2006 Martin Bosch, BSc '69, MSc '71, PhD '04

Martin Bosch captures everything about which the Alumni Volunteer Award is based.  He has demonstrated outstanding loyalty and commitment to the University of Guelph through hisnumerous activities and is considered, by many, a remarkable individual. 

Martin obtained his undergraduate degree in Chemistry in 1969 and, in 1971, his Master of Science.  Furthermore, in 2004, Martin completed his PhD in Chemistry and Biochemistry, where he successfully balanced his business career with the demands of an active laboratory-based graduate program.  His love of learning has always been highly evident and during his time in the department, his enthusiasm was carried over to students and faculty alike. 

Consistently, Martin has found many ways to give back to the University, which has given so much to him.  He played a key role in the team that submitted an application to the Canada Foundation for Innovation, which resulted in a $3.2 million grant, used to found the Electrochemical Technology Centre in 2001.  Martin is also the visionary behind the Historical Plaque Project on campus, which places plaques on the heritage buildings on campus.  Symbolically, this project has served to establish a sense of stability and tradition, which has enhanced campus life and students' learning experiences. 

The University of Guelph Alumni Association has also greatly benefited from Martin's  involvement.  In 1998/99, Martin served  as a Director on the UGAA Board and from 1997-2000 he was an Alumni Senator, where he played a significant role in developing and promoting the campus campaign.  Martin continues to be a dedicated philanthropist and it was his choice to fund the clock on Rozanski Hall as a visible symbol of the importance of undergraduate teaching and the need for alumni involvement at the University. 

Recently, Martin has worked with the College of Biological Science and the College of Physical and Engineering Science to fundraise for the $144 million Science Complex; a building that will facilitate scientific advances and generate new technologies in critical areas that impact directly on our health and well-being, such as the diagnosis and prevention of disease, development of precisely targeted pharmaceuticals and functional foods, and detection and identification of pathogens and toxins in the environment. 

Professionally, Martin has been very successful in his many endeavours and today, he is Chairman of the Guelph Soap Co. Inc., a major player in the privately labelled soap processing industry.  In 1987, at Martin's suggestion, the company established the Guelph Soap Co. Inc. Scholarship; a $1200 award given to a student studying chemistry at the University. 

Martin's colleagues all enthusiastically agree; there is no better recipient of the Alumni Volunteer Award.  It is Martin's willingness to provide assistance, time and strategic advice that has made him such a valuable addition to the University of Guelph community. In 2006, the University of Guelph Alumni Association was indeed thrilled to present Martin Bosch with the Alumni Volunteer Award.