Memorial University

Memorial University honoured outstanding employees on Dec. 16.

Family and friends joined the individuals who have demonstrated excellence at our institution and in the community during a special ceremony at the Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation.

The President’s Awards shine a spotlight on people who are among the most commendable members of the Memorial University community — teachers, researchers, service providers and publicly engaged groups and individuals nominated by their peers.

The recipients have distinguished themselves by helping nurture big ideas and by inspiring co-workers, students and others. They are true leaders on campus and in the community.

Congratulations to all recipients!

Meet the outstanding individuals from the Faculty of Medicine below.

Exemplary Employee (Champion of Service)

As the manager of the Learner Well-Being and Success Office in the Faculty of Medicine, Jill Purcell consistently demonstrates her commitment to learner support and responsive leadership and fosters an environment where learners, staff and faculty thrive.

Ms. Purcell first established her reputation at Memorial University as part of the Human Resources Advisory Services team, where she was known as a client-focused and solutions-oriented professional. After 12 years in that role, she accepted her current role with Well-Being and Success in 2019.

The Well-Being and Success Office supports the medical students and residents at the N.L. and PEI campuses. Through transparent leadership, openness to feedback and tireless dedication, she transformed the office into a trusted, high-performing unit.

Ms. Purcell shifted the office from a reactive service to a proactive, learner-centred approach. She recruited and developed outstanding staff, empowering them to provide specialized services such as well-being, career advising, mentorship, financial literacy and event planning.

She introduced programs that foster self-efficacy and resilience, equipping the next generation of physicians to meet the emotional and professional demands of medical practice. In addition, she has been entrusted with numerous special projects, consistently bringing creativity, collaboration and dedication to advancing Memorial’s reputation.

She builds collaborative relationships with learners, faculty and staff and advocates for learners not only by responding to immediate challenges but also by anticipating future needs and creating a culture of care and enhancing the learner experience.

Ms. Purcell ensures that Learner Well-Being and Success staff are not only able to deliver exceptional service but grow professionally in their own roles. Her leadership cultivates a workplace culture that balances performance with care and respect, reflecting the same principles she champions for learners.

Exemplary Employee (Champion of Service)

Thomas Osmond, a technician in the Faculty of Medicine’s MUNMED3D Lab at Memorial University, has, in just three years, earned a reputation for his commitment to learning, research, sustainability and outreach.

Mr. Osmond provides technical expertise, design support and mentorship to a wide range of clients.

What makes his service exemplary is not just the high quality of his technical work, but the patient and respectful way he guides others through the process. Whether he is assisting a medical student with a first project, supporting a faculty member’s research or advising a health technology start-up on a prototype, he ensures that each individual feels heard and supported.

He plays a critical role in supporting innovators across the entire commercialization pipeline. He helps early-stage students and researchers explore ideas, assists start-up founders in moving their concepts into tangible prototypes and provides practical advice to companies advancing toward testing and market validation.

His ability to meet people where they are accelerates innovation at Memorial and strengthens the broader health technology ecosystem.

Mr. Osmond mentors work-term students, student volunteers and medical learners, teaching them the software, hardware and design principles behind 3D printing. He has also supervised high school and undergraduate student volunteers through shadowing and outreach programs, inspiring the next generation of innovators. His generosity with his time and expertise has helped students across multiple faculties succeed in their research projects, while giving them practical technical skills and confidence.

Mr. Osmond has embraced public outreach. He welcomes groups of high school students and leads tours for government and community representatives. He has also hosted a booth at Science Rendezvous events and volunteered at the Bounce Health Innovation Hackathon.

The activities not only spark interest in medical innovation but also build meaningful connections between Memorial University and the wider community.

Read the full story here.