U Make a Difference Award

Ali Abel is the Manager, Marketing and Communications in the Faculty of Law.

Ali passionately represents all of the faculty priorities and interests, and is constantly championing the cause of its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Her writing tells the human side of her faculty’s story, and she has her finger on the pulse of every activity that goes on at the faculty, providing support and also working tirelessly on creative collaboration across faculties. She is a thought leader and takes a strategic approach to her job, creating solid plans to overcome challenges.

Thank you Ali!

Selina Allu is a Knowledge Translation Broker in the Cumming School of Medicine.

Selina is a great leader who always encourages her team to work together to achieve common goals. Her tireless collaboration with many internal partners, research projects, and external partners to form and strengthen relationships allows her and her team to build collegiality and strengthen the quality of their work. Selina is a creative problem-solver and her open door policy and willingness to help makes Selina a wonderful mentor and sounding board for advice.

Thank you Selina!

Daniela Andrei is a Manager, Marketing and Communications in University of Calgary International.

Daniela has taken marketing and communications for University of Calgary International to new levels, building its first strategic marketing and communications plan and sharing accomplishments with the campus community to drive our international strategy across and beyond campus. Her commitment and tenacity are evident through her enthusiasm, compassion and sunny disposition.

Thank you Daniela!

Lisa Bryce is an Instructor in the Faculty of Arts.

Lisa is an outstanding instructor that truly cares about her students, has a passion for teaching, and is knowledgeable about her subject matter. Her desire to see people learn propels her to dedicate time for students who are struggling and she patiently mentors students looking to improve their writing or presentation skills. Her sense of humour, charisma and practicality, paired with her extraordinary commitment to encourage learning and promote student confidence, creates an environment in which all students in her class feel comfortable.

Thank you Lisa!

Ed Cairns is a Senior Electronics Technician in the Faculty of Science.

Ed excels at working collaboratively and developing strong working relationships, and was instrumental in refreshing course content and laboratory work for a course in the Department of Chemistry. His advice and initiative were crucial to the success of the adoption of a flipped-classroom model for the advanced instrumental analysis course, and through his assistance designing experiments and lectures, Ed truly made a difference.

Thank you Ed!  

Janice Cummings is a Facility Manager in Facilities.

Janice is a keystone within the Operations and Maintenance organization, continually demonstrating professionalism and guiding others toward success. She expertly manages stakeholder relationships thanks to her outgoing nature, excellent communications skills and grace under pressure, and always ensures the needs of students, faculty and staff are met – and often exceeded. Janice embodies the Eyes High values of excellence, collaboration and communication.

Thank you Janice!

Tom Durnin is the Associate Director, Customer Experience in Information Technologies.

In his role, Tom collaborates with most other teams within IT, making certain the customer experience is a positive one. He has ensured significant strides were taken to improve Information Technologies’ customer service, and his openness and approachability make it easy for others to voice their opinions and provide input. Tom encourages and leads his team to achieve common goals, sharing his vast experience and thoughtful ideas along the way.

Thank you Tom!

Eliana El Khoury is the Residence Life Coordinator in Residence Services.

Eliana has established internal and external collaborative relationships to create a large and inclusive community in the Crowsnest Hall residence building, organizing building-wide events and creating connections for building residents through social media. As a leader, Eliana encourages growth and is a source of advice to those around her. Eliana has improved processes across the team using her excellent communications skills and techniques, and consistently ensures openness and transparency.

Thank you Eliana!

Suzanne Ell is an Archives Specialist in Libraries and Cultural Resources.

Suzanne’s innovation and creativity have made a lasting impact on the smooth operation of her department. She continually works to improve workflows and efficiencies to ensure the highest standard of work, and provides expert and patient assistance to those she supports as they manage their records and files. Suzanne’s care and competence in her work ensures the success of her colleagues and results in exemplary service to the campus community.

Thank you Suzanne!

Dr. Tina Gabriele is the Associate Dean, Academic in the Faculty of Kinesiology.

