The rewards of volunteerism

When Laura Mutu was accepted into the communications engineering program at Carleton, she knew the university experience was about more than going to class. To meet new people and gain new skills, she enthusiastically embraced volunteer opportunities in the engineering community.

Now, as she prepares to graduate, Mutu’s volunteer resume is an impressive reminder of the impact student volunteers have on campus and in the community. Mutu has helped promote engineering to high school students (particularly young women), acted as a peer helper, connected students with engineering professionals, and engaged students in activities to enrich their education through groups including Engineers Without Borders, IEEE, Women in Science and Engineering, Virtual Ventures and Carleton University Engineering Society. One of the founders of the Carleton University Amateur Radio Club and an annual volunteer for Carleton Serves, Carleton’s day of community service, Mutu has given much time and energy to Carleton.

“Laura is a quiet leader,” says Adrian Chan, associate professor in the Department of Systems and Computer Engineering. “Everything gets done around her, but she’s an unsung hero. She contributes selflessly and is a good role model.”

Mutu is the first recipient of the Adrian D.C. Chan Award for Volunteer and Community Service, which recognizes engineering students’ voluntary involvement and community engagement outside the classroom, at Carleton and in the community at large. It’s a new award for which Mutu almost didn’t apply.

“I didn’t think I had done enough,” says Mutu, “but I was encouraged by Professor Pearce to apply. It was amazing that someone else thought I was worth it. It really means a lot to me.”

“The award opened my eyes to the impact that volunteers have. There are so many students doing great things for the community,” says Mutu. “I’m honoured to be the first recipient, but I’m especially happy for the people who will come afterward. I applaud Dr. Chan for recognizing students who go the extra mile.”

Chan, a celebrated teacher, was named one of Canada’s most exceptional university teachers by the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education and 3M Canada in 2012. Carleton recognized his innovation in the classroom with a Teaching Achievement Award in 2009.

“When I get recognition or a thank you, it reaffirms my commitment to what I’m doing. Someone has faith in me and recognizes good work,” says Chan. “So when Carleton recognized me, I wanted to pay it forward. I used the personal portion of Teaching Achievement Award award to establish this new award to recognize students who are leaders. It’s a way I can say ‘good job’ to students who are engaged in the community.”

Contribute here to the Adrian D.C. Chan Award for Volunteer and Community Service, or any of the 800 financial awards and projects that make a difference to Carleton students.

Apply for the award online.