From October 6 to 10, the University will celebrate Service Excellence Week. With the theme I make a difference as its guiding principle, this week-long celebration will recognize the important contribution that employees make on a daily basis.
“Leaving a positive lasting impression on those we serve is cause for celebration,” says Nancy Lalonde, Director of Organizational Development. “The repercussions of service excellence are far reaching and go a long way in making a difference in our university.”
One outstanding example of service excellence is François Rochon, writer-editor with Language Services. This spring while volunteering for convocation, he heard of a guest from Toronto who could not find the National Arts Centre. As Communications Director, Andrée Dumoulon recalls, “François not only gave the woman directions but remained on the phone with her until she arrived at the NAC. Unfortunately, by the time she arrived the parking lot was full.” Still on the phone with the woman, he asked her to drive to the main entrance so that he could personally escort her to the campus parking. When the two returned to the NAC they found the ceremony had begun. François, unrelenting in his effort to help, whisked the woman directly to her seat in time to see her 61 year-old brother receive his PhD in English literature.”
Another example of someone whose service has made a difference at the University is Carine Stewart, former liaison officer with the Faculty of Engineering. Carine’s colleagues consistently remarked on her infectious attitude, dedication to promoting the faculty and her unrelenting engagement towards students. According to her colleagues, she never hesitated to go beyond her role in offering her service to students even for activities that were not directly related to her position. She wanted to ensure that students were left with a positive impression of the University and that they appreciated their University experience. It is no surprise that Carine recently became Manager, Personalized Recruiting with the Liaison Office.
The examples of service excellence take place on our campus daily are endless as are the variety of responsibilities. For example: administrative and financial officers, information technology support technicians, risk management officers, archival technicians and many, many more.
It is for this reason that each year during Service Excellence Week that the University launches the President’s Awards and Staff Awards of Excellence. Watch for the nomination forms and guidelines at www.hr.uottawa.ca/awards/ in early October.
