Success isn’t stagnant; it evolves. The target moves with every new goal and challenge. This year’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipients embody this spirit, having turned personal passions into powerful, transformative action. Whether pioneering new approaches in global health, advancing our understanding of sleep and breathing, or championing human rights, they remind us that real progress happens when we dare to adapt, innovate and continuously push the boundaries of what we think we know.
Visionary nurse, global health advocate, educator
From Papua New Guinea villages to the classrooms of Ghana and beyond, Linda Ogilvie has transformed nursing education on a global scale. Recognizing the power of well-trained nurses to influence public health, Ogilvie established international programs that equip nurses to be leaders of social change. Her work with the University of Ghana has helped reduce the migration of nurses to richer nations, strengthening local health-care systems. A dedicated professor at the University of Alberta, Ogilvie instills in her students a passion for global health, forever changing the way they think about the impact of nursing.
Breathing and sleep specialist, groundbreaking researcher, mentor
Beginning in Edmonton, Atul Malhotra’s journey led him to the forefront of sleep science in North America. Specializing in sleep apnea and other critical breathing disorders, Malhotra’s impressive body of research includes more than 800 published works. His focus on obstructive sleep apnea (which affects about 20 per cent of people) has led to treatments significantly improving patients’ quality of life. Beyond his clinical and research achievements, Malhotra is committed to training the next generation of physicians, fostering knowledge-sharing and expertise to benefit even more lives. This leadership spans from the halls of Harvard to the University of California, San Diego, shaping the future of sleep and respiratory care.
Jurist, human rights champion, community leader
For Robert Philp, justice isn’t confined to the courtroom. As a former provincial court judge and chief of the Alberta Human Rights Commission, Philp has built a career to ensure all citizens can participate meaningfully in society. His sentences have always reflected a deep commitment to human rights and social justice, considering not only the crime but also the individual behind it. Outside of his judicial role, Philp has shaped the legal landscape by mentoring young lawyers and advocating for Indigenous competence training. His dedication to Edmonton’s task force to end poverty, long-standing volunteer work with Boyle Street Community Services and efforts supporting the welfare of youngsters and marginalized people demonstrate a commitment to community, compassion and leading selflessly.
The U of A’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipients represent a growing community of change makers. See 2024’s full list of recipients, and remember — nominations are open for 2025!
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