Herbert J. Hamilton Volunteer Service Award

Presented annually to an alumnus/alumna in recognition of volunteer service to the life and work of the Queen’s University Alumni Association (QUAA), either through short-term impactful involvement or long-term commitment.

Award Eligibility & Criteria

Candidates should be:

  • A Queen’s alumnus/alumna
  • A current or past volunteer within the Queen’s University Alumni Association. This could include any number of roles contributing to the QUAA mission to reach out and foster a lifelong association with Queen’s, including but not limited to: the QUAA board, Branches, Reunions, and Chapters
  • Someone who has made a significant, peer-recognized contribution as an alumni volunteer to further engage our members in the life and work of the university

2023 Recipient

Rico Garcia

Rico Garcia

Rico Garcia is a dedicated Queen's alumnus with a strong passion for community building and giving back. Rico's leadership and dedication to Queen's have been previously recognized with awards such as the Outstanding Student Award and the Agnes Benidickson Tricolour Award. 

Rico's commitment to Queen's started during undergrad, when he took on various student leadership positions, including serving as president of the Artsci class of 2013, Arts & Science Undergraduate Society (ASUS) senator, ASUS president, QSAA Queen’s Student Alumni Association president, and chair of the Alma Mater Society (AMS) Board of Directors.   

As an alumnus, Rico joined the QUAA Board immediately after graduation and continues to serve in various roles, including as director of QUAA Awards, director of Alumni Volunteer Summit, executive vice-president operations, and most recently, president of QUAA. During this time, Rico also served as an advisor on numerous university committees and subcommittees of the Board of Trustees, the Senate, and University Council.