Employee Awards 2017
MOUNT ROYAL UNIVERSITY Bella Concert Hall Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts August 31, 2017
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 Distinguished Faculty Awards Distinguished Teaching Awards Distinguished Staff Awards Distinguished Administrator/Manager Award Effective Team Awards 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.
Memorial Tribute As we celebrate the past and present members of our Mount Royal community, please take a moment to remember those who passed away this year.
Nancy Martin (DesLauriers) Jeffrey Michael Bird Reynold (Reyn) Johnson Earlier this year, the lives of two of Mount Royal’s much-loved and well-respected Aviation program instructors were lost after an accident involving a routine training flight. Jeff Bird and Reyn Johnson were exemplary members of the aviation community and shining examples of lives well lived.
Long-Service Employees We thank these dedicated long-service employees who have reached a significant milestone in their employment with Mount Royal.
10 years Nathan Ackroyd Gina Allen Kerry Barrass Katharine Barrette Julie Booke Troy Burnett Sarah Callaghan Tony Chaston Mary-Ann Ciupak Harjinder Deol Mark Derry Curtis Desiatnyk Manuel Diaz-Avila Andy Dodsworth Leigh-Ann Duke Colleen Dyck Nicole Edge Janis Foster Cass Foursha-Stevenson Nancy Funke Alana Gieck
Andrea Gill Omar Gonzalez Jimenez Kim Halvorson Sarah Hamilton Andrea Hennel Karen Ho Lori Klosch Elsie Lesovich Christina Lovestone Kerri Martin Francine May Vicki Max Natalie Meisner Debbie Melanson Cari Merkley Debbie Mork Bonnie Mui Heather Nelson Carmen O’Callaghan Carlton-James Osakwe Reg Pakosz
Janice Paskey Jason Philipchuk Michelle Pisicoli Maggie Quance Jocelyn Rempel Ashley Roman Silvia Rossi Chad Seerup Olivia Semmens Isha Sharma Francesca Simon Kyla Sinclair Rik Smistad Aileen Smyth Cliff Spyker Kelly Sundberg Carlos Videla Rico Myles Worth Michelle Yeo
Long-Service Employees
15 years Meagan Bowler Miriam Carey Peter Choate Tim Cove Genevieve Currie Shelley Davis Patti Derbyshire Paula Dozois Helen Evans Warren Robin Filmer Sonya Flessati Geri Lynn Gouglas Ron Griffith Darren Hansen Dana Heise Michele Holmgren Michael Huston Roberta La Haye Brenda Lang Collette Lemieux Shannon Middlemiss Elizabeth Mitchell Nicole Mitchell Doug Mohn Paul Morin Scott Murray
Tracy Nielsen Joseph Osuji Tracy Pfeifer Jordan Pratt Patricia Prince Heather Ray Theresa Remtulla Jamie Rose John Roslinski Marc Schroeder Ruth Pickett Seltner Brenda Sheppard Robyn Starkey Glen Stone Shelly Stranaghan James Taylor Brian Traynor Michael Uhryniuk Amanda Veinotte Joanne Vermunt Jacqueline Vetsch Gaye Warthe Lu-Anne West Todd Whitehead Janice Wittstrom Stephanie Zettel
Long-Service Employees
20 years Deb Abramson Bill Borden Duane Bratt Kathryn Brownsey Cathy Carter-Snell Randy Connolly Bruce Foster Richard Harrison Linda Head David Hyttenrauch Karen Johnstone Laine Jones Doug King Mark Lafave
Sinclair MacRae Theresa Matus Karen Overbye Donna Palmer Karen Parsons Frank Peng Jennifer Pettit Irv Ratushniak Brenda Sauve Karen Sheedy Kathy Szabo Susan Varkey Erika Watters
25 years Keith Brownsey Jack Dobbs Christine Giancarlo Marge Jones Carol Krol
Jane O’Connor Nancy Ogden Judith Street Devapriya Wanigasekera
Long-Service Employees
30 years Paul Coates Jim Davis Dianne MacDonald Dave MacPherson Elizabeth Mason
Paul Pospisil Brian Sevick Cliff Werier John Winterdyk
35 years Mitch Clark
Jeff Sheedy
Retirees We thank the following faculty and staff for their years of service to Mount Royal and wish them all a happy retirement.