A strong believer in the importance of physical education curriculum, Tina walks the talk of health education and community leadership and has acquired an encyclopedic knowledge of the faculty’s diverse units, facilities, and staff. On top of her administrative responsibilities, Tina has consistently made time to keep up with her full-time teaching load and acts as an advocate for integrity and effectiveness in teaching, learning and leadership. Tina is a champion for workplace community, culture, and appreciation. 

Thank you Tina!

Karen Goodwin is a Team Lead, HR Operations in Human Resources.

Karen is a very positive role model who consistently goes above and beyond and treats everyone she meets with dignity and respect. She is always ready to offer credit where it is due to all of her colleagues, encouraging them and building confidence in their abilities to succeed. Karen is a problem-solver to her core, and her work ethic in resolving issues is second to none. She willingly shares experiences, knowledge, and ideas to mentor and coach her colleagues along the way.

Thank you Karen!

Dr. Cindy Graham is the Associate Dean, Undergraduate in the Faculty of Science.

Cindy is an exceptional leader who exemplifies dignity, grace and deliberate, thoughtful action. She is a passionate advocate for student development and engagement, seeking out ways to ensure their views are heard and valued. Cindy established peer mentorship and student ambassador programs, allowing students to share experiences and showcase their skills. Her innovative methods of engagement mirror her approach that students are partners in their education, and she inspires and challenges those around her to foster a culture of innovation and curiosity for students, faculty and staff. 

Thank you Cindy!

Marc Hall is a Research Associate in the Faculty of Nursing.

Marc consistently demonstrates optimism and enthusiasm in all interactions with staff, students and faculty and toward his work. This positive attitude energizes those around him to also remain motivated, and truly inspires others to share a passion for all aspects of life. He is an effective mentor and role model who supports others to pursue their goals and celebrates alongside with them when they are accomplished. Marc’s kind presence promotes a healthy and engaged work environment that makes everyone feel like a valued team member.

Thank you Marc!

Christopher Healy is a Ph.D. student in the Faculty of Science.

Christopher has championed innovation through his outstanding strategic thinking and entrepreneurial and research activities on and off campus alike. His sustained, energetic work promoting innovation to solutions of global problems through his work with Skunkworks and the startup GO Initiative, Christopher’s work has ignited the spark for an innovative and collaborative campus community. He continues to inspire with his positive attitude and intellectual sharpness.

Thank you Christopher!

Shane Hubl is the Senior Manager, Facilities Maintenance in Facilities.

Shane has made a positive impact on the university in his role leading a group of 80 staff members. He engages his staff in a collaborative manner and was instrumental in acquiring feedback for an initiative that enhanced the work-life balance for maintenance teams while also improving service to the campus community. Shane’s superior communications skills have worked to make positive structural changes to the benefit of our campus environment.

Thank you Shane!

Dr. Nathalie Jetté is a Professor in the Cumming School of Medicine.

Nathalie continually inspires others with her commitment to provide a positive and nurturing work environment through her mentorship, hard work and caring demeanor. She creates opportunities for personal and career growth to support the professional development of her team. Nathalie creates an attentive and productive learning environment, recognizing the unique skills and strengths of her team members and is understanding, encouraging and brings an unwavering commitment to all her work.

Thank you Nathalie!

Erika Lemon is a Community Advisor in Residence Services.

Erika is constantly striving to create safe and strong communities and is tireless in her pursuit to recognize and reach out to students. She exemplifies a person that goes over and beyond to contribute and create positive environments, recognizing others’ work and building personal relationships with her community. With a background in social work, Erika reaches out to people who have been struggling with mental health, and is compassionate, caring and passionate about supporting others.

Thank you Erika!

Zhihai Ma is a Statistical Associate in the Cumming School of Medicine.

Zhihai fosters a positive work environment by making time to mentor students and staff and helping others with their tasks. He recognizes and celebrates his team members’ efforts and successes, and creates a welcoming space for his coworkers. Zhihai encourages team building and strives to create a sense of community while ensuring a healthy work-life balance. His professional conduct, strong work ethic and warm demeanor make him critical to the success of his team.

