Exemplary Staff Honoured at Community Breakfast
September 07, 2010 - Campus Bulletin
Fourteen outstanding U of G employees received President's Awards for Exemplary Staff Service today at the eighth annual community breakfast.
President Alastair Summerlee presented the awards, which recognize staff members who have consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and exceeded their job expectations. He also recognized the recipient of the Susanne Sprowl Community Service Award and 62 employees with 25 years of service at U of G.
Exemplary Staff Service Award winners are:
Community Service
Rodger Tschanz, a greenhouse technician in the Department of Plant Agriculture, was honoured for “the ideas of community service.” His humble attitude makes it difficult to know how many community projects he is involved in, but they include the United Way, Big Brothers, Guelph Museum, Canada Blooms and the Guelph Interaction conference.
Tschanz also received the Susanne Sprowl Community Service Award. Presented by United Steelworkers Local 4120, it recognizes significant contributions to the University and external community through community spirit and volunteer work.
Spirit Award
Barry Townshend, manager of the Centre for New Students and a counsellor/therapist in Student Life, was recognized for his giving attitude and desire to ensure excellent student experience. He often volunteers on nights and weekends to deliver peer helper training and Project Service, and helps with non-student life programs.
Innovative Leadership Award
Linda Hawkins was honoured for being “an exceptional leader who embraces uncertainty and complexity.” As the executive director of the Centre for Families, Work and Well-Being, she has built community partnerships and fostered student service learning opportunities, mobilized teams, and opened new and innovative research pathways.
Service Excellence Award
Bruno Mancini, director of Student Life and Counselling Services, was recognized for “going above and beyond the call of duty” by taking on new projects and always being accessible to students or staff. Recently he sought and received external funding for a project to improve services to students with serious mental health issues.
Hidden Hero Award
Barbara Chance, Department of Communications and Public Affairs, was recognized for more than 25 years of service to the University community. The recently retired editor of At Guelph served as the official and unofficial editor of most U of G publications, dedicating her time and skills to supporting people and departments across campus.
Mario Finoro, who has worked as the chief technician in the Department of Geography for 34 years, has been called “the glue that holds the department together.” Working quietly behind the scenes, he helps and advises faculty and staff, and is a mentor and role model to research assistants and students.
Exemplary Team Recognition Award
Ann Bolger, Sandra Campbell and Lois Lamble
The administrative team in the Department of Economics was recognized for dedication, work ethic and mutual support. The trio has more than 42 years of service to the University, and share their experience and knowledge with others.
Joan Cascio, Cheryl Fitzgibbon, Diana Foolen, Anna Gallina, Joanne Gillis and Sue Hall
As colleagues in the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, these employees were honoured for going “beyond the call” to improve the entire school.
Sixty-two staff members with 25 years of service received gifts and a special breakfast. A Human Resources website provides for photographs and information, along with names of U of G employees celebrating 30, 35 and 40 years of service.
