Principal’s Staff Awards

Collaborative Excellence recognizes teams or groups that exemplify collaboration, positivity, and community spirit. (Team nominations – group size 2-12)

The nominees must have accomplished some or all of the following:

• Demonstrated exceptional team dynamics and promoted a culture of connection, shared purpose, trust, inclusivity, and effective communication, including navigating conflicts or differing perspectives constructively.
• Demonstrated strong internal collaboration, enthusiasm, dedication, perseverance, and excellence in the face of challenges.
• Built effective partnerships across departments or with external stakeholders (e.g., community partners, Indigenous partners, or regional collaborators).
• Demonstrated team synergy to find solutions to significant challenges and obstacles to achieve a common goal
• Implemented creative approaches that build morale, celebrate campus culture, or connect people in meaningful ways.
• Engaged in efforts that have made a recognizable impact on the campus community over a sustained period of time.
• Exceptional collaborative excellence resulted in the delivery of high-impact outcomes that benefitted the University or greater community, such as the successful completion of a significant project, advancement of systemic change aligned with UBC’s strategic priorities, the elevation of standards, and streamlined processes.

Click here to download criteria

Creativity & Innovation recognizes individuals or teams who consistently demonstrate impactful creativity and innovation in a recent (i.e., past two years) project, initiative, service, or process. (Individual or Team nominations – group size 2-12)

Through creative problem-solving made a meaningful impact in one or more of the following ways:

• Made measurable improvements for students, faculty, staff, or community partners.
• Supported and enhanced UBCO’s academic or research priorities.
• Improved the effectiveness of service delivery in administrative or operational environments.
• Resolved complex operational challenges or barriers to achieving organizational goals.
• Improved the operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, or sustainability of a work practice or process.
• Improved alignment of processes/practices with the University’s values of accessibility, equity, inclusion, wellbeing, sustainability, and psychological health and safety in the workplace.
• Created opportunities to help individuals or teams navigate change and respond positively to shifting workplace dynamics.
• Contributed to advancing resilience in people, communities, environments, or operations through innovative approaches.
• Developed a new approach, method, or practice.
• Adopted or adapted new technologies (e.g., AI, digital tools).

Click here to download criteria

Emerging Leadership recognizes individuals who consistently demonstrate leadership through actions, initiative, and voice—not through a formal leadership position*.

The nominee must have accomplished some or all of the following:

• Led by example; positively influenced/engaged others to contribute and collaborate across differences in a respectful way.
• Has taken the lead on significant projects or during times of change.
• Contributed to coaching, developing and supporting those around them.
• Encouraged teamwork and supports colleagues in achieving shared goals.
• Contributed to making UBC a better workplace in their own unit/department or more broadly.
• Actively sought opportunities for learning, experimenting with new approaches and developing knowledge of leadership principles and practice.

*Position where no staff report to them

Click here to download criteria

Leadership recognizes individuals who consistently demonstrate outstanding leadership that goes beyond a formal role.

The nominee must have accomplished some or all of the following:

• Articulated a clear, compelling vision that aligns with UBC’s strategic priorities and fosters a sense of purpose.
• Led a team to go above and beyond expectations, guiding teams through change with flexibility, empathy, and a commitment to collaborative problem-solving.
• Positively influenced colleagues and/or team members to create alignment and make connections between individual/team objectives and departmental/organizational objectives.
• Developed leadership capacity and encouraged others to reach their full potential by mentoring and supporting colleagues to build skills, resilience, and confidence.
• Fostered respectful environments and enhanced inclusivity, equity, accessibility, sustainability, wellbeing, and psychological health and safety for faculty, staff, and students.