Thank you Zhihai!

Karen MacDonald is a Research Manager in the Cumming School of Medicine.

Karen actively supports a culture of cooperative, respectful and open communication within her own team, across the university and those she works with globally. She motivates her team and exercises positive influence through simple recognition efforts; her energy and encouragement are instrumental in leading others to work together to achieve common goals, and she openly shares experiences, ideas and innovations. Karen is passionate about her work and exemplifies outstanding success in her professional responsibilities and research projects.

Thank you Karen!

Dave Maki is a Facilities Attendant in Continuing Education.

Dave’s actions, encouraging words and supportive nature have provided a cultural and comfortable environment for international students in the English Language Program (ELP). His support of instructors is outstanding, ensuring their needs are met and assisting in classroom troubleshooting, allowing instructors to be more efficient and effective in the classroom. Dave contributes to the well-being and health of instructors and ELP students and consistently demonstrates that he is a valuable and much appreciated member of the ELP and university communities.

Thank you Dave!

Ruth Malus is an Administrative Supervisor in the Cumming School of Medicine.

Ruth is a skillfully competent administrative leader who has a significant impact on the Undergraduate Medical Education (UME) program and the university community. As a steadying force within the UME environment, Ruth deals with issues in a calm demeanor and with professionalism, and gives innovative solutions to problems, providing a positive and collaborative work atmosphere. Ruth motivates and mentors her team and leads them with inspiration, energy and enthusiasm.

Thank you Ruth!

Jennifer Moen is the Associate Director, Donor Engagement in the Haskayne School of Business.

Jennifer is dedicated to philanthropy and sharing the impact of donor funding. She makes a difference through her positive attitude, creativity and support of others. Her leadership style values and respects different points of view to create a considerate and consultative approach to developing solutions. Jennifer communicates her goals clearly, engages others in a shared vision and uses her emotional intelligence, integrity and leadership skills to lead and support those around her.

Thank you Jennifer!

Stephanie Morgensen is a Ph.D. student in the Faculty of Science.

Stephanie has worked diligently to improve the resources available to graduate students in Biological Sciences, including initiating a series of programs titled the Graduate Workshop Series covering a wide range of topics from academia to community health. By volunteering her own time in arranging and holding these workshops, Stephanie has demonstrated her care for colleagues as well as her commitment to volunteerism and community service. She is knowledgeable, encouraging and is a mentor to graduate students.

Thank you Stephanie!

Darleen Murdoch is an Administrative Assistant in the Faculty of Social Work.

Darleen is viewed by her colleagues as a ‘welcoming superhero,’ the face of the faculty through telephone, email and at a very busy reception desk. She is someone who makes every person feel heard and valued, offering a welcoming smile and unreserved support. Darleen’s compassion and grace also extend to her interactions with students, helping and understanding their needs. She is a dedicated professional who contributes immensely to the positive community and environment of the faculty.

Thank you Darleen!

Robb Nesbitt is the Manager, Maintenance and Planning in Facilities.

Robb consistently demonstrates the highest standards of professionalism and respect for his colleagues and team members. His capacity to answer detailed technical questions about equipment and procedures is only exceeded by his willingness to share his knowledge with his coworkers. Robb possesses an awareness of impactful and timely communication, and makes every effort to communicate proactively. He conducts himself with integrity every day and in every interaction he has with his colleagues.

Thank you Robb!

Falina Norred is a Writing Centre Specialist in the Learning Commons, University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ).

Falina actively works to engage, uplift and support the UCQ student body, and does so through actions such as initiating and developing a peer mentoring program and developing new ways to meet changing student needs. She not only contributes to student engagement and faculty support, but also to volunteerism, where her impact and contribution is valued campus-wide. Falina is tireless in her determination to continuously improve the services provided to students.

Thank you Falina!

Ginger Rodgers is a Faculty Experience Coordinator in the Faculty of Arts.

