It was time to meet, mingle and taste some delectable delights as Queen’s University marked Staff Appreciation Day on Tuesday with the annual Principal’s Holiday Reception.

As another busy term draws to a close, the event gave Queen’s staff the opportunty to catch up while enjoying some delicious treats. 

It was also a time to recognize individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to the learning and working environment at Queen’s, as Principal Daniel Woolf handed out the annual Staff Recognition Awards. This year’s award winners are:

Individual awards:

Debra Easter, Administrative Assistant, Office of the Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs Coordinator, Trademark and Licensing Program 

A member of the Student Affairs team for more than 19 years, Debra has been commended by her colleagues for her remarkable customer service and problem solving skills, as well as her enthusiasm for whatever she turns her attention to. In her capacity as coordinator of the Trademark and Licensing program, Debra works to ensure that the Queen’s name, registered trademarks and images are used appropriately, a position that brings her into contact with licensees, as well university departments and student group across campus, always working tactfully and diplomatically to protect the university’s interests while meeting her clients’ needs.

Marjorie Lambert, Administrative Assistant, Department of Mathematics and Statistics

Marjorie joined the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the age of 18 as a newly minted high school graduate. She has since been described as the “glue” that has kept it bound together, working tirelessly for more than 30 years to support faculty and students. Her colleagues have commended her generous spirit, kindness, patience and ability to realize the potential in others.

Brenda Schamehorn, Ecology Program Associate and Senior Lab Instructor

For more than 20 years, Brenda has played an instrumental role in helping to train undergraduate students in the Department of Biology. Her role sees her coordinating the lab practical and field exercise components of the two third year core ecology courses in Biology. She is also the primary administrator for the Off-Campus Activities and the Field Safety Program. Her colleagues have commended her for her scientific knowledge and ability to fire up enthusiasm in students, as well as her inclination to go over and above expectations in all that she does.

Matthew King, National Project Manager, Social Program Evaluation Group (SPEG), Faculty of Education

Though he was first hired as a computer analyst and data manager for the Social Program Evaluation Group three decades ago, Matthew currently works as the project manager for an ongoing study of the Healthy Behaviours of School-Aged Children. Matthew, who enjoys an excellent reputation for his work, has been commended for his commitment to his work. He has also been called “by far the most practical and wise data analyst” the members of his research group have ever encountered.

Elizabeth Racine, Co-ordinator, Peer Mentoring Program, Counselling, Health and Disability Services

Over the course of her more than 15 years at Queen’s, Liz has recruited, hired, trained and supervised approximately 1300 students as part of the university’s important Peer Mentoring Program. Known for her compassion, kindness and patience, Liz not only supports those students who need a helping hand, she also provides opportunities for those students who want to be of service in the university community.

Kenneth Ball, Administrative Assistant and Workshop Supervisor, Faculty of Education

Ken came to the Faculty of Education after a long and successful career as a teacher with the Limestone Board of Education. An educator, mentor and problem solver for both faculty and students enrolled in the technology education program, Ken has been commended for his people skills, his abilities as a team-builder, and his capacity to stay abreast of new technologies. One nominator described him as the “most creative, most innovative, most organized and certainly the most dedicated” workshop supervisor he had ever met.

Lee Hancock, Support Analyst, ITServices, Richardson Hall and Stauffer Library

Described as a “magician” when it comes to resolving IT issues, Lee has been praised by his colleagues for extensive knowledge, as well as for the remarkable dedication to his work. Always calm, pleasant and positive, even when things get stressful, Lee is always ready to make himself available to those who need his support, no matter how big or small the IT “crisis” might be, and has been known to offer up his assistance after hours and even when he is away from work due to illness.

Group award:

Mining support staff in the Robert M. Buchan Department of Mining

Team: Tina McKenna (Undergraduate Program Assistant), Kate Cowperthwaite (Graduate Program Assistant), Maritza Bailey (Mineral Processing Technician), Oscar Rielo (Senior Program Coordinator), Perry Ross (Mining Engineering Technician), Larry Steele (Testing Operator).

This group of six was nominated for the tremendous impact they have on day-to-day operations in the Department of Mining. Their colleagues commended the fact that while each member of the group comes from a different background, all six work exceptionally well together, constantly going above and beyond to help students and to ensure that their department thrives.

Attendees also filled a food bin and collected $198.80 for the Partners in Mission Food Bank. The draw for a special gingerbread house was won by Tanya Hutchison, of the Queen’s School of Business.