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The United Way of Guelph & Wellington was pleased to partner with the University of Guelph and the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington in the presentation of the first Dr.William Winegard Exemplary Volunteer Involvement Awards on April 2.
Named after former University of Guelph president Bill Winegard, the awards recognize a University faculty member, staff member and student who have shown commitment to volunteering in the community and have achieved outstanding service.
“Although the University of Guelph as an organization often gets recognition for its contributions to the community, the significant contributions of its individual members is sometimes overlooked,” says Morris Twist, Executive Director of the United Way of Guelph & Wellington. “These awards give us an opportunity to recognize the significant contributions that members of the University’s community play in Guelph and Wellington through their significant volunteer involvement.”
The three chosen recipients of the awards are:
- History professor Terry Crowley was honored for dedicating more than 30 years of volunteer service to the community. Since joining the University in 1971, he has volunteered with a variety of community organizations, often filling leadership roles. As chair of the Museum Board during Guelph’s sesquicentennial in 1977 and1978, he helped fundraise a quarter of the costs. While on the Edward Johnson Music Foundation/Guelph Spring Festival Board, he led the 20th anniversary celebrations of 1987, which resulted in the largest festival ever held. The award-winning historian has also found time to volunteer with Amnesty International, Guelph-Wellington Legal Services, Guelph-Wellington Women-in-Crisis, McCrae House, the Wellington County Historical Society, the Guelph Chamber Choir, Guelph Arts Council and Doors Open Guelph.
- College of Biological Science staff member Toni Pellizzari was recognized for her dedication to the United Way and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Executive secretary to the dean of CBS, she has volunteered with the United Way since 1995 as a canvasser. She has also served as campus co-chair and has donated numerous incentive prizes over the years. Pellizzari also donates prizes to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph, helps with fundraising and served as president of the organization from 2002 to 2004.
- Fourth-year Bachelor of Science student Kendra Strong received the student award for her commitment to the Canadian Blood Services. Her passion for the organization started when she first donated blood at the age of 17. Since then, she has organized the on-campus blood donor clinics and continues to work as a hospitality volunteer greeting donors and making them feel comfortable.
Each of the three recipients received a print of a painting by fine art student Tori Drost. The painting represents the concept of community and will be hung in the University Centre in honour of this year’s recipients.
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