U Make a Difference Award

Colleen Bangs

Colleen Bangs is the Director, Alumni Partnerships in the Development Office.

Colleen is a leader of the StrengthsQuest and ucalgarycares programs, and is a strong role model and encouraging mentor to the students in the programs as well as to those on her team. She has built strong relationships across campus and has demonstrated her ability to make unique connections in her work. Colleen is caring, generous and compassionate and is a positive leader who leads by example.

Congratulations Coleen!

Dr. Nancy Chick

Dr. Nancy Chick is the Academic Director for the Taylor Institute of Teaching and Learning.

Nancy demonstrates an unwavering commitment to facilitate collaboration and communication in teaching and learning. She has shown leadership in implementing effective practices to highlight and celebrate collaboration across teams at the Taylor Institute, and her supportive and caring nature, enthusiasm and passion have made a meaningful contribution to teaching and learning at the university. 

Congratulations Nancy!

Gillian Edwards

Gillian Edwards is a Senior Communications Specialist in University Relations.

Gillian embodies the meaning of collaboration each and every day – she brings people together and presents ideas, encourages thought-provoking discussion and truly brings out the best of those around her. Gillian is a leader who excels at forming strong ties and building relationships across campus, and contributes significantly to all the projects she works on, notably the Campus Mental Health Progress Event. She brings a fresh approach to her work and makes a tremendous effort to encourage and support her colleagues.

Congratulations Gillian! 

Theresa Eng

Theresa Eng is the Manager, Administrative Services in the Faculty of Social Work.

Theresa has an outstanding ability to build relationships and demonstrates high performance teamwork with research teams, students and faculty members across the province. Theresa not only provides students with the tools to be empowered in their own academic and research careers, she is also an active contributor to the external community. As a mentor and role model, she encourages and leads others to work together to achieve a common goal. 

Congratulations Theresa!

Dr. David Este

Dr. David Este is a Professor in the Faculty of Social Work.

David is a remarkable and generous researcher, teacher, mentor and leader. He spends countless hours every year connecting with students, learning deeply about their research, sharing his knowledge and experience, and inspiring them to become superb social work professionals. An accomplished academic, David is a natural leader who takes great care to build strong communities.

Congratulations David!

Dr. Kirsten Exall

Dr. Kirsten Exall is a Partner, Research Facilitation in the Schulich School of Engineering.

Kirsten demonstrates outstanding achievements in all her areas of work and is a role model and mentor to everyone she interacts with. Kirsten has the ability to pull together and support phenomenal teams from conception to grant application to implementation of their research program. Her encouragement and positivity are a demonstration of her ability to manage and maintain positive relationships across the faculty.

Congratulations Kirsten!

Karen Fedato

Karen Fedato is the Registration and Administrative Manager at the Cumming School of Medicine.

Karen inspires others to reach their potential by encouraging self-growth and professional development while also fostering a community of collaboration, communication and cohesiveness. She sets an example for operational standards and professionalism, and her willingness to step in in times of difficulty to assist with duties outside of her role, while managing her own heavy workload, proves her immense dedication.

Congratulations Karen!

Dr. Lisa Hughes

Dr. Lisa Hughes is an Associate Dean in the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Lisa embodies the idea of ‘one university family’ and has played an important role in fostering a sense of community in the faculty with her positive outlook and sense of the possible. She is an advocate for students’ interests, and has played a pivotal role in the success of the My GradSkills program, the Graduate Research Photo Competition and other projects. Her focus on the wellbeing of her team and her acknowledgement of milestones and achievements are a demonstration of her positive leadership.

Congratulations Lisa!  

Áine Keogh

Áine Keogh is a Specialist, Operational Sustainability and Reporting in the Office of Sustainability.

Áine’s leadership fosters a culture of respect and trust, resulting in a highly efficient team committed to achieving common goals. She is a catalyst in helping to integrate sustainability across campus in how the university operates, teaches and engages with the community, and her ability to foster cross-functional collaboration to achieve institutional sustainability goals was instrumental in UCalgary receiving STARS Gold rating and second place ranking for sustainability in Canada.

Congratulations Áine!