Through her work, Ginger creates a positive, inclusive environment and demonstrates exceptional empathy, integrity and respect in her commitment to the university. Ginger devotes considerable time and attention to onboarding new faculty members, helping in whatever way she can to make their transition seamless and often going above and beyond the call of duty to do so. Her positive and sensitive attitude, high standards and attention to detail serve to improve all aspects of the university experience.

Thank you Ginger!

Christopher Simon is a Technician in the Schulich School of Engineering.

Christopher is a mentor, motivator and a role model helping students grow academically in a well-rounded approach. He has started an initiative called Vertical Research to help students realize their potential and encourage collaboration by working on innovative research projects underway at the university. Christopher is consistent in his support, empowering students tremendously through his leadership programs and absolute dedication to student learning and fostering of a positive, open learning environment.

Thank you Christopher!

Dr. Neil Sinclair is a postdoctoral scholar in the Faculty of Science.

Neil strives to achieve positive research outcomes by facilitating collaborations and establishing a channel for open communication between different research groups within the university. His caring and thoughtful personality allows him to work well with a diverse group of students, faculty and staff. Neil is a valuable student leader who continues to create and implement ideas and initiatives that will enrich the lives of students by keeping them engaged and informed.

Thank you Neil!

Glori-Jeanne Stephenson is a Senior Administrator in the Cumming School of Medicine.

Glori-Jeanne demonstrates outstanding interpersonal skills and always exhibits cheerful, competent and discrete professionalism in the face of heavy workloads, deadlines or when dealing with challenges. She is extremely capable, gracious and caring, and represents the university with pride. Glori-Jeanne is a unifying force for the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute and her personal efforts have helped foster greater partnerships and collaborations among the members of the research community.

Thank you Glori-Jeanne!

Dr. Sean Stotyn is an Instructor in the Faculty of Science.

Sean is always willing to go the extra mile to improve understanding and to make sure that the collaborative efforts to improve students’ experiences are successful. He takes initiative in developing material his team can use and is always willing to share his knowledge and experience. Thanks to his efforts, several new teaching methods have been tested and introduced, and through his continuous support Sean has influenced and motivated his colleagues to achieve the highest standards.

Thank you Sean!

Dr. Qiao Sun is the Associate Dean, Diversity in the Schulich School of Engineering.

Qiao has had a lasting impact improving the environment for Schulich faculty members, engineering students and a future generation of engineers, and the larger university community. Under her leadership, existing programs to increase diversity have grown in size and become more effective, and she continues to proactively seek ways to increase diversity. Through her insightfulness, energy and innovative work, Qiao demonstrates respect in the workplace as a role model and change leader.

Thank you Qiao!

Gregg Symonds is an Undergraduate Lab Technician in the Faculty of Science.

Gregg’s skilled technical expertise, clear communication approach and collaborative efforts facilitate an excellent work environment for students and faculty. He is enthusiastic when it comes to opportunities to learn about new technology and how to best introduce it to the students, and openly shares experiences, ideas, and innovations. Gregg goes above and beyond to develop a great personal relationship with those he works with, and always aims to achieve the common goal of student learning and success.

Thank you Gregg!

Danielle Wolf is a Career Advisor in the Haskayne School of Business.

Danielle provides incredible assistance to the next generation of business leaders as they enter the workforce, offering sound advice that will have a direct influence on student success and will be utilized throughout students’ careers. She excels at leveraging her relationships and is committed to building and maintaining new ones to the benefit of students, always seeking out and promoting events and networking opportunities. Danielle exemplifies excellence and the ability to reach above and beyond, and has made a tangible difference in the university community.

Thank you Danielle!

Sharon Yu is an Accounts Administrator in the Schulich School of Engineering.

Sharon is an energetic and goal-oriented person who exemplifies the meaning of service by her dedication to support others and the quality of her work. Her pleasant behavior and attention to detail lightens her colleagues’ days and helps people be productive. Her persistence and diligence make everyone who comes through her desk feel helped and supported. Sharon is extremely sensitive to individuals’ special needs, and her willingness to help has made a significant influence in her workplace culture.

Thank you Sharon!

Dr. Payam Zandiyeh is a Ph.D. student in the Schulich School of Engineering.

