Awards recognize outstanding service

default-hero-image

BY Lorraine Redford

May 20, 2008

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Waxman.jpg” caption=”Allison Sekuler, associate vice-president (research and international affairs), congratulates Donna Waxman, research assistant, Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour. Photo by Ron Scheffler..”]On Thursday, May 15, nominees and recipients of the President's Awards for Outstanding Service in 2007 were honoured at the annual reception in Convocation Hall.

This year, 54 individuals joined the ranks of more than 845 nominees and recipients of these prestigious awards since the program's inception in 1997.

Members of the McMaster community, including past recipients, students, retirees, and employees were among the many who attended the ceremony and celebrated with the honoured employees.

This year's award recipients represent various departments across the University and encompass the diversity of positions at McMaster.

The individual recipients are as follows:

  • Leah Allan, special projects coordinator & undergraduate lab coordinator, Department of Chemistry
  • Connie Barry, operations manager, Centre for Automotive Materials, Materials Science and Engineering

  • Rena Cornelius, research engineer, Departments of Pathology &
    Molecular Medicine, Chemical Engineering

  • Julie Fairservice, clinic director, Campus Health Centre
  • Jane Howe, licensing officer, McMaster Industry Liaison Office
  • Debbie Lobban, receptionist/secretary, Department of History
  • Brent Warren, custodian, Facility Services

  • Donna Waxman, research assistant, Department of Psychology,
    Neuroscience & Behaviour

    Demonstrating the importance of working collegially toward a common goal were this year's team recipients, the BScN Program Staff and the Boiler House, and included the following members:

  • Boiler House Team: Patrick Burke, Dave Cowden, Doug Dick, Colin Easthope, Joe Emberson, Tint Khine, Mike Macala, John MacIntyre, Ron Moroz, Carl Sterback, Randy Walsh and Hase Williams
  • BScN Program Staff Team: Michelle Allan, Anne Bolender, Helen Buac, Michelle Buchner, Martha Davis, Connie Heckbert, Kelly Edge, Wendy Lejambe, Vicki Lewis, Brenda Montesanto, Liz Reeves and Carlene Viinberg

    In his address, President Peter George commended McMaster employees for their ability to manage significant change and continue to thrive. The nominees for these Awards remind us all that McMaster possesses intelligence and strength in abundance.

    “Within the dossiers of the 54 nominees we honour today, the quality of resilience — the ability to quickly respond, adapt and evolve in a very dynamic environment — is demonstrated again and again. To all nominees for the President's Awards for Outstanding Service in 2007, I offer my congratulations and my gratitude for your commitment to helping McMaster achieve excellence.”

    The annual awards program recognizes employees who are neither faculty nor members of senior management for outstanding contributions to advancing the mission of the University. The President's Awards for Outstanding Service represent the highest honour the University can bestow upon its non-teaching employees.

    As in previous years, the nominations were reviewed by the President's Awards Advisory Committee and were evaluated based on the criteria of providing exceptional service, contributing to the efficiency and effectiveness of operations, and enhancing the reputation of McMaster University. These recommendations were then presented to the President for final approval.

    Further information regarding this year's nominees and award recipients can be found on the President's Awards website. The call for nominations will occur in December 2008.