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Our Staff - Student Affairs

  1. U of G Homepage
  2. The Office of the Vice-Provost (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: Trish Schmidt Receives the Prestigious Marilyn Langlois Award

The Office of the Vice-Provost (Student Affairs) and the Department of Athletics are proud to recognize Trish Schmidt, Manager of Counselling Services in Student Wellness, as the 2025–2026 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. With more than 20 years of service to the University of Guelph, Trish is widely recognized for her compassionate leadership, deep professional expertise, and unwavering commitment to student well-being. Through her work, she has strengthened access to mental health care, supported students through moments of crisis, and fostered inclusive, collaborative approaches across campus. This award celebrates Trish’s extraordinary contributions to Student Affairs and the lasting impact she has made on students, colleagues, and the broader University of Guelph community.

Historic Award Recipients:

2026: Trish Schmidt, Student Wellness Services

2025: Beth Fisher, Athletics

2024: Shannon Thibodeau, Student Experience

2023: Alexis Charles, Student Experience

2022: Sarah Mau, Athletics

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 Closed.

Nomination Packages for 2026-2027 are due no later than noon on April 1, 2027.

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 April 1, 2027 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:

CategoryDescription
Service

Commitment to their field,

Effort beyond job expectations

Job KnowledgeUnderstanding of key competencies, Proficiency in necessary skills
TeamworkEffective collaboration with others
Campus/Community PartnershipsBuilds relationships outside their immediate area