Students who do volunteer work might be able to see their efforts recognized.

Each year, the General Motors Volunteer Spirit Award is presented to three currently enrolled NIU students who have distinguished themselves by their unselfish service to others on campus and in the community.

From the applications, winners will be selected by an independent committee of university administrators, faculty members, staff and student representatives.

Students can be nominated by a group organization or individual. Applications will be accepted until March 1.

Ann Hahn, senior account coordinator for General Motors Spirit Award based in Los Angeles, said NIU is one of 35 schools that participate in this event. General Motors sponsors the event for schools that exhibit exceptional volunteer services.

NIU joined the program when it first began in 1989.

“General Motors rewards students whose efforts would most likely go unnoticed without any thanks from anyone,” Hahn said.

Winners will receive a plaque signed by Roger Smith, chairman of the Board of General Motors, and NIU President John La Tourette.

In addition, winners will receive five shares of General Motors Corporation common stock at a reception Tuesday, April 4 in the Holmes Student Center’s Skyroom.

Fabian De Rozario, NIU’s coordinator of fitness programs and club sports, said, “What is really neat is the fact that we have a major corporation that realizes how important volunteer effort is in our community.”

De Rozario said that anyone who is active in volunteer efforts should apply for the award.

The Volunteer Spirit Award is part of the General Motors College Program in cooperation with the Office of Campus Recreation, which gave out two $500 tuition awards during the GM Auto Expo in the fall.

GM also supports the intramural recreation sports program.

Applications can be picked up at the Office of Campus Recreation, the Student Association office and the University Programming and Activities Office, on the sixth floor of the student center.

De Rozario said it is best to provide a resume noting volunteer activities. For more information, call De Rozario at 753-9421.