Click here to download criteria

Nurture a Strong and Vibrant UBC Community recognizes individuals or teams who have strengthened and enriched the UBC community through: exceptional service; by advancing equity and inclusion; and/or by fostering the wellbeing of students, faculty, staff and alumni. (Individual or Team nominations – group size 2-12)

The nominee(s) must have accomplished some or all of the following:

• Fostered social connectedness by creating opportunities for people to connect, build relationships, and create networks of care that strengthen resilience and mutual support.
• Served as a role model by positively engaging and influencing others, and through caring and supportive workplace interactions.
• Removed barriers and integrated principles of equity, inclusion, and/or accessibility into programs, policies, and team culture to allow full and meaningful participation in university life.
• Promoted and enhanced the wellbeing and psychological health and safety of employees and students, enabling all to thrive while working and learning.
• Enhanced the UBC experience by maintaining an exceptional level of customer service to students, faculty, staff, and other clients.
• Strengthened UBCO’s place-based mission by fostering community-engaged practices, reciprocal relationships, and/or Indigenous partnership that enrich the campus community.

Click here to download criteria

• Individual nominations – Open to all permanent UBC Okanagan staff and librarians with a minimum of two (2) years of continuous service.
• Team nominations – Open to groups of two (2) to twelve (12) members, with at least six (6) months of cumulative service per member.
• Nominees must be actively employed at UBC at the time of the award announcement (typically at the end of August).
• Nominations may be submitted by UBC Okanagan faculty, staff, or students.

Nomination Process: 5 Simple Steps

1. Choose an award
Review the award categories and criteria and select the best fit.

2. Enter nominee details
Provide basic information about yourself and the nominee.

3. Respond to the criteria
You will be asked to respond directly to the defined criteria for the selected award. Responses should include clear, specific examples demonstrating how the nominee has met the criteria. Concrete examples help reviewers understand the nominee’s impact.

4. Upload supporting documents
Upload the following materials:

• Letters of support
  • Minimum of one (1) and maximum of two (2) letters
  • Each letter may be up to two (2) pages using font size 12
  • Letters must be written by someone other than the nominee or nominator (e.g., UBC faculty, staff, or student)

Tip: When requesting a letter of support, share the award criteria so the author can include clear, relevant examples.

• The nominee’s current job description, if available

5. Review and submit
Once all required fields and documents are complete, review your nomination and submit when ready.

Tip: We recommend preparing your responses in advance (for example, in Word) and then copying them into the nomination form.

Announcement of Recipients

• Up to seven (7) awards may be granted each year. Each recipient or team will receive $2,000.
• Recipients are first announced at the Principal’s Fall Town Hall, with a formal presentation taking place later in the fall.

Recipient Selection

Recipients are selected by the Principal, with support from an advisory committee made up of representatives from BCGEU, AAPS, faculty, and administration.

2025 Principal’s Staff Award Recipients

Congratulations to the following honorees who are being recognized for their incredible commitment and dedication across six award categories:

Enhancing the UBC Experience

Bonnie Taylor, Administrator, AVP Students

Bonnie supports a wide-reaching student services portfolio that includes Athletics & Recreation, Aboriginal Programs & Services, Campus Wellness, International Programs, and Student Advising. She oversees complex budgets, prepares reports that guide strategic decisions, and helps coordinate major renovation projects. Known for her people-first approach, she provides thoughtful HR guidance, supports hundreds of student appointments each year, and offers dependable, solutions-focused support to colleagues across the division.

Marni Turek, Watershed Management Research Extension Facilitator, Earth & Environmental Sciences

Marni strengthens collaboration between UBC researchers, Indigenous communities, provincial ministries, and industry partners, including helping establish the Okanagan Water Research Network and the Watershed Ecosystems Research Cluster. She played a key role in organizing the One River Ethics Matter Conference, which welcomed more than 800 participants. In her role with Continuing Studies, she also helped launch successful micro-credentials such as the Fundamentals of Hydrometric Monitoring, connecting academic expertise with industry needs.

