The annual OAC Outstanding Staff Recognition Awards were presented at the OAC Welcome Back BBQ  [1]held on September 20, 2022. These staff awards recognize excellent work performance, willingness to help others, contributions toward the betterment of workplace operations, and efforts in making OAC a better place to work overall. The recipients of these awards are nominated by their colleagues. Congratulations to all recipients!

Outstanding Student Staff Recognition Award

Lucas Magalhaes Alcantara; Graduate Student Research Assistant, Department of Animal Biosciences
Lucas is described as having excellent technical and team building skills. He is always willing to help others, while having a smile on his face. One of Lucas’s nominators had this to say:

“His passion for data science is infectious and you can tell he truly cares about the data management and technology infrastructure that supports OAC research. I am confident that he positively contributed to the life of our department with both soft and technical skills, and will continue to do so in the future.”

Staff recipients with under 10 years of service

Kaitlin Milley; Staffing Support Clerk, School of Environmental Sciences 
Kaitlin’s performance has been described as exemplary, since day one. Her attention to detail, organizational skills, technical proficiency, and pro-active problem solving are truly invaluable to the department. One of Kaitlin’s nominators had this to say:

“The meaning of OAC is made and remade over time through the stories of the people who work in this place. Truly, Kaitlin is an unsung hero of the college and I believe she deserves to be celebrated.”

Dr. Nikolay Repin; Food Scientist, Guelph Centre for Food Innovation
Nickolay is described as a staff member who truly goes above and beyond what is required. He is a positive mentor and role model for many and it is due to his ongoing efforts that the GFIC and Department of Food Science have continued success. One of NIkolay’s nominators had this to say:

“Nick has never failed to impress with his professionalism, scientific curiosity and enthusiasm for betterment of all. Nick is an essential part of not only the Innovation Centre and an asset to the department but also a truly outstanding individual and an unsung hero of the University of Guelph.”

Staff recipients with over 10 years of service

Tara Israel; Graduate Program Assistant, Department of Plant Agriculture
Tara is known for taking pride in her work and being a team player. She is described as passionate, reliable, hardworking, approachable, empathetic to students and always willing to lend a hand. One of Tara's nominators had this to say:

“I cannot imagine a colleague and person more deserving of being awarded the OAC Outstanding Staff Recognition Award than Tara. She is truly deserving of such a recognition as a staff member outstanding in her field!”

Marlene Morris; Conference and Facilities Coordinator, Ridgetown Campus
Marlene is known for nailing the details of every event with every client to ensure all the “t’s” are crossed, and double checked. She gets along with everyone on campus as well as a very diverse group of external client stakeholders that come to campus.
One of Marlene's nominators had this to say:

“Many campus events happen without a hitch because of the extensive behind the scenes planning and checking, and double-checking that no one sees Marlene do! Every time you see Marlene she brings her excitement for OAC’s Ridgetown Campus!”