Tribute Giving - Dr. William (Bill) O'Grady
In honour of Dr. William (Bill) O'Grady's retirement, we are excited to announce our plans to establish a University of Guelph award to benefit Criminal Justice and Public Policy (CJPP) undergraduate students. This award recognizes Bill's significant contributions to the CJPP programs and students over the years.
Will you join us in contributing to this exciting initiative?
Dr. William (Bill) O'Grady Prize for Excellence in CJPP
We will award $1,000 to the graduating BAH:CJPP (undergraduate) student with the highest cumulative average.
Established by faculty, staff, and alumni in honour of Dr. William (Bill) O'Grady's retirement, this fund recognizes his integral role in the ongoing success of the Criminal Justice and Public Policy (CJPP) programs. His teaching and research on marginalized youth and homelessness made significant contributions to the field of sociological criminology. During his career, Bill taught countless students and enriched their program experience immeasurably. His commitment to academic excellence inspired students to pursue graduate studies and a variety of rewarding careers.
When a few of us began discussing the idea of a prize, we recalled the many conversations we've had with our students over the years who talked about Bill's patient, encouraging, insightful, and pragmatic approach. This prize feels like an appropriate way to carry forward Bill's legacy of mentorship of our CJPP students and dedication to our programs. I welcome you to join me in contributing to this award, whether donating a gift of any amount or by helping to spread the word.
Dr. Carolyn Yule, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Criminal Justice and Public Policy program, University of Guelph
Award Details:
- The donation level needed to establish the Dr. William (Bill) O'Grady Prize for Excellence in CJPP is $5,000, with a goal to raise this amount by the end of 2024.
- This amount will allow us to create the award and distribute it over the next five years, beginning Summer 2025.
- If we surpass our $5,000 goal, we will extend the length of time we distribute the award. Our goal is to engage in ongoing fundraising to sustain this award over the long-term. If we do not meet our goal of raising $5,000, funds will be directed to the Truscott Lecture in Justice.
Giving Details:
- Tax Deductible: Each donation is eligible for a charitable tax-deductible receipt.
- Options: You can make a one-time gift or set up a recurring gift (via credit card or payroll deduction) via the donate link.
- Example: A gift of $25 every other week from May - December would total $450.
All donations are welcome and appreciated. Every gift makes a difference. It is amazing how impactful collective generosity is when establishing awards.
If you would like to have a confidential conversation about your own giving or explore ideas on how to expand the impact of this initiative to individuals you are connected with, or if you would like instructions on how to make a recurring gift, feel free to reach out to Elizabeth Rauchenstein, Alumni Advancement Manager, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences, at erauchen@uoguelph.ca or 226-820-6174.