Employee Awards 2018
MOUNT ROYAL UNIVERSITY Bella Concert Hall Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts August 30, 2018
The President and executive of Mount Royal University would like to take this opportunity to honour all employees for their continued high level of service to the community.
Master of Ceremonies David Docherty Effective Team Awards Distinguished Faculty Awards Distinguished Teaching Awards Distinguished Staff Awards Distinguished Administrator/Manager Award Closing Remarks
We would like to extend a special thank you to all award nominators. Your thoughtful submissions have provided the rich content for this program and for the Employee Awards event as a whole.
Long-Service Employees We thank these dedicated long service employees who have reached a significant milestone in their employment with Mount Royal.
40 years Janet Kruger
35 years John Cox Peter Duthie
Glen Hogan Susan Morante
30 years Jim Davis Cindy Duke Diane Haas Murray Laidlow Alice MacKichan
Dave MacPherson Teresa Nickason David Padley Mario Tambay Mike Trepanier
Long-Service Employees
25 years Pearl Herscovitch Kandi McElary
Rick Orr Sabrina Reed
20 years James Baillies Eileen Clarke Janet Connerton Tara Fitzpatrick Michael Hawley Charles Hepler Janne Holmgren Paul Johnston Judith Klassen Patricia Kostouros Shiraz Kurji Gerry Landreville
Ian Leeson David Legg Tracy O’Connor Fern Preece Linda Quon Andrew Reil Sheri Rhodes Ian Sherrington Terry Smith Edna Waliullah Baset Zarrug
Long-Service Employees
15 years Terry Almond David Aveline Garry Berge Katherine Boggs Denny Bonnett Joan Byers Yasmin Dean Mark Durieux Israel Dunmade Sally Haney Nicholas Hill Sonya Jakubec Robert Kavanagh Jason Ko Karen Lasby Wendy Mayers Frank Nadon
Debbie Olynuk Deb Payne Alexis Peters Milena Radzikowska Simon Reed Rona Reitsema Tina Roche Darlene Saltesz Sandra-Lee Scalia Jim Silovs Devona Smith Linda Sutherby Calvin Timmons Annalise Van Ham Meryl Wheeler Akhlaque Zaidi
Long-Service Employees 10 years Leann Acheson Teri Basi Amina Beecroft Harold Berry Katie Best Reid Bilben Steve Boland Francoise Braz Michele Braun Andrea Brodowski Bill Bryan Indrani Chatterjee Christopher Bullen Brock Calliou Cindy Campbell Eva Chuen Jeannine Crofton Jenny Crump Trevor Day Tracy Derynck Michelle DeWolfe Heather Dirks Brant Downey Martina Eckert Olive Fast Tom Gallagher Judy Gleeson Victoria Guglietti Tiffany Hansen
Shirley Hard Jason Heard Joel Henczel Sarah Hewitt Karen Hiebert Ella Ho Kathy Homer Caroline Iannone Muru Karavadra Dave Kerr Valerie Kinnear Nicole Kowalchuk Sabrina Krasilowez Lynne Lafave Marietta Lalonde Nicole Libin Andrew Littel Chester Lorincz Allison MacKenzie Jennifer Mah Lori Malinowski Micheline Maylor Mandy McDaniel Mike Melanson Michael Morrissey Carmen Nielson Linda Neilson Guy Obrecht Kenna Olsen
Dash Paramanathan Patricia Pardo Terry Pasychny Andy Phouthonesy Jeff Pollock Michael Poon Ning Ren Csilla Revesz Zenaida Roxas Jordyn Ross Therese Sheasby Dwayne Sheehan Stephen Sit Aleksandra Stojanovic Catherine Stone Joanna Szabo Hart Judith Tarko Deborah Taylor Tim Taylor Grahame Tully Matt Vickers Brandy Wenger Frances Widdowson Chad Wilson Verle Winsor Jim Wood Jana Wyber Amy Yoshida
Retirees We thank the following faculty and staff for their years of service to Mount Royal and wish them all a happy retirement.
