How a new award is celebrating campus and community relations

A new award to honor and celebrate the connections between the University of Florida and the greater Gainesville community will soon be open for nominations.

The Win Phillips Town Gown Relations Awards, named in honor of UF’s long-time former vice president for research and most recently executive chief of staff, will recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions in strengthening relationships between the two entities. The nomination period will span from October 1 to November 1 each year.

Susan Crowley, assistant vice president of community relations, said “We recognize the importance of our community relationships. It is through working together that we will ensure the best quality of life for all who live and work in our area.”

Win Phillips, who spent 35 years maintaining UF’s bonds with local government and businesses, played a key role in creating Gainesville’s Innovation District, the UF technology licensing program and UF Innovate in order to cultivate economic transfer in Gainesville.

Individuals can nominate themselves, other applicants or organizations in one of seven categories: government — agency or official, community member, business or nonprofit, UF faculty or staff, partnership initiative — between UF and an external entity, innovation award, or legacy award — for lifetime achievement.

UF leaders, including those whose roles focus on community and business relations, will select the winner, who will be honored annually in December.

Nominations can be made here.