Equity and Inclusive Excellence

Erin Trifunov, Client Services Manager, UBCO Information Technology

Erin has advanced equity and inclusion by helping develop the UBC IT Inclusion Action Plan and aligning it with the university’s broader anti-racism commitments. On the Okanagan campus, she co-chairs the AVPFO EDI Committee and partners closely with the Equity & Inclusion Office to deliver workshops and resources that make inclusive practices more accessible. She brings an equity lens to IT projects, asking important questions about barriers and fostering open dialogue that strengthens an inclusive workplace culture.

Global Citizenship

Saher Ahmed, Manager, International Advising & Intercultural Programming, Global Engagement Office

Saher co-led the development of the Global Pathways Program, an initiative that connects permanent residency advising with career development support for international graduates. She contributes to national conversations through research presentations and collaborations with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. On campus, she applies systems thinking to crisis response, mental health, and academic support, developing trauma-informed practices that have supported students affected by conflicts in regions such as Afghanistan, Syria, and Sudan.

Leadership

Kristin Schuppener, Manager, Administration & Operations, Okanagan School of Education

Kristin has been a steady presence for nearly three decades at UBC, creating an inclusive environment where faculty, staff, and students feel supported. She provides thoughtful leadership through periods of change, ensuring voices are heard and guiding the school through program redesigns and leadership transitions. Her contributions extend to wellness and inclusion initiatives, staff mentorship, Indigenization efforts, and helping secure space for OSE’s first CFI-funded project.

Okanagan Campus Spirit

Student Engagement & Learning Team
Addie Mercuri, Brea Molnar, Cassidy Scott, Hanh Pham, Harshita Gupta, Lindsay Farrugia, Liz Hilliard, Robyn Bunn, Taiwo Penner, Taryn Dickins

The SEL team has strengthened campus connection through major initiatives such as expanding Jump Start to a three-day model serving 800+ new students, launching Thriving in Action to support academic recovery, and partnering with the Equity & Inclusion Office to open the Black Student Space, which saw more than 2,300 visits in its first term. They also contribute to campus spirit through book clubs, creative morale boosters, and thoughtful gestures like providing coffee and donuts to Facilities after Orientation.

Wellbeing

Athletics & Recreation Team
Crystal Westgate, Jennifer Callow, Kara Crampton

This team engages more than 6,000 participants annually through recreation programs, intramurals, and low-barrier activities that promote community and wellbeing. Their programming includes initiatives such as Move UBC Month, Pride Ride spin classes, trauma-informed yoga, and Women’s Workout Wednesdays, along with partnerships with SVPRO, the Student Union, and cultural clubs. They also mentor over 90 student staff each year and continue to expand accessibility through adaptive equipment and gender-neutral facility upgrades.

Congratulations again to all our award recipients! We can’t wait to celebrate with you at the awards ceremony on October 29th.

2024 Staff Awards of Excellence Recipients

Congratulations to the following honorees who are being recognized for their unwavering commitment and dedication across four award categories:

Enhancing the UBC Experience

Christina Chin, Social and Digital Content Strategist, AVP Students

Christina has grown the @ubcostudents Instagram account from 2,800 to over 10,500 followers, engaging 13,500 accounts monthly and generating nearly 390,200 impressions, fostering community and student engagement on campus.

Jordan Andrews, Physics Lab Tech, Faculty of Science

Jordan’s innovative use of Qualtrics forms and electronic lab manuals has streamlined lab processes, significantly improved student service, and enhanced the efficiency of the Physics program at UBCO.

Leadership

Megan Lochhead, Curriculum & Academic Programs Manager, Faculty of Science

Megan’s leadership in developing and implementing academic, professional, and micro-credential programs and fostering inclusive practices has driven significant advancements and sustainable success at UBCO.

Paige Hohmann, Archivist, Library

Paige’s leadership has transformed archival practices and built vital community partnerships, notably with the establishment of the new Okanagan Special Collections and Archives space.