Susan Boland Maryann Bredin Debbie Brown Victoria Calvert Brian Guthrie Dianne Hanycz Brian Henderson Maffelda Hertzsprung Katja Hoehn Annamarie Holz Karen Johnstone Janice Keller Maureen Koenig Elizabeth Lennox Linda Lydon
Lynda Martin Theresa Matus Kim McKellar Lynn McMurdo Marlene Mellow Douglas Murdoch Bill Paterson Donna Schroeder Aileen Smyth Shelley Stanhope-Goodman Betty Steedman Kathy Szabo Sheila Tappan Irina Walker Cheryl Wobma
Effective Team Awards Cougars Inclusive Brand Committee A full rebrand of a university Athletics program is a massive undertaking and the work of rebranding the Cougars extended far beyond the normal day-to-day duties of members on this committee. A rebrand done well can last decades. Developing a strong brand not only for our athletics teams, but also for our recreation department, and by extension, student clubs and other university departments, has the long-term ability to build campus pride. Ultimately, this newfound pride connects strongly to our institutional goal of fostering a sense of belonging among students. When the Cougars Inclusive Brand Committee was formed it involved members from Marketing and Communications and the formerly separate departments of Athletics and Recreation, which merged during the course of the project. The committee also enlisted the support of Facilities Management to manage the work of incorporating the new Cougars brand across campus. Focus groups and feedback sessions also involved students, alumni, faculty and staff from across all faculties and departments.
Cougars Inclusive Brand Committee Throughout the year-long process the team’s focus was consistently on how to include as many parts of our campus community as possible. Therefore, the mantra of “We Are The Cougars” in both an athletic and academic context became part of the ultimate brand launch. The new look, new logo and new brand were launched at a public event on campus on Aug. 25, 2017. Were it not for the collaborative nature of the Cougars Inclusive Brand Committee, many of its achievements would not have been possible. The team worked through numerous logistical and communications challenges, worked collaboratively within the team and enlisted the support of many other departments across all divisions. From Facilities Management, to Supply Chain Services, to everyone in Athletics and Recreation, many people played a part in the success of the roll-out of the new inclusive Cougars brand for everyone in the Mount Royal University community.
Team Members: Dave McLean Katya Sodamin Michal Waissmann Dana Heise Mackenzie Cann Arielle Louden Laura Wensel
Effective Team Awards
Effective Team Awards North to South Exhibit The “North to South: Exploring the Arctic Through Inuit Art” exhibit was a new event on campus aimed at increasing awareness of northern cultures, land and Inuit art for students across disciplines, linking them with northern scientists and Arctic experts, including Inuk carvers. The success of the event was the result of collaboration among faculty members in several departments in three faculties, students and communities. This ambitious initiative entailed the creation of a learning program with faculty across campus to provide direct programming to more than 200 students in the faculties of Science and Technology; Arts; Health, Community and Education; and Business and Communication Studies. The team engaged an Inuk carver to develop focused classes and workshops for students, which included Education students developing lesson plans and resources for the art, and a term-long project for Business students to work directly with the Inuit Art Foundation and the guest carver. Working to enhance the experiences of all students by providing exposure to diversity in both culture and thought, “North to South” directly aligned with Goal 8 of Mount Royal’s strategic plan to engage our broader community in thoughtful outreach initiatives to provide access to educational opportunities.
North to South Exhibit The team worked diligently with many other groups, such as the Arctic Institute of North America to arrange to have numerous artifacts and speakers come to campus. Many of the exhibit’s sessions were offered as public presentations. Exhibit audiences included the campus community, a visiting high school class and other external visitors. The three-day curated series took significant preparation and was the culmination of engagement with Inuit artists across Arctic Canada and Greenland, resulting in several stories from the artists and more than 50 collected art samples now housed at the University for additional teaching and learning purposes in the future, for Mount Royal students and the wider community.
Team members: Lynn Moorman Victoria Calvert David Finch Cintia Anselmo
Effective Team Awards
Effective Team Awards Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts Concert Season The Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts Concert Season team comprises Marketing and Communications, Development and Alumni Relations within University Advancement, as well as the Mount Royal Conservatory, and the Event and Theatre Services team within Business and Retail Services. The work being done by the team is entirely outside the team members’ usual roles and is a ‘passion project’ that the team took on to offer students, employees and the Calgary community a wide range of musical performances in the Bella Concert Hall and Wright and Leacock theatres. One of the core goals of the Concert Season was to support key Mount Royal strategic directives: indigenization, internationalization, student focus and fundraising with purpose. With artists such as Feist, Randy Bachman, Tanya Tagaq and Antonio Pompa-Baldi, the vast range of genres reflected the university’s commitment to indigenization and internationalization, while the team’s outreach to students in offering affordable tickets for all performances created opportunities for students to expand their artistic horizons and enhance their Mount Royal experience. The Concert Season has also created significant opportunities to steward donors and strengthen alumni connections to Mount Royal through receptions before and after concerts and the performances themselves.
