Employee Awards 2009

The Board of Governors would like to take this opportunity to honour the employees of Mount Royal for their continued high level of service to the community.

Master of CeremoniesHunter Wight

Opening RemarksDave Marshall

Long Service Awards PresentationDave Marshall

Retiring EmployeesCathy Williams, Chair, Board of Governors

Musical PerformanceWhisper Not Jazz

Led by trombonist John Warkentin, Keith Smith (guitar) and Simon Fisk (bass)

Distinguished Staff AwardsRichard Roberts

Distinguished Faculty/Teaching AwardsRobin Fisher

Distinguished Faculty Scholarship AwardRobin Fisher

Distinguished Administrator/Manager AwardRobin Fisher

Alumni Award of DistinctionHunter Wight

Effective Team AwardBrian Fleming

Closing RemarksHunter Wight

Brunch will be served following the awards ceremony.Join us in the Library at 1 p.m. for the Mount Royal Library Retirement Recognition program.

Memorial TributeWe take a moment to remember the members of our Mount Royal community,past and present, who are no longer with us.

Joy Bilozir

Robert (Bob) Burke

Doug Dunwoody

Bruce Horrey

Rafal Kosztirko

Frances Pireh

Eric Rendell

Donna Storey

Long Service EmployeesWhether a member of the faculty, the administration or the support staff, each person working at Mount Royal makes a contribution to the success of the institution. These dedicated long-service employees have reached a significant milestone in their employment with Mount Royal.

10 Years Elaine BalychJoan BarlowCraig BaskettSarah BlockRobert BoschmanJanet BowesRobert BraggDuane BrattRalf BuschmeyerColleen CroswellerSteven EnglerRuth EnsAlexandria FarmerTerry FieldLinda FountainDon HaideyMarybeth HaydoDebbie HensonKumudu HettiaratchiBilly HlynskyAnnamarie HolzMarc JerryDavid JonesMaria KliavkoffAl LambBryan LaneMyriam LarocheDonna LazdowskiCathy LindlandLleona LivingstonKaren ManarinKevin McLeanBonnie McMillanMike MooreRissa Myers

Todd NickleDianne PearceJennifer PettitSharon ReczekDean RedgwellGlenn RuhlLynette RunionsMarc SangregorioIakov SapojnikovJoseph ShawMichael SheppardShannon ShultzCarolyn SterenbergYuriko TanakaCharlotte TuttBrian WeaverGita WerapitiyaDavid WintemuteMaureen Wright-SchmalSheldon ZandboerPeter Zizler

15 Years Colleen BradleyVictoria CalvertChris DaweDeb ForrestPeter FungRosemary GardnerTerry KlanBrenda LaingMaureen McGregorNeil McIntyreMaureen MitchellMarco Navarro-GenieGrant Paterson

Bill SpringShelley Stanhope- GoodmanBruce ThorpeMargaret TomaGabriela True Brenda VerweyLori Williams

20 YearsShawnee ArmstrongGus BoissonneaultMike BrunnerCorinne BurkeMary ChauMichael ClarkJane DroverSuzanne EvansBeth EverestDiana GarredMartin HaworthNorma KenwardMarlene KingsmithValerie KinnearAnita LiMichelle LoGulloIan LovattBeverly McLeodWarren McLeodRobin OwenMichael PollockNicholas PulosJoseph PurvesSusan QuinnDoug RathbunWayne Ronald

Roger Saint-FortAntoine SassineRoss SherwinKaren WaldeLee WertzlerHunter Wight

25 Years Darlene AsquithSheryl BlackieJudy CollinsStephen DaviesRon MacDonaldKim McKellarGrace OyelusiDonna SchroederPamela Wallbridge

30 YearsLawrence BarkwellDac DangBrian HendersonDigby SmithWarren SturmAnn TrumpAileen Wight-Felske

35 YearsRuth Murdoch

40 YearsMardy Roberts

Retirees

Reta HartFor Reta Hart, one common thread runs through her journey to and from Mount Royal – children. After 22 years raising a family of five children and babysitting neighborhood kids, Reta was ready to re-enter the work

world. And ironically, it would be children once more that would lure Reta into retirement this past January. “I have three grandchildren and I wanted to be with kids again,” says Reta. “Kids took me to the College and they took me away from the College.”

