Dr. Jeffrey Weitz (MD ’76) is a professor of medicine and biochemistry at McMaster University and executive director of the Thrombosis and Atherosclerosis Research Institute. He is committed to securing more equitable access to medical care for Indigenous peoples across Canada. To that end, Dr. Weitz has made a planned legacy gift to uOttawa that will provide funds for Indigenous medical students in need—support he hopes will lead to fair, respectful, and culturally safe medical care for all Indigenous peoples. In addition to his philanthropy, Dr. Weitz remains in close contact with uOttawa’s Faculty of Medicine. He is an officer of the Order of Canada and has received numerous accolades from the medical community for his leadership in the fields of thrombosis and hemostasis.  

Para canoeist and wheelchair rugby player Brianna Hennessy (BSc ’08, Women's Rugby '03-04) embodies resilience, adaptability, and excellence in sport. After a 2014 accident left her with limited mobility and chronic pain, she turned to sport for strength, excelling in wheelchair rugby and later para canoe. She has since represented Canada on the world stage, earning multiple international podium finishes including silver in the VL2 outrigger canoe event at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Whether in competition or through her community service, Brianna is a trailblazer for promoting inclusion and empowerment through sport, demonstrating that no obstacle is insurmountable when you face it with determination and perseverance.  

Dr. Huguette Labelle (BScN ’60, MEd ’68, PhD ’80, Honorary Doctorate ’85) is one of the University of Ottawa’s most eminent supporters. She was chancellor of the university between 1994 and 2012, a period that saw remarkable growth and prominence for our campus. As governor emeritus, Dr. Labelle remains deeply influential in the uOttawa community, gracious with her counsel and support and a generous donor to student bursaries and scholarships. Prior to her time at uOttawa, Dr. Labelle held many senior roles within the Canadian civil service, including as president of the Canadian International Development Agency and Deputy Minister of Transport. As a volunteer, Dr. Labelle contributes to countless national and international initiatives, including those focused on the promotion of Franco-Ontarian culture, global health, sustainable development, and the future of postsecondary education.  

Héritier Bilaka (BAV/BFA ’23) is a Canadian visual artist whose paintings explore the spiritual dimensions of the human condition in relation to the environment. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Héritier draws inspiration from traditional Bantu culture, which has a matriarchal vision of society. Based in Ottawa, he has participated in many physical and online group exhibitions in Canadian and European cities. Héritier’s artistic endeavours have been recognized with many honours, including the City of Ottawa’s Equity and Inclusion in the Arts Fund’s Seed Award and the Ontario Arts Council’s Research and Creation grant.  

Avesta Alani (BSocSc ’17) is a dedicated advocate for disability rights and public service workers. Born legally blind, one of Avesta’s personal missions is to change public perception towards people with disabilities. As a long-time board member of the National Education Association for Disabled Students, she has pushed for greater financial support for students with disabilities, efforts that have impacted students at uOttawa and nationwide. A lawyer and in-house counsel for the Public Service Alliance of Canada, she also leverages her legal expertise to champion workers’ rights across the country. Avesta gives back to uOttawa as a board member of the university’s Fulcrum Society and as a mentor to many law students.  

Dr. Kona Williams (MD ’09) is a trailblazer in the field of forensic pathology and the first Indigenous forensic pathologist in Canada. Dr. Williams, who is Cree and Mohawk, has worked extensively in northern Ontario where she has served to bridge and strengthen relationships between First Nations communities and provincial pathology organizations. She has also worked on high-profile and complex issues, including residential schools and cases involving missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. In each engagement, Dr. Williams’ connection to spirit, heart, mind, and Indigenous ways of being and doing has enabled her to uplift and empower Indigenous communities.  

Jean Trebek is a valued member of the uOttawa community. She is the wife of the late Alex Trebek, one of the university’s most distinguished graduates and generous donors. Since Mr. Trebek’s passing in 2020, Jean has carried forward his legacy with uOttawa through her involvement in the Alex Trebek Distinguished Lecture Series, one of the most well-attended alumni events each year. In addition to the lecture series, Jean’s continued commitment to Mr. Trebek’s alma mater encourages the researchers supported by the Alex Trebek Forum for Dialogue as well as his scholarship recipients. Beyond uOttawa, Jean advocates for social causes as the founder of an organization combating homelessness in California’s San Fernando Valley. She co-hosts the Inside Wink podcast, which aims to encourage kinder living and share the good. It features interviews about courage, creativity, practical wisdom and transformative ideas.  

Justin Thibault (BScSoc'11, BA'13, MBA'22) is the Director of the Citizen Interaction Service for the City of Gatineau. He leverages his studies in political science, psychology, and management, applied in roles at the University of Ottawa, in California, and as a consultant for major organizations.

Enjoy the sounds of a dynamic jazz ensemble comprised of talented students from the School of Music at University of Ottawa. With a passion for jazz that spans classic and contemporary styles, the band brings a fresh and vibrant sound to every performance.