Taylor Centre for the Performing Art Concert Season
The Concert Season’s mandate included increasing the profile of Mount Royal in Calgary and of the Bella Concert Hall within the arts community, and increasing the number of visitors to campus and their awareness of our programs, services and offerings. The Concert Season also had specific goals of strengthening business, social and educational partnerships through performance activities. The key goals for the project were either met or exceeded. During the 2017/18 Concert Season, more than 9,000 patrons from the Mount Royal and Calgary communities enjoyed the extraordinary venues and services on our campus.
Team members: Phil Cimolai Dave McLean Jonathan Love Brad Mahon Terry Kellam Eleanor Finger Brent Mann
Effective Team Awards
Distinguished Faculty Awards (full-time credit)
Yasmin Dean Chair, Department of Child Studies and Social Work In addition to serving as Chair of the Department of Child Studies and Social Work, Yasmin has extensive experience as a community social worker. Yasmin’s scholarship focuses in the areas of global social work education and international field schools. In her scholarship, Yasmin consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to ensuring that voices of students and community partners remain central to research. Colleagues espouse Yasmin’s outstanding dedication to inspiring positive change with community, calling her a “connector known for building bridges across campus.”
Distinguished Faculty Awards (full-time credit)
Students recognize Yasmin’s ability to translate learning to real-life situations. After travelling with Yasmin to a conference in the United Arab Emirates, alumna Krista Andrews noted, “Yasmin’s ability to teach beyond the classroom is world class.” Alumna Donna Atkinson-Smith said, “Yasmin has a way of getting to know each of her students in such a way to help them springboard to become more than they imagine for themselves.” Yasmin joined Mount Royal in 2005. She earned her PhD from the University of Calgary, Faculty of Social Work.
Evelyn Field Associate Professor, Department of Psychology Since joining the Department of Psychology at Mount Royal in the fall of 2008, Evelyn has been integral to the growth of both the department and the University through her leadership, student engagement and research. From 2013 to 2018, Evelyn served as chair of the psychology department and was instrumental in the development of the Centre for Psychological Innovation for student and faculty research. Evelyn has contributed to many University committees, including chair of the psychology program review committee. She has a long list of publications and conference presentations with students— currently in the growing area of virtual reality—and regularly supervises directed readings and honours students. She is the co-author of three books including a recently published psychology textbook. Evelyn’s impact on students is long lasting. A student nominator described Evelyn as her mentor and role model, stating that she is “passionate about working with students in the classroom. She has an eclectic teaching style that students find engaging” and that her teaching style is “empowering.”
Distinguished Faculty Awards (full-time credit)
Evelyn holds a PhD from the University of Lethbridge. She is developing a new 400-level course in her specialty, the psychology of sexuality, is preparing several manuscripts for publication and has begun work on a fourth book.
Scott Murray Professor, Department of Humanities Having helped design and implement Mount Royal’s Bachelor of Arts degree in History, Scott is known for having high expectations of his students, whom he encourages to discuss and debate the difficult and complex topics taught in his courses. As the academic advisor to students in the History major for 13 years, Scott also mentored hundreds of students. Scott’s contributions are felt beyond the classrooms of Mount Royal and have included working with high school teachers to align pedagogy and curricula in the teaching of history. Scott has also participated for 16 years in the Holocaust Education Symposium hosted at Mount Royal, which is attended by more than 2,000 high school students annually. Well known for his contribution to the community, Scott is recognized for his ability to teach the history of the Holocaust to people of all ages. Specifically, members of the Jewish community appreciate his commitment to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and to promoting Holocaust education within the wider Calgary community.
Distinguished Faculty Awards (full-time credit)
Students recognize Scott not for being an “easy” professor, but one who pushes them to fully realize what they are capable of achieving, as well as encouraging them to look within themselves to find meaning and understanding in their study of the past. Scott received a PhD in History from the University of Calgary in 1997 and has been with Mount Royal since 2001.
