President's Award for Exemplary Service

Memorial’s exemplary employees 2000: Front row (L-R): Maire O’ Dea, Registrar’s Office; Barbara Cox, Office of Research; Debbie Barnes, Office of Research; Lisa Savage, Business. Back: President Dr. Axel Meisen; Anthony Kocurko, Earth Sciences and Wayne Thistle, vice-president (administration and finance).

On Nov. 15, 2000 Memorial University held its annual Employee Service Awards ceremony. The awards, which have been presented since 1995, recognize the commitment to excellent service provided by administrative staff members. A similar ceremony was held at Grenfell College on Nov. 22.

The selection committee considers nominees who have demonstrated commitment to excellence in their role within the university community.

Consideration is also given to people who perform actions of significant merit that benefit the university community and are over and above normal employment responsibilities. Specifically, the award is based on evidence of continued excellence, in excess of the standard level of performance, in these areas: exceptional ability in the tasks associated with the position; contribution to making Memorial University a welcoming community by helping students, faculty, fellow employees, parents, and university guests; contribution to university committees and bodies; contribution to quality of employee work life; contribution to quality of student life; development and/or improvement of operating methods and procedures; contribution to furthering the reputation of Memorial locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally and overall contribution to the achievement of the university's mission.

Each recipient received a $1,000 cash prize and a framed certificate noting the achievement. Their accomplishments will also be noted in a public display in the Arts and Administration Building. At the awards ceremony, long-serving employees received pins acknowledging 20 or more years of service to the university. (For a list of employees who received pins, click here.)

Anthony Kocurko, manager, Seismological Systems, Earth Sciences:

Mr. Kocurko came to Memorial in 1988 as a seismic researcher in the geophysics group and has been an invaluable resource to the NSERC/PetroCanada Chair in Applied Seismology. His contribution to the department, the university and the community includes supporting undergraduate teaching, assisting graduate students, assisting faculty in their research, publishing his own research, and advising other departments on university-wide computer issues.

He thoroughly fulfills his primary job requirements, helps others who need his services, represents the university well externally, and advances the university's objectives with pride.

Wayne Muggridge, instructor, environmental science laboratory, Grenfell College:

Mr. Muggridge started working at Grenfell in 1980 and has consistently carried out every aspect of his job in the most professional manner. The Earth Science Lab, with its many display cases and plants, is a favourite stop for student tours of the college.

He has been instrumental in developing the laboratory components that accompany Earth Science 1000/1001, Science 115A/B and Science 1000/1001, and Environmental Science 4069. He is considered one of the best mandolinists in the province, has enriched the cultural life of the college and has never refused a request to perform at college functions.

Maire O'Dea, deputy registrar, Office of the Registrar:

Ms. O'Dea has been employed by Memorial for 32 years in various positions with the Office of the Registrar. Her broad knowledge of university systems and programs has supported the university community, particularly students.

Her judgement and advice is often called upon to answer questions and provide clarification on questions of regulations, policies and procedures. She listens to the problems and concerns of students, parents, staff and assists in every possible way to bring a fair and equitable resolution.

Her long-standing membership in national and international associations has served to promote Memorial to the rest of the country and beyond as an institution of higher learning that exceeds other institutions in its programs, standards and services.

Barbara Cox, director; Debbie Barnes, grants co-ordinator, Office of Research:

The Office of Research oversees Memorial's research effort, which annually generates more than $35 million in external support. The office maintains information on research in progress, as well as current data on more than 250 sources of funding from more than 150 agencies.

The office reviews research proposals and applications; approves all research proposals, grant applications, funding agreements and research contracts on behalf of the university; develops research policy, and negotiates and administers university research contracts.

Ms. Cox and Ms. Barnes are critical to the success of this office. They accommodate their own schedules to the needs of researchers at a time that is very stressful. They are the epitome of efficient operation combined with high-quality, timely and courteous service to the community.

Lisa Savage, intermediate secretary, Faculty of Business Administration:

Ms. Savage has worked in the university for 22 years and within the Faculty of Business Administration for 11 years. She consistently impresses faculty, students and staff with her knowledge of the MBA program, her concern for students, and her strong interpersonal skills.

She has had a positive impact on the school and the university through her interaction with more than 325 graduate students who are now alumni of the university. Her volunteer work has made an excellent contribution to the American Association of the Collegiate Schools of Business accreditation process.

A student said, "I hope Lisa realizes just how much she is needed and respected by the students of the MBA program. She is a joy to be around and is very understanding of students' needs."