2025 Alumni Acclaim Award recipients, from left: Charlene Brophy, Edward Mishaud, Katarina Roxon, and Lisa Moore.
CNA is celebrating four extraordinary alumni who have carried the spirit of this province into arenas, communities, and conversations around the world.
What began here at home has taken them to Paralympic podiums, United Nations boardrooms, the front lines of virtual healthcare, and the pages of acclaimed literature. Along the way, they have lifted others by mentoring young athletes, strengthening global development efforts, breaking down barriers to care, and giving voice to stories that might otherwise go untold.
They are united by the values of CNA’s proud college community: a shared commitment to shaping stronger, healthier, more compassionate communities, here at home and beyond.
“What defines success is how our graduates put their skills, knowledge, and experiences to work,” said Heidi Staeben-Simmons, Associate Vice-President of Public Affairs and Advancement at CNA. “This year’s honourees embody that spirit. They have taken what they learned here and built something truly awesome. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and the impact they continue to make.”
These are the recipients of this year’s Alumni Acclaim Awards, a celebration of the graduates held last evening at The Rooms in St. John’s. You can read more about each of their remarkable journeys in the featured articles linked below.
Katarina Roxon – Young Alumni Award
Katarina Roxon has redefined what it means to excel on the world stage, becoming the first Canadian female swimmer to compete in five Olympic or Paralympic Games. A Paralympic gold medallist and multiple world record-holder, she has also devoted herself to coaching, mentoring, and advocacy in her community.
Edward Mishaud – Community Service Award
Edward Mishaud has dedicated nearly two decades to advancing global cooperation and sustainable development through his work with the United Nations and other international organizations. From volunteering in rural Quebec and West Africa to shaping policy on climate action and public health, his career reflects a deep commitment to community and global engagement.
Charlene Brophy – Innovation Award
Charlene Brophy is transforming healthcare access as President & CEO of Fonemed, a global leader in telehealth and virtual care. Through innovative technologies and collaborative solutions, she brings essential services to communities worldwide while mentoring the next generation of women entrepreneurs.
Lisa Moore – Distinguished Alumni Award
Lisa Moore is a celebrated author whose novels, short stories, and creative non-fiction have earned national and international acclaim, including multiple award nominations and wins. Beyond her writing, she teaches, edits, and advocates for emerging voices, blending creativity with mentorship.
Ted Cadigan, Director of CNA Foundation, said celebrating these remarkable alumni is key to the foundation’s mission.
“We are proud to recognize excellence, inspire ambition, and build enduring connections between our alumni, our college, and our communities,” he explained, while thanking NTV’s Mary Kate O’Neal for emceeing the prestigious ceremony. “Each year, this event reminds us that the impact of CNA extends far beyond our campuses. It lives in countless communities through the work of our graduates.”
It’s a sentiment shared by Ryan Fanning of TD Insurance, which sponsors the Alumni Acclaim Awards and supports CNA students and alumni through bursaries, scholarships, and privileged rates for home, auto, life, health, and small business insurance.
“TD Insurance is honored to sponsor the College of the North Atlantic Alumni Acclaim Awards, a celebration of excellence and innovation,” he said. “These awards recognize alumni whose achievements strengthen communities and inspire future generations. At TD Insurance, we believe in supporting education and fostering opportunities that create lasting impact. Congratulations to all recipients for your remarkable contributions and leadership.”
The third annual Alumni Acclaim Awards also featured a captivating performance by yet another accomplished CNA graduate: Darcy Scott, an award-winning Indie-Folk songsmith recognized with MusicNL’s award for Folk/Roots Artist of the Year.
For more information, please visit
cna.nl.ca/alumni/acclaim-awards.
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Media Contact
Ryan Crocker
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