¼â½ÐÊÓƵ

by Alissa Blanchard

Three awards given for teaching, leadership, and staff excellence were presented to members of Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ staff during the ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ's annual Professional Development Day held recently at the Atlantic Tourism and Hospitality Institute.

Presented in accordance with the Association of Canadian Community ¼â½ÐÊÓƵs (ACCC), of which Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ is a member, these awards are given for specific purposes and are based on specific criteria including commitment, impact on students and community, team work, performance and contribution, creativity and leadership. ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ staff, co-workers, and students are provided the opportunity to recommend to a Selection Committee, the names of individuals who they feel are most deserving of these special awards.

"Organizations often tend to focus on events that happen within an institution as opposed to focusing on those people who contribute to making successful events and positive things happen," commented Alex MacAulay, President of Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ. "Awards such as these provide us the time to recognize those people at the ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ who have given so much of themselves to make the ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ a better place for our staff and community and particularly, our students."

Honoring a faculty member who has exhibited consistent excellence in teaching and who has made a significant impact on the personal and academic growth of students is this year's recipient of the Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ Teaching Excellence Award, Pat Faulkner.

A 25-year member of the ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ community, Pat began her work with Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ when she was asked to sit on the DACUM Analysis Committee for the Medical Support Program. The following year, she was hired as the program's Learning Manager. Since then, Pat's commitment to her program has seen Medical Support Services develop from a traditional full-time Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ program to the one that it is today - diverse, self-directed, and accessible. Of particular importance to her students, are Pat's goals and flexibility in continuing education, an area that has had a significant impact on the life-long learning aspirations of all who take her courses.

¼â½ÐÊÓƵs and institutes have traditionally played a learning leadership role in the communities they serve. Although the entire institution participates, inevitably, one or two people make an outstanding contribution each year.

Francis Tang, this year's recipient of the Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ Leadership Excellence Award, is such a person. Since coming to the ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ in 1971, Francis's contributions are many. He initiated and delivered the first computer program at Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ as well as the Computer Engineering Technology program. His love of mathematics and science and his interest in students led to numerous successful initiatives including Science Camps, Science and Industry Tours and the creation of the highly successful Flying Circus of Physics. Highly regarded and sought after for his knowledge of competency-based education, Francis is currently the Coordinator of the ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ's Learning Management Program and serves as Coordinator of Professional Development. As a contributor to many of the ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ's international endeavors, he was a key player in helping the ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ establish agreements with six ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ?s in the People?s Republic of China.

The Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ Staff Excellence Award for the year 2001 was awarded to Madonna Gallant. This award honors a staff member who has made an exceptional contribution within the institution and in the community and serves as a model of excellence for all staff. Madonna has worked at the ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ since 1985 holding positions in Student Services, the Registrar?s Office and most recently her current position as Secretary for ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ-wide Facility Services in the Human and Corporate Services Division. Recognized by students and staff alike for her efficiency, professionalism and dedication to the ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ, it is through her outstanding volunteer and community work that the true spirit of her generosity and kindness shine through and which made the choice of Madonna for this award such an easy one.