When Reta first joined Mount Royal in 1989 as a registration assistant in Enrolment Services, she was a bit apprehensive. “When I first started working as a casual after all of those years with the kids, I worried that I wouldn’t even remember how to type.”

But it all came back to her and before long she secured a full-time position in the Continuing Education department in Enrolment Services,

where she remained for 18 years helping students register for classes.

Reta has many fond memories of Mount Royal. Even before working at the College she remembers taking her kids to Mount Royal on Friday nights for an evening of swimming and hot chocolate. Reta enjoyed the many lunch hours she spent with her co-workers playing cards. “We had lots of fun. We vented and basically did whatever we needed to do to get back to work on an even keel – it was great therapy,” says Reta. “We continue to meet even to this day and I can see it carrying on for years.”

Another moment that stands out in Reta’s mind was when her boss went away for a month. Reta’s supervisor returned to find her office covered in spider webs. “We just wanted her to know that she had been gone way too long,” says Reta.

For Reta the most rewarding aspect of her job was working with wonderful people over the years. “There are people you get to know and they are there the whole time. And then there are others that come and go. But each one of them adds a little bit of something to your life.”

Yvonne Hayne“The only commodity that we really have in life is time, and it’s how we use that time to nurture relationships that is most important,” says Yvonne Hayne as she reflects on her time at Mount Royal.

Her earliest recollections of Mount Royal stretch back to when she was a student at Mount Royal’s original downtown campus. She graduated with a Nursing diploma in 1970 and can recall taking a first year philosophy class taught by Thomas Wood, who, in 1989, would be appointed Mount Royal president.

Yvonne went on to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing and proceeded to work in various nursing capacities before eventually finding her way back to Mount Royal in 1982, but this time as a faculty member with a specialty in psychiatric mental health nursing. While teaching at Mount Royal Yvonne pursued a master’s degree and a doctorate in psychiatric mental health nursing and is thankful for the

encouragement and support she received from her colleagues.

Over the 26 years Yvonne has been at Mount Royal, she has seen the College evolve and has witnessed significant changes in the Department of Nursing culminating in the introduction of Mount Royal’s first independent baccalaureate degree – the Bachelor of Nursing.

Mount Royal was not only a nurturing environment for Yvonne, but her children’s formative years were also touched by the College. “I can remember my two little ones taking the Kodály Musicianship program through the Conservatory as well as piano and guitar lessons. So Mount Royal will always hold a warm spot in my heart,” says Yvonne.

As for life after Mount Royal, Yvonne shows no signs of letting up as her retirement from the College last August signaled a new beginning in her current role as a faculty member at the University of Calgary. Yvonne says her experience at Mount Royal helped prepare her for this adventure. “I still have a lot of energy and inspiration to share with students and that’s largely thanks to my experience at Mount Royal.”

Valerie HepburnValerie Hepburn was destined to work at Mount Royal – just ask her psychic. Valerie’s path to Mount Royal began with a vision from her psychic predicting that she would work at the College. Intrigued, Valerie phoned the job-line and sure

enough there was a term position opening in the Department of Human Resources. At the time, Valerie needed another job while working to get her reflexology business up and running, so she applied for the Mount Royal position and was hired.

“I came for 10 months and stayed 10 years,” says Valerie who was initially hired as an administrative assistant in the Department of Human Resources in 1999, before transferring to a nursing advisor position in 2002 where she remained until she retired in January.

Valerie has a Bachelor of Education and strongly believes in lifelong learning. Perhaps that’s why her fondest memories of the College are linked to watching Mount Royal convocation ceremonies. “Every year during convocation I sit in the stands and listen as they announce the nursing students who are graduating,” says Valerie. “I’m so pleased for each and every one of them. Many have had struggles and trials and to see them walk across that stage and graduate is so fulfilling.”

Valerie is also a reflexologist and an Usui and Karuna Reiki practitioner and her future plans include continuing to share her holistic vocation with family and friends. Valerie and her husband look forward to dedicating more time to their hobbies as “ham radio” enthusiasts and dedicated vintage car fans.

“Life is exciting and now that the first 40 years of mainstream hard work is behind me, it’s time for fun, fun, fun!”

Jean JarrellJean Jarrell admits she’s highly competitive – and that trait has helped her achieve a lifetime of teaching, coaching and academic advising excellence during her 38 years as a faculty member in Mount Royal’s Department of Physical Education

and Recreation Studies.

