TWU's Alumni Awards celebrate and recognize graduates who exemplify the vision of the University to think truthfully, act justly, and live faithfully in their vocational callings.
From using data analytics to inform sports management to serving marginalized populations through education, TWU alumni continue to inspire. A special gala at the 2024 TWU Homecoming event honoured this year's award recipients.
Stories to encourage and inspire
During Homecoming 2024, TWU celebrated alumni who are contributing to societal good, pursuing their calling and participating in God’s renewal of the world through their lives and careers.
Their stories encourage the greater TWU community with a testament of God’s work through their lives as alumni, and inspire others to honour the Lord in their various spheres of influence.
In line with the University’s vision to see every graduate equipped to think truthfully, act justly, and live faithfully, for the good of the world and the glory of God, the three awards presented during Homecoming 2024 were in the categories of Thinking Truthfully, Acting Justly, and Living Faithfully.
2024 Thinking Truthfully Award
Congratulations to 2024 Thinking Truthfully Award recipient, Dr. Johann Windt (’12, BHK).
Dr. Johann Windt exemplifies excellence as a Christian scholar and practitioner in the field of sports science and medicine. His journey is marked by a robust integration of faith and reason, with significant contributions to both academic research and professional practice.
After earning a Bachelor of Human Kinetics at Trinity Western, Johann completed a Master of Science and a PhD in Experimental Medicine at the University of British Columbia. Johann has made notable contributions to the academic field with 25 peer-reviewed publications. His research has contributed to the literature relating to athletic injury prevention, statistical methods in the sport sciences, and analytics integration in applied sport.
One of his former professors comments, “Johann is a wonderful, Godly man with an outstanding work ethic and commitment to excellence, honesty, and honouring God in all he does."
Professionally, Johann is currently a key figure with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, working as the Senior Director of Analytics, Insights & Research. In this role, he leads a team of talented data science professionals who leverage data and technology to inform and support decisions across all domains of soccer operations. This includes scouting and recruitment, roster construction, player development, physical preparation, and sports medicine. Previously, he worked for the United States Olympic Committee to support athlete performance and safety leading up to the 2018 Olympic Games in PyeonChang.
2024 Acting Justly Award
Congratulations to 2024 Acting Justly Award recipient, Dr. Yolanda Nokuri Hegngi (’86, Psychology).
Dr. Yolanda Nokuri Hegngi, a third-generation educator from Cameroon, has distinguished herself through numerous professional and educational achievements, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to innovation, leadership, and the advancement of marginalized communities.
Yolanda was attracted to TWU because of her personal spiritual journey and her family’s long history of working with Evangelical missionaries to Cameroon. At TWU, she went on her first-ever missions trip to Cuernavaca, Mexico. She is grateful for the generosity of the TWU family that helped her raise funding and the life-changing opportunity to serve local families living outside Mexico City.
In the mid-1990s, during the early stages of the internet revolution, Yolanda emerged as a pioneer in the field of e-learning. At Virginia Tech, she was instrumental in the development and launch of the institution's first online course in 1996. This innovative project formed the basis of her doctoral dissertation. Yolanda's research in e-learning remains influential, frequently cited by contemporary scholars and students.
Yolanda's expertise in educational technology and her pioneering spirit led her to the World Bank, where she played a critical role in establishing the Global Distance Learning Network (GDLN). This initiative aimed to bridge educational gaps across the globe, providing access to quality education in remote and underserved regions. Her work at the World Bank also resulted in co-authored publications and the development of pivotal training programs.
Yolanda comments, “I serve leaders today because TWU trusted me with my first formal leadership role in being a Resident Assistant (RA). The investment TWU made in me is the investment I make in other people, especially women leaders.”
2024 Living Faithfully Award
Congratulations to 2024 Living Faithfully Award recipient, Victoria Suen (’20, Education).
Victoria Suen has exemplified a remarkable blend of professional and educational success in her young career. Throughout the past four years, she has significantly impacted the Dominican Republic community, where she serves as the director of the Descubre Ingles (Discover English) program. This program, which began with fewer than 30 children, has grown under her leadership and guidance to educate over 150 students.
Victoria’s achievements are highlighted by her innovative approach to integrating scriptural content into her lesson plans, which not only enhances the academic experience of her students but also fosters their spiritual growth. She can also be seen volunteering her free time in teaching Bible, art, and basic literacy to children in a separate ministry that provides free access to education to some of the most vulnerable and marginalized kids in the city.
One of Victoria's fellow TWU alumna comments, “In the faces of adversity, Victoria's faith and confidence in the Lord has been a rock to her and those around her."
Victoria's servant leadership is vividly illustrated by her hands-on involvement in the program’s operations. Despite the directorial role, she frequently supports her team with administrative tasks, lesson planning, and even teaching on a weekly basis. Victoria also invests in the professional development of local teachers, providing them with training and employment opportunities, which further strengthens the educational infrastructure of the region.
Congratulations to each of our outstanding 2024 TWU Alumni Award recipients!
Nominations now open for 2025 Alumni Awards
TWU Alumni is receiving nominations for next year's Alumni Awards. Nominate candidates for the 2025 Alumni Awards by completing this nomination form.
About TWU Alumni
Whether you’re a recent graduate or one of TWU’s original alumni pioneers, you belong here. Our desire is to nurture an engaged and flourishing global community of alumni who are serving God and people in the various marketplaces of life. We invite you to stay connected, proudly represent TWU, and participate in the University’s vision to equip graduates for life. Learn more at TWU Alumni.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has campuses in Canada in Langley, Richmond, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn. For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca.
Photo credit: Jared Zacharias