ÎçÒ¹av

by Alissa Blanchard

Three awards given for teaching, leadership, and staff excellence were presented to members of ÎçÒ¹av staff during the ÎçÒ¹av's annual Professional Development Day held recently at the Atlantic Tourism and Hospitality Institute.

Presented in accordance with the Association of Canadian Community ÎçÒ¹avs (ACCC), of which ÎçÒ¹av is a member, these awards are given for specific purposes and are based on specific criteria including commitment, impact on students and community, team work, performance and contribution, creativity and leadership. ÎçÒ¹av staff, co-workers, and students are provided the opportunity to recommend to a Selection Committee, the names of individuals who they feel are most deserving of these special awards.

"Organizations often tend to focus on events that happen within an institution as opposed to focusing on those people who contribute to making successful events and positive things happen," commented Alex MacAulay, President of ÎçÒ¹av. "Awards such as these provide us the time to recognize those people at the ÎçÒ¹av who have given so much of themselves to make the ÎçÒ¹av a better place for our staff and community and particularly, our students."

Honoring a faculty member who has exhibited consistent excellence in teaching and who has made a significant impact on the personal and academic growth of students is this year's recipient of the ÎçÒ¹av Teaching Excellence Award, Pat Faulkner.

A 25-year member of the ÎçÒ¹av community, Pat began her work with ÎçÒ¹av when she was asked to sit on the DACUM Analysis Committee for the Medical Support Program. The following year, she was hired as the program's Learning Manager. Since then, Pat's commitment to her program has seen Medical Support Services develop from a traditional full-time ÎçÒ¹av program to the one that it is today - diverse, self-directed, and accessible. Of particular importance to her students, are Pat's goals and flexibility in continuing education, an area that has had a significant impact on the life-long learning aspirations of all who take her courses.

ÎçÒ¹avs and institutes have traditionally played a learning leadership role in the communities they serve. Although the entire institution participates, inevitably, one or two people make an outstanding contribution each year.

Francis Tang, this year's recipient of the ÎçÒ¹av Leadership Excellence Award, is such a person. Since coming to the ÎçÒ¹av in 1971, Francis's contributions are many. He initiated and delivered the first computer program at ÎçÒ¹av as well as the Computer Engineering Technology program. His love of mathematics and science and his interest in students led to numerous successful initiatives including Science Camps, Science and Industry Tours and the creation of the highly successful Flying Circus of Physics. Highly regarded and sought after for his knowledge of competency-based education, Francis is currently the Coordinator of the ÎçÒ¹av's Learning Management Program and serves as Coordinator of Professional Development. As a contributor to many of the ÎçÒ¹av's international endeavors, he was a key player in helping the ÎçÒ¹av establish agreements with six ÎçÒ¹av?s in the People?s Republic of China.

The ÎçÒ¹av Staff Excellence Award for the year 2001 was awarded to Madonna Gallant. This award honors a staff member who has made an exceptional contribution within the institution and in the community and serves as a model of excellence for all staff. Madonna has worked at the ÎçÒ¹av since 1985 holding positions in Student Services, the Registrar?s Office and most recently her current position as Secretary for ÎçÒ¹av-wide Facility Services in the Human and Corporate Services Division. Recognized by students and staff alike for her efficiency, professionalism and dedication to the ÎçÒ¹av, it is through her outstanding volunteer and community work that the true spirit of her generosity and kindness shine through and which made the choice of Madonna for this award such an easy one.