Carolyn Anderson Pamela Bannister Joanne Baxter Gisela Becker Terry Brookes Michael Brunner Lucie Christensen Bridget Damps Elaine Danelesko Jeff Goldberg Georgina Grant James Hutchinson Brenda Jones Norma Kenward Margy MacMillan
Ron MacDonald Roxanne McDonald Janet Monteith Pam Nordstrom Curtis Reed Michael Reed Brian Reinsch Sue Rupertus Janet Sondergaard Gerry Taft Cindy Teghtmeyer Linda Walker Patricia Wallwork Karen Webster Kathryn Wood
Mount Royal Library Retirement Recognition This is the 16th anniversary of the Library Retirement Recognition Program, celebrating retiring Mount Royal faculty, staff and administrators. The program was developed to provide a lasting and meaningful tribute to employees. Retiring executive members of the Students’ Association of Mount Royal University are also honoured for their dedication and hard work on behalf of students. Each retiree chooses a book or an audiovisual item to be added to the Library’s collection in his or her honour. A bookplate is affixed to the book to commemorate the retiree and outline the special significance of the item to the retiree. These items will then be available to the entire Mount Royal community. We thank all retirees for their thoughtfulness in selecting their items.
Distinguished Faculty Awards
Leah Hamilton
Department of Management and Human Resources, Bissett School of Business Leah’s students say she has enriched the education they received at Mount Royal and made a real impact on their post-secondary experience. “Leah has been an exceptional role model and mentor to me,” says Anja Meier. Leah supervised Anja’s honours thesis. The honours program is a new initiative at the Bissett School of Business, and Leah played a crucial role in its creation and implementation. Leah is deeply committed to championing the involvement of undergraduate students in research. Her own program of research focuses on the social and economic integration of newcomers and refugees in Canada. Her work has been published in a variety of journals and government reports.
Distinguished Faculty Awards
(full-time credit)
Leah is engaged in the community and encourages the same of her students, leading them to opportunities to excel beyond the classroom. Courtney Warren, one of Leah’s students says, “Leah presents course material in a variety of ways that are conducive to a supportive learning environment; she offers multiple perspectives and challenges students’ thinking so they can learn and grow; and she shows a genuine interest in her students’ lives, education and success.”
Brett McCollum Department of Chemistry
Brett’s classroom is filled with engaged students actively discussing chemistry concepts. The lively discussions are inspired by the enthusiasm and passion that Brett has for chemistry and teaching. Student Brandon Shokoples says, “I have never seen a professor put so much work into innovating in their classroom. From the integration of a freeaccess textbook for the course, to peer leaders, to academic reading circles and group quizzes — all of these elements enhance student learning and the experience as a whole.” Brett seeks to involve students in his areas of research into the use of mobile technologies in higher education. Students value his enthusiasm for including them in his research as one of the ways he encourages their critical-thinking skills.
Distinguished Faculty Awards
(full-time credit)
Brett’s current research, which involves exploring new elements of transformative pedagogies, has provided his students a unique opportunity to work collaboratively on organic chemistry assignments with students from the University of Illinois Springfield. Engaged in the scholarship of teaching and learning, Brett works collaboratively to help identify and apply ongoing improvements in teaching and learning, and has consulted on innovative pedagogy for university faculty across Canada and in the United States.
Lynn Moorman Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
For more than 20 years, Lynn has been developing curricula and educational resources about geographic information systems and remote sensing at the postsecondary, secondary and elementary levels, and online for public use. She is passionate about geospatial literacy and actively promotes widespread understanding of spatial geography. Since joining MRU full time in 2009, Lynn has developed four innovative courses for the University that combine technology, community service, problem-solving and collaborative learning. Several students who completed her Advanced Spatial Analysis and GIS course have received large scholarships and been accepted into graduate geography programs, despite Mount Royal not yet offering a major in Geography. A community member who worked closely with Lynn’s class on a project says Lynn “has a gift for building skill and capacity within her students, while her manner of respect, innovation and joyful discovery motivate her students to do their very best work for the people whose lives will be affected by it.”
Distinguished Faculty Awards
(full-time credit)
Lynn is Co-Chair of the 2018 International GeoOlympiad and a Governor of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.
Mary-Lee Mulholland Department of Sociology and Anthropology
In just over half a decade at Mount Royal, Mary-Lee has become one of the most effective teachers in the Faculty of Arts, according to Jeff Keshen, former dean. “She has consistently achieved Student Evaluation of Instruction (SEI) scores that place her in the very top echelon among colleagues and has clearly established herself as a leader in providing an exceptional experience for students both in and outside of the classroom.” Inside the classroom, Mary-Lee provides a highly effective, organized, inclusive and engaged teaching style, often incorporating humorous examples from her travels and field research. She is appreciated for her empathy and personal support of students.