Okanagan Campus Spirit

Okanagan Campus Security Team including Adam Hyatt, Bradley Hitchman, Catherine Chirkoff, Christopher Lebans, Darlene Sunderland, Doug Hufsmith, Geoffrey Batchelar, Jack Kaszycki, Kathy Manuel, Michael Kunzli, Robyn Boffy, Sarah Clair, Shelley Kayfish, Tina Dolan, Tony Parrotta, Troy Campbell

This team has consistently demonstrated dedication and resilience, effectively managing exceptional situations, like the wildfires near our campus last year, while ensuring campus safety and maintaining a positive work environment.

Wellbeing

Melissa Feddersen, Manager, Campus Wellness & Education

Melissa’s leadership in wellness initiatives, including the creation of the PICNIC space and dedication to mental health and harm reduction, has greatly enriched UBCO’s community.

Spela Grasic, Engineering Advisor, School of Engineering

Spela’s transformative approach to student support, including compassionate communications and empathetic resources, has significantly enhanced wellbeing in the School of Engineering.

Congratulations again to all our award recipients! We can’t wait to celebrate with you at the awards ceremony on October 30th.

2023 Staff Awards of Excellence Recipients

Congratulations to the following honourees who are being recognized for their unwavering commitment and dedication across six award categories:

Carol Boyd (Enhancing the UBC Experience)

Carol, a local celebrity, has a 30-year tenure in the Department of Athletics & Recreation at UBC Okanagan. She is known as “MacGyver” for her exceptional problem-solving abilities and leadership in facility management. Carol has been involved in large-scale events, risk management, and reopening the Department during the pandemic. Through her expert facility management, she has implemented cost effective solutions that benefit the university and its students. Carol’s dedication to making the UBC community a better place is evident in every project and initiative she undertakes.

Carol’s exceptional achievements over the past thirty years have earned her the Enhancing the UBC Experience Award. Congratulations, Carol!

Colin Wilson (Global Citizenship)

Colin Wilson, Director of Business Development at UBC Okanagan School of Engineering, has been instrumental in fostering research and industry partnerships. He has established sustainable relationships between UBC and local and global companies and communities. His communication skills and active listening abilities enable him to connect solution seekers with UBCO researchers, resulting in innovative solutions. Colin has also strengthened cross-campus partnerships, establishing two cross-campus research networks and one infrastructure project. He has facilitated meaningful discussions and collaborations to address real-world problems, secured research funding, and facilitated graduate students’ research.

Overall, Colin Wilson’s outstanding leadership, networking abilities, and commitment to fostering collaborations and partnerships have significantly contributed to the success and impact of UBC Okanagan’s School of Engineering. His work exemplifies the qualities of a global citizen and makes him a deserving recipient of the Staff Awards of Excellence in Global Citizenship.

Kathryn Douglas-Campbell (Leadership)

Kathryn has significantly contributed to the Faculty of Health and Social Development (FHSD) through her leadership, inclusivity, project management, and advocacy. Her expertise in policies, procedures, and institutional history has helped in staff hiring, coordinating spaces, and addressing inequities.

Through tangible and sustainable results in her initiatives, such as bimonthly newsletters and online handbooks, which streamlined information sharing and reduced email overload, Kathryn’s adaptable leadership has facilitated successful onboarding of new employees, reconstruction of the FHSD team, and led coordination of complex projects such as office relocations and the transition to Workday Student.

Kathryn’s exceptional contributions have earned her this recognition and appreciation for her above and beyond leadership contributions to not only FHSD and UBCO, but also to our community. Congratulations, Kathryn!

Michele Gabourie (Wellbeing)

Michele, an Implementation Specialist at AVPS, has been selected for the Wellbeing Award for her exceptional leadership in fostering community and collaboration in the workplace. Her approachability and humor have led to a balanced and supportive work environment. Michele promotes physical wellbeing through movement breaks, fitness classes, and pickleball games, fostering a healthy work-life balance. She also actively promotes wellbeing-based programs and opportunities on campus, fostering a sense of belonging and community. Michele’s dedication to wellbeing initiatives has made UBCO a better place. Congratulations, Michele!

