Our Staff - Student Affairs
Our staff members are passionate about helping students to unlock their potential and reach their goals, providing the guidance, resources, and programs to ensure success. Welcome to our webpage where we proudly shine a spotlight on the remarkable skills and talents of our diverse and vibrant staff members. This platform is dedicated to celebrating our staff member’s achievements, passions, and unique contributions.
Celebrating Excellence: Beth Fisher Receives the Prestigious Marilyn Langlois Award
The Office of the Vice-Provost (Student Affairs) and the Department of Athletics are proud to recognize Beth Fisher, supervisor of aquatics and safety certification & active kids programs, as the 2024–2025 recipient of the Marilyn Langlois Student Affairs Staff Recognition Award.
This annual award honours staff who demonstrate exceptional leadership, collaboration, and commitment to the student experience. Beth’s work exemplifies these values—creating inclusive, student-centred programming that removes barriers and promotes wellbeing.
From launching free swim-to-survive lessons to mentoring student staff and building strong community partnerships, Beth’s impact reaches well beyond the pool.
“Beth’s dedication to safety, accessibility, and student empowerment has transformed our approach to recreation and engagement,” says Scott McRoberts, Director of Athletics. “We are incredibly proud to celebrate her outstanding leadership.”
Congratulations, Beth, and thank you for your inspiring contributions to our campus and community!
Historic Award Recipients:
2024: Shannon Thibodeau, Student Experience
2023: Alexis Charles, Student Experience
2021: Heidelein Friesen, Student Wellness Services
2020: Jean Thompson, Student Wellness Services
2019: Kathryn Hofer, Student Experience
2018: Jessica Nayda, Student Housing Services
2017: Daniel Poulin, Student Life
2016: Forrest Caldwell, Student Wellness Services
2015: Jill Ferguson, Co-operative Education & Career Services
2014: Michelle Pino, Athletics
2013: Julie West, Student Housing Services
2012: Marinette Fargo, Counselling & Disabilities Services
2011: Laurie Schnarr, Student Life
2010: Bruno Mancini, Counselling & Disabilities Services
2009: Pat Richards, Athletics
2008: Deborah Kemp, Student Life
2007: Susan Nuttley, Co-operative Education & Career Services
2006: Barbara Funk, Student Affairs
2005: Betty Forestell, Athletics
2004: Jane Alexander, Student Housing Services
Student Affairs Staff Recognition Award
Nominations for 2025-2026 are Now Open.
Nomination Packages are due no later than noon on Friday, April 3, 2026.
The Marilyn Langlois Award is presented annually to a Student Affairs team member who epitomizes professionalism and goes above and beyond when supporting students, staff, faculty, and community partners.
This award is named in honour of Marilyn Langlois, who from 1989-2004 served as the Executive Assistant to the Vice-Provost (Student Affairs). In this role, Marilyn provided exemplary support and guidance to students, staff, faculty, and to the community.
About the Nomination Process:
To nominate, and before noon on Friday, April 3, 2026, submit:
- One nomination letter and three distinct supporting letters (max 500 words each) highlighting the nominee’s strengths in relation to the Award Criteria
- Only four letters in total will be accepted and ideally the letters would be from different roles (e.g., nominator, supervisor, peer, student).
- Email the four letters together as a single document to studentaffairs@uoguelph.ca, and in the body of the email include both the nominee’s and nominator’s name, title, department, and email address.
- Award recipients are typically announced at the Student Affairs annual Yead End Celebration later in April.
Nomination Criteria:
| Category | Description |
| Service | Commitment to their field, Effort beyond job expectations |
| Job Knowledge | Understanding of key competencies, Proficiency in necessary skills |
| Teamwork | Effective collaboration with others |
| Campus/Community Partnerships | Builds relationships outside their immediate area |