing for most of his life and was a decorated member of the Lakers Varsity Men’s Nordic Skiing team during his time at Nipissing University. Dr. D'Hont graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Science in 2015 and has since gone on to graduate from the Northern Medical Program at the University of British Columbia this past year.

Dr. D’Hont is interested in Indigenous health issues and promoting physical activity. He has worked as a researcher for the Métis Traditional Knowledge Survey and he has conducted a research project on Harm Reduction for the Yellowknife Health and Social Services Authority. One of his many career and academic-related accomplishments includes winning the Dr. A.E. Dennis Wardman Family Aboriginal Prize in Medicine, awarded to the top Indigenous student in the second year of the UBC MD undergraduate program. He is also the winner of a $1,000,000 Arctic Inspiration Prize as a Board Member of the Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation. In addition, Dr. D'Hont is a recipient of the Jane Glassco Northern Fellowship, presented by the Walter & Duncan Gordon Foundation recognizing leadership potential among young northern Canadians that are eager to address policy challenges facing the North. The fellowship provided Dr. D'Hont with the opportunity to create and publish a public policy paper titled Addressing the Need for Indigenous Physicians in the Northwest Territories. He is also the recipient of the Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Centre for American Indian Health travel grant and scholarship that allowed him to partake in Summer MPH courses. 

Reflecting on his time at Nipissing, Dr. D'Hont said, "As an alumnus, I think back to the good times I had. My fondest memories are of balancing my academics with athletics while on the ski team at Nipissing. I am proud to have been a part of such a unique program that valued this balance and one that provided exceptional training facilities, such as on-campus ski trails and an elite gym training facility. I also have many fond memories of various activities with the Office of Indigenous Initiatives on campus."

About Cameron Ghent

Cameron Ghent graduated from Nipissing University with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) specialization in Gender Equality and Social Justice in 2019. While at Nipissing, Cameron worked as a student staff member within Student Development and Services in the role of Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Outreach Assistant. Cameron also revitalized the Equity Centre, a student-run safe space on campus that advocates on behalf of marginalized people. Thanks to Cameron’s leadership, the Equity Centre and its staff have grown to be a recognized resource on campus sought out by staff, faculty and students for support, education and training.

In addition to this, Cameron also contributed to the development of Nipissing University’s first Sexual Violence Response Policy, the designation of an all-gender washroom, the implementation of trans-inclusive signage in all bathrooms across campus, and educating students and staff through workshops about gender, sexual violence and bystander intervention. The work that Cameron accomplished as Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Outreach Assistant contributed to Nipissing University being recognized as #1 for “steps to prevent sexual assault on campus” in the primarily undergraduate category of the Maclean’s Universities Rankings. Although the legacy of this work has been taken up by a new generation of students, it would not have been possible without Cameron’s foundational contributions.

Cameron has continued their advocacy work beyond graduation. They developed and presented a webinar for front-line staff working in the settlement sector regarding advocacy for 2SLGBTQ+ clients and community members, which included local research and data collection for the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI). They developed and facilitated Positive Space workshops for Canadore College in June 2019. Cameron took on the role as Executive Assistant at Amelia Rising Sexual Violence Support Centre in July 2019, with a focus on increasing overall capacity to better serve and advocate for 2SLGBTQ+ clients. As part of this role, Cameron organized a community vigil for Trans Day of Remembrance in November 2019. They have been involved with Art Fix, a local artist collective focused on creating social change, as a Steering Committee member since 2019. Since 2018, Cameron co-hosted and produced a community event called North Gay Trivia, which aims to provide a space for 2SLGBTQ+ people and their allies to gather and have a good time. From 2018 to 2020, Cameron was also a Champion of OCASI’s Positives Space Initiative.

Cameron is truly dedicated to creating significant change within the community of North Bay, especially for marginalized individuals and those who have experienced gender-based violence. Cameron, a proud member of the community said "Aside from earning my BA from Nipissing, I am proud to continue to call North Bay my home post graduation and to be part of a community of folks that are passionate about social justice, supporting the arts and celebrating life in the North."

About Dr. Denyse Lafrance Horning

After graduating with a Bachelor of Administration and a Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Ottawa, Dr. Denyse Lafrance Horning joined the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies (J&J). She began her career in consumer sales and eventually found her niche as a member of the marketing team. She has managed such national leading brands as Tylenol*, Splenda*, Pepcid AC* and Motrin* IB with a focus on new product launches and Olympic sponsorship management.

While working at Johnson & Johnson, Dr. Lafrance Horning also taught marketing courses part-time at Nipissing University. The energy of the classroom swayed Dr. Lafrance Horning from industry to academia where she has been a full-time marketing professor at Nipissing’s School of Business since 2007. Dr. Lafrance Horning draws on her industry experience to complement academic curriculum and learning. In November 2014, she successfully defended her PhD entitled An Investigation of Sponsorship Effects at Charity-Linked Sporting Events: Does Gender Matter? which was recognized as a finalist in the International Marketing Trends best thesis award competition. Dr. Lafrance Horning is currently engaged in marketing to women, sports marketing and sponsorship research. She is also a member of the Nipissing University Athletic Advisory Board and was instrumental in creating the annual Lakers Break the Ice on Mental Health charity hockey game which raises money for mental health supports. 

In addition to her evolving professional roles and responsibilities, she values her time with family and friends. She enjoys her summers at the family ‘camp’ and winters on the hockey rink. Dr. Lafrance Horning is very involved in coaching her daughters’ competitive hockey teams and in 2015 she was recognized with the Hockey Canada Hero of Play award. In 2017, she became a coaching mentor with the Coaches Association of Ontario. "I feel very fortunate to have had many great opportunities throughout my life.  By far, my greatest achievement is my family," Dr. Lafrance Horning said of her accomplishments. "My husband Steve and my daughters, Ellie and Sydney, are what makes everything else in life enjoyable. Together, we have built a wonderful life that eventually led us back to my hometown and to the great community of North Bay."

About Cindy Karugia

This year's inaugural award recipient is Cindy Karugia. Since graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Criminal Justice in 2018, Cindy has dedicated herself to amplifying voices of young womxn and girls, and advocating for gender equality. Through her work on numerous boards and committees, Cindy has been able to meet and network with hundreds of women across Canada with the same goal. She has continuously represented Nipissing University and North Bay well in initiatives such as Girl Belongs Here 2019 - Seat Share with Plan International Canada, in which she was able to share responsibilities with the CEO of Manulife, Roy Gori, for a day. Presently, Cindy is a member of the Young Women’s Leadership program which is aimed at empowering, mentoring and training one hundred womxn from across Canada into community change makers. Cindy was also selected to sit on the Board of the G(irls) 20 program which places community-focused young women on governance boards in their communities. Cindy has a passion for philanthropy and volunteerism, and to help women and girls on a national and international level.

Reflecting on her time at Nipissing, Cindy said, "The community of colleagues and mentors that I built at Nipissing continues to positively contribute to my present day life. The best decision I ever made was to get involved in volunteering and working at the University as a student. One person that I’d like to celebrate is Gemma Victor, an employee of Nipissing who earlier in life spotted the potential in me. In turn, she took her time to professionally mentor and coach me as I was approaching graduation and transitioning into my professional career."