Rachel Andreychuk (Advancing Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence)

Rachel, the Interim Associate Director of Indigenous Programs and Services, has expanded her management skills and responsibilities, focusing on providing a culturally safe space for Indigenous students. Her dedication to equity and diversity, including the Indigenous Research Mentorship program, has led to invaluable research opportunities and academic and professional pathways for Indigenous undergraduates.

Congratulations, Rachel, and thank you for your dedication in fostering an inclusive environment and advancing anti-racism and inclusive excellence at UBCO and beyond.

Robyn Bunn (Sustainability)

Robyn Bunn, Manager of Community Service Learning, fosters student engagement and sustainability through various initiatives. She collaborates with Recreation, the Global Engagement Office, Residence Life, and Student Housing & Community Services to promote sustainable practices. Robyn also works with faculty to embed experiential projects into the Bachelor of Sustainability program. She also supports climate change dialogue and creates Climate Action Assistant student leader positions. Robyn’s dedication to sustainability and selfless leadership makes her a role model for staff, students, and community members.

Robyn’s commitment to sustainability has had a significant impact at UBCO, and beyond. Through her initiatives, partnerships, and collaborations, she incorporates sustainability into her programs, fosters student engagement, raises awareness, and promotes responsible waste management practices. Robyn’s dedication, leadership, and contributions make her a deserving recipient of recognition for her efforts towards sustainability. Congratulations, Robyn!

2022 Staff Awards of Excellence announced at Principal and DVC’s Town Hall

At last month’s Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Town Hall, a number of employees were recognized for their outstanding service to the university at the annual Staff Awards of Excellence.

This year, six awards were given out in the following categories: Advancing Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence, Enhancing the UBC Experience, Leadership, Global Citizenship, Okanagan Campus Spirit, and Wellbeing.

Congratulations to this year’s Honourees.

Right to left: Lesley Cormak, Jodi Siever, Kristi Hoffman, Janet Heisler, Dominka Wesolowski, Irene McKechnie, Earllene Roberts, Damien Bell, Max Nevill, Casey Hamilton, Dana Lowton, Alex Bayne, Camilo Pena (Missing: Jodie Foster, Gavin Yap)

ADVANCING ANTI-RACISM & INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE

This year’s Advancing Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence Award was presented to Graduate Academic Services Officer, Damien Bell.

Damien was recognized for taking a leadership role in advancing equity, diversity and inclusive excellence practices within his department as well as in the broader UBC community. He is committed to continuous learning in the EDI space and then putting the knowledge he gains into practice for the betterment of the College of Graduate Studies, students, staff, faculty and the community.

ENHANCING THE UBC EXPERIENCE

This year’s Enhancing the UBC Experience Award was presented to Senior Department Assistant, Janet Heisler.

Throughout her 15 years of service at UBCO in Earth, Environmental & Geographic Sciences, Janet has been described by faculty, staff and students as a “department anchor”, a “pillar of help” and department “matriarch”. Currently working as the Senior Department Assistant, Janet fosters a family culture where faculty and staff work together to enhance the student experience.

GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP

This year’s Global Citizenship Award was presented to Assistant Director of Go Global, Dana Lowton.

Students are at the center of everything Dana does, as she understands that international experiences can have a positive effect on a student’s development of global citizenship competencies and academic growth. As a result of this, Dana is one of the biggest champions of international education at UBC – and was able to grow the number of students coming on exchange to the Okanagan campus over several years, raising the profile of UBCO.

LEADERSHIP

This year’s Leadership Award was presented to Manager, Disability Resource Centre, Earllene Roberts.

Earllene is described as a strategic, coach-like leader, building connections and understanding within her team along with outside departments they might collaborate with, all while keeping an open-door policy to support staff. Earllene helped to build a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment for the Student Wellness team, raising the profile of the directorate throughout the university.