Payam’s leadership in his role as part-time laboratory management at the MoJo Facility as part of the McCaig Institute of Bone and Joint Health has enhanced the laboratory to become a vibrant, creative and efficient place to work. Payam meets challenges with logical and functional solutions, often going beyond what is required and working collaboratively with various departments to achieve success. Through his organizational and innovative efforts, he has improved the functionality and experience of the lab into a dynamic, streamlined and technologically advanced space.

Thank you Payam!

Katherine Zimmerman is the Assistant to the Deputy Provost in the Provost’s Office.

Katherine works diligently to create an inclusive, welcoming and fun environment and is a constant source of support to her teammates. She enables others to succeed, going above and beyond the call of duty and making a tremendous difference in a busy office. Katherine is viewed as the backbone of her office, consistently displaying a good nature, professionalism and humour. She willingly helps others with their workloads and is a quietly passionate team member who strives to achieve common goals.

Thank you Katherine!

Robert (Bob) Phillips - Security Officer, Cumming School of Medicine

Delores Atkinson - Security Officer, Cumming School of Medicine

Together, Bob and Delores are an outstanding security team and a wonderful asset, promoting a safe workspace and pride in the university. They are instrumental in building a close-knit and welcoming community at the Foothills Campus, approaching everyone in a friendly, welcoming and personal way. More important than their friendly personalities, Bob and Delores take their job seriously and respond to issues in the building safely and quickly. By creating a welcoming, safe and positive work environment, Bob and Delores are truly great ambassadors of the university.

Thank you Bob and Delores!

Jian Fen (Sunny) Chen - Financial Administrator, Faculty of Arts

Erin Lowden, Reception - Graduate Program Secretary, Health and Safety Liaison, Faculty of Arts

Vesna Malkanovic - Assistant to the Vice Dean and Committee Secretary, Faculty of Arts

Kate Rollestone - Executive Assistant to the Dean, Faculty of Arts

This team in the Dean’s office has actively searched for and implemented better ways of working together and contribute to the effective management of essential services in the faculty. While Sunny, Erin, Vesna and Kate perform varying duties, they have committed to learn from each other and find creative solutions to problems that arise, displaying a high level of initiative. Together, they provide a welcoming environment and form a high-performing, cohesive and collegial team.

Thank you Sunny, Erin, Vesna and Kate!

Kristen Chaisson - Graduate student, Faculty of Arts

Caroline Claussen - Graduate student, Faculty of Arts

This dynamic duo are outstanding departmental and campus citizens who have proven themselves dynamic leaders, working tirelessly in the interests of their peers within the Sociology department and across campus. As organizers of the 2017 Graduate Student Research Symposium (GSRS), this team has taken a 13-year department tradition and elevated it to new heights, creating a more expansive and professional event which ultimately enhances the student experience.

Thank you Kristen and Caroline!

Karen Benzies - Associate Dean, Research, Faculty of Nursing

Jill Norris - Scientific Writer, Faculty of Nursing

Marc Hall - Research Associate, Faculty of Nursing

Arfan Raheen Afzal - Statistical Associate, Faculty of Nursing

Jackie Jones - Administrative Assistant, Faculty of Nursing

Nicole Stubley - Research Facilitator, Faculty of Nursing

The Nursing Research Office is a high functioning, engaged and open team that works collaboratively to build a positive environment and community with the aim of building research capacity, enhancing peer-reviewed research, and increasing research-funding success of students and faculty members. This team is energetic and experienced, and provide numerous workshops and educational opportunities that are incredibly beneficial to students.  From writing research grants, to ethics submissions, data collection, statistical analysis and knowledge translation, the research office consistently works together to help the Faculty of Nursing be successful.

Thank you Karen, Jill, Marc, Arfan, Jackie and Nicole!