Distinguished Faculty Awards
(full-time credit)
Outside of the classroom, Mary-Lee established a career day for the Faculty of Arts, bringing in employers from several sectors to discuss opportunities with students. The event is now in its third year and is a tremendous success. Student Skylar Caldwell says, “The classes I have taken with MaryLee have not only provided academic knowledge, but they have also provided me with a more holistic perception of my life and what I am capable of.”
Heather Dirks
School of Nursing and Midwifery Heather leaves a lasting impression on students and colleagues. Nursing student Ashley Suykens says, “Heather is one of those teachers who give so much that they leave a little piece of them with every student they teach.” Heather is passionate about community and Indigenous health, which is evident to students who are part of her clinical rotations at Anchors II, an outreach program in Strathmore and the Piitoayis Family School and Aboriginal Learning Centre. Nursing students observe how Heather knows each youth by name, is genuinely interested in their lives and has built trusting relationships.
Distinguished Faculty Awards
(contract credit)
On top of the work Heather does for the community and her students, she has four children of her own and is currently working on a Master’s degree in Nursing. Student Amanda Law says, “Heather’s dedication in providing opportunities to enhance my experiences as a nursing student through leading by example will never be forgotten. Thank you Heather for all that you do to touch the lives of those who have the honour of knowing you.”
Joe Kadi
Department of General Education — Women’s and Gender Studies Program Joe teaches that social change is achieved by ordinary people who engage in ongoing, consistent actions over time. Student Tamara Solomon says, “Joe’s enthusiasm for, and belief in, social change work has made a significant impact on my life and in the lives of many of his students.” Because of her classes with Joe, Tamara says she was inspired to volunteer with two non-profit organizations in Calgary. Students appreciate Joe for challenging them to engage with a diversity of research and scholarship and with non-profit community organizations committed to social change. Joe invites his students to become part of a learning community where innovative instructional approaches, informed by interdisciplinary scholarship and social change work, guide student learning. Outside of class time, Joe supports students looking to improve their skills and broaden their ability to examine the world, and their own lives, more critically.
Distinguished Faculty Awards
(contract credit)
Joe has worked as an educator for several decades, in community settings as well as formal education. He’s been teaching women’s studies at Mount Royal University since 2006. His special interests are social change history, critical thinking and intersectionality.
Heather MacLeod Department of Education
Heather is a highly involved faculty member in the Department of Education and has made a significant contribution to the program. She holds a BFA majoring in Theatre, English and Dance, a B.Ed. and an MA in Educational Leadership. Heather has taught at the university level and in a variety of public school settings for 26 years. Jodi Nickel, Chair of the Department of Education, says, “When Heather joined the department in 2014, we were delighted to find her, since drama is not a common area of expertise among K-12 teachers.” Heather teaches assessment and has also taught special needs and inclusive schooling, drawing on her expertise teaching children with learning disabilities.
Distinguished Faculty Awards
(contract credit)
Heather had been instrumental in opening an arts-centered program for the Calgary Board of Education — a program now housed at one of the department’s key partner schools. Heather instructs the Teaching Elementary Drama course, among others, and is a strong advocate for fine arts education. Heather also supervises more than 60 students in practicum, serving as a supportive mentor and coach in the journey to becoming a teacher.
Distinguished Teaching Awards
Jean-Louis Bleau Artistic Director, Mount Royal Choral Program
Jean-Louis Bleau, more commonly known as JL, has been called “a mastermind visionary.” “He was born to create. His eyes sparkle when the choirs and orchestra are able to deliver his splendid interpretation of the score, which inspires us to strive even higher,” says Heidi Christophel, Conservatory Director assistant. JL’s commitment to Mount Royal and the community is impressive. He is the Artistic Director of the Mount Royal Choral Program, the Director of MRU’s Artio Choir, and Program Administrator for the Conservatory’s General and Orchestral programs.
Distinguished Teaching Awards (credit-free)
On top of his busy MRU schedule, JL conducts three other local choirs. In 2014, he was named one of Calgary’s Top 40 under 40. Artio Youth Choir member Cassandra Walker-Bessette says, “The pinnacle of his strength lies in the uplifting spirit he brings to the room and the passion that absolutely radiates from within him. Jean-Louis is an incredible role model and an inspiration in all of our lives.”
