Celebrate the extraordinary 2024 Arch Awards recipients

Inspired by the difference our alumni make, the UCalgary Alumni Arch Awards began in 1985 as a platform for the University of Calgary Alumni Association to honour and celebrate alumni who are making positive change in the world. Awards recognize alumni who have notably improved their profession and community through commitment, leadership and positive disruption. 

Pat Carlson, BSc (Eng)’75 – Distinguished Alumni Award for Lifetime Achievement

Pat Carlson's remarkable career in the energy sector has been defined by his commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. As the founder of multiple successful energy companies, Carlson has consistently prioritized sustainable practices and Indigenous collaboration, long before these became industry norms. His leadership, exemplified by ventures like Seven Generations Energy and Kiwetinohk Energy Corp, reflects a visionary approach that balances economic growth with social responsibility. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Carlson's philanthropic efforts, including substantial support for the University of Calgary, further solidify his legacy as a leader dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and community. 

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Dr. Karim-Aly Kassam, BA’87, PhD – International Career Achievement Award

Dr. Karim-Aly Kassam’s life and career are a testament to resilience and a deep commitment to fostering understanding through education. From his early experiences in East Africa and Calgary to his global academic contributions, he has championed the interconnectedness of humanity and nature. His work has spanned the Arctic to the Pamir Mountains, highlighting how cultural and biological diversity are intertwined. Despite personal challenges, including a cancer diagnosis, Kassam has remained steadfast in his mission to promote peace and knowledge, making him a deserving recipient of the International Career Achievement Arch Award. 

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Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory, BA’04 – Career Achievement Award

Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory is a multifaceted force in the performing arts, celebrated for her mastery of the traditional Greenlandic mask dance, uaajeerneq. Based in Iqaluit and of Greenlandic Inuk heritage, she is not only a performer but also a poet, actor, curator, and storyteller. Her impact on Inuit arts has been profound, particularly through her co-founding of Qaggiavuut!, the Inuit Performing Arts Society. Since becoming a full-time self-employed artist, she has garnered numerous accolades, including the Sobey Art Award and the Dora Mavor Moore Award, while using her art to challenge cultural biases and advocate for Inuit political voices and gender equality. Through her work, Williamson Bathory continues to uplift Indigenous culture and inspire future generations.

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Dr. Monty Ghosh, BSc'03, MBT'04, MD'09 - Community Commitment Award

Dr. Monty Ghosh, a recipient of the Community Commitment Arch Award, has become a transformative figure in addressing the hidden crises of homelessness and substance abuse in Calgary. With a background in global health, Dr. Ghosh shifted his focus to local community health upon returning to Canada. His impactful work spans from the National Overdose Response Service to medical respite facilities, demonstrating his commitment to tackling pressing social issues with empathy and innovative solutions. His dedication to data-driven advocacy and compassionate care highlights the urgent need for change and serves as an inspiring model for addressing complex societal challenges.

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Joanne Cuthbertson, BEd’73, Hon. LLD’11 – Alumni Service Award

Joanne Cuthbertson, this year's Alumni Service Arch Award recipient, exemplifies unparalleled dedication to leadership, philanthropy, and education at UCalgary and beyond. Renowned for her impactful tenure as UCalgary’s chancellor, Cuthbertson's legacy includes establishing the Joanne Cuthbertson & Charlie Fischer Chancellor's Scholarship, supporting a range of scholarships, and founding the Scholars Academy. Her philanthropic reach extends to organizations like the Glenbow Museum and UNICEF, and she co-founded the Cuthbertson & Fischer Chair in Pediatric Mental Health. Recognized with accolades such as the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal and the Order of Canada, Cuthbertson's commitment continues to drive transformative change in education and community welfare.

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Dr. Asha Hollis, BHSc’17, MSc’22, MD’22 – Early Career Achievement Award

Dr. Asha Hollis, a remarkable advocate for children's health and innovative research, is the recipient of this year's Early Career Achievement Arch Award. From her roots in Calgary and a transformative academic journey at UCalgary, Dr. Hollis has distinguished herself through groundbreaking work in pediatric medicine and public health advocacy. Her contributions include leading initiatives like the Global Access to Medicines Principles, co-founding impactful organizations such as Banding Against Menthol and SAAVE, and developing the SOLVE Mystery Toolkit to educate youth about vaping. Recognized as one of Edify’s Top 40 Under 40 and Canada’s Most Powerful Women, Dr. Hollis continues to inspire through her dedication to improving children's lives and advancing global health.

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