Jean is semi-retiring after a distinguished career as an instructor, academic advisor, program coordinator and coach. After earning her M.Sc. in Physical Education, she coached gymnastics, swimming and track and field at an Oregon high school – in fact, one of her students went on to win a gold medal in track and field at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. She returned to Calgary and after teaching high school physical education, was recruited by Mount Royal in 1971. With extensive experience in dance and gymnastics, Jean helped launch the Mount Royal Gymnastics Club in 1969 and was a founding member of the Alberta Gymnastics Federation. She coached gymnastics with her husband Jim for many years after her working day at Mount Royal was over.

Jean then worked to achieve the level of an international (brevet) gymnastics judge, travelling nationally and globally for 20 years with the Canadian national team judging at many events, including the Commonwealth and Pan-American games. One of Jean’s proudest accomplishments was her induction into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2001, the first inductee for the sport of gymnastics.

At Mount Royal, Jean has taught coaching theory since 1972 and will return to teach new courses in advanced coaching in the fall. She is also a caring and skilled academic advisor. “I love advising,” she says. “What’s most important to me is the success of my students.” She has also taught aquatics lifesaving in every semester of her time here. “I can’t imagine having done anything else with my professional life,” she says. “Teaching here is what I am, not what I do.”

As for life after Mount Royal, Jean and her husband will continue to be avid supporters of Cougar Athletics – you’ll find them at many Cougar games – and besides enjoying their two dogs and doing some travel, Jean will continue to quilt and do folk art painting.

Shirley KingShirley King, who will retire in August after a distinguished 21-year teaching career in Mount Royal’s nursing school, says she will leave a piece of her heart behind here and will cherish many lifelong friends.

Shirley began her nursing career in emergency and intensive care units. She taught nursing at the University of Calgary and Dalhousie University before joining Mount Royal in 1988. “My passion for teaching brought me to Mount Royal,” she says. “The recognition of high quality education as a priority has kept me here for 21 years.”

Shirley’s passion and specialty is pharmacology – in fact, she recently finished writing a textbook called Pharmacology for Nurses: a Pathophysiologic Approach. Writing the book took more than three years of work on weekends and holidays. Her textbook is in use this academic year.

But what really makes Shirley proud is the success of her students. “I am very rewarded by the opportunities to nurture our emerging

nurses,” she says. Shirley is honoured that her students nominated her for distinguished teaching and teaching excellence awards – which she won.

Shirley has served on “almost every committee on campus,” she says, including chairing the Academic Council. “It’s so enriching to have opportunities to work alongside colleagues from many other departments,” she notes.

Shirley was an early adopter of the use of technology in the classroom in the days before laptops. “I was determined to get technology to the classroom.” She recalls having to bring her whole desktop computer system to the classroom more than a decade ago – and in those days personal computers were big and bulky – and trundling it down the hallways “clattering over those tiles.” She received PanCanadian Technology Awards for her efforts.

In retirement, Shirley will spend some time with her husband, Gerry, pursuing hobbies and cruising on their yacht on trips around the west coast. She also plans to spend time writing, photographing and travelling and may even go back to teaching at some point. “I’ve had many unique opportunities over the years – there are people at Mount Royal who will be lifelong friends.”

Cecille Leonard (formerly Wachal)

After 11 years with the Learning Skills Centre and Career Services, Cecille Leonard is hitting the highways with her husband on their Suzuki V-Strom motorbike – and hitting the pavement as a runner.

Cecille worked as a receptionist for most of her time at Mount Royal and says she valued feeling part of a big family in her work life. She also loved the opportunities to take courses and workshops, including the Career Development certificate program through the University of Calgary. She took one of the courses in the program, Cognitive Coaching, at Mount Royal, the first time this course was offered at the College for employees.

Cecille also completed her practicum for this certificate with Mount Royal students, helping them explore their career aspirations. She says she’s most proud of those times. “We helped them feel at ease when they were stressed out,

and in fact some of them actually told me I made their day,” she says.

One of the biggest challenges she encountered while working at Mount Royal was making regular presentations to large groups of first-year students during new student orientation. A self-described introvert, Cecille says it was a real stretch for her – but she’s glad to have had the chance. “I was given opportunities to do things I normally wouldn’t,” she said.

A fitness buff, Cecille also found the recreation facilities invaluable, and in fact she took up running on the track here. Currently she’s enjoying getting back to running outside.