Lana Wells - Associate Professor, Director, Shift, Faculty of Social Work

Elena Esina - Manager, Shift, Faculty of Social Work

Lianne Lee - Director, Alberta Healthy Youth Relationships Strategy, Shift, Faculty of Social Work

Marina Ivanova - Financial Compliance Assistant, Shift, Faculty of Social Work

Vanja Spiric - Research Coordinator, Shift, Faculty of Social Work

Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence is an initiative focused on advancing primary prevention strategies and actions. The Shift team serves as an idea hub for all aspects of project management, leadership in primary prevention and in-depth social innovation. They have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in the prevention of domestic violence, violence against women and promoting healthy youth relationships. This team is innovative in their ideas and in the way they work together, with each team member contributing their unique set of skills and passion to prevent domestic violence before it starts.

Thank you Lana, Elena, Lianne, Marina and Vanja!

Mark Sly - Systems Design Specialist, IT Infrastructure Projects, Information Technologies

Karen Bennett - Manager, Application Delivery and Sustainment, Information Technologies

Wendy Justason - Systems Analyst, IT Infrastructure Projects, Information Technologies

This team of three has shown initiative, perseverance and accountability in working towards outstanding service delivery and have proactively developed cooperative intake procedures. As a result of their efforts, IT has implemented new procedures to achieve significant improvements in cross-team communication and other efficiencies in the delivery of IT services benefitting not only the IT team but also clients in the campus community. By doing this work, this team has achieved wider visibility into the work being done within IT and have found opportunities to improve processes and approaches.

Thank you Mark, Karen and Wendy!

Karen Buckley - Associate Archivist, Libraries and Cultural Resources

Lisa Atkinson - Archivist, Libraries and Cultural Resources
                
Dave Brown - LCR Photography Services, Libraries and Cultural Resources
              
Rowena Wake - Copyright Officer, Libraries and Cultural Resources
           
Kathryn Ranjit - Manager, Digitization Unit, Libraries and Cultural Resources
         
Rob Alexander - Digitization Assistant, Libraries and Cultural Resources
   
Kelly Finnerty - Repository Technician, Libraries and Cultural Resources
  
John McAra - Digitization and Repository Services, Libraries and Cultural Resources     
     

Through their work, this team of experts within the Libraries and Cultural Resources unit helped make the history of the university, through the 50^th Anniversary, a success. The tales of our past – and part of our identity – would be lost without the passion and commitment of this group. As they document our living history, they build collaborative relationships across the university and far beyond our walls, gathering assets and items, protecting the vital and the valuable for future generations, and safeguarding the stories that make the university distinct. Each person on this team brings passion, professionalism and rigor to their work.

Thank you Karen, Lisa, Dave, Rowena, Kathryn, Rob, Kelly and John!

Haboun Bair - Learning and Instructional Designer, Taylor Institute of Teaching and Learning

Marlene Mansell - Administrative Coordinator, Taylor Institute of Teaching and Learning

Juan Melendez - Learning Spaces Steward (Student), Taylor Institute of Teaching and Learning

Isadora Mok-Kulakova - Online Learning Environment Lead, Taylor Institute of Teaching and Learning

Ykje Piera - Online Learning Environment Specialist, Taylor Institute of Teaching and Learning

Brian Pshyk - Learning Technologies and Environment Operations Technician, Taylor Institute of Teaching and Learning

Kevin Saito - Technology Developer, Taylor Institute of Teaching and Learning

Judy Tran - Learning Technologies Coach (Student), Taylor Institute of Teaching and Learning

Leanne Wu - Technology Integration Specialist, Taylor Institute of Teaching and Learning

Lin Yu - Learning and Instructional Designer, Taylor Institute of Teaching and Learning

This team of seven used their above-and-beyond creativity, resourcefulness, and initiative in readying the learning spaces of the Taylor Institute of Teaching and Learning for the campus teaching and learning community, making it inviting and ensuring it was supported from the building opening through the first full semester of classes. They brought to life the seven customizable, technology-rich learning spaces during the start-up months of the new building, solving new and unfamiliar problems, setting up and testing technology prior to the opening, and partnering across campus to develop novel approaches that leverage the full capacity of the incredible building. 

Thank you Haboun, Marlene, Juan, Isadora, Ykje, Brian, Kevin, Judy, Leanne and Lin!