About the program
The Community Connections Awards recognize individuals or teams of community members, faculty, staff, students, or post-doctoral fellows who embody the spirit of the University of Alberta's promise, "leading with purpose." The awards honour the positive impact of nominees on communities near and far as well as their impact on the university. Award winners may be distinguished through volunteer work, public speaking, school visits or other outstanding community service.
These awards, created by the Office of the Vice-President (External Relations), are presented annually and support the strategic goals of For the Public Good, our institutional strategic plan. The Community Connections awards recognize people who:
HELP to build a diverse, inclusive community of exceptional students, faculty, and staff living, working and contributing to the city, province and nation where we are situated;
PROVIDE diverse and rewarding learning opportunities that inspire us, nurture our talents, expand our knowledge and skills, and enable our success;
EXCEL as individuals, and together, sustain a culture that fosters and champions distinction and distinctiveness in teaching, learning, research, and service; and
ENGAGE communities across our campuses, city and region, province, nation, and the world to create reciprocal, mutually beneficial learning experiences, research projects, partnerships and collaborations.
AWARD CATEGORIES
Community Scholar Award for an individual or team of academic staff members who not only excel in their scholarship, but also readily and frequently bring that scholarship into the community, showing how their work affects people's lives.
Community Leader Award for an individual or team of employees, post-doctoral fellows, or students who have made a valuable contribution to bridging the university's commitment to learning, discovery and citizenship with the community.
University of Alberta Advocate Award for an individual or group who are not students, current faculty or staff members, but who give their time, expertise, and passion to advance the U of A and post-secondary education in our community.
Community Scholar Award
The Community Scholar Award recognizes University of Alberta faculty members who not only excel in their scholarship but also readily and frequently bring that scholarship into the community through such activities as volunteer work with groups linked to their field of study, public speaking engagements, school visits, and media interviews. They are committed to translating their area of expertise to the everyday citizen and demonstrate the values of the University of Alberta through their community scholarship.
Nominees must:
- Be an individual or a team of academic staff members who are tenure track faculty, sessional instructors, or lecturers.
- Demonstrate exceptional service to the university through the wide-ranging impact of their community service and involvement over and above their regular university duties.
Community Leader Award
The Community Leader Award recognizes an individual or team of University of Alberta employees, post-doctoral fellows, or students who have made a valuable contribution to bridging the university's commitment to learning, discovery, and citizenship with the community. The Leader Award recognizes those who showcase the university's relationship with community by participating in public speaking events, visiting schools, or volunteering with community groups. The award celebrates how they bring the University of Alberta promise of "uplifting the whole people" into their communities.
Nominees must:
- Be an individual or team of employees, post-doctoral fellows, or students of the University of Alberta.
- Demonstrate exceptional service to the university through the wide-ranging impact of their community service and involvement, over and above their regular university duties.
University of Alberta Advocate Award
The University of Alberta Advocate Award recognizes a person, team, organization, or business that, although they are not situated at the university, contribute to the university experience or make life better for faculty, staff, or students. Nominees typically give of their time, expertise, and passion to advance the University of Alberta and higher education. Through their work with the university, they enhance the reputation and raise the profile of the University of Alberta as well as strengthening the connection between the university and communities near and far.
Nominees must:
- Be an individual or team who are not students, current faculty or staff members of the University of Alberta. Individuals who have retired from university service in all employment categories, alumni and community members, are eligible to be considered for the University of Alberta Advocate Award.
- Demonstrate exceptional service to the university through the wide-ranging impact of their community service and involvement.