Media Release - March 19, 2009

Mohawk and community partners launch good neighbour award for students

HAMILTON -- A new award will recognize Mohawk students who take care of their homes and look out for their neighbours.

The Mohawk Good Neighbour Award is supported by Ward 8 City Councillor Terry Whitehead, Hamilton Police Service, the Mohawk Students' Association (MSA) and the College's Student Life Department.

"My office is proud to support the Mohawk Good Neighbour Award and recognize students who enrich the quality of life in our West Mountain neighbourhoods," says Councillor Whitehead.

"The overwhelming majority of Mohawk students are responsible and respectful," says Hamilton Police Service Inspector Bob Buck. "The Mohawk Good Neighbour Award celebrates students who can always be counted on to do the right thing in the community."

"Mohawk students are ambassadors for the College and we want to recognize students who make the College proud and lead by example," says MSA Executive Director Richard Anderson.

Students living in off-campus housing in West Mountain neighbourhoods around Mohawk's Fennell Campus will be eligible for the annual award. Winning students will receive grocery vouchers and movie tickets.

Residents and landlords can nominate students who are responsible renters and good neighbours. The deadline for nominations is Friday, April 3. To make a nomination, send an email to jay.robb@mohawkcollege.ca with your name, contact information and an overview of why the students are deserving of recognition.

Nominations will be reviewed by members of the Mohawk College Neighbourhood Committee. The committee, which includes residents, City of Hamilton and Hamilton Police Service representatives, was established in February 2003 to proactively address neighbourhood issues and concerns.

A survey conducted last Fall of 3,600 incoming first-year Mohawk students found that 63 per cent of students live at home with parents or relatives, 14 per cent rent a home or apartment with other students, eight per cent live in residence, six per cent live in their own home and five percent pay room and board.