On August 17, 2022, McMaster’s president and vice-presidents (PVP) hosted a barbecue for faculty and staff to express a heartfelt “thank you” for all of their hard work and dedication to McMaster, particularly over the past two and a half years of the pandemic.

“All of you have shown resilience, adaptability and a continued dedication to McMaster over the course of the pandemic,” says David Farrar, president and vice-chancellor. “On behalf of myself and all of our vice-presidents, I can’t thank our faculty and staff enough for their hard work to keep McMaster thriving.”

Buoyed by perfect weather, over 2,300 meals were served by McMaster Hospitality staff throughout the 2-hour event held in front of Green Mall in front of the Burke Science Building. PVP members, including David Farrar, president, Susan Tighe, provost and vice-president (academic), Saher Fazilat, vice-president (operations), Karen Mossman, vice-president (research), Paul O’Bryne,, vice-president of the Faculty of Health Sciences, and Debbie Martin, acting vice-president (University Advancement) were there mingling with attendees and assisting with serving food.

“It’s people who make a university excellent. Our staff and faculty members’ commitment to our students and to each other over the pandemic truly exemplified McMaster’s institutional values of inclusiveness and teamwork,” says Susan Tighe, provost and vice-president (Academic). “Please accept my sincere ‘thank you.’ Whether you were able to attend the barbecue or not, I want you to know that your efforts are recognized and appreciated.”

“Thank you to all of our staff and faculty who have done an incredible job keeping this university flourishing over the past several years – it was wonderful seeing so many of you at the BBQ,” says Saher Fazilat, vice-president (operations and finance). “I also want to thank our amazing Hospitality, Conference and Facility Services staff and our organizing committee who went above and beyond to ensure everyone was fed such delicious food and the event went smoothly. Thank you all.”

During the event, a raffle was held to give away various McMaster swag and other prizes, including a McMaster suitcase, Bull Dog tickets, wireless headphones and campus store gift cards. For those unable to attend, a raffle was also held online. The winners are below:

• Lisa White – a pair of Bull Dogs tickets
• Anthea Innes – $50 Campus Store gift card and water bottle
• Dallas Nash – Wireless ear buds
• Lisa Lorentz – Carry-on luggage and passport holder
• Liz McDonough – Blanket
• Mohammad Islam – Hat, water bottle and key chain

Planning has already begun for next year’s event – we look forward to seeing you there!