An opening evening of reunion and recognition
On Friday, October 3, the Faculty welcomed over 100 alumni and friends for the Homecoming 2025 welcome reception at Twenty-Two, an event venue at the Westin Ottawa with a stunning view of Parliament Hill and unique sunset.
In a warm and joyful atmosphere, attendees reconnected with classmates, shared memories, and celebrated the enduring bonds formed at the Faculty.
The evening continued with the Alumni Distinction Awards ceremony, a highlight during which the Faculty celebrated its alumni’s success around the world. Six exceptional alumni were honored for their remarkable achievements in healthcare, research, and their communities.
Among them, Dr. Tanya Shaw, recipient of the Rising Star Award, shared her joy and gratitude:
"Receiving this award at this moment means so much. Being a scientist in today’s funding environment can feel like a rollercoaster. This award comes at the perfect time and gives me tremendous momentum. My time at the University of Ottawa, where I earned my PhD in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, completely shaped the path of my career."
The connections formed at the Faculty take many forms. Whether through friendships, professional collaborations, or life paths that intersect again after years, the Faculty often serves as a common thread, weaving relationships that transcend time and generations.
This is the case for Dr. Lida Kratka (MD 1980) and Dr. Mojmir Sonek (MD 1979), whose story is particularly touching. Hailing from the same hometown in Czechoslovakia, Dr. Kratka and Dr. Sonek only met at university, just before starting their medical studies. During their years at the Faculty, they regularly crossed paths, sharing friendship and camaraderie. Each then built their lives separately, achieving professional success, before fate brought them together decades later, transforming friendship into a lifelong partnership and a happy marriage.
Reunions marked by camaraderie and legacy
On Saturday, eight alumni class cohorts gathered for dinners and private celebrations, reconnecting friendships sometimes decades old.
This spirit of continuity was also evident during the meeting of Dr. Ali Jalali, Associate Dean, External Relations, Engagement and Development, with the Class of 1964. Still actively involved, this class continues to support medical students, notably through a philanthropic fund that created a welcoming student lounge with comfortable sofas, armchairs, and warm décor, providing a place for generations of learners to relax, connect, and gather.
These intergenerational exchanges embody the strength of a community that renews itself while maintaining a continuous thread of memory.
A brunch filled with gratitude
On Sunday morning, over 100 alumni gathered in the Governor General’s Ballroom to celebrate milestone graduations. The exclusive Faculty recognition pin, awarded on this occasion to classes celebrating 10, 25, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 years, symbolizes the continuity of connection across generations.
This year, the Class of 1965 received special recognition. In 2005, to mark their 40th anniversary, the class created an endowment fund that financially helps students studying at the Faculty of Medicine. To date this fund has helped ease the financial burden for 17 students, providing meaningful support toward their educational journey.
One touching moment came when a couple, unable to attend the celebration, sent their son to collect their pins on their behalf—a gesture that spoke volumes about this meaningful tradition for our alumni community.
In the afternoon, many alumni joined students to watch the Panda Game, the iconic football rivalry between the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. The Interim Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Melissa Forgie, joined the crowd to watch the game, enjoying the sunshine and festive atmosphere throughout the afternoon.
A community that grows, inspires and passes it on
Homecoming 2025 brought together alumni from near and far, demonstrating the Faculty’s international reach and the strength of connections that endure across borders and decades.
Dean Forgie highlighted that the impact of alumni is seen in their careers, clinical practice, research and teaching engagement, as well as through their philanthropic support of students.
"Your impact is undeniable. Through your contributions to research, clinical practice, public health, and teaching, you embody the values of excellence and compassion at the heart of the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine," she emphasized.
“Your impact is undeniable. Through your contributions to research, clinical practice, public health, and teaching, you embody the values of excellence and compassion at the heart of the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine.”
Dr. Melissa Forgie, interim Dean of the Faculty of Medicine
The engagement of our alumni helps shape the medicine of tomorrow and supports future generations in achieving their ambitions.
View images from Homecoming 2025 Welcome reception and Alumni Awards of Distinction here and the brunch here!
Support the next generation of physicians!
Homecoming is an opportunity to celebrate the bonds that unite our alumni with the Faculty, but also to think of those who will follow in your footsteps. You can help provide today’s students with the same opportunities to excel and transform the health of tomorrow.
Enter "Student Assistance Fund at the Faculty of Medicine " in our online donation form and join this tradition of support and mentorship that strengthens our community.