University of Guelph, Director of Athletics Scott McRoberts has been named the 2019 Guelph Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. 
 
Having distinguished himself through outstanding work and continued excellence during the course of his on-going career in University Sport and Student Life, McRoberts was announced as the award recipient during the Guelph Awards of Excellence Gala at the Grand Guelph Banquet & Events Centre on Thursday evening.
  "Scott McRoberts' vision and leadership in our community is a true example of what the Lifetime Achievement award epitomizes," says Amy Kendall, Interim President & CEO of the Guelph Chamber of Commerce. "Scott's proven ability to integrate student and community engagement with athletic excellence over the course of his career shows the drive for passion in his work. A leader at the university and a committed volunteer in our community, Scott has inspired countless students and community leaders alike, and we couldn't be more thrilled to honour Scott through this award."  
 
The Lifetime Achievement Award highlights an individual who has embodied excellence  throughout their career and demonstrated a long-standing commitment to the business community, leadership, excellence in business, and vision for future growth.
 
McRoberts has spent the last 16 years working in Athletics and Recreation at multiple institutions, towards an integrated vision of student and community engagement and athletic excellence. As a master collaborator, his goal as Director of Athletics and recently appointed Associate Director of the International Institute for Sport Business and Leadership at the University of Guelph, is to help students and student-athletes strive towards hard work, determination and perseverance but also to give back to the Guelph community.

"I am honoured to receive this award," said McRoberts. "From University of San Francisco and Stanford University, to the University of Toronto and now the University of Guelph, I have been fortunate to work with great people who have not only mentored me but given me the opportunity to succeed and do great things."
 
During his time at Guelph in just three and half short years he's already made an impact. A major highlight would be the construction and opening of the Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre. This new facility officially opened January 2017, consists of over 140,000 square feet for the entire student body, athletes and surrounding community. 
 
He is committed to connecting the Department of Athletics to the surrounding Guelph community and does so by working with several stakeholders including the 2020 Guelph Masters Game Committee, YMCA of Guelph, the Community Plan Joint Round Table committee, the Director of Parks and Recreation, Sport Tourism Guelph, as well as serving on the Free to Grow Task Force for Guelph Children's Foundation, he is dedicated to creating opportunities with lasting economic impact. 
 
"Giving back through sport and to the community has been a life-long goal of mine. This award has given me the opportunity to reflect on the great work we have all done. I want to thank the Chamber for this opportunity but most importantly the City of Guelph and the University. This is a very special place with very special people who have not only welcomed my family with open arms, but have been incredible to work with. My family and I look forward to being part of this wonderful community for many years to come, this is home."
 The 2019 Chamber Business Awards recipients are: 

Lifetime Achievement Award: Scott McRoberts 
Emerging Business Award: Estate Transition Planners Canada (ETP Canada) 
Community Spirit Award in partnership with the Bell Canada: Start2Finish 
Community Innovator Award in Partnership with the University of Guelph: Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington 
Young Innovator Award in partnership with the University of Guelph: Jarrett Blair & Nathan Skoufis 
Millennium Scholarship Recipient in partnership with DENSO:  Amanda Mitchelmore-Carter 
Excellence in Business Award (50+ employees) in partnership with Elements Casino: DENSO 
Excellence in Business Award (up to 50 employees): Shared Value Solutions Ltd. 
 

For more information on the Guelph Chamber Awards of Excellence and the Guelph Chamber visit: www.guelphchamber.com