New student award – The Chancellor’s Community Service Award
Dr. Paul Cook, Nipissing University’s Chancellor, has consistently demonstrated his belief in helping his community through leadership and volunteerism. With a new student award, the Chancellor’s Community Service Award, he’s working to encourage and reward students who embrace the same sense of commitment to community. The Chancellor’s Community Service Award, valued at $500, is presented annually to a graduating student who has demonstrated dedication to improving the lives of others and making a positive difference in the North Bay community throughout their undergraduate degree program at Nipissing University. The recipient must have a sustained record of outstanding leadership and volunteer service, and truly exemplify or live by the motto ‘Make a Difference Every Day.’
“Helping the community has always been a high priority for me. Over the years, I’ve been witness to some amazing student leaders at Nipissing University who are working to make a positive difference in our world every day and I wanted to celebrate and encourage that sense of giving back by creating this award,” said Dr. Cook.
Born and raised in North Bay, Dr. Cook enjoyed a 34-year career in policing, serving as Chief of Police for the North Bay Police Service from 2004 –16, when he retired from the service and became President of Retired Badge Consulting Inc. A dedicated community builder, Dr. Cook is the Past Chair of the Coach4Food Board and the North Bay Court Security Committee, and is a member of the Nipissing Transition House Board, North Bay Youth Soccer Board, and North Bay Sports Award Committee. He is a past member of the Domestic Violence Coordinating Committee of Nipissing, the former Honorary Colonel of 51 Aerospace Control and Warning Squadron, Past Chair of the 2015 Ontario Special Olympics Provincial Winter Games Committee, and Past Sponsorship Chair for the 2013-14 World Ringette Championships Committee. Dr. Cook also served on the executive for both the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police.
Dr. Cook has been recognized for his leadership in the North Bay community multiple times. He received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Royal Canadian Air Force Commander’s Commendation in 2012. In 2013, he was honoured with the Rotary Club Paul Harris Award and the Officer of the Order of Merit for Police Forces Medal. In 2016, Dr. Cook received the Dedication to Soccer Award from the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame.
Nomination forms for the Chancellor’s Community Service Award are available on the Student Financial Services website. Nominations forms from staff, faculty, students, coaches and self-nominations will be accepted.