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 above and beyond their job.

These awards, created by the Office of the Vice-President (External Relations), are presented annually and support the strategic goals of SHAPE: A Strategic Plan of Impact by recognizing how university values are put into action across our local and global communities. 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.

Community Scholar Award

The Community Scholar Award recognizes U of A tenure-track faculty, sessional instructors and lecturers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the U of A values of Unwavering Curiosity by sharing and translating their research and scholarship for the public good. Recipients exemplify Impact through Excellence — taking discoveries made in university labs, libraries, and classrooms and turning them into real-world solutions that directly benefit and uplift our communities.

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 U of A staff, post-doctoral fellows, and students who embody the U of A values of A Spirit of Community and Shared Accountability through their personal dedication to community engagement. Awardees proactively build, enhance and sustain respectful, long-term partnerships with broader communities, acting as custodians for the long-term well-being of society, our local environment and future generations.

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 external community members or teams who act with A Spirit of Community to champion the University of Alberta. Though not U of A employees or students, their collaborative efforts and shared dedication strengthen connections near and far, raising the university's profile and making lasting, positive impacts on the overall U of A experience.

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.