As a part of the MUNalum Days celebrations, these awards are the highest honour bestowed by Memorial graduates and friends to exceptional Memorial alumni who have achieved distinction in their chosen fields, are committed to their alma mater and/or have made outstanding contributions to their communities.

The 2025 recipients are:

Alumna of the Year
Emad Rizkalla (B.Eng.'92)

Emad Rizkalla  is the founder and CEO of Bluedrop. The company’s first iteration was launched by Emad and two fellow Memorial mechanical engineering students in 1992 as a final class project, inadvertently launching the first tech start-up associated with Memorial University 

In 2004, Emad handed the reins of much of the existing company to his partner, Tony Whalen (B.Eng. ‘92), so he could build upon early successes in e-learning. The new company was named “Bluedrop” and launched with just 10 employees. Today, three Bluedrop divisions employ over 800 people with headquarters in St. John’s and offices in Halifax and Orlando, Florida. 

While Emad is still involved with all three Bluedrop divisions, his ‘day job’ is overseeing the St John’s division, Bluedrop ISM. Today, Bluedrop ISM is a recognized leader in workforce upskilling, credential management and employment systems. It helps governments, industry groups, and unions keep workers safe, productive and relevant.   

In 2000, while still under 30, Emad was selected as one of the Globe and Mail’s “Top 40 under 40.” That same year, he was profiled in a TIME magazine cover story as one of “8 Young Dynamic Entrepreneurs Who Will Create the 21st Century.” In 2013, Emad received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. 

Emad Rizkalla is a sought-after speaker at international conferences and regularly advises governments on how economies (and people) will be impacted by profound changes to the nature of work. Emad’s views on the workforce of the future, innovation, and corporate culture are regularly featured in global media, industry publications, business books and through his posts on LinkedIn and the Huffington Post.    

J.D. Eaton Award
Peter Carver, B.Comm.(Hons.)(Co-op.)'81

Peter Carver’s relationship with Memorial runs deep.  

He holds a B.Comm.(Hons.)(Co-op.)’81 from Memorial’s Faculty of Business Administration which he followed up with an MBA from Queen’s University in 1982. Since graduation he has built a successful career in real estate investment and asset management, in both institutional and entrepreneurial roles, while giving back to Memorial. 

Almost 15 years ago, he reconnected with Memorial, becoming part of the committee that managed the annual Affinity event in Toronto. A couple of years later, he was asked to chair the then Toronto alumni advisory board. Instead, with energy and determination he chaired a group that reimagined alumni engagement in the Greater Toronto Area, establishing the GTA Alumni Volunteer Board – Memorial’s first formally organized alumni body outside of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Board continued the annual alumni Affinity event, as well as presenting a variety of different initiatives to attract alumni and bring awareness to the university and encourage alumni to give back – whether through mentorship, hiring students, volunteerism, or philanthropy. Along with his siblings, Gail, David, and Jennifer, Peter contributed to the MUN Varsity Hockey Orin Carver Award, an endowed scholarship created by a group of alumni hockey players and named in honour of their late father who led Memorial’s hockey teams to three Boyle Trophy Championships. 

Peter Carver has shaped the future of Memorial through service and leadership both as a former member of the President’s Advisory Council and as chair of the GTA Alumni Board (of which he remains an active member). He has spent countless enthusiastic hours volunteering for the university, deeply committed to not only alumni connections but to all university issues, challenges and successes. He is, quite simply, one of Memorial’s biggest cheerleaders. 

In Toronto, where he lives with his wife Sarah and their son Liam, he sits on the boards of both Tafelmusik and the Toronto Golf Club. He is also assistant coach of his son’s hockey team self-identifying as the “least qualified coach in minor hockey.” 

Outstanding Community Service Award
Margaret Butt, BN'88

Through her early involvement with Brownies, Margaret Butt embraced the guiding principle to “lend a hand.” A registered nurse by training and a lifelong volunteer at heart, Ms. Butt has built a life defined by leadership, compassion, and commitment to community. 

She combined her nursing background with entrepreneurial drive to establish Parkdale Home Health Care, a division of Parkdale Pharmacy. Led by nurses, the service provided specialized medical equipment and in-home support, helping patients live independently and with confidence. Mrs. Butt later brought that same dedication to retail, founding two Hallmark Gold Crown stores that earned national and international recognition. 

Over more than 20 years, Ms. Butt mentored young girls through the Girl Guide movement and provided long-term support to an inner-city school in St. John’s, helping fund a playground, musical instruments, and classroom resources that continue to benefit students today. 

Her leadership extends to board service with Young Adult Cancer Canada, Newfoundland Outport Nursing and Industries Association (NONIA), and the Health Care Foundation. She played a key role in the success of Eleganza, one of the Health Care Foundation’s flagship fundraising events, which raised millions to support local health care innovation. More recently, she has guided NONIA’s rebranding strategy to ensure its continued relevance and impact for years to come. 

A dedicated Rotarian and multiple-time Paul Harris Fellow, Ms. Butt has contributed to numerous community projects, including the Splash Pad in Bannerman Park, Ronald McDonald House, and the Ches Penney Family YMCA. She continues to support her club’s partnership with The Gathering Place. Margaret Butt’s legacy reflects the enduring power of volunteerism and the extraordinary impact of helping others through a lifetime of meaningful service.

Horizon Award
Dr. John Jeddore, B.Sc.’12, MD‘17

A member of Miawpukek First Nation, Dr. John Jeddore was raised in Conne River, learning the language, traditions, and cultural practice of his ancestors. He was taught that a key element in learning these things was the philosophy that you must, in turn, teach them as well. This is integral in maintaining an unbroken link between those before us and those yet to learn. John spent time on the country with his grandfather, John Jeddore, where he learned much of the “old” Mi’kmaq language. He was also a grass dancer, and drummer, participating in the annual community pow-wow regularly since its inception in 1996. 

After completing his secondary education, John went on to attend Memorial University. He completed a Bachelor of Science with a major in biochemistry (nutrition) and a minor in biology. Following this, he completed a diploma in clinical epidemiology at Memorial. Shortly thereafter, he earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Memorial University. After graduating from medical school, John completed a residency in adult neurology at the Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University. To finalize his formal training, John moved to Halifax to complete a clinical fellowship in epilepsy and clinical neurophysiology (electroencephalography). 

Throughout his university career, John maintained a strong interest in Indigenous affairs. He was elected Indigenous student representative with Memorial’s student union (MUNSU), and later, at the Canadian Federation of Students. He was also a member of Siawita’nej (a student-led Indigenous coalition), and the Indigenous Health Initiative. Language teaching had also been an important facet of his identity, and for several years, John hosted a Mi’kmaq Word of the Day video series on YouTube. 

Outside of work, John loves spending time with his wife, Loni (Slade), and two sons, Gabriel Sulia’n and Jack Alukji’j Jeddore.  

Interested in nominating someone for 2026? Nominations are accepted all year through our online form which you can access here. 

Nominations

Consider nominating a deserving alumni for the Alumni Tribute Awards. Please note, nominations are open all year. Submissions must be received on or by April 15 to be considered in the current year. Submissions received after April 15 will be carried forward to the following year. 

Nominate Today

ATA Award Nomination Categories  |  ATA Award Nomination Guidelines

Previous Recipients

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