Pamini Thangarajah Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics and Computing Pamini has been described as “a driving force for postsecondary mathematics education in the province.” She has lead developement of Mount Royal’s minor in mathematics for elementary education, among others, and works to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields to girls of all ages around the world. The impact of Pamini’s passion for mathematics is far reaching. Pamini’s work can be found in the courses taught at MRU but in K-12 schools as well. Her contributions to the professional development of mathematics teachers and foundational textbooks have made her an integral collaborator in provincial education. She has also been asked to speak at international conferences on educational issues in mathematics, computational mathematics, computational geometry and statistics.
Distinguished Faculty Awards (full-time credit)
Despite the known challenges for teaching mathematics, Pamini consistently receives rave reviews from her diverse set of students across many disciplines. She is admired by her colleagues for her leadership in the department and her field. Pamini received a PhD from the University of Calgary in 2001 and has been teaching at Mount Royal since.
Distinguished Faculty Awards (contract credit)
Sarah Brown Lecturer, Department of Health and Physical Education Sarah is considered a role model to her students and a leader in delivering Indigenous-centred curriculum. Sarah is recognized for her teaching style and zest for life. She provides a stimulating and safe learning environment where students can challenge themselves to consider their pre-established views. She is also known for her skills as an adventure guide, with more than 20 years’ experience in environmental education, leadership and cultural programing. Both the academic and Indigenous communities acknowledge Sarah’s important work in the development of a field school titled “Environmental Reconciliation and Indigenous Studies,” which launched in Spring 2017. This course is an immersive, land-based, transformative education model, grounded in and building on relationships with First Nations and is lauded as the “the best model to date of delivering Indigenous-centred curriculum in partnership with Indigenous stakeholders.”
Distinguished Faculty Awards (contract credit)
Currently, Sarah is working towards a PhD at Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, with a specialization in Adult Education. She has been teaching at Mount Royal since 2002. Her research interests include the cultivation of wisdom and leadership in adult land-based education.
Micheline Maylor Instructor, Department of English and Languages Award-winning teacher, distinguished poet and respected author and editor, Micheline exemplifies teaching excellence and creative writing skill. She is known for her energetic and enthusiastic contribution to the Mount Royal community. Recognized for her student-engaged teaching style, Micheline has designed and taught more than a dozen MRU courses on the subjects of literature, composition and writing. In addition to helping students reveal their own creativity, she shows them what it really takes to become published. Author of four books and recipient of many scholarly and artistic awards, Micheline is recognized for her excellence as Calgary Poet Laureate and the Authorin-Residence at the Calgary Public Library. Micheline is a strong presence in the community, appearing as a speaker at many conferences and literary events.
Distinguished Faculty Awards (contract credit)
Micheline joined Mount Royal as a lecturer in 2007 and received a PhD designation from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne in English Language and Literature the following year.
Brenda Lang Instructor, Department of General Management and Human Resources Brenda has a reputation for her reflective teaching methodology, collaborative assignments and service commitment. A tireless representative for contract faculty on various committees since 2012, Brenda has been an active and committed member of the Mount Royal community. She is particularly respected for her professionalism regarding student judicial affairs for her fair and equitable treatment of students. As an MRFA board member, Brenda has demonstrated her dedication to the further development of quality education at MRU. Brenda’s colleagues commend her for preparing students for success in their studies and in life, particularly in business communication skills. She is also relied upon for a second opinion and as a mentor to her colleagues, who describe her as someone who can be counted on—a reflection of her impeccable organization skills.
Distinguished Faculty Awards (contract credit)
Brenda holds an MBA in General Management from the University of Calgary. She has professional experience spanning more than 30 years and has been teaching at Mount Royal since 2002.
Distinguished Teaching Award (credit-free)
Sarah Orton Instructor, Human Physiology With a doctorate and post-doc in clinical neurology from the University of Oxford, Sarah has dedicated her research to identifying the genetic and environmental causes of multiple sclerosis. She is a long-standing volunteer with the MS Society, is an academic journal editor and has published many studies in multiple sclerosis research. Sarah is the lead instructor for the human physiology face-to-face course offered to students in two diploma programs in the Faculty of Continuing Education and Extension, where she has taught since 2015. She connects her research and volunteer work to her teaching, often connecting students with volunteer opportunities in the field.
