Guelph – The University of Guelph in partnership with the United Way of Guelph & Wellington and the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington are calling for nominations for the 3rd annual Dr. William Winegard Exemplary Volunteer Involvement Awards. These awards annually recognize the significant community involvement of a University of Guelph student, staff, and faculty member.

“The generosity of staff, students, and faculty at the University of Guelph is invaluable to our community,” says Ken Dardano, Executive Director of the United Way. “The Winegard Awards give us the opportunity to recognize individuals of the University community who truly are making a difference. We look forward to the challenging task of choosing this year’s recipients.”

The awards are named in honour of past University of Guelph President, Dr.William Winegard. Dr. Winegard came to University of Guelph three years after its founding in 1964 and served as president until 1975. After retiring from academia and U of G, Winegard served as a Member of Parliament for Guelph from 1984 to 1993 and was named Officer of the Order of Canada in 1998. Dr. Winegard remains active in the Guelph community through his volunteer involvement including reading to children at a local day care centre.

Award organizers are calling for nominations of current University of Guelph staff, faculty, or students who have devoted significant time and effort through volunteer involvement with community organizations including municipal boards, community fundraising, community health and service agencies, and other non-profit organizations. Nomination packages are available online at www.volunteerguelphwellington.on.ca and should be submitted by March 25th, 2009. The awards will be presented in a ceremony in early April in preparation for National Volunteer week which is being held April 19th to April 25th.