Nominations for 2019 G. Raymond Chang Outstanding Volunteer Awards now open
Ryerson president Mohamed Lachemi (left) and Ian Mishkel (right), vice-president, university advancement and alumni relations, present Patrick Cheung with his 2018 G. Raymond Chang Outstanding Volunteer Award.
Volunteers are often the unsung heroes of the Ryerson community. From guest lecturers, mentors and advisors to fundraisers, alumni ambassadors and event organizers, these exceptional volunteers share their energy, passion and expertise with the university in many ways.
To honour these generous individuals, Ryerson launched the G. Raymond Chang Outstanding Volunteer Awards in 2017. In its inaugural year, 58 volunteers were recognized, and more than 60 volunteers were honoured at the 2018 ceremony. This year’s ceremony will take place on June 25.
Patrick Cheung was one of last year’s recipients. A 1982 Ryerson civil engineering technologist graduate who now develops water infrastructure policies for the City of Toronto, Cheung has volunteered with the Ryerson Urban Water research centre for almost a decade.
In addition to assisting with Ryerson workshops and conferences, he’s spoken at numerous symposia, served as a judge at several events, and is an invaluable mentor to future professionals who are interested in water management and green infrastructure.
“Receiving the award was a nice surprise. It felt good to be recognized for the work that I do,” said Cheung.
The industry experience of his Ryerson instructors really helped in his development as an engineer, he said, and he tries to provide the same for the students he encounters. “In my volunteer work, I hope that I can bring not just an academic but some professional insight to the industry they’ll be part of.”
His efforts are contributing to the future of Toronto’s water infrastructure. “I’ve seen a few students move in certain directions after our discussions,” he said, recalling a recent student who was determined to get involved in green infrastructure after meeting Cheung.
To learn more about the G. Raymond Chang Outstanding Volunteer Awards, please visit the awards website. If you know of an outstanding Ryerson volunteer who deserves recognition, consider sending their name to the director of development in your faculty or to a representative in your vice-president’s office.