Iryna Leonova

Iryna Leonova is an Advisor, Recognition in Human Resources.

As part of the Recognition Committee, Iryna has been instrumental in driving recognition strategies and positively impacting managers and employees interested in recognition across campus. She has brought her creativity, passion and outside-the-box thinking to her work, generating and executing new ideas, resources and processes. Iryna is a positive force at the university, and her exceptional dedication, curiosity and drive to enhance recognition has made her an invaluable resource. 

Congratulations Iryna!

Sue Miller

Sue Miller is the Academic Operations Manager in the Cumming School of Medicine.

Sue’s positive attitude has helped bring together and elevate the Orthopedic Academic Office to be a high functioning team, working together to create a vision and mission for the office consistent with the Eyes High goals of the university. Sue has made valuable connections, built strong initiatives and has been instrumental in increasing collaborations across campus. An attentive and engaged listener, Sue makes everyone feel valued as a team member and as an individual contributor, and always makes time to provide input and assist in any way possible.

Congratulations Sue!

Dr. Douglas Morck

Dr. Douglas Morck is the University Veterinarian in the Faculty of Science.

Doug continually inspires confidence and effectively balances his responsibilities as veterinarian, administrator, teacher and team leader while demonstrating relentless dedication, patience and commitment. He has had an incredible impact in creating an atmosphere of trust and collegiality within the animal user community on campus and his efforts to improve and refine methodologies through innovation are tireless.

Congratulations Doug! 

Dr. Eoin O’Grady

Dr. Eoin O’Grady is the Occupational Health and Safety Manager (Foothills and Spyhill Campus) and University Biosafety Officer in Risk.

Eoin is a true collaborator and strong advocate for the work of the entire Risk portfolio, ensuring a safe and secure environment on campus and demonstrating a commitment to the health, safety and wellness of the university community. Eoin’s leadership and regulatory knowledge are instrumental to our institution’s operational wellbeing, and he has played an invaluable role in the university’s recognition as a ‘top of the class’ employer in work safety. 

Congratulations Eoin! 

Dr. Arindom Sen

Dr. Arindom Sen is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean in the Schulich School of Engineering.

Arin is driven to further student opportunities, and his curiosity has led him to seek ways to continually enhance the student experience. Arin’s dedication and hard work was instrumental in the Engineering Career Centre’s success and the launch of the Schulich Engineering Leadership Program, and he remains strongly committed to student learning, intellectual and personal growth, and students’ career development.

Congratulations Arin!

Tushar Sharma

Tushar Sharma is a Ph.D. candidate in the Schulich School of Engineering.

Tushar is a Killam Scholar who is extremely motivated and takes initiative to strengthen not only his own research and professional environment, but to improve science education at the global level. He seeks opportunities for cultural exchange and engagement, and his work with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, particularly with respect to the Siksika Nation, show his exemplary leadership in expanding engineering views into cross-functional collaboration and cultural learning.

Congratulations Tushar!

Jenna Slobozian

Jenna Slobozian is a Research Facilitator in the Cumming School of Medicine.

Jenna is a successful communicator who listens often and speaks from a place of knowledge. She is recognized throughout her faculty as a leader who works tirelessly to deliver practical research administration solutions and puts extraordinary effort into reaching out to all faculty to provide sound advice on preparing grant applications. This in-depth knowledge, combined with her approachable demeanor, professionalism and steadfast focus to serve the research community, is noteworthy.

Congratulations Jenna!

Robin Smith

Robin Smith is a Manager, External Grants in Research Services.

Robin is an essential pillar of research support at the university, collaborating with multiple units to lead researchers toward success. Her profound understanding of what constitutes a robust research support structure, as well as her dedication to continually finding new solutions and launching new initiatives in support of research mark her as an agent of change, leading individuals towards achievement of their goals and our shared goals.

Congratulations Robin!

Lori Somner

Lori Somner is a Graduate Program Administrator in the Faculty of Arts.

Lori has forged cooperative and collegial relationships with fellow staff, faculty and with both undergraduate and graduate students, and has consistently demonstrated a caring spirit and commitment to serving the campus community. Lori is a compassionate and supportive resource who is always willing to pitch in to help others in ways that contribute to a positive working environment, and she is making a difference in the lives of the graduate students.