Adam Czarnecki
Human Resources Management Extension (HRME) certificate As a contract credit-free instructor, Adam’s goal is to provide students with dynamic tools, strategies and knowledge to help them as professionals in the field of human resources. Adam “walks the walk� and enthusiastically shares reallife workplace examples and first-person experience, while engaging students with humour and thoughtprovoking questions. Realizing that adult learners are busy, he provides flexibility with deadlines and is quick to respond to emails. He consistently asks for feedback to ensure he is addressing student needs. Long after a course is complete, Adam continues to connect, staying in touch with more than a hundred former students and providing them with updates on current trends and policies, as well as referrals for any jobs or volunteer opportunities.
Distinguished Teaching Awards (credit-free contractor)
In addition to his role as an instructor, Adam is part of the senior management team for a truck dealership group and delivers dozens of HR workshops, seminars, keynotes and presentations to a variety of organizations. He has taught in the HRME certificate program since 2014.
Distinguished Staff Awards
Charmène Brewer Health Outreach Coordinator
In her role coordinating health promotion initiatives for the campus community, Charmène thrives on supporting the development of students. She oversees about 25 student volunteers in the Peer Health Education (PHE) program. The program includes a weekend training camp, which Charmène spearheads as a meaningful opportunity for students to learn more about health and wellness, communication, diversity and team dynamics. Ejadamen Ogidan, a former volunteer with the PHE program says Charmène “goes the extra mile when interacting with PHEs by getting to know us personally and by being very supportive of our ideas and dreams.”
Distinguished Staff Awards
In addition to the PHE program, Charmène helps plan and run the annual Student Leadership Conference, which helps ensure valuable post-secondary experiences outside of the classroom for students on campus. Charmène completes this work out of sheer passion for promoting student leadership. Colleague Natasha Reynolds says, “Charmène has given back to our MRU community for over 11 years and she makes a difference, every day, in the lives of students and staff.”
Tara Grams
Department Coordinator, Psychology Tara Grams makes MRU and the community a better place through her work ethic, volunteer commitments and kindness. As the department coordinator in Psychology since 2011, she tirelessly helps manage about 600 majors, more than 30 faculty members, sessional contracts, the budget, department committee meetings and more — all with a smile on her face. In addition to her work, she volunteers for numerous MRU committees and events, teaches ESL courses to new immigrants, and as a cancer survivor, volunteers and participates in events like Run for the Cure and Rethink Breast Cancer.
Distinguished Staff Awards
On top of all that, Tara recently completed a PhD in Psychology. It’s fitting that her dissertation was on the psychology of happiness, as she spreads positivity to others. She is a role model to her daughter, family and all those in her work family. Her supervisor, Psychology Department Chair Evelyn Field, calls Tara irreplaceable and says she is “...one of the finest examples of what an MRU employee should and can be.”
Angela Waldie
Writing and Learning Strategist, Student Learning Services Angela is a dedicated member of the MRU community and is deeply invested in the wellbeing of the students she serves. In her role as a Writing and Learning Strategist, she spends time each day at the Iniskim Centre, supporting Indigenous students. Angela provides one-on-one appointments, hosts weekly workshops on a variety of academic topics, and goes beyond the scope of her position to build relationships with those around her. Braden Etzerza, a student who has worked with Angela, says she has spent countless hours helping him and others improve their essays and writing assignments. “Angela has been an amazing support within the Iniskim Centre and across the University. There is no one I can think of who deserves this award more than her, and we are truly blessed to have such a caring and helpful individual on campus.�
Distinguished Staff Awards
Angela also supports the BMO Aboriginal Peer Mentorship Program, through which more experienced students mentor incoming students. She is heavily involved with the training of mentors, offering her expertise while embracing the teachings of elders and cultural advisors.
Distinguished Administrator/ Manager Award
Paul Varella Associate Dean, Faculty of Business and Communication Studies
Those who work with Paul say he is making a profound impact at MRU. Associate Professor David Finch calls him “a passionate leader with a long track record of high-impact action.” Paul spearheaded many initiatives aimed at creating a culture that embraces research, including attracting and mentoring new faculty at the business school. He helped shape the school’s research strategic plan, chaired a national conference for business professors (ASAC 2013) and organized the first two research retreats with the faculty. Paul was the mastermind behind the first-ever Bissett Networking Day in 2016, hosting more than 1,500 students, industry partners and staff. The event was hosted again in 2017, which would not have been possible without Paul’s commitment. He has organized numerous student events, forums and conferences during his time at Mount Royal. Paul is a highly sought-after professor and has developed effective working relationships with student groups. Part of his success is due to his open-door policy and enthusiasm for student research.
