Alumni Volunteer Award 2024

Dan Gillis, wearing glasses and a black hoodie with a colorful heart pattern, standing outdoors with arms crossed between two stone pillars, smiling at the camera.

Dr. Dan Gillis Recognized as a Dedicated Volunteer

The University of Guelph is proud to announce Dr. Dan Gillis (BSc ’00, MSc ’02, PhD ’10) as the recipient of the 2024 Alumni Volunteer Award. A dedicated educator, community leader, and innovator, Dr. Gillis has made a significant impact both within the university and the broader Guelph community. His commitment to volunteerism, teaching, and interdisciplinary collaboration are admirable.

Dr. Gillis is a Professor in the School of Computer Science at U of G who has consistently gone above and beyond his academic responsibilities to contribute to the community. His leadership in initiatives such as the Farm to Fork program and the SEED Community Food Hub demonstrates his dedication to food security and community well-being. These projects have had a lasting impact, not only by addressing critical issues but also by involving students in meaningful, real-world problem-solving. 

One of Dr. Gillis's most notable contributions is the co-creation of the ICON (Ideas Congress) program with Dr. Shoshanah Jacobs (Integrative Biology). This innovative course brought together students from diverse disciplines to collaborate on community-driven projects, bridging the gap between academic learning and community engagement. The success of ICON has made it a model for experiential learning and has solidified Dr. Gillis's reputation as a leader in education reform. 

Beyond his work on campus, Dr. Gillis has been instrumental in initiatives like Pint of Science Guelph and the Gryphons Care program, furthering public science literacy and fostering a culture of giving within the university community. He is consistently generous with his time and steadfast in his commitment to fostering meaningful community engagement. His efforts have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Guelph Mercury’s 40 Under 40 and the William Winegard Exemplary Volunteer Award.   

Dr. Gillis’s unwavering dedication to improving life through education, community engagement, and volunteerism makes him a deserving recipient of the 2024 Alumni Volunteer Award. His work continues to inspire students, colleagues, and community members, reflecting the best of what it means to be a Gryphon. 