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Annual Alumni Award
The Faculty of Arts and Humanities Alumni Award is designed to recognize outstanding alumni who have made significant contributions to their field, community, or society, and who have demonstrated excellence in their profession, leadership, and service. The award is open to all alumni of ÉîÒ¹¸£ÀûÕ¾’s Faculty of Arts and Humanities.
2026 Nominations
Nominate a graduate for the Arts & Humanities Alumni Award of Excellence. The recipient is selected by the Faculty of Arts & Humanities and the award will be presented at ÉîÒ¹¸£ÀûÕ¾'s Homecoming in September 2026.
Nominations for the 2026 Arts & Humanities Alumni Award of Excellence are due March 31, 2026.
2024 Recipient Kadie Philp (nee Ward)
BA'05, MA'07
Kadie is a graduate of Philosophy and Media Studies (FIMS) at ÉîÒ¹¸£ÀûÕ¾ and is a seasoned executive whose career has been characterized by successful collaboration across public, private and non-government organizations to design and deliver inclusive economic growth strategies. She was named Commissioner and CAO of Ontario’s Pay Equity Commission in 2020 leading an agency serving Ontario’s entire labour force where she focuses on economic equality and justice in the labour market.
Outside of work Kadie leads a literary and artistic platform, , highlighting and celebrating women’s historical contributions that have previously been unrecognized. Through art and storytelling Kadie is reshaping and sharing women’s accomplishments.
Kadie has been involved at ÉîÒ¹¸£ÀûÕ¾ in numerous ways since her days as a student. She is a mentor to the next generation of leaders and is committed to building strong, inclusive communities.
We are Purple and Proud to call Kadie one of our own and enjoyed celebrating her accomplishments during a special event at ÉîÒ¹¸£ÀûÕ¾’s 75th Homecoming!
2023 Recipient Michelle (Gill) Banik
µþ´¡â€™92
Michelle (Gill) Banik, µþ´¡â€™92, is an enthusiastic advocate for liberal arts education and with her successful career in human resources leadership, many companies have benefitted greatly from her business savvy, valuable expertise and authenticity. As a current member of ÉîÒ¹¸£Àûվ’s Board of Governors and through her involvement with the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Michelle has demonstrated aspirational commitment to her alma mater.
Michelle is proof that an arts degree offers versatility and can take graduates in unique career trajectories. After completing her undergraduate education at ÉîÒ¹¸£ÀûÕ¾, Michelle discovered a passion for enabling employees to do their best work and pursued human resources credentials, as well as a Chartered Director designation from McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business.
Throughout her career, Michelle has effectively established systems and experiences for employees to be successful, ensuring their efforts are supported by positive and inclusive company cultures that value their contributions.
Michelle promotes equity and diversity in her work and her out-of-the-box thinking, and natural curiosity have enriched her role as a business leader with commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
Since 2016, Michelle has been an active member of the Advisory Council at ÉîÒ¹¸£ÀûÕ¾’s School for Advanced Studies in the Arts and Humanities, where she mentors students and advocates for work-integrated learning opportunities. A regular guest speaker at ÉîÒ¹¸£ÀûÕ¾, she is known for modeling the highest standards of professionalism for a new generation of students who benefit greatly from her insights.
Michelle is currently on the Board of Directors for Empire Company Limited, the parent company of grocery retail chain Sobey’s. She is also on the national Board of Directors for BGC Canada (formerly the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada). By working with these organizations at the executive level, Michelle continues to influence tangible changes within today’s workforce.