2018

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Carolyn Cote

Faculty of Technology and Trades

Professor of Communication Carolyn Cote has been honoured with a President’s Star Award. In handing out the award, President Cheryl Jensen lauded Cote for her devotion to helping fellow faculty members.

Cote’s nomination for the award describes her as “energetic, compassionate, dedicated, reliable, caring, engaging, and fun.”

“As for the Coordinator of the Communications courses in the Faculty to Technology and Trades, Carolyn demonstrates the College’s core values of Caring, Learning, Integrity, and Respect on a daily basis, and in all of her interactions with students, faculty, and staff.

“Carolyn… is always approachable and consistently goes out of her way to help and support both new and experienced faculty. This kind of collegiality is both rare and inspiring.

“The amount of respect that Carolyn receives in her classroom is remarkable, and no easy task considering the resistance that some students have to Communications courses. She has a gift for making even the driest material interesting and engaging, and she often seeks out opportunities for inter-departmental and cross-College collaboration with other faculty in order to keep material fresh and exciting for her students and to demonstrate the value of interdisciplinary thinking.

“Beyond her work as a professor and coordinator, Carolyn’s star shines in other parts of the College as well. Numerous committees and task forces have benefited from Carolyn’s involvement and input. Her recent ‘Algonquin Takes 5’ workshop on the valuable role that music and singing can play for our mental health is an excellent example of Carolyn’s compassion, dedication, collegiality, and willingness to share her time and talents with others.”

Nominated by: Jordon Berard
Presented on: December 18, 2018

Jason Verboomen

AC for Construction Excellence

ACCE professor Jason Verboomen has received a President’s Star Award. “This is for all you do for the College — in particular for your efforts for Indigenization,” said President Cheryl Jensen during the award presentation. Verboomen’s nomination for the award says he has “shown himself to be a leader, innovator and excellent role model for the students and community as a whole.”

He has played “a key role in the organization of several inspiring events here at Algonquin College, such as the Culture and Wood special event which highlighted award winning architect Manuel Baez, and the 3 Drums 3 Campuses initiative.

“The 3 Drums 3 Campuses project gathered local Indigenous Elders, Drum Keepers and traditional craftspeople, as well as Indigenous and non-indigenous students and professors in the creation and knowledge transfer associated with the physical construction of 3 traditional drums — an important symbol Indigenous culture.” The drums will be used in special events and ceremonies on Algonquin campuses, such as convocation.

“In a pivotal time where the subject of Truth, Reconciliation and Indigenization are paramount in our society, Jason has demonstrated what true reconciliation can look like and strives to not only learn, but also to participate in culture in respectful, passionate, and humble ways.

“As an ally to Indigenous peoples, Jason has helped give Algonquin College a strong example of inclusiveness which will surely help bolster Algonquin’s commitment and efforts towards Truth and Reconciliation, and hopefully will strengthen its vision as a leader and educational change-maker on the national and international stage.”

Nominated by: Nathaniel Parant
Presented on: December 18, 2018

Gord Wilcox

Fitness and Health Promotion/School of Health and Community Studies

Gordon Wilcox, a professor in School of Health and Community Studies, has been honoured with the President’s Star Award.

“You’ve been here for 17 years and everything about your nomination I know is true — because I know you are a faculty member who goes above and beyond for your students,” said President Cheryl Jensen. “I’ve known Gordon from the beginning of when I started here and when I read his nomination I thought, ‘yup, you are deserving of this.’”

In his nomination, written by colleagues in the Fitness and Health Promotion program, Wilcox was praised for developing the program in 2005 as the subject matter expert: “[He] has since worked tirelessly to ensure the quality of the program evolves with the industry and continues to produce highly employable and respected graduates.”

“In every way Gordon exemplifies someone who over the past 17 years has consistently demonstrated every core value of the College and a commitment to excellence in all his College roles,” it continues. “As a professor and coordinator, Gordon’s perpetual open-door policy demonstrates his sincerity and willingness to spend countless extra time with students, whether it be for extra help with content, discussing possible paths for program completion, professional advancement or simply moral support.

“Students and colleagues alike gravitate to Gordon as someone they can trust, someone who will listen, give unbiased information, and who will empower them as they make important decisions. There is a deep and genuine respect that is mutual in every encounter with Gordon.

“As a mentor for part-time, or younger professors, Gordon is always willing to go above and beyond to share his wealth of expertise and experience, both within the field and classroom. Gordon is a selfless individual both personally and professionally, consistently taking any step necessary to educate and improve those that fall within the role of mentee, to see them grow as professionals and individuals.

“In Gordon’s role as a team member he is a professional in every way, not only in his own conduct as someone who truly models integrity, but he has the ability to gently and calmly guide others to the most ethical and rational choices when decisions have to be made. Gordon manages to do this with a sincerity and sense of humour that shows how much he cares about people, about the students, the program and the college.”

