Leaving a positive lasting impression on those we serve is cause for celebration. Each year, the University honours members of the support staff for their excellent work and their professionalism. The awards were presented at the annual Founders’ Breakfast on May 2, 2007.
Here are this year's winners.
President’s Awards for Service Excellence (a new award as of 2007)
• Individual Award
Bruno Castilloux is manager of InfoService. Since his arrival at the University in 2004, he has taken every opportunity to improve client services. He is always ready to offer a solution and to exchange ideas, and his energy and vision are contagious. “By his every action and his way of being, Bruno reminds us constantly of the importance of client focus in the University’s mission,” writes Denis Galipeau, associate registrar, Systems and Operations.
• Team Award
The Faculty of Science Biochemistry Undergraduate Laboratory Team has responded to an increase in biochemistry student enrolment (from less than 400 prior to 1990 to over 700 in 2007) in an effective and professional manner. This enormous growth in the biochemistry department has been handled thanks to the talent, commitment and dedication of the laboratory team. “What distinguishes the team is their ability to provide personal service, while still delivering an advanced program,” writes John Baenziger, chair of undergraduate Biochemistry.
Awards of Excellence for Support Staff
• Management and Professionals
Jean-Marc Barrette is executive assistant in the Office of the Vice-president, Academic and Provost. His enthusiasm, work ethic and willingness to take on projects have resulted in the University’s receiving a significant number of research grants. Chad Gaffield, former director of the Institute of Canadian Studies, writes, “Jean-Marc Barrette has developed into one of the top professionals in the scholarly-based administration of higher education.”
Hélène Grondin is academic administrator in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Grondin’s work is a true reflection of our University’s primary value of putting our students at the heart of our educational mission. Her most notable contributions to the University relate directly to the success and positive experience of our students. Every organization depends on individuals who hold corporate knowledge and share it in meaningful ways with co-workers and the public. Grondin is such an individual. Henri Wong, retired assistant vice-rector for institutional research and planning, writes, “Hélène is a dynamic person with no fear of change and who shows tremendous initiative. You need only start a project with her to see her run with it and come up with innovative ideas and solutions.”
• Support Staff
Hélène Lacroix is executive secretary, Institutional Research and Planning. Every organization depends on individuals who hold corporate knowledge and share it in meaningful ways with co-workers and the public. Grondin is such an individual. She is the pillar that sustains the Institutional Research and Planning Office, with her corporate memory that reaches back to 1982. “When you ask a question of Hélène Lacroix, she finds the answer immediately...She makes whatever we ask of her possible,” states Pierre Mercier, associate vice-president, IRP.
Marie Tremblay-Chénier is administrative assistant in the Department of English. She has worked for the University for 40 years, serving students and faculty. Tremblay-Chénier has made an enormous contribution to the University’s image, testified by the 60 signatories in support of her nomination. “In every aspect of her work, she displays an efficiency, generosity and commitment that would be impossible to surpass,” writes David Rampton, chair of the English Department.
• Technicians and Technologists, Protection Services staff
Michael Woitaniuk is a parking and information officer in the Parking and Traffic Division. Come into contact with Woitaniuk on the job, and you will no doubt have a positive experience. Sensitive and committed to the needs of his clientele, his simple good humour and helpful attitude are the hallmarks of his exceptional client skills. “Mike pays attention to the small, seemingly insignificant things in life, and that is exactly what people need to feel good and start their busy day,” writes Gisèle Charlebois, assistant director in Protection Services, Parking and Traffic Division.
PHOTO
From left to right : Michael Woitaniuk, Hélène Lacroix, Jean-Marc Barrette, Hélène Grondin, and Marie Tremblay-Chénier. Bruno Castilloux et the Biochemistry Laboratory Undergraduate Team are not in the photo. Don Hopkins of the Faculty of Science was announced the Incentive Award Program winner. The Support Staff Scholarship was awarded to François-Émile Pomerleau of the Faculty of Engineering.
