Students who have passed through the University and who, with the knowledge acquired, have generated impacts in the social, economic, scientific and cultural fields, promoting lasting changes and effects on society. Recognizing these trajectories that transform lives and realities is the essence of the “Unicamp Outstanding Alumni Award 2026”, whose call for entries will be launched this Wednesday (3).
This is the first time that the award, granted since 2023, is under the coordination of the Executive Directorate for Student Support and Retention (Deape). To participate, it is necessary to be registered on the Alumni platform, which can be accessed via the link [link missing in original text]. https://unicamp-alumni.org.brEach unit at Unicamp defines its own selection criteria, respecting its specificities, but maintaining the common goal of recognizing career paths with significant impact.
Registration is open from July 5th to August 2nd. The winners will be announced on September 23rd. The awards ceremony is scheduled for December 9th at 14 PM at the Unicamp Convention Center.
Adriane Pelissoni, coordinator of Careers, Alumni, and Student Life at DEAP, affirms that the award reinforces the University's commitment to showing society the results of its education over more than six decades. “The aim is to recognize trajectories that make a difference in their communities and fields of activity. Many alumni report that their story was built not only by the technical knowledge acquired, but also by the personal and professional relationships developed during their university life,” comments the coordinator. Currently, Unicamp has 115 alumni with active registrations.
For Renata Altenfelder Garcia Gallo, faculty advisor at Deape, the award highlights the impact of university education on society by recognizing the trajectories of graduates who transform knowledge into concrete benefits, public policies, and social change. "The award-winning stories demonstrate the diversity of impacts generated by the University and serve as inspiration, showing how education can promote inclusion, social mobility, and the transformation of lives," she states.
Humanization
The career of physician and researcher Suzanne Serruya from the Faculty of Medical Sciences (FCM) at Unicamp was recognized with last year's Outstanding Alumni Award for her contribution to Brazilian public health, especially in the area of maternal health. In her doctoral thesis, defended in 2003, Serruya evaluated the implementation of the Humanization Program in Prenatal and Birth (PHPN), created by the Ministry of Health to improve the quality of care for pregnant women throughout the country.
The research produced evidence capable of guiding public policies aimed at reducing maternal deaths and improving care for women. After more than two decades, it continues to be a reference for studies on the National Program for the Promotion of Natural Women's Health (PHPN), considered a milestone in national women's health policies.
Originally from Belém (PA), Serruya emphasizes that the academic experience she had during her doctoral studies was fundamental to her professional career and contribution to society. “The award recognizes not only research, but a trajectory shaped by a university committed to excellence in education and social transformation,” comments the 2025 honoree, who encourages other alumni to participate in the initiative. “The award strengthens the bonds between the university and its graduates, in addition to valuing stories that demonstrate the social impact of the knowledge produced at the institution,” she says.
Recognition
A graduate of the Faculty of Physical Education (FEF) in 2010, researcher and professor of circus arts Daniel Lopes was one of the recipients of the Alumni Award.
The recognition was granted based on a memorial that compiled his professional trajectory built over more than 20 years of work in the areas of art, culture, and research, focusing on the history of the circus. After completing his undergraduate studies, Lopes pursued master's and doctoral degrees, expanding his academic output through scientific articles, books, supervision, participation in examination boards, and consulting work for cultural institutions.
“The recognition of graduates' trajectories demonstrates how the University contributes to different areas of knowledge and to the training of professionals who promote social change. It is not only the recognition of a personal trajectory, but also of an area of knowledge and artistic expression that is relevant to society. This initiative reinforces the importance of the public university in the formation of critical citizens and in expanding access to knowledge,” observes the former student.
Commitment
Bruna Moreno's professional trajectory, built since her technical nursing training at the Campinas Technical College (Cotuca) in 2006, has led her to currently work as an international consultant for the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Throughout this journey, Bruna Moreno has combined her academic training – undergraduate, master's, doctorate, and post-doctorate – with activities focused on strengthening health systems in the Americas.
“Cotuca played a decisive role in my education, providing my first contact with the health field and encouraging me to continue my studies. Strengthening nursing directly contributes to expanding access to health services, improving the quality of care, and promoting greater equity in serving the population,” says Moreno. “This award represents an opportunity to revisit my career path and reinforce my commitment to social responsibility and the value of public education, which is fundamental to building careers capable of generating positive impacts on society,” she adds.
Ceremony
The honorees receive certificates at an official ceremony. Simultaneously, the University is preparing celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the Student Support Service (SAE), with activities planned for the second semester focused on highlighting the history and importance of student retention policies.