Nominated by: Fitness and Health Promotion team
Presented on: October 24, 2018

Colin Mills

Music Industry Arts

Colin’s service to the Algonquin community started well before the start of the Music Industry Arts program 8 years ago. Colin worked hard for the 3 years prior getting the program designed and through the hurdles that have to occur when starting a new program.

Since then, the program has grown and flourished under Colin’s hand. He continually markets the program outside of the school at various music industry events, and is always available to help the students when needed. It’s amazing to see that Colin will bump into students from many years past, and still remember their names and faces!

He’s always putting the well being of the students first to ensure they are getting the very best from the program. He runs the social media for the program and is consistently posting MIA events and news on FB, Twitter, and Instagram. He’s always connecting with industry and posting work opportunities for alumni through the Facebook groups.

All this is done in a calm demeanor that shows the steady hand on the rudder of the program.

Nominated by: Wayne Hawthorne
Presented on: September 19, 2018

John Hefler

Early Learning Centre

John is an early childhood educator at the Early Learning Centre. He has worked at the Centre for many years and is recognized as a leader in his field.

What has prompted this submission is his outstanding work to bring an intergenerational focus to the children at the adult day program. In collaboration with Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre, the adult day program for clients with early stage dementia diagnosis begin in 2016. John established a once a week visit by a small group of children from the Early Learning Centre. These visits were not simply drop-ins rather thoughtful, structured intergenerational learning opportunities. For example, on Remembrance Day John developed an hour long program for children and seniors to share understanding of the meaning of the day.

This engagement is absolutely reflective of our core values, of caring, learning, integrity and respect . The way he plans and delivers these learning opportunities helps to support the children’s growth and development and importantly brings that thrill to the seniors who look forward to each Thursday visit.

John is a committed member of our Algonquin community who meets all the criteria for the President’s Star Award and who goes above and beyond to enhance the lives of our community.

Nominated by: Barbara Foulds
Presented on: April 18, 2018

Earl Green

Risk Management

I would like to nominate Earl Green for the President’s Star Award. Earl has been with the College in progressively more responsible positions since 2008.

In his current capacity as Manager Security Services, Earl is responsible for the Security of College premises and the safety of the College community on a 24/7 basis. Being responsible for such a sizable property with hundreds of millions of dollars worth of facilities and assets and with 20,000 – 25,000 people moving through the campus everyday is indeed a 24/7 job.

This role also requires oversight and coordination of several complex security systems such as CCTV, intrusion detection/access control and emergency communications systems. In his role Earl is also responsible for security programming surrounding emergency response, physical security and investigations to help safeguard the College community.

While his former career in the OPP has prepared him well for this role, the Security objectives within a post-secondary community are much different and more individualized than in a community policing role. Supporting student success, as a primary objective, and ensuring the delivery of services that help the College achieve its mission to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success requires a broad focus on all facets of the operation of the College and an ability to provide personalized service at the individual level for students and other community members.

Everyday Earl manages decisions that help to ensure a quality learning environment that prioritizes student success. Although he is often focused on matters that affect the safety of the College community collectively, he still always takes time to meet personally with students who may be experiencing difficulties or who may have specific safety or security concerns that could negatively influence their own success.

Even when he is not on campus, he takes phone calls and helps to manage a wide variety of incidents that occur at the College around the clock. There are very few nights or weekends that go by that Earl hasn’t had some contact with staff, students or Security personnel regarding issues arising at the campus.

The work that Earl undertakes to contribute to positive outcomes often happens in the background and goes un-noticed, but the effect of his efforts is ever-present, especially in the lives of students he has directly assisted.

Earl demonstrates strong professional ethics and the College core values of caring, learning, integrity and respect on a daily basis through his commitment to the delivery of services with pride, courage and conviction.

Nominated by: Peter Leland
Presented on: April 18, 2018

Diane McCutcheon

Human Resources

Diane has been a major source of inspiration and advice to the Academic Area in the area of Labour Relations generally and during the recent work stoppage specifically. She has been a source of knowledge to my colleagues and I and has provided timely and thoughtful advice on a myriad of labour relations issues. I have been fortunate to work with Diane on WMG where she has been collaborative and worked with the union and management members to find appropriate solutions, on CBC where she shows a detailed undertaking of the budget and SIP process and where her comments are appreciated and productive and on UCC where the development of an effective collaborative approach is due to her leadership. A valuable source of information, a thoughtful and collaborative leader and a dedicated and hard-working member of the ACLT, I can think of no one more deserving of the President’s Star than Diane.