Retirement last fall meant not only more time to travel and get fit, it also brought about a change in Cecille’s marital status. “I got married the week after I retired,” she says with a laugh. In fact, she met her husband through a friend at Mount Royal. In early May she and her husband travelled to Sicily for sightseeing and some biking, and last summer they rode from Little Rock, Arkansas to Calgary on the big V-Strom. “I love it,” Cecille says.

Elizabeth Manzuk“Continuous learning is probably the greatest lesson that I will take from my time at Mount Royal,” says Elizabeth Manzuk. She knows a lot about Mount Royal’s Continuing Education course listings as Elizabeth assisted with the production of the Continuing Education calendar for 21 years.

Elizabeth joined Mount Royal in 1987 and provided administrative support for marketing and communications in the Faculty of Continuing Education and Extension, where she proofed the calendar and assisted with reception duties until she retired in October. “I really enjoyed working on the calendar and I worked with a great bunch of people,” says Elizabeth.

Elizabeth has fond memories of participating in Employee Activity Day at Mount Royal which piqued her interest in fitness activities like yoga and weight training. After all those years assisting with the calendar production, Elizabeth couldn’t help but take some continuing education courses. In fact, Elizabeth took so

many interesting courses through the Faculty of Continuing Education and Extension that she would need a printout to recall them all. Elizabeth can remember taking some personal financial planning and computer upgrading courses as well as a wild edibles course that included a camping trip near Canmore.

Elizabeth chuckles when she recalls being so tired from working on the calendar that she once came to work wearing one brown boot and one black shoe. The team’s dedication to the calendar really paid off when they won two prestigious awards for best calendar design. “There’s really a sense of professional and personal satisfaction when all is said and done and you look at the finished product,” says Elizabeth.

As for retirement, Elizabeth intends to spend more time with family and travel to British Columbia. She would also like to do some volunteer work for the MEOW Foundation and take more continuing education classes to expand her horizons.

Dianne McDermidFor Dianne McDermid the most rewarding aspect of her job at Mount Royal was working with the students and watching them evolve and grow. As a distance educator in the Gerontology program at Mount Royal she did not have

face-to-face lectures, but she was still able to foster strong relationships with students through regular phone calls.

“Just to have my students come back to me after completing the program and say: ‘You know I couldn’t have done this without you,’ or ‘you were a great support’ has been really incredible,” says Dianne.

Dianne has a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in education. Prior to joining Mount Royal she worked as an instructor at the Foothills Hospital School of Nursing and an education coordinator for Carewest. She joined

Mount Royal in 1995 to fill in for a sabbatical position and never left. For the next 14 years Dianne held instructor and coordinator positions in the Department of Advanced Specialty Health Studies. She coordinated the Gerontology program and wrote most of the gerontology distance education course material provided online.

Among her greatest accomplishments Dianne highlights her involvement as a content expert in the production of a video series entitled New Look at Aging. The video series was produced in 2005 and continues to air periodically on Access Television. “Mount Royal is supportive of faculty doing things that are outside of the box and I really valued the incredible support from my colleagues,” she says.

As for retirement, Dianne says she has worked all her life and she “doesn’t know how to stop.” Dianne retires in August but she would like to continue to do some work for the College on a part-time basis, and perhaps venture to Mexico to hike the Copper Canyon and brush up on her Spanish.

Dexter NelsonMount Royal has played a large part in Dexter Nelson’s life, both personally and professionally. Not only was Dexter a student at Mount Royal in the late ‘60s, both his brother Drewe and grandmother Lillian Moss are Mount Royal alumni.

In fact, his grandmother graduated with a Business diploma in 1913.

The College connection doesn’t stop there. While working at Mount Royal as an athletic therapist in the early 1970s, Dexter met his wife Valerie who was in the Physical Education transfer program at the time and played volleyball for the College. Both of Dexter’s daughters (Corrie and Lindsey) graduated from Mount Royal and have also played college volleyball. Dexter even had the pleasure of teaching his oldest daughter Corrie three years ago in the Athletic Therapy program. “Corrie and I both treasured the time that we could spend in the classroom together,” says Dexter.

Dexter worked at the University of Calgary as an instructor and certified athletic therapist for eight years before returning to Mount

Royal in 1983 to develop the Athletic Therapy program. During his 26 years at the College, Dexter has held a variety of positions including chair of the Department of Physical Education and Recreation Studies, Physical Education program coordinator, Athletic Therapy program coordinator/instructor, and while seconded to the Academic Development Centre, he chaired the Faculty Curriculum Group.

