David Marskell of THEMUSEUM, Mary Jane Patterson, President Feridun Hamdullahpur, Idrisa Pandit, and Sally Gunz.
In honour of the University’s 60th anniversary, the President’s Community Impact Awards were established to recognize those who embody the University’s spirit of innovation and contribute to making Waterloo Region strong and prosperous.
Nominations were reviewed by representatives from the Federation of Students, Graduate Student Association, Staff Association, Faculty Association, and Human Resources.
At the President’s 60th Gala on Saturday December 2, four recipients were recognized for community excellence. Each recipient received a hand-crafted commemorative art piece by Ontario artist Tara Marsh, designed with swirls of black and gold illustrating the interconnectedness of the university with our community.
There were two awards honouring community leaders, who are current University of Waterloo students, faculty or staff making a difference, and two awards for university champions, local residents or organizations championing the impact of the university in our community:
Community Leaders
Sally Gunz, Professor in the School of Accounting and Finance, University of Waterloo
Sally has advocated for neighbourhood improvements such as changes to parks and property standards, lobbied against school closures, and tackled drugs, prostitution, and violence by leading a 100-person volunteer Citizens on Patrol program in partnership with Waterloo Regional Police.
Idrisa Pandit, Associate Professor and Director of Studies in Islam at Renison University College, University of Waterloo
Idrisa founded Muslim Social Services, an organization that for the past 10 years has served a wide range of needs for families, particularly in light of the influx of Syrian refugees in recent years. A founding member of Interfaith Grand River, her work has been instrumental in breaking barriers to address policy and procedural gaps in service.
University Champions
Mary Jane Patterson (MES ’01)
Mary Jane is a longstanding champion of the University of Waterloo, in her role as the Executive Director of the Residential Energy Efficiency Project (REEP), and beyond. She is passionate about supporting Waterloo students who are following in her footsteps as environmental stewards and advocates.
THEMUSEUM
By partnering with UWaterloo in its programs and exhibitions, such as Quantum: The Exhibition and A Case of Celebration with the Waterloo Aboriginal Education Centre, THEMUSEUM aims to inspire the next generation of Innovators and leaders. THEMUSEUM CEO David Marskell accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
"Congratulations to all the nominees of the President’s Community Impact Awards," says a statement from Community Relations and Events. "Your contributions to the University and our wider community are valued."
Nominations for the next year’s awards will be posted on the Office of the President website in Spring 2018.