Nominated by: Dave Donaldson
Presented on: March 22, 2018

Paul Gardner

Finance

Paul’s unique skill set in relation to building rigorous investment cases for the college is exemplary. I will use the example of the Healthy Living Education project however there are several other examples of his in-depth analysis of projects that are pivotal to the college’s future including the successful IELC and Athletic Centre projects.

The Healthy Living Education project has been identified for several years as a key direction and priority for the college in terms of increasing the number of health graduates in our community. In order to move this project along, Paul was asked in 2016 to use the same template used for the IELC project to ensure we had a ‘shovel-ready’ project. This work proved to be foundation to securing Board of Governors approval in principle to advance the project. The financial analysis provided the basis for that decision making and that work has continued to be advanced in 2017 culminating in a proposal to government entitled ” the Campus Movement to Net Zero / Centre of Excellence in Health Education

Paul’s ability to immerse himself in the complexities of such projects at Algonquin is a unique talent. He works collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders to ensure he has the most relevant information to build his case. Paul seeks out subject matter experts to better understand the complexities of a particular domain such as carbon net-zero renewable natural gas.

Without this contribution, Algonquin would not be a the forefront in post secondary education in Ontario. With each project work, Paul has demonstrated a commitment to positioning Algonquin College as an institution that is recognized for excellence in project work and timelines.

The work on the Healthy Living Education project has, I believe, established Paul as an individual who meets the criteria for a President’s Star Award

Nominated by: Barbara Foulds
Presented on: February 7, 2018

Betty Baxter and Edwin Fraser

ITS

In August, 2016 a risk was identified to ACET that could affect 2016 Fall Term Orientation. At the time, it was noted that a request had been made through the GeneSIS Working Group to modify student timetables to identify AC Day 1 on their schedule for Tuesday, September 6, 2016. This request was on the priority list, but had not yet been prioritized for completion. In pursuing this request, it became evident that there were a number of Genesis update requests that superseded this one. As a result, this particular enhancement to timetables was identified to the incoming VP’s Office and with their facilitation assistance, we were able to connect with Betty Baxter and Edwin Fraser. Subsequently, when Betty and Edwin became involved, their commitment, creativity and leadership resulted in a successful amendment to the ACSIS version of the student timetable view that therefore allowed students to see not only AC Day 1 (Ottawa Campus) but also to recognize Statutory Holidays on their ACSIS timetables. Once they both recognized the issue at hand, they worked diligently to identify a possible solution, and expedited this work to ensure the enhancement would be in place for the release date of ACSIS timetables for students in August 2017. This enhancement alleviated questions and confusion for thousands of incoming Level 1 and Returning students and clearly demonstrated both Betty and Edwin’s commitment to the College Core Values: Caring, Learning, Integrity, and Respect.

Nominated by: Michelle Tait Eburne and Linda Crane
Presented on: January 24, 2018

Steve Dowdell

Architecture, Civil and Building Science

Steve Dowdell is nominated for the President’s Star award by many of his peers. He is, without a doubt, the embodiment of Algonquin College’s core values: Caring, Learning, Integrity and Respect.

Steve cares about students, his peers and the College itself. Many of his peers can say that they have “never been in his office when there wasn’t at least one student getting help, or a chance to make-up a missed assignment or exam.” Others have testified to his influence on future students in the College’s Connections program where he participates in informative and entertaining demonstrations in the Construction labs that excite and encourage potential program registrants. He is always available for students and cares deeply about their success. He has a demonstrated sense of duty to pay-forward the caring that was shown to him when he was a student here at the College – only he has paid it forward every day for over a decade and a half.

Steve is always learning because Steve is always curious. His desire to help students is driven by the desire to know and to make sure that the students know – even if they aren’t as curious. His professors can recall the student who would go beyond the expectation of the course to get at the essence of the subject matter – and then help his fellow students to follow in his footsteps.

Steve’s dedication to the College centers on everyone else’s success. Whether you are a student, an administrator or faculty Steve wants to help. He believes that the community of learners and teachers and those who support learning and teaching is one of the greatest families he knows. His integrity is an example of the potential inherent in Algonquin College.
Steve has enormous respect for his students. He knows, indeed has never forgotten, what it like to face the challenges, the isolation and the hardships associated with getting an education and balancing the demands the work/family/personal dynamic. He adopts the same attitude with new faculty, especially those under his coordinatorship in the weekend Construction Engineering program. He supports, encourages and mentors those who serve ‘his’ students. As many have said and at least one person has written “I have been touched by his big heart”.

We, the colleagues of Steve Dowdell, are honoured to nominate him for a President’s Star award.

Nominated by: Joan St. Arneault, John Barteaux, Patrick Dawson, Federico Fernandez, Amandah Selvey, Francesco Tangorra and Julie Viau
Presented on: January 10, 2018