Distinguished Teaching Awards (credit-free)
In their glowing reviews of her teaching, Sarah’s students appreciate her energy and enthusiasm and consistently comment on how enjoyable her classes are. She creates an open atmosphere for the students to engage, and they feel comfortable and respected in her classroom. Sarah works hard to ensure her students have the best possible learning experience. She is always readily available for her students, accommodating their needs and busy schedules inside and outside of the classroom.
Distinguished Staff Awards
Heather Evans Assistant to the Chair, Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Social Innovation Heather is considered a true partner by the chair of her department, a view supported by students and faculty alike. She has been called the heart of the department and is admired as much for her character as for her skills and knowledge. Consistently described as a fixer and a problem-solver, Heather goes out of her way to help a colleague or student. She does this goodnaturedly, with a genuine desire to help, and to contribute to a positive culture and a sense of community within the department. Among her many contributions, Heather played a key role in Otahpiaaki: Indigenous Beauty, Fashion and Design Week, which involves 15 designers and their families, 12 workshops, three nights of fashion showcases off-site, for 10,000 participants. She was central to the success of #notinmycity, a project to end the exploitation and trafficking of young girls and vulnerable women, which raised $250,000 and now involves over 30 service agencies and levels of government.
Distinguished Staff Awards
An employee since 2012, Heather’s commitment to Mount Royal is ‘all-in’. She finds time for her own continuous learning and training, and for volunteering with the Education Development and Training Committee of the MRSA.
Trinda Guillet Coordinator, International Education In the words of her nominator, Dr. Samanti Kulatilake, “Trinda makes superstars out of MRU field school students and instructors.� Students in the first field school to Sri Lanka commented that they would never have guessed it was the first time it was offered because it was so well organized, thanks to Trinda. As coordinator, International Education, Trinda organizes multiple field schools and ventures simultaneously. Since 2012, she has organized roughly 50 field schools involving more than 600 students across faculties and programs on trips to dozens of diverse international destinations. Trinda receives high praise from faculty members whose field schools she supports. One noted that Trinda consistently goes above and beyond to help students, understanding that the field school is the first overseas experience for many of them. Her kindness, patience and time spent answering students’ questions is always greatly appreciated.
Distinguished Staff Awards
Trinda has been an MRU employee since 2004. In that time she has earned the respect of colleagues across the institution for her attention to detail, positive approach to discussing challenges, knowledge of policy, and endless goodwill towards colleagues and students.
Wanda Smith Supervisor and Co-operative Education Coordinator – Human Resources, Career Services Among her colleagues in the Human Resources program in the Bissett School of Business, Wanda is considered a ‘facilitator of success,’ consistently exceeding expectations and always doing the best for students. As Co-operative Education Coordinator, Wanda has been key to the HR Co-op program’s growth over the last 10 years with a four-fold increase in the number of students participating. She has also continued to grow the number of new employer partnerships each year. Wanda actively engages with industry and, working collaboratively with others across campus, coordinates major events that bring together students, alumni, faculty and industry. These opportunities are highly valued by students. She has also been a key contributor to numerous committees and projects on and off campus, such as the HR Partnership Council, Bissett NSO and various SACL division committees.
Distinguished Staff Awards
Committed to learning, Wanda invests in her own professional development, which has included Adult Educator and HR certificate courses, coaching and leadership training, as well as training to support a healthy work environment. Demonstrating her commitment to students, Wanda consistently volunteers in major campus events including Convocation, where she thoroughly enjoys ushering guests and congratulating students.
Distinguished Administrator/ Manager Award
Phil Warsaba Associate Vice-President, Enrolment Management and Registrar As Associate Vice-President, Enrolment Management and Registrar since 2011, Phil has been called a tireless, collaborative, dedicated and exemplary leader whose influence extends far beyond his own work unit, across all areas of Academic Affairs and other University divisions. Phil manages an extremely complex and demanding portfolio. He is a strong advocate for student access and for policies and services that support student success. Active on many University committees, he is an integral part of Deans’ Council and plays a leading role at General Faculties Council. He participates thoughtfully in matters of student conduct and wellbeing, and he represents the University within the post-secondary sector, both provincially and nationally.
Distinguished Administrator/ Manager Award
Phil manages an office of dedicated colleagues who provide support for all elements of the student enrolment cycle, from application to graduation. He is valued by his team as a mentor who empowers and supports his staff as they achieve their own success, and as a leader who creates an environment that is professional and fun, with a vision for the team that aligns with the strategic goals of the University.