Exemplary Staff Honoured at Community Breakfast

Five employees lauded for excellence, dedication

President Alastair Summerlee, far right, poses with this year's winners of the President's Awards for Exemplary Staff Service. From left are Danny Martin, Laurie Schnarr, Susan Morrison, Richard Gorrie and Greg Humphreys. Photo by Grant W. Martin Photography

Five U of G employees were named recipients of the President's Awards for Exemplary Staff Service at the community breakfast Sept. 7. President Alastair Summerlee presented the honours during the annual event, which drew more than 1,000 people.

The awards recognize staff members who have made a lasting impression on their colleagues by consistently demonstrating a commitment to excellence and exceeding the expectations of their normal job responsibilities.

This year's recipients are:

• Greg Humphreys, a technician and laboratory instructor in the Department of Integrative Biology. He was acknowledged by his nominators for excellence in teaching courses in invertebrate zoology and his outstanding commitment to his students.
• Richard Gorrie, manager of courseware support services in Teaching Support Services. He was nominated for displaying integrity, leadership, innovation and dedication and for developing WebCT from four course offerings in 1999 to more than 1,000 current options.
• Danny Martin, a carpet and upholstery installer in Physical Resources. He was recognized for 38 years of hard work and for taking on any challenge that comes his way. He is also appreciated for being a kind and thoughtful friend to his co-workers.
• Susan Morrison, executive officer for the College of Arts. She was lauded by nominators for her unwavering commitment to the College of Arts, her willingness to share her knowledge and wisdom and for years of putting others before herself.
• Laurie Schnarr, assistant director of Student Life and Counselling Services. She was recognized for displaying strong leadership skills and for creating an interesting and engaging work environment.

Recipients are chosen from nominations submitted by colleagues and selected by a committee. This year, 33 staff members were nominated.

“We are truly fortunate to have such a remarkable group of people on staff,” said Summerlee, “and each nominee has without a doubt been an inspiration to those around them. I thank each of these people for bringing something special to the lives of their colleagues and for making our campus a great place to work.”

The recipients of three awards that honour community volunteer- ism and dedication were also recognized at the breakfast.

Irene Thompson, associate director of residence life, received the University of Guelph Alumni Association Employee Volunteer Award for the time and energy she devotes to volunteer work.

Jennifer Kingswell, a secretary in the Department of Plant Agriculture, received the Steelworkers Local 4120 Susanne Sprowl Community Service Award, which honours contributions to the external community through community spirit and volunteer work.

The Excellence in Undergraduate Academic Advising Medallion was presented to Prof. Valerie Allen of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management for outstanding contributions to academic advising.

In addition, employees who are marking their 25th year at U of G this year were honoured at the breakfast.