U Make a Difference Award

Dr. Andrew Beaudin is a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Neurosciences in the Cumming School of Medicine. He received an award in the Positive Work Environment and Community category.

Dr. Beaudin is well-known for his highly collaborative, collegial working style. He played a crucial role in the Postdoctoral Fellows Association of the University of Calgary (PDAC): his engagement with the Association has had a broad impact on the postdocs’ community Andrew excels in connecting teams and people, bridging gaps, and organizing various events. Andrew focuses on supporting continuous improvement in UCalgary's pursuit of excellence and sustainability.

Congratulations, Andrew!

Justin Bisal is the Lead Statistical Analyst in the Cumming School of Medicine. He received an award in the Innovation and Curiosity category.

With an ever-expanding scope of work, Justin excels in knowledge sharing and in developing innovative approaches to the existing and new tasks. He consistently demonstrates exceptional initiative in expanding the options for data-driven, reliable decision-making process and integral discussions. Being a great team player, Justin is innovative, knowledgeable, and dedicated to providing high level service and the best advice to his clients.

Congratulations, Justin!

Joan Fennell is the manager, ethics and compliance, in the VP Research. She received an award in the Collaboration and Communication category.

Being a UCalgary retiree, Joan has twice come out of her ‘retirement’ to take on the role of Manager, Research Ethics and Compliance. Joan is an unflappable, competent, dedicated, leader with keen attention to detail. She understands the regulations surrounding research ethics and compliance to protect research participants, researchers, and the institution. She communicates these principles clearly, to researchers, colleagues, and staff members.

Congratulations, Joan!

Kevin Frankowski  is the Executive Director of UCalgary’s Advancing Canadian Wastewater Assets facility (ACWA) in VP Research. He received an award in the Collaboration and Communication category.

A natural leader, Kevin is a collaborative manager of a highly diverse team, who encourages an open discussion, a variety of opinions, and has an effective approach to any barrier. Kevin is known for his patient and thoughtful mentorship style, making everyone’s opinion valued and heard. He is highly committed to quality control and quality assurance and result discussion in real time which contributes towards partnership development.

Congratulations, Kevin!

Elizabeth Henderson is the Associate Director, Community Engagement in the Haskayne School of Business. She received an award in the Positive Work Environment and Community category.

Being a consummate professional in dealings with her colleagues, alumni, and community leaders, Elizabeth is always forthcoming with advice, wise counsel, and excellent suggestions. She is a gifted researcher and writer, managing to capture tone and character in her messaging and correspondence. Elizabeth’s warmth, humour, and thoughtfulness helps her share advice, knowledge, and credit naturally and without hesitation, and always acknowledge the role her team plays in the success of any event or publication.

Congratulations, Elizabeth!

Dr. Ian Hunt is a senior instructor in the Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science. He received an award in the Innovation and Curiosity category.

Dr. Hunt has dedicated countless efforts to creating online contents for undergraduate students to learn and practice, creating an in-house system, which is equivalent to commercially available examination packages, without the cost. Ian goes above and beyond in improving student experience and acknowledges different styles of learning to ensure an optimal experience for everyone.

Congratulations, Ian!

Dr. Christi Lange is a research facilitator in the Faculty of Nursing. She received an award in the Collaboration and Communication category.

Dr. Lange pursues excellence through increasing efficiency and revamping processes and procedures. Centering her work around clear and transparent communication, integrity, consistency and perseverance, Dr. Lange facilitates a successful solution. She is a tireless advocate of both professional and personal growth and development, encouraging and supportive of professional staff development.

Congratulations, Christi!

Dr. Trevor Tombe is a professor and the Graduate Program Director in the Department of Economics in the Faculty of Arts. He received an award in the Positive Work Environment and Community category.

Dr. Tombe builds and maintains exemplary collaborative relationships both within and outside of the Department and Faculty. He enjoys brainstorming and welcomes a diversity of opinions. He excels at engaging students into research, bringing public focus and funds to programs and research. Dr. Tombe is also passionate about committee work, promoting optimistic views and positive energy.

Congratulations, Trevor!

Trevor Woods is a facility maintenance operator in the VP Research. He received an award in the Innovation and Curiosity category.

Trevor brings a caring and positive attitude to work daily with a notable dedication to his work ethic. He excels in anticipating potential issues and finding the most innovative and effective approach to prevent them. Trevor’s versatility, initiative, and technical curiosity make a difference each and every day.

Congratulations, Trevor!

Psychology Administrative Team: Lisa (Phuong) Nguyen and Michelle Vogt. They received an award in the Collaboration and Communication category.

Demonstrating an exceptionally high degree of commitment to excellent service and supporting faculty and students, the team created a cohesive and collegial atmosphere in the Department of Psychology through their communication and collaboration, both internally and externally. The team encourages transparent and open communication and interactions with others that are inclusive and respectful. They have an exceptional work ethic that often leads to creative and workable solutions.

Congratulations, team!

Taylor Institute's Learning Technologies and Design Team: Lorelei Anselmo, Haboun Bair, Patrick Kelly, Tyson Kendon, Isadora Mok-Kulakova, D’Arcy  Norman, Kevin  Saito, Alysia Wright, and Lin Yu. They received an award in the Innovation and Curiosity category.

With their willingness to adapt and respond to the continuously shifting pressures that  the COVID19 global pandemic has brought to UCalgary’s teaching and learning community, the team has supported the transition of thousands of courses to remote and online contexts.  Through ongoing consultations academic staff and teaching assistants, they developed hundreds of  creative and innovative workshops and resources to help educators create meaningful student learning experiences in ever-changing contexts, and worked in collaboration with academic leaders, faculty, staff, and students to address the often-unpredictable challenges that emerged in teaching and learning during the pandemic.

Congratulations, team!