2008 President's Exemplary Staff Award Winners
Left, back row: Larry Fraser, Jean Bagg, Peter Wolf, Anna Gallina, Adrianne Mead
Left, front row: Linda Georges, Nicole Williston, Carole Shirley, Erin Mandcini, Lisa Huiskamp
Exemplary Team Recognition Award
Lisa Huiskamp, Erin Mancini, Carole Shirley and Nicole Williston
Co-operative Education and Career Services Administrative Team
As colleagues in Co-operative Education and Career Services, this group consistently delivers a high level of service to both internal and external clients, including employers, students and staff. Adapting to change and solidifying unity is something that stood out with the team’s nominators.
Lisa, Erin, Carole and Nicole have shown an outstanding ability to work together to run an efficient and friendly office. All members of this team willingly offer to help others and frequently jump in to assist one another in completing tasks. This team works tirelessly to find creative and effective solutions to problems that arise while revising their job processes to ensure fast and efficient service to everyone who enters the department.
Community Service
Anna Gallina
Administrative Assistant in the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
It’s difficult to catch Anna Gallina because she always seems to be on the run.
A senior running coach with the University’s Learn to Run program, Anna volunteers to help staff and faculty get fit. She’s also a coach with the Running Works’ Learn to Run program and has led the Guelph Track and Field Special Olympics for the past three years.
On campus, Anna is the United Way co-ordinator for the OAC and a canvasser for the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development. She’s also the school’s fire captain for the OAC Safety Committee and has been involved in planning and executing the school’s annual golf tournament, the college-wide summer barbecue and other special events. This year, she helped students host LaBASH 08, an international conference that drew some 600 participants. This complements her volunteerism in other student events, including Winterfest, pancake breakfasts and tournaments.
Spirit Award
Adrianne Mead
Residence Admission Manager in Student Housing
Adrianne Mead demonstrates campus spirit by helping to promote and develop the University’s “Better U” program as a leader and running coach. Adrianne has a unique ability to sense when encouragement is needed and is gentle and kind in her ability to motivate others. She can often be found at the end of the pack helping a new or inexperienced runner keep up with the group. This same attitude is noted in her workspace.
Adrianne is hailed as a natural leader who expects only top performance from herself and her team. Giving people a positive boost is what comes naturally to her. She enjoys being with people and has learned about those around her by participating in a variety of extra-curricular activities both on and off campus. Wherever her day takes her, Adrianne leaves a lasting positive impression with everyone she meets.
Innovative Leadership Award
Peter Wolf
Associate Director, Teaching Support Services
Peter Wolf is hailed as one of the leading proponents of educational development and reform at the University of Guelph.
Peter has been instrumental in improving the educational experience at Guelph, providing direct and consultative services in the assessment, development and sustainability of curriculum practices across the University.
Through his willingness to communicate with faculty and staff and guide them through curriculum visioning, curriculum development and course co-ordination and development, Peter has become a trusted guide and leader. He’s a reliable, accessible and knowledgeable source of information and has helped many departments rethink their goals and curriculum strategies and find new and innovative ways to deliver education.
Given his understanding of the motivations, attitudes and positions of others, Peter has been able to positively influence the participation of faculty and students. His commitment has, in turn, inspired the commitment of others.
Service Excellence Award
Linda Georges
Program Administrator in Women’s Studies
Linda Georges has been part of the Women’s Studies program as a staff member since 1990, but her involvement with the department goes back to her days as a U of G student. In addition to her duties as a program administrator she also provides support to faculty, staff and students. All this is done with a positive, caring and committed attitude.
Her nominators say she’s consistently honest and direct in her dealings with students and has a great gift for problem-solving. Over the years, she’s helped to create bonds between the University and the Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis Centre. She’s also organized several Persons Day events. In addition, Linda assisted in the creation of Footnotes: University of Guelph’s Undergraduate Feminist Journal by collecting information, supporting its student creators and helping with all administrative aspects of the project.
Hidden Hero Award
Larry Fraser
Building Mechanic Lead Hand, Physical Resources
According to Larry Fraser’s job description, he manages the Physical Resources maintenance team, a role in which he uses his vast knowledge of the campus coupled with his uncanny ability to identify the location of all mechanical devices at U of G. His expertise is used by his colleagues as well as contractors and engineers working on campus projects to make their jobs easier and more efficient.
Larry’s friendly nature and helpful attitude are accentuated by his ability to find ways to save time and solve tough problems. He also knows how to use all of the machinery that we have on campus which is an irreplaceable skill. For over 30 years, Larry has been providing excellent service and has become an invaluable part of the Physical Resources team.
Hidden Hero Award
Jean Bagg
Financial Clerk, Department of Pathobiology
Jean Bagg has been working diligently behind the scenes for over 30 years, offering exemplary financial clerical support to faculty, staff and graduate students. Over the years she has adapted to changes in administration and accounting systems always ensuring the highest level of support and service are maintained.
A positive and optimistic attitude, a warm and friendly manner and attention to detail are consistently noted by her nominators as Jean’s strengths. Quite simply Jean is described as the glue that holds the department together and allows the faculty, staff and graduate students to succeed in their own roles. Not surprisingly, Jean’s name shows up prominently in the acknowledgement section of most theses written by students in Pathobiology. There is no doubting that Jean’s colleagues are very much aware of the outstanding contributions of this Hidden Hero.