Congratulations to School of Computer Science alumnus Adrian Harding who was awarded the 2019 Mayor's Award by Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie. The awards are given to Guelph citizens who have made substantial contributions to their community through volunteer work.

Adrian Harding currently serves on the Hillside Festival [1]Board of Directors and has done so for the past 18 years. As a volunteer IT Architect for the Hillside Festival, Adrian is an integral part of IT planning and operations. Adrian built a mesh network that allowed 7,000 festivalgoers to have cellular reception on Guelph Lake and ensured the debit payment terminals were functional. He was also active in contributing to festival's environmental initiatives and reducing its carbon footprint through pedal-powered batteries and solar cell-charging stations.

Adrian is also the Co-Founder and past Treasurer of Diyode [2], a not-for-profit community makerspace in Guelph.

Adrian’s nominators say, “He pours his heart into Guelph, and in his quiet, never-complaining way, he helps connect ordinary people and helps them make extraordinary things. Adrian’s commitment to the Guelph community, resourcefulness and unique approach all make Guelph a friendlier, more vibrant place. He is one of the most inspiring volunteers we have ever met.”

Mayor Cam Guthrie presented the Mayor’s Awards to the six honourees on June 27th, as part of the Guelph Awards of Excellence Gala.

More information about the Mayor’s Awards and the honourees can be found here: guelph.ca/mayorsawards [3].