OKANAGAN CAMPUS SPIRIT

This year’s Okanagan Campus Spirit Award was presented to The Okanagan Planning and Institutional Research Team. OPAIR team members are Jodie Foster, Kristi Hoffman, Irene McKechnie, Max Nevill, Camilo Pena, Jodi Siever, Dominika Wesolowski and Gavin Yap.

A model of peer support and a positive work environment, the OPAIR team shares resources, bounces ideas off each other, laughs together, and helping each other through tough times. Mutual respect is “through the roof”, as they trust and support each other in all they do. The OPAIR team truly reflects the Okanagan campus spirit, which is to be helpful, open, and transparent; and to do all that with a smile and genuine caring.

WELLBEING

New this year, the Wellbeing Award was presented to Wellbeing Strategist, Casey Hamilton.

Casey is described as passionate, strategic, collaborative and values-driven, working to advance the mission of a healthy UBC in everything she does. She works to create positive change, setting a tone and culture of collaboration and partnership-building across campus, working with faculty and staff but also focused on student learning, leadership and mentorship.

Staff Awards of Excellence 2021

The 2021 awards were presented virtually. The Awards Committee received another record number of nominations this year. While all of the nominations were worthy of an award, Interim Executive Director, Kristin Cacchioni mentioned the awards committee had the unenviable task of selecting just five recipients.

The 2021 five award recipients are:

Enhancing the UBC Experience – Joel Theissen

Enhancing the UBC Experience – Lucia Boersma

Leadership – Roger Wilson

Leadership – Phil Bond

OK Campus Spirit – International Programs and Services Advising Team (in no particular order):

• Saher Ahmed, Sebastian Kolesar, Qin Xue, Danai Belanger

OK Campus Spirit – Campus Facilities Team (in no particular order):

• Martin Gibb, Derek Mahoney, Jamie Armer, Lorna Campbell, Shelley Mcconkey, Chris White, Rob Buonomo, Kevin Pierce, Francisco Ugarte, Mike Thompson, Alfonso Martinez, Don Giang, Glen Forsythe, Mike Barren, Alan Prout, Chris Kraft, James Hembling, Duane Sali, Bruce Mooney, Valentijn Leibbrand, Matt Litzenberger, Brodie Johnson, Jeff Vogt, Ken Beckett, Terrence Nimegeers, Dale Abbey, Michael Chiasson, Connor Mcgoran, Marcus Wiebe, Klaus Ferber, Blaine Foster, Neil De Beyer, Kirt Stewart, Steve Casey

A video celebrating the outstanding qualities and achievements of these staff members can be viewed below.

Staff Awards of Excellence 2020

At the September 2020 Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal’s Town Hall, a number of employees were recognized for their outstanding service to the university at the annual Staff Awards of Excellence.

The awards are given to employees who exemplify one of five categories: Enhancing the UBC Experience, Leadership, Sustainability, Community & Global Engagement and Okanagan Campus Spirit.

Congratulations to our Honourees!

Some of the Staff Awards of Excellence recipients collect their certificates from Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal Lesley Cormack. From left to right: Philipp Reichert, Linda Drew, Lesley Cormack, Colleen DuManoir, Jenny Janok, Alanna Vernon and Nancy Adams.

Watched the recorded award ceremony for 2020 below.

Staff Awards of Excellence 2019

At the  August 2019 Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal’s Town Hall, a number of employees were recognized for their outstanding service to the university at the annual Staff Awards of Excellence.

The awards are given to employees who exemplify one of five categories: Enhancing the UBC Experience, Leadership, Sustainability, Community & Global Engagement and Okanagan Campus Spirit.

Congratulations to our Honourees!

Top row, from left: Andrea Klassen, Andrew Calhoun, Deborah Buszard, Christine Squire and Derek Como.
Bottom row, from left: Shannon Hohl, Bruce Mooney, Anthony Dodds, Alana Wright and Robin Whittall (Missing: Samantha Larsen)