President's Award for Exemplary Service

Memorial recognizes its exemplary employees: (L-R) President Axel Meisen; Barry Hanlon, Marine Institute; James Devereaux, Ocean Sciences Centre; Pat Horan, Earth Science, Wilf Bussey, Computing and Communications, Wayne Thistle, vice-president (administration and finance) and legal counsel. Inset: Wanda Ellsworth, Grenfell College.

On Nov. 14, 2001, Memorial University presented the President's Awards for Exemplary Service at a ceremony in the University Club. 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. 28.

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.

Each employee 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, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years of service to the university. (For a list of employees who received pins, click here.)

President's awards for exemplary service - 2001

The text which follows each name is the citation read at the presentation of awards.

James (Jim) Devereaux (Supervisor, Laboratory Services, Ocean Sciences Centre)

Jim started his employment with Memorial University in 1974 as a marine utility worker. He has advanced through the ranks to his current position as supervisor.

A consistent theme in his nominations was his dedication and commitment to the OSC, as he is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As one nominator stated, Jim is always just a phone call away. He has been known to spend up to 16 to 20 hours on site ensuring all is functional. He is constantly available to assist faculty, graduate students and staff.

Jim is very knowledgeable in his field, and is well liked and respected by all. Without his dedication, the Ocean Science Centre would not function as well as it does today.

Patricia (Pat) Horan (Research and project geologist, Department of Earth Sciences)

Pat began her career at Memorial University 15 years ago when she was hired after graduating from our Chemistry Department. Her laboratory, and the work that she performs there, are known nationally and internationally. She provides analyses for Memorial's researchers and, because her lab is the only one of its kind in Atlantic Canada, she consistently takes on work from other universities.

Pat is probably most well known for her work in identifying depleted uranium in British war veterans. While this project generated much controversy and military scrutiny, Pat continued her work, many times working through the night, with one goal in mind: determining if depleted uranium was indeed the cause of the veterans' health problems.

Pat has contributed to the evolution of a complex university lab facility into one of the most productive radiogenic isotope laboratories in North America; in turn this lab has enhanced the national and international reputation of Memorial University. And all this was done while continuing her work and commitment to Memorial.

Wilfred Bussey (Director, Department of Computing and Communications)

Wilf began his career with Memorial almost two decades ago. His commitment extends to students, staff and faculty: providing free e-mail and Internet services to students, an open-door policy, and consistent support for his staff and the academic programs of the university.

Wilf was pivotal in the creation of Internet services across Newfoundland and Canada. He did this with little support, long volunteer hours and determination. He is known and respected in this province and across the country as one of the pioneers in the development of the Canadian Internet. He also created the campus network, which in turn changed the way business, research and teaching is done here at Memorial.

Wilf has served on numerous committees, nationally and provincially, and has received many awards and much recognition, including a citation from Prime Minister Jean Chrietien.

Wanda Ellsworth (Supervisor, Science Laboratory, Sir Wilfred Grenfell College)

Wanda has been employed at Grenfell College since 1985. She is well known for her highly professional manner and her ability to work well with people. She takes great pride in her work and maintains the highest standard of safety within her lab; in fact, she has had one of her innovations to lab safety published in a chemistry journal.

After the expansion of the nursing program to Grenfell College, students had to go to Western Memorial Hospital to do their labs. Wanda was instrumental in the recent change that resulted in lab work being done at the college. This was a difficult transition that would not have been successful without her knowledge and expertise.

Wanda carries out all aspects of her very complex job with quiet competence, a sense of humour and with a rare ability to work with the people around her in such a way that they aspire to her level of excellence.

Barry Hanlon (Purchasing officer, Marine Institute)

Barry's employment with us began almost 17 years ago, in the Marine Institute's dormitory in Pleasantville.

Barry has a strong commitment to the institute, the students, the clients and his co-workers. He is regarded as an irreplaceable member of the team and has become embedded in the culture. He represents the excellence that Marine Institute stands for.

Barry is known to dedicate many hours of personal time to support many social activities of the Institute, serving on many committees and organizing socials.

One of his numerous supporters stated: "Whether dealing with suppliers, students, national or international visitors, or the organizers of the institute's many conferences, Barry is the front-line person representing the institute. He is the key ambassador for the Marine Institute and what it stands for."