Through their student experiences and transformative learning opportunities, they have developed diverse perspectives, made lifelong friendships, and become open-minded global citizens. Our graduates made our campus richer through their attitudes, positive impact and community contributions. Congratulations to all uOttawa graduates! We wish you much happiness on your journey to success. Keep reaching for the stars!
Alexander Parsan: Social Impact and Leadership
Originally from Brampton, Ontario Alexander completed his Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting at uOttawa’s Telfer School of Management and now heads back to the GTA to begin a career in his chosen field.
Alexander's journey to the University of Ottawa has been marked by his commitment to service and his enthusiasm for effecting positive change. As a recipient of the four-year Dobson Loran scholarship, Alexander wanted his academic career to combine his interests in business and social impact.
His Loran scholarship, a merit award given on the basis of character, commitment to service and leadership potential, is a testament to his character and dedication to community service. Drawn to the University of Ottawa's partnership with the Loran scholarship program, and in particular Telfer which felt like the perfect environment for him, Alexander found himself immersed in a setting perfectly suited to his aspirations. With a tuition waiver in hand, he set out to make a difference, both on campus and beyond.
“Telfer was the perfect sized business school for me. It felt like the right environment – a good mix of community elements and programs.”
Alexander Parsan
— HonBCom in Accounting, Telfer School of Management
Alexander's impact began with his involvement with the uOttawa chapter of Enactus, a global non-profit organization empowering students to drive change through entrepreneurial action. Over four years, Alexander rose from project coordinator to team president, overseeing initiatives such as e-waste recycling, youth entrepreneurship education, and providing support, guidance, and strategies to the Enactus team. His dedication, totaling over 1000 volunteer hours, earned him recognition as a Gold Community Service Leader—an example of his commitment to making a difference.
Armed with valuable experience and an entrepreneurial mindset developed through Enactus, he begins a new chapter this fall as a Staff Accountant in Audit with KPMG's technology group. His commitment to service remains strong and Alexander will certainly leave a lasting mark on the future of business.
Dylan Pinette Bridges Indigenous Spirituality and Classical Music
Dylan Pinette, a two-spirit Francophone member of the Red River Métis, is graduating from the School of Music at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Arts having earned a Bachelor of Music in Oboe Performance. Hailing from Sainte Rose du Lac, Manitoba, Dylan is an accomplished oboist, English hornist and composer.
Dylan’s musical talent has graced prestigious stages, including a solo in Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde with the Orchestre de la Francophonie. They will be continuing their studies at McGill University’s Schulich School of Music, for which they have received a full scholarship to study under Anna Christina Peterson, a former uOttawa music instructor and an oboist with the National Arts Centre Orchestra. Additionally, Dylan placed fourth in the National Arts Centre Orchestra Bursary Competition and was awarded a $2000 scholarship.
Dylan’s artistic vision blends Indigenous spirituality with classical music. Their composition, Wazhashkwedowens, available on their YouTube channel, is a testament to their strong connection to nature and their Métis heritage.
“I hope to inspire other Indigenous youth from Manitoba or anywhere to see that if you apply yourself and try your best, then you can go places.”
Dylan Pinette
— Bachelor of Music, Faculty of Arts
Dylan acknowledges the pivotal role played by the uOttawa Indigenous Resource Centre and the unwavering support of teachers and mentors like Renz Adame (an early instructor and mentor who now plays with the Winnipeg Symphony) and Anna Christina Petersen (a former uOttawa music instructor who will also be at McGill next year and will be teaching Dylan). As Dylan’s journey unfolds, their ambitions extend beyond personal success. They aspire to inspire Indigenous youth to express their cultural heritage on the stage through music.
In Dylan Pinette, tradition and talent converge in a new chapter in Canadian music and performance —rich in diversity, spirit and excellence.
