Betty Urquhart Community Service Award

2020 Recipient — Mrs. Nerlap Sidhu

As a relentless volunteer with a strong ability to articulate the vision and need for community connection, Mrs. Sidhu has planned, and executed a series of impactful community projects: Lean on Me (2020), We are Canada (2020), Character Matters (2019), Walk of Integrity (2018), Random Acts of Kindness (2018), Voices of Courage (2017), Empathy Fence (2016), and the Antiracism Education Project (2020-2021). Through her work on these initiatives she has motivated and inspired many individuals, businesses and professional agencies from across our region to come together and volunteer their time and expertise.

Mrs. Sidhu’s innovative approach to connecting local volunteers with students has enabled their ability to view themselves as positive and impactful contributors to both their local community and the greater society. This interactive connection has been a catalyst for increased collaboration and has fostered a positive relationship between local community members and students. She continues to volunteer her time and skills and is a wonderful example of giving back within one’s own community.

Nominate someone great

Nominations will open in fall 2021.

Do you know a person who has made the Fraser Valley a better place to live? Nominate them for the UFV Betty Urquhart Community Service award.

Betty Urquhart was one of the first employees of the university and believed strongly in volunteering and giving back to the community. While Betty passed away in 1995, UFV keeps her memory alive by honouring a person exemplifying her commitment to life-long learning and community. This award is part of UFV's commitment to changing lives and building community.

Nomination guidelines

Nomination Guidelines - Betty Urquhart Award

1. The award is given to an individual for a specific project or series of projects.
2. Nominations may be made to the Board of Governors by any individual or group in the University region. Nominations should include a statement of the reasons for the nomination and supporting documentation.
3. The award will be publicly presented at a university event and include a monetary prize to be given to the recipient's charity of choice.
4. Names of award recipients and their projects will be displayed on campus and on the UFV website.
5. Normally only one award will be presented in any year.
6. The University President or designate will chair the award selection committee which will include three members appointed annually by the Board of Governors.
7. The project(s) for which the recipient is being honoured for must meet the following criteria:

• The project must demonstrate UFV's commitment to enhancing the quality of life of its communities.
• The project must have had a significant impact on the community.
• The recipient of the award must have played a major role in the planning and implementation of the project.
• This project must have been undertaken at least partially as a volunteer endeavour and not as part of anyone’s salaried or contractual obligations.
• The project must have taken place at least partially during the immediately preceding twelve-month period.

If you have any questions about the nomination process for the Betty Urquhart Award, please contact Monika Vondras using the contact information below:

Office of the VP External
University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford campus
33844 King Road
Abbotsford, BC V2S 7M8
Phone: 604-854-4502
monika.vondras@ufv.ca

Recipients