King's Alumni Awards celebrate leadership, service and community impact
King’s University College and the Alumni Association Board of Directors are pleased to congratulate the 2026 Alumni Award recipients. Three King’s alumni were chosen by the Alumni Awards Selection Committee after reviewing nominations.
Alumni Award of Distinction
The Alumni Award of Distinction recognizes a King’s graduate who is an inspiration to others, has made a significant contribution to the community or society, and has reached a high level of accomplishment in their field.
Lucy Lee, BA’92 (English and Sociology), is a Partner at Cohen Highley LLP Lawyers, where she has practiced for more than 25 years and built a distinguished career in personal injury law.
Lee is an accomplished litigator who has represented clients before a wide range of tribunals and courts, including all levels of court up to the Court of Appeal for Ontario. Her work is defined not only by legal expertise, but by empathy, compassion and a commitment to helping clients navigate difficult and often life-changing circumstances.
Lee has also made significant contributions through volunteer leadership. She is the Past President of the Board of Directors of LEADS Employment Services London, has supported the Canadian Paraplegic Association and the Acquired Brain Injury Association, and currently serves on the Board of the St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation.
At King’s, Lee has demonstrated her commitment through philanthropy, leadership and mentorship. She served on the King’s Foundation Board for a decade, including as Chair, an opportunity she describes as a blessing and a valuable way to reconnect with the King’s community. She has also supported alumni engagement initiatives, Homecoming, student mentorship opportunities and the Wha Ja Lee Award, established in memory of her mother.
“I am truly honoured to be recognized as an Alumni of Distinction. I believe that professional success is inherently accompanied by the responsibility to make our community a better place. I am so grateful for the experiences and relationships I forged at King’s first as a student, and the opportunities King’s has provided me since to connect with others and give back with significant purpose have been profoundly meaningful,” says Lee.
Emerging Leader Award
The Emerging Leader Award goes to an individual who graduated from King’s in the last 15 years and has earned regional, national or international recognition in such areas as service to humanity, professional accomplishment, community service, the advancement of knowledge, or service to King’s University College.
Justin Tiseo, BA’16 (Criminology), is Managing Partner and Co-Owner of East Park Golf Gardens, a long-standing London landmark where he has helped lead significant growth, including a $5-million waterpark expansion and the development of East Park as a destination for concerts, corporate events and family entertainment.
Tiseo’s leadership has been recognized by Business London, which named him one of its Best of the Best Top 20 in Their 20s for his work helping to grow the business and contribute to the local economy.
His commitment to community service began before his time at King’s. As a London high school student, Tiseo founded the John Paul II ONERUN fundraising campaign for breast cancer research. The initiative grew to include 200 student volunteers and 7,000 participants from 10 Catholic high schools, raising more than $1 million for Wellspring and local hospitals.
As a King’s student, Tiseo was actively involved in student leadership, campus safety and mentorship. He also served as a Soph, helping welcome and support incoming students during orientation. Since graduating, he has continued to support King’s by volunteering as a mentor for current students.
“Reflecting on my time at King’s, I realize that choosing this school was one of the best decisions I made. The intimate campus environment offered countless opportunities for involvement, allowing me to engage deeply in student council, multiple clubs and campus life. Being a Soph was a particular highlight, fostering a sense of community and belonging that enriched my university experience,” says Tiseo.
Alumni Ambassador Award
The King’s Alumni Ambassador Award honours recent graduates, within five years of graduation, whose dedication and ongoing support of King’s University College has made a meaningful impact on the King’s community. These individuals exemplify King’s values, demonstrating a commitment to ethical leadership, service, and the pursuit of the common good.
Marcy Gallant, BA’24 (Childhood and Youth Studies and Disability Studies), has made significant contributions at King’s as a student, alumna, teaching assistant, facilitator and advocate.
Gallant graduated with Distinction from King’s with an Honours Double Major in Childhood and Youth Studies (CYS) and Disability Studies (DS) and a Certificate in Child and Youth Advocacy. She also received the 2023-2024 Board of Directors’ Gold Medal, awarded to students with the highest average in the final year of their module.
Since graduating, Gallant has continued to support King’s as a teaching assistant in Childhood and Youth Studies and as a Lead Facilitator for Shaking the Movers, a youth-led workshop series that helps children and youth explore their rights and share their lived experiences.
Beyond King’s, Gallant is a Board Member with the Canadian Alopecia Areata Foundation, where she supports children, youth and families affected by alopecia through mentorship, events, fundraising and advocacy. She has also shared her story as a workshop facilitator and keynote speaker at Fanshawe College’s Ignite Career Conference.
“My undergraduate years at King’s were some of the most transformative and meaningful years of my life, especially because of the CYS and DS programs. The experiences, opportunities and relationships I gained during my undergrad have had a lasting impact on both who I am as an individual and the path I have chosen professionally. I am incredibly proud to be a King’s alumna and deeply grateful to have been nominated for this award. Being recognized in this way is truly an honour, and it reflects the profound influence that my education and community at King’s have had on my journey,” says Gallant.
Congratulations to all of the 2026 Alumni Award recipients. The King’s community, alumni and friends are invited to celebrate their remarkable accomplishments at The Crown Affair, King’s Homecoming Dinner, on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 100 Kellogg Lane. Tickets are available at kings.uwo.ca/homecoming.