Twelve exceptional Conestoga graduates have been recognized for their professional achievements, leadership and community impact with a 2025 Alumni of Distinction award.
2025 Alumni of Distinction Honourees
Twelve exceptional Conestoga graduates have been recognized for their professional achievements, leadership and community impact with a 2025 Alumni of Distinction award.
The annual recognition celebrates alumni who are making meaningful contributions within their industries and communities while reflecting Conestoga’s commitment to career-focused, applied education. Selected through a nomination process, recipients demonstrate innovation, leadership and a dedication to creating positive change through their work and service. Conestoga has recognized outstanding graduates through the Alumni of Distinction program since 1997.
“This year’s Alumni of Distinction recipients are using the knowledge, experience and confidence they developed through applied learning at Conestoga to lead organizations, advance research, mentor future professionals and strengthen communities in meaningful ways,” said Melissa Kelly, associate director, Institutional Strategy & Engagement. “Their contributions are a powerful reflection of how hands-on learning can build strong foundations for long-term, positive impacts across industries and communities.”
This year’s recipients include entrepreneurs, educators, industry leaders, researchers, health-care professionals and community advocates whose work is shaping the future across Waterloo region, provinces across Canada as well as internationally.
2025 Alumni of Distinction recipients:
- Alex Kress, Computer Programmer/Analyst, 1997
- Anna Pekinasova, Civil Engineering Technology, 2008
- Brandon Hardy, Broadcast - Television, 2013
- Cindy Okosun, Project Management, 2021
- Dave Hiff, Media and Communications Fundamentals, 2011; Broadcast - Television, 2013
- Dianne McLeod, Social Services, 2003; Senior Leadership and Management in the Not-For-Profit Sector, 2013
- Emilie Duffin, Baking and Pastry Arts Management, 2025
- Emily Pyke, Automotive Service Technician (Apprenticeship), 2021
- Jesse Haddock, Respiratory Therapy, 2011
- Jessica Linthorne, Public Relations, 2005
- Joanna Mendonca, Business - Insurance (Co-op), 2011
- Shannon Maier, Nursing, 2001
Full profiles of the 2025 Alumni of Distinction recipients are available on the Alumni website.
Conestoga’s more than 250,000 graduates are known for bringing creativity, innovation and hands-on expertise to workplaces and communities around the world. Through leadership, entrepreneurship and service, alumni continue to make a meaningful impact across industries and sectors. Visit the Alumni website to learn more.