The first recipients of the Mitchell Family U SPORTS Alumni of the Year Awards are set to be announced on May 20.

Named after Lois and Doug Mitchell, considered long-time champions of the U SPORTS Athlete of the Year programme, the awards will be selected by the Canadian Athletic Foundation - a not-for-profit Board of Trustees from across Canada.

They will "celebrate eight former varsity athletes who have become leaders in their communities, and recognise the continued contributions by each alumnus to their alma mater", U SPORTS said.

"We appreciate the continued support of The Honourable Lois and Doug Mitchell in helping us showcase and mentor our talented and accomplished student-athletes for nearly three decades," said U SPORTS interim chief executive Dick White.

"This new award presents a terrific opportunity to highlight their achievements that were cultivated from success experienced both in the classroom and on the field of play, while also empowering the next generation to emulate these role models in our society."

The female and male Alumni of the Year will receive the Jim Thompson Trophy, and the opportunity to donate a leadership training session for a group of deserving students at the institution of their choice.