Posted on June 15: President recognizes outstanding service

On June 10, President Peter George hosted a reception in honour of 158 outstanding employees who have been recognized by members of the McMaster community as nominees for the President's Awards for Outstanding Service in 2003.

This year's President's Awards for Outstanding Service resulted in 34 total nominations highlighting the achievements of 25 individuals and nine teams for their contribution to McMaster's mission.

In his remarks President George noted, “We are committed to creativity, innovation and excellence. Today's nominees and award recipients have achieved the recognition of their peers as a result of incorporating these values in their day-to-day work and helping make McMaster the quality institution that it is. You are very much part of the reason McMaster ranks among the finest Universities in the world.”

The President's Awards for Outstanding Service recognizes employees who are non-faculty members, and who are not senior managers, who have made an outstanding contribution beyond that normally expected for their positions to the Mission of the University. To date, more than 490 such employees have been recognized through this program.

The quality of this year's nominations was outstanding, as reflected in this year's individual and team recipient selections. Six individuals and three teams are the recipients of this year's President's Working at McMaster' Awards for Outstanding Service.

Individual recipients

Tina Horton, Office of the Registrar — Horton has set a paradigm of professionalism for employees of our institution as admissions officer/program co-ordinator, part-time degree studies, in the Office of the Registrar. Community-wise, she has drawn the McMaster family together through her tireless volunteering as the chair of several University campaigns, committees and special events including: the United Way Campus Campaign Committee, the McMaster University Children's Christmas Party, the Working at McMaster' Career Planning & Development Committee, and the Inspiring From Within' Employee Conference Committee. Horton has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including: The United Way Employee Campaign Co-ordinator of Excellence, and the Martin Johns Award for outstanding contributions to the field of part-time studies.

Cheryl Ann Jackson, international students' advisor — Jackson's dedication and warm spirit as well as her high level of competence are outstanding. Jackson has a keen ability to provide a home' away from home for all of the international students who visit her office. She is truly one of the international ambassadors for the University. She provides a sanctuary for all in her office. The experience students gain through Jackson's dedication, motherly care' and commitment allows each student to return to their homeland with great recommendations for McMaster University.

Milica Pavlica, Department of Psychology — Pavlica is the ultimate McMaster employee. As the administrator for the Department of Psychology, she's incredibly enthusiastic, sincere, and untiring in the promotion of the department and the University. Pavlica is involved in many volunteer activities and challenges others to follow suit as demonstrated in her participation in the McMaster Employee Spirit Socity! (M.E.S.S.!), United Way campaigns, and the Children's Christmas Party. Pavlica is an asset to McMaster University.

Jane Radix, Campus Health Centre — As the health and wellness co-ordinator at the Campus Health Centre, Radix is the driving force behind the Student Health and Wellness initiative. She is extremely committed to students and promoting their health and well-being. She
works tirelessly and can be found here before the clinic opens, after it closes and often on weekends. The programs she has developed are all of the highest quality and are well received and enjoyed by all. Her enthusiasm, compassion and professionalism make her an asset to not only this clinic but the entire McMaster community. Radix is highly respected as both a person and a professional by her colleagues, students and everyone else that she works closely with.

Bert Visheau, Committee on Scientific Development — As the manager of the Prototype Workshop in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Visheau runs the entire operation from book-keeping to bottle washing. However, his primary function is manufacturing prototypes for new instruments for use in research laboratories. Visheau's skill set is unique, encompassing thorough knowledge of scientific experimental protocol, mechanical technical expertise, design creativity and a nose for entrepreneurial activity. Visheau's dedication to his trade and to the University is unquestionable: his professionalism and loyalty to the research community are noted by many who interact with him.

Peter Whitaker, Physical Plant — Whitaker is the service manager of projects, supervising 14 skilled tradesmen  electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. His work ethic and organizational skills are second to none and are vital to the type of work that he does. He has earned the respect of those he supervises and has proven himself to be brilliant in this capacity. He is always willing to provide suggestions for cost-saving, and he can always adhere to completion guidelines. Whitaker has been a professional and creative force in structural changes at McMaster University. He is a craftsman who not only practices, but also teaches, excellent work standards. He has earned the respect of everyone for whom he has done this work.

Team recipients

Admissions Team — In the last admission cycle, the Undergraduate Admissions Team demonstrated the true concept of teamwork. This team ensures the integrity of the admissions process, with an eye to streamline, improve or eliminate each step, especially with the tremendous increase in applications. Their diligence has resulted in a record number of offers, and a record number of acceptances. Admissions enjoyed one of its best cycles ever. Their teamwork resulted in a streamlined, efficient admissions process that is successfully guiding McMaster University through the much-anticipated double cohort.

MNR I-125 ALARA Team — The MNR I-125 ALARA Team within the Nuclear Reactor is involved in the production of radio-iodine for use in cancer treatment. Radioiodine (I-125) is used throughout the world to treat patients suffering from prostate cancer. The work done by the ALARA team is outstanding. This group of committed and highly skilled individuals has worked together to advance both the academic and social impact of the University while ensuring a safe working environment for the employees of the reactor.

SOLAR Team — The Student On-Line Academic Registration team constitutes 31 people from: the Office of the Registrar, Computing and Information Services, Financial Services, all faculties and programs, undergraduate and graduate administrations, and a team of highly skilled people in various areas of computing technology. This team was involved in processes that required the skills, co-operation, goodwill, tolerance, understanding and vision. The SOLAR project made the team and the team, in turn, has created one of the best student online registration systems.

To view the profiles of this year's nominees, visit: www.workingatmcmaster.ca/topjugglers.

Photo credits: Ron Scheffler