Successful hunt for McMaster’s exceptional employees

For their exceptional service, contributions to the efficiency and effectiveness of operations, and for enhancing McMaster's reputation, eight employees and two teams have been honoured with a President's Award for Outstanding Service.
“Every year I am amazed at the exceptional ways in which our employees fulfill McMaster's goal of achieving excellence – and this year is no different,” said President Peter George. “I extend my sincere thanks and congratulations to all of the nominees identified for the 2004 Awards.”
Managers, leaders and colleagues from across campus identified 134 employees (27 individuals and 10 teams) as being worthy of the President's Award for Outstanding Achievement in 2004 – the highest honour the University can bestow upon its non-teaching employees.
The nominations described contributions as diverse as McMaster's community. Some examples of these efforts included extraordinary dedication to the provision of student services, contributing significantly to McMaster's goal of research excellence or outstanding collaborative efforts which resulted in considerable efficiencies in University operations.
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.
Beginning with the 2004 Awards, a new category was announced by the President entitled the “Special Achievement Award”. It recognizes an individual or team who was not selected as an Award recipient, but whose exemplary contribution to McMaster deserves to be recognized. Recommendations for this special recognition are provided by the Advisory Committee and are awarded at the sole discretion of the President.
Peter George will host a reception in honour of all of the recipients and nominees on Wednesday, May 18 at 3 p.m. in Convocation Hall.
Summaries of all nominees' contributions can be viewed online.
Individual Award Recipients for 2004:
- Ann Hollingshead, undergraduate advisor
Department of Psychology
- David Kidney, manager,
Classroom Audio-Visual
- Carol Lavery, senior research assistant & laboratory manager
Pathology and Molecular Medicine
- Stephanie Lisak, undergraduate secretary
Political Science
- Anna Robertson, technician
Civil Engineering
- Mary Jane Sayles, clinical trial nurse
Co-ordinator Medicine
- Chris Sylvester, budgeting assistant/advisor
Financial Services
- Bogdan Wilk, research associate
Pediatrics
Team Award Recipients for 2004:
- Custom Courseware Team (Media Production Services & Titles Bookstore)
- MacLife Team
Special Achievement Award for 2004:
- Children's Christmas Party