[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/2005PresAwds-sfaff.jpg” caption=”President’s Award recipient Debra Kigar (left) gets a helping hand from Marge Geroux(right) from the Department of Biology. Photo credit:Susan Mitchell”]On Wednesday, May 17, 121 employees were honoured at the President's Awards for Outstanding Service in 2005. A record crowd consisting of members of the McMaster community, along with family and friends, joined President Peter George to celebrate the extraordinary efforts of the 2005 nominees and recipients.

In his opening remarks, George commented that “our ability to achieve our goal of being a world-class teaching and research institute is dependent upon striving for excellence in every part of our institution. This group of nominees is a clear demonstration that whatever our occupation may be at McMaster – if done with a commitment to excellence – it will contribute to the attainment of our goal.”

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. Since 1997, it has recognized over 670 exceptional individuals or teams.

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.

Team Award Recipients for 2005:

Anti-Bullying Event Team

Mail Services Team

Special Achievement Award for 2005:

'Inspiring from Within' 2005 & 2006 Organizing Committee

Full details about the nominees and recipients can be found online at www.workingatmcmaster.ca.