Each year, the University honours members of the support staff for their excellent work and their professionalism. The individuals receiving the Award of Excellence for Support Staff in 2006 make up an outstanding quartet. The awards, which come with $1,000 bursary, will be presented at the annual Founders’ Breakfast on May 2, 2006.
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Computer analyst Jean-François Billette seems to have the uncanny ability of preventing and avoiding computer crashes. That in itself would be remarkable, but Billette also plays an integral role in the development of major information tools such as the Program Navigator, calendar of events, and the daily updating of the anti-virus system affecting 4,000 users scattered across the campus.
“CCS would have been able to complete these projects without Jean-François, but never as fast or as well,” notes one colleague who supported Billette’s nomination. One telling aspect of the nomination package submitted on his behalf is that it was signed by 53 of his colleagues at CCS.
When it comes to new technologies, this analyst is always on the lookout for solutions and fastidiously consults resources. This is how he became the “go-to” guy in CCS for the Blackberry – a personal communication device that many find indispensable.
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For 30 years, Jocelyne Gaumond has melded the tasks of secretary for graduate studies and receptionist for the Département de lettres françaises. Director Dominique Lafon describes her as the “smile of the department.”
Gaumond is not only well-versed in all the academic regulations, but she also knows the details “of every student in graduate studies and, consequently, can follow the progress of each and everyone,” according to Pierre Berthiaume, chairman of the department’s graduate studies committee for more than six years.
A high degree of efficiency and adaptability has served Jocelyne Gaumond well over the years, especially in 2004 when she was called upon to replace the department’s administrative assistant for six months. “She shouldered a significant portion of the department’s management, in addition to her regular duties,” recalls Lafon. “With her characteristic modesty, Jocelyne went about her work in such a manner that it revealed her exceptional competence.”
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In the School of Psychology, computer technician Gaétan Schnob, is truly considered a jack of all trades by professors, other staff members and students.
His skills go well beyond helping people out of computer jams. His ingenuity is well known to the School.
From prolonging the life of old but unique instruments, to creating tools to help researcher and students conduct their research, to repairing machines used in evaluating test results, “it is a point of pride for Gaétan to understand everyone’s needs,” points out Catherine Plowright, director of the doctorate program in experimental psychology.
Professor Plowright recalls how Schnobb constructed a complex labyrinth and unique artificial flowers connected to an electrical system – all to support research in bumblebee behaviour. Schnob “allowed many students to continue their projects while avoiding additional costs and delays in their thesis research,” points out Claude Messier, assistant director of the School of Psychology.
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When Academic Assistant Ginette Trottier retires in the fall, the Faculty of Engineering will someone who has faithfully guided students and supported professors for 35 years. She will leave behind, however, impeccable files as her legacy to the person will take over from her. Trottier’s reputation rests not only on her efficiency, but on her pleasant manner – even in stressful situations.
“Ginette is absolutely the most organized person I know,” writes Associate Professor Sylvia Boyd, who is program coordinator for computer at the School of Information Technology and Engineering, where Trottier is employed. Not only does she deftly handle the requests from the huge number of students for various academic units enrolled in the school’s 145 courses, but she also manages to keep detailled records of the many course and program changes that have been made over the years, Boyd notes.
