Twenty-one years ago, Faculty of Environment professor Paul Parker joined with three University of Waterloo colleagues and a local non-profit to create the Residential Energy Efficiency Project, now REEP Green Solutions. Their goal was to match academic research with practical action in the community, and Paul’s passion for climate action has led to tremendous impact. As a community advocate and champion of student engagement in the community, Paul’s commitment has included longstanding participation on the REEP board of directors, including five years as chair.
While not an Environment alumnus, Systems Design Engineering alumnus Ambika Opal demonstrates her commitment to sustainability and social inclusion through avid volunteerism. She sits on the boards of the Social Development Centre Waterloo Region and REEP Green Solutions, and volunteers with newcomers at Reception House Waterloo Region. She is committed to youth engagement, coaching for several years with Special Olympics KW and the KW Sertoma Speed Skating Club, and she is a former facilitator of the Waterloo Riding Youth Council. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ambika has sewed masks, supported remote learning for newcomer families and planned outdoor concerts for seniors.
Now in its fourth year, the President’s Community Impact Awards were created by Hamdullahpur to celebrate the rich connections between the University and Waterloo Region communities.