Celebrating the 2026 Alumni Changemaker Achievement Award winners

Learn more about the Alumni Changemaker Achievement Awards.  

The 2026 Alumni Changemaker Achievement Award recipients are both down to earth and out of this world. They are leaders, instructors, practitioners, healthcare professionals, and supportive community members.  

The ACAAs showcase the diverse talents and accomplishments of RRU's alumni network as they advance our vision to inspire people with the courage to transform the world.  

A celebration for the award-winners will take place as part of Alumni Weekend May 1–2, 2026, which also includes a keynote address by Nobel Peace Prize nominee Sheila Watt-Cloutier, alongside inspiring talks, workshops, and tours.  

The 2026 ACAA winners are:  

Distinguished Changemaker  

Recognizing an alum with a long and established career, who exemplifies sustained impact and leadership over a lifetime. 

Dan George (Master of Arts in Conflict Analysis and Management, 2010)  

George is president and CEO of Four Directions Management Services, an Indigenous-owned economic, social and community development consultancy. George has dedicated his life’s work to advancing reconciliation and community development. Notably, he led the development of the Le Estcwicwéý Community Healing and Wellness Plan, a deeply significant undertaking arising from the painful legacy of the Kamloops Indian Residential School. 

Chris A. Hadfield – Colonel, Astronaut ret’d (Royal Roads Military College, 1978–1980)  

Aside from a world-renowned, highly acclaimed astronaut, Hadfield has authored six internationally bestselling books, released the first musical album recorded in space, and is recognized for making outer space accessible to everyone. He’s an inspiration to people across Canada and the world to pursue their dreams in aviation, space, science, engineering, military service and the arts.  

Community Changemaker  

Recognizing an alum who is leading systemic community change. 

Bonnie Blakley (Master of Arts in Leadership, Organizational Leadership (Health), 2013)  

CEO of CASA Mental Health, Blakley leads efforts to improve youth mental health support in Alberta. She led the effort to identify the most urgent service gaps for youth experiencing mental health challenges. Her leadership in the development of CASA Classrooms, an innovative and Alberta-made initiative, will impact the lives of thousands. 

James Hanson (Master of Business Administration, Executive Management, 2015)  

As Island Health Vice President of Clinical Operations for Central and North Vancouver Island, Hanson drives change focused on improving access and service provision in long term care for seniors. Notably, Hanson successfully collaborated with community members, families, Indigenous Nations and local government to build understanding and support for the concept of a new dementia village long term care model to provide high quality, home like, safe care for people living with dementia. 

Kelly Terbasket (Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching, 2002)  

Terbasket is founder and director of IndigenEYEZ and kinSHIFT, organizations that support emerging Indigenous leaders and equip them with tools to decolonize and Indigenize within their communities. She designs and facilitates learning environments that are both thought-provoking and attuned to the diverse needs of the group to empower intention and action. Terbasket works with Central Okanagan Public Schools educators, creating impact in their schools and positive change for staff and students. 

Emerging Changemaker  

Recognizing an alum early in their career who is motivating change within their circles of influence. 

Huma Ali (Master of Arts in Leadership (Health) 2022)  

Dr. Ali is an Emergency Physician in the Emergency Department at South Health Campus Hospital in Calgary, Alberta. Demonstrating leadership and care, Ali worked tirelessly to advance the Schwartz Rounds initiative at her hospital, a unique program that creates  space for vulnerability and shared experience where members of the health care team can share their challenges and triumphs, sadness and joy, and all the emotions that come with caring for others.  
 

Attend the 2026 Alumni Weekend.