MAPS celebrates part-time student excellence

default-hero-image

BY David Moore

November 27, 2007

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/MAPSaward07.jpg” caption=”Anna Marinelli, MAPS president, Jackie Osterman, Martin W. Johns Award recipient , and Sam Minniti, MAPS executive director. Photo by Robert Cobb.”]More than 100 students, guests and student leaders came together to celebrate the academic and extra-curricular achievements of part-time students at the 23rd Annual McMaster Association of Part-Time Students (MAPS) Awards Dinner on Nov. 23.

Fred Hall, McMaster's associate vice-president academic, brought greetings on behalf of the University and recalled his experience as a former associate dean of studies in the Faculty of Humanities.

“I know only too well what you have achieved — and you've gone a step further being here and receiving an award,” he said. “I also congratulate the people supporting you, and when you pursue part-time study, you don't do it alone.”

Major award recipients included Jackie Osterman, student advisor in the Faculty of Humanities and former executive director of MAPS. She received the Martin W. Johns Award for outstanding contribution to the interests of part-time students.

Osterman was recognized for her work as a student advocate during each of several phases of her work at McMaster University. Over the course of more than 20 years, she brought her experience and sense of the student perspective to roles in the Office of the Registrar, the Faculty of Business, the Faculty of Humanities and as executive director of MAPS from January 2000 to September 2005.

“It was working with and for you that gave me the courage to go back to school,” said a visibly moved Osterman, who is now completing a master's degree in education.

Paul Kokoski (Philosophy '07) was recognized as the recipient of the MAPS Gold Medal, presented by the chancellor to the graduating student completing studies primarily on a part-time basis and who attains the highest cumulative average.

The recipients of the MAPS/CCE Awards of Excellence were also acknowledged. Originally presented at the CCE Graduation Ceremony on Oct. 2, the awards recognize the graduate with the highest grade point average in each CCE program.

Recipients for 2007 were:

  • Daniel Cain, Diploma in Accounting
  • Anita Joldersma, Certificate in Creative Writing
  • Debra Lynn Hughes, Certified Clinical Research Associate Certificate
  • Erin Steckenreiter, Diploma in Human Resources Management
  • Sharon Taekema-Jansen, Diploma in Management Studies
  • Delayne Haasz, Diploma in Web Design and Development

    Debra Kigar (Religious Studies III) received the MAPS Centennial Award in recognition of commitment to activities in addition to their academic studies. She has been actively involved in the Canadian Auto Workers Local 555, a research associate in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences and a volunteer in her community.

    More than 50 other part-time students were also recognized as recipients of scholarships and prizes awarded by the University.

    Established in 1979, MAPS represents more than 8,000 students in part-time degree studies across the University and students in certificate/diploma programs offered through the Centre for Continuing Education.