This year’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipients are improving lives by shaping systems, strengthening communities and inspiring new possibilities — in justice, language preservation, health and design. Their personal passions are becoming results that endure … and inspire. Meet a handful of grads who have met their purpose with action.
Cree judge and devoted child advocate Cheryl L. Arcand-Kootenay has transformed access to justice in Alberta. A member of Kipohtakaw (Alexander) First Nation, she marked a historic first as the first Treaty 6 Cree woman appointed to the Provincial Court of Alberta. She later served on Alberta’s Court of King’s Bench. Her frameworks — from healing circles to a child welfare case management pilot — reflect her commitment to culturally respectful law. A mentor to Indigenous law students and a celebrated marathoner, she is known for her integrity, dedication and humility.
A leading voice in equity, diversity and inclusion, Malinda S. Smith has reshaped how Canadian universities address anti-racism and inclusive excellence. Her scholarship and leadership — including serving as the first vice-provost EDI at the University of Calgary — have driven systemic change in hiring, pay equity and policy. Her impact is national. She co-founded the Scarborough Charter on anti-Black racism, authored eight books and continues to influence transformation across academia and beyond.
Educator and Cree language champion Mary Cardinal Collins has devoted her life to preserving and teaching Plains Cree. Drawing from her own residential school experience, she created Cree curriculum adopted across western Canada and shared the language through media, literature and mentorship. For her, every word is an act of connection. Collaborations with the Cree Literacy Network and the U of A’s SILR (Supporting Indigenous Language Revitalization) initiative embody her belief that language can bring people together.
Respected Elder, educator and cultural protector Patricia I. Goodwill-Littlechild has shaped Indigenous education and language revitalization in Maskwacis and beyond. As president of Maskwacis Cultural College, she advanced culturally grounded education and helped establish Plains Cree as the community’s official language. Honoured with multiple lifetime achievement awards, she continues to mentor, advise and inspire those carrying the work forward.
Architect, leader and diplomat Samuel Óghalé Oboh creates spaces that shape communities and celebrate culture. From leading the Alberta Legislature Centre Redevelopment to setting national design standards through LabsCanada, he blends innovation with cultural stewardship on a national scale. The first Canadian of African descent to lead the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, he also serves as Honorary Consul for Botswana and mentors emerging designers whose work will shape tomorrow.
The U of A’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipients represent a growing legacy of leadership and impact. See 2025’s full list of honourees — and nominate an outstanding grad for 2026.
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