The University of Guelph, the United Way of Guelph and Wellington, and the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington are calling for nominations for the ninth annual William Winegard Exemplary Volunteer Involvement Awards.

Named for former U of G president and Guelph MP Bill Winegard, the awards recognize members of the University community who have devoted volunteer time and effort in Guelph and Wellington County.

Current staff, faculty and students who volunteer with community organizations, including municipal boards, community fundraising, non-profit,s and community social health and service agencies, are eligible for the awards.

Nominators may be peers, colleagues, supervisors or organizations benefiting from the volunteer efforts of the nominee.

The nomination deadline is Feb. 27. Nominations packages are available online or by calling the Volunteer Centre at 519-822-0912. The awards will be presented March 26.

Winegard was U of G’s president and vice-chancellor from 1967 to 1975 and served as Guelph’s MP from 1984 to 1993. Besides being named Canada’s first minister of science, he chaired the House of Commons standing committees on external affairs and national defence and on external affairs and international trade. He also served as parliamentary secretary to the minister of international trade. He was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1998.