The University’s new strategic framework and awards for outstanding staff members were highlights of the 14th annual community breakfast at the University of Guelph today.
President Franco Vaccarino launched U of G’s new strategic framework, the result of a process announced at last year’s community breakfast. “This new framework will guide our institutional planning and decision-making,” he said.
“Many of you here today contributed to the process, and your participation is a testament to our shared investment and pride in the University of Guelph.”
Referring to five intersecting themes contained in the framework, the president said “each theme includes objectives and questions to support and guide our planning. It is a practical, strategic document we can use to chart our future.”
Those themes are inspiring learning and inquiry; catalyzing discovery and change; connecting communities; stewarding valued resources; and nurturing a distinctive university culture.
The strategic framework was approved unanimously by the Board of Governors and Senate in the spring.
“This process was an opportunity to renew our identity,” said Vaccarino. “It is our road map for the months and years ahead.”
More information about the strategic framework is available at strategicrenewal.uoguelph.ca.
Also at today’s breakfast, eight individuals and one team received the President’s Awards for Exemplary Staff Service.
Created in 2003, the awards program recognizes U of G staff members who have demonstrated consistent commitment to excellence and who have exceeded expectations.
The names of those in the photo from left to right are:
Front row: Jill Rogers, Don Leggett, Marlene Eberhardt, Franco Vaccarino, Louise McIntyre, Jane Dawkins
Back row: Fernanda Peyronel, Bev Livingston, Joe Parkinson, Jeff McFarlane, Roman Poterski
Awards were presented as follows:
Award of Excellence in Health and Safety
Don Leggett, an equipment operator in his 48th year at the New Liskeard Agricultural Research Station, has trained numerous staff members to put safety first.
Community Service Award
Among her volunteer activities, Fernanda Peyronel, research associate and lab manager in Food Science, judges at science fairs, coaches sports and plants trees.
Louise McIntyre, administrative assistant in the College of Business and Economics, volunteers at convocation ceremonies, inspects child safety seats at the University Child Care and Learning Centre, and helps with the Guelph Synchronized Swim Club.
Exemplary Team Recognition Award
Dairy Centre Team: Bev Livingston, Jeff McFarlane and Joe Parkinson. This team helped establish U of G’s new state-of-the-art dairy research centre.
Hidden Hero Award
Roman Poterski, anatomy lab instructor and technician in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, earns recognition from students for his care and attention to research and teaching.
Innovative Leadership Recognition Award
Jill Rogers, managing director of research operations in the Office of Research Services, led in developing the University of Guelph’s first official policy on Responsible Conduct of Research.
Service Excellence Recognition Award
Amanda Bridge, client services associate in the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) Health Sciences Centre, looks after multiple aspects of patient and client care within the Animal Cancer Centre.
Marlene Eberhardt, lead hand with Custodial Services, has spent 38 years ensuring campus venues look their best for high-profile events.
Spirit Award
Jane Dawkins, OVC marketing communications officer, has helped inspire community involvement and belonging through social media, leading development of the OVC Instagram account and the exam stress-buster project with the McLaughlin Library.