Congratulations Lori!

Randy Steinbach

Randy Steinbach is a Supervisor, Maintenance in Facilities Management.

Randy works hard to respect and accommodate the unique and demanding needs of the Health Sciences Animal Resource Centre facility and is a dedicated professional who goes out of his way to be available and responsive to the needs of the facility and its staff. Randy exemplifies the meaning of great service; he is incredibly patient and understanding, and the care and respect he shows has earned him a high level of trust from all those he has worked with.

Congratulations Randy!

Mark Toonen

Mark Toonen is a Chemistry Technician in the Faculty of Science.

As a scientific glassblower, Mark is a key support person for researchers using glass apparatuses and vessels. Mark is exceptionally qualified in his trade and always delivers the highest quality, functional solution for each problem, showcasing his outstanding creativity. Along with his expertise, Mark’s upbeat, positive attitude and optimism make him invaluable to the smooth operation of the Chemistry Department. His contributions have made a significant impact in the research of many and he is a critical contributor to the success of the department’s scientific endeavors.

Congratulations Mark! 

Information Technologies: WCM Team

Web Content Management team

The Web Content Management (now Web Services) team are the dedicated and passionate professionals that work tirelessly behind the scenes to provide the University of Calgary with a highly-functional and adaptable enterprise-class content management system, allowing people of many skill levels to create and maintain the University’s public-facing web presence. The team of seven has provided and supported the ability to operate as many as 1,200 websites that cover every aspect of the university’s operations, all the while supporting content authors and website managers distributed across our many campuses. As the heart of the web community on campus, they use their tremendous knowledge and skill, strong work ethic and incredible client experience to continually improve our website creation, functionality and design. 

Congratulations!

Recipients:

• Paige Hong, Client/Web Projects, Information Technologies
• Deb Huartson, Application and Web Services, Information Technologies
• Daniel Fitzsimmons, Application and Web Services, Information Technologies
• Keanu Yip, Application and Web Services, Information Technologies
• Caroline Watson, Application and Web Services, Information Technologies
• Luigi Riscaldino, Administration and Governance, Information Technologies
• Derrick Woo, Application and Web Services, Information Technologies

Kaskayne School of Business: Event Team

Haskayne School of Business Community Engagement team

The Community Engagement team from the Haskayne School of Business provide exemplary community support and continue to provide excellent service to the university and Haskayne community. This team came together in support of a fellow colleague going through a very difficult time, and through their dedication, passion and care, stepped up to ultimately contribute to a positive community and tightknit team environment. Their words of support and encouragement, thoughtful efforts and creation a community of love and support have made a lasting impact. The Community Engagement team has demonstrated integrity and commitment in both their service to their colleague and to the Haskayne community, and through their work always create a unique social element that brings staff and faculty together to build strong relationships and encourages a culture of community and collaboration.

Congratulations!                                          

Recipients:

• Sherry West, Community Relations, Haskayne School of Business
• Livia Fiorini, Community Relations, Haskayne School of Business
• Heather O’Brien, Community Relations, Haskayne School of Business

Faculty of Science: Energy Bioengineering and Geomicrobiology Research Group

Energy Bioengineering and Geomicrobiology Research

Together, this team strives to make respect, diversity and equality a priority in the workplace and have made a strong contribution to the development of a positive and engaged community. Under their leadership, the Energy Bioengineering and Geomicrobiology (EBG) Research team has fostered an open, tolerant and highly cooperative workplace that brings together more than 30 researchers from diverse scientific disciplines, cultures and geographical backgrounds. Through their collaborative efforts to increase dialogue and participate in group discussions, seminars and weekly meetings, this team has created communication spaces where members can share knowledge, insights and experiences. Through inclusive activities and gatherings, this team acts as role models and demonstrate a high standard for well-being and positivity in the work place that can inspire us all.

Congratulations!                                     

Recipients:

• Dr. Marc Strous, Department of Geoscience, Faculty of Science
• Dr. Christine Sharp, Department of Geoscience, Faculty of Science
• Dr. Casey Hubert, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science