Some people achieve lofty goals through sheer determination. Others focus on teaching and uplifting those around them. A select few do both.
The honorees of MacEwan University’s Distinguished Alumni Award are experts in journalism, public policy and the arts. They are also helping to bring along the next generation of storytellers, scholars and performers.
The 2026 honorees demonstrate exemplary service and leadership within their profession and community.
Steve Jodoin is one-of-a-kind in Alberta’s theatre scene. He is the artistic director and general manager of L’UniThéâtre, Alberta’s only professional Francophone theatre company and co-founder of Productions Loft. Over the years, he has become a cornerstone of Alberta’s Francophone arts community and has transformed how Francophone stories are told, shared and celebrated across Canada. At L’UniThéâtre, Jodoin has revitalized the company through innovative programming and meaningful community engagement. He has worked to renew partnerships with Francophone and French immersion schools, expand youth tours that reach thousands of students and strengthen Alberta’s Francophone Improv League. His leadership fosters creativity, inclusivity and cultural pride. Jodoin serves on national arts boards and mentors emerging creators, ensuring that Francophone voices continue to thrive.
Dr. Ryan Payne’s work bridges artificial intelligence, ethics and social impact. As an associate professor at the University of Canberra, he leads an innovative research hub exploring how technology can build inclusion, strengthen communities and inspire responsible innovation. He is also the United Nations Delegate on AI Governance. Dr. Payne has presented his work to the UN and contributed to major international policies, including the European Union AI Act and Japan’s Propel Act. He mentors emerging scholars and guides national professional associations in shaping their AI ethics frameworks. Through creativity, compassion and collaboration, Dr. Payne continues to redefine what ethical, human-centred technology can achieve locally and globally.
Sheena Rossiter is bringing her global experience home. She has worked internationally as a journalist and is now sharing her wealth of knowledge with students at MacEwan as head of Media Production. She is an award-winning journalist, filmmaker and educator. Rossiter was also a foreign correspondent in Brazil and the United Kingdom. Her 20-year career has taken her to more than 20 countries and to some of the world’s most significant historical events. Rossiter was one of the first journalists to make use of livestreaming. It is now common to see others telling stories in real time and sharing historical events from around the world. She has reported for NPR, CBC and Monocle, and is a producer of acclaimed documentaries that highlight social justice and equity issues.
Visit MacEwan.ca/AlumniAwards to see the full list of this year’s alumni award honorees, including our Emerging Leader recipients.
