Named in honour of the Faculty of Engineering's founding professor, the William Muir Edwards Citizenship Award recognizes Engineering at Alberta undergraduate students who have made exceptional contributions to society.

Citizenship, in our view, is service above self and playing a role in improving the lives of others. This can be seen through volunteerism, public service, community or societal engagement, innovation, or any efforts that enrich the lives of others and impact our environment or communities.

Recipients of the William Muir Edwards Citizenship Award are compassionate catalysts for positive change, problem solvers, imaginative thinkers, and doers dedicated to serving their communities for years to come. Up to five $10,000 awards are available.

Students must be nominated and will be evaluated on:

Volunteerism, public service, contributions, and initiatives that make the world a better place through selfless efforts.This may include humanitarian, entrepreneurial, social, scientific, or technical pursuits, and can include both on- and off-campus contributions.

Breadth of citizenship: Breadth refers to how wide-ranging, diverse and comprehensive one’s efforts are toward making a significant positive change in their community.

Impact of citizenship: Impact refers to having a strong and tangible effect on the community or cause; it reflects the quality of work and volunteer activities that result in long-term benefits and an overall lasting change.

Please note that contributions made as part of a paid position will not be considered and that the contributions and activities must be current. Details about past activities can be provided, but students, nominees, and references must demonstrate how the student is still actively engaged in citizenship. Applicants should also demonstrate that their activities are beyond the normal expectations, scope, or requirements of the institutions/organizations they are a part of.

Eligibility Criteria: current full-time undergraduate enrollment in the Faculty of Engineering; continued full-time undergraduate enrollment in the Faculty of Engineering in the 2024-2025 academic year (both academic terms), a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and Canadian Citizenship or Canadian Permanent residency.

To be considered for the William Muir Edwards Citizenship Award, you are required to provide contact information for a reference above and beyond the individual who provided your nomination. Be sure to choose someone who can speak from their own experience about one or more points in your scholarship application.

I meet the above eligibility criteria and wish to be considered for the William Muir Edwards Citizenship Award.

We want to learn what you do to make your community better and why you do the great things that you do!

In 500 words or less, please describe what you do that qualifies you for this award. Activities may include volunteer work or involvement in any number of areas, both on- and off-campus, and are not limited to technical or engineering activities.

You can include past contributions, but please focus on current and ongoing activities and initiatives. Provide concrete examples of the far-reaching impacts these activities have on the communities or the causes you serve.