Distinguished Administrator/ Manager Award
He chaired the Bissett Curriculum Committee and has been acknowledged for his collaborative approach with colleagues. During this time, he helped establish six new concentrations, four of which are in the process of becoming new BBA majors. He has been described as having a “nothing can stop me” attitude in his work to promote and advance the work of Bissett.
Effective Team Awards Senior Midwives Tutor Training Program Ethiopia has one of the highest rates of maternal and newborn mortality in Africa, and the Senior Midwives Tutor Training Program wanted to help change that. In 2013, a cross-functional team of 12 Mount Royal employees from nursing, midwifery, health and physical education and international education joined forces to create an educational program for Ethiopian midwives. The goal was to increase the Ethiopian midwives’ teaching and midwifery skills so they could go on to instruct other midwives. The project involved countless hours developing and delivering the in-depth, hands-on program. The course ran for four months every year for four years at a hospital in Ethiopia’s capital, with team members onsite teaching and training. All members contributed to the project above and beyond regular workloads. In total, more than 103 midwives were trained across all 57 midwifery institutions in Ethiopia. These dedicated people are the definition of an effective team and have become global ambassadors for MRU. Their contributions have built a successful program that will leave a legacy of positive, long-term impact.
Senior Midwives Tutor Training Program Team Members: Pam Nordstrom, former Interim Dean, Faculty of Health, Community and Education Vince Salyers, former Associate Dean, Faculty of Health, Community and Education Stephanie Patton, Assistant to the Director, School of Nursing and Midwifery Heather McLellan, Associate Professor, Advanced Studies in Critical Care Nursing Wendy Wood, community partner Julie Booke, Associate Professor, Dept. of Health and Physical Education Dianne MacDonald, Manager, International Education Deepa Upadhyaya, Assistant Professor, Midwifery Gisela Becker, former Assistant Professor, Midwifery Mary Landsiedel, Associate Professor and Program Coordinator, Midwifery Susan Jacoby, Associate Professor, Midwifery Maggie Quance, Chair, School of Nursing and Midwifery
Effective Team Awards
Margot Underwood, Assistant Professor, Nursing Pattie Pryma, Associate Professor, Nursing
Effective Team Awards Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) along with the dedicated teams supporting each lead Although the EOC team was formed in a time of sadness, the team’s collaborative work provided comfort and strength to those around them. The team assembled to assist the MRU Aviation community in dealing with the tragedy of losing two flight instructors in an aircraft crash on February 13, 2017. The cross-functional team consisted of close to 30 members from departments across the University, along with dedicated teams supporting each lead. With the support of those teams, the EOC members coordinated grief counsellors and chaplains and helped plan and deliver a memorial service for one of the families in the Bella Concert Hall. They reached out to aviation students, providing a place to stay in Residence, leeway in completing assignments and personal support. Leon Cygman, chair of the MRU Aviation Program, says the aviation program is strong because it has the MRU family behind it. “Team EOC clearly demonstrates the connections and huge amount of support and care from all departments of the University for the flight operation employees.” Cygman said he was relieved by the help EOC provided and the empathy and compassion team members showed.
Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Team Members: Annalise Van Ham, EOC Director Jane O’Connor, EOC Director Peter Davidson, EOC Director Chris Dawe, Deputy EOC Director Phil Warsaba, Deputy EOC Director Kandi McElary, Deputy EOC Director Melanie Rogers, Communications Officer Dave McLean, Communications Officer Andrea Ranson, Communications Officer Alice MacKichan, Academic Liaison Officer Don Best, Academic Liaison Officer Stephen Price, Academic Liaison Officer Marcy Fogal, Student Association Liaison Officer Jody Jones, Documentation Aide Janice Jones, Documentation Aide Kim Cousineau, Documentation Aide Grant Sommerfeld, Operations Section Chief Kim McKeller, Operations Section Chief Owen Zarazun, Operations Section Chief Stephanie Stone, Planning Section Chief Mark Keller, Planning Section Chief Shane Simpson, Planning Section Chief Connie Young, Logistics/Finance Section Chief Harold Berry, Logistics/Finance Section Chief Brent Mann, Logistics/Finance Section Chief Michael Barr, Information Technology Services Cindy Teghtmeyer, Information Technology Services
Effective Team Awards
Greg McDougall, External Liaison Officer Curtis Desiatnyk, External Liaison Officer