Some of Dexter’s accomplishments include founding the Canadian Pro Rodeo Sport Medicine program in 1983, and serving as the chief therapist for the Canadian Olympic Medical Team for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. “It was a terrific experience actually being in Calgary and working with Olympic athletes,” he says.

Starting in August, Dexter’s retirement plans include working on his family farm near Carseland and continuing to enjoy life with his wife Valerie, his grown children (Chris, Corrie, and Lindsey) and grandsons Kai and Quinn. He and Valerie look forward to travelling to some place warm next winter.

“I’m grateful for all the wonderful friendships I’ve made at the College,” says Dexter. “And for all the wonderful opportunities that I’ve been given – I just want to say thank you.”

Lloyd RankinSince leaving Mount Royal in August 2008, former Bissett School of Business instructor Lloyd Rankin is making a name for himself in the world of megaproject construction work phase planning.

After a rewarding 21-year career teaching business courses, Lloyd made the difficult decision to focus on a burgeoning consulting business in the area of strategic planning for large construction projects. During his PhD research, Lloyd and another researcher developed a planning model for oil and gas megaprojects, which attracted interest and resulted in requests to have him consult and perform audits. He was then awarded a contract by the Construction Owners’ Association of Alberta to undertake work phase planning, necessitating forming his own company.

“I loved my time at the College, but this was a different kind of challenge,” Lloyd says. “This is my own business, and I get to be involved with the international speaking circuit.”

While at Mount Royal, Lloyd developed programs in the Faculty of Continuing Education and Extension, spent five years working with the President as an organizational effectiveness consultant, and two years as chair of the School of Business (now Bissett). “One of the things I’m most proud of is that I was able to hire some of the really good people at Mount Royal today,” he says. Lloyd also found working with and helping students “hugely rewarding,” including coaching business competitions.

Lloyd is not only doing consulting work with large clients and speaking at conferences in southeast Asia, Australia and the U.S., he’s also fitting in writing a book on work phase planning, which should be released this fall, and organizing a work phase planning conference for later this year in Calgary. “The growth area during a recession is in infrastructure,” he says.

Lloyd says leaving Mount Royal was tough because of the extraordinary opportunities here as well as the people. “It was a great place to work. There are so many things you can do at the College if you open yourself up to it.”

Marja-Leena ZsemberiMarja-Leena Zsemberi saw a lot of changes at Mount Royal in the 32 years she worked as an administrative assistant in the Department of Physical Resources, but one thing she always enjoyed was the challenge her work provided.

After finishing business school in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Marja worked at Domtar in that city for 13 years before moving to Calgary in 1975. She joined Mount Royal in 1977, appreciative of the on-site daycare for her young child and the College’s reputation as a good place to work. In her years working for Plant Operations and Maintenance, which later became the Department of Physical Resources, Marja had a wide variety of responsibilities, including

dealing with budgeting, energy conservation, renovations, contractors and architects.

“There was a good variety of work,” she says. “And the people were wonderful – everybody’s always willing to help you.”

Mount Royal has grown considerably in size and scope since 1977, and Marja says she misses some of the former amenities like the pancake house, fish-and-chips shop and hairdressing salon. However, she has always appreciated the opportunities to take professional development and recreational courses such as flower arranging.

Retired since January, Marja is taking time to relax and hopes to pursue her love of art and photography. She plans to continue learning at Mount Royal by taking evening courses in either oil painting or digital photography.

Other RetireesCheryl BarkerBrian BeckCintra MarajhIrene McElroySharon MulroneyRose PetersSheila Runquist

Mount Royal Library Retirement Recognition

This year marks the eighth anniversary of the Library Retirement Recognition Program, celebrating retiring Mount Royal staff, faculty and administrators.

The program was developed to provide a lasting and meaningful tribute to employees. Retiring members of the Students’ Association of Mount Royal College Executive are also honoured for their dedication and hard work on behalf of students.

Each retiree chooses a book or an audiovisual item to be added to the Library’s collection. Information about the retiree, their choice and the reasons why it has special significance will be incorporated in the online catalogue, bookplates, and a website. The books chosen and dedicated by the retirees will add to the educational experience of Mount Royal students in the future.

We thank all retirees for the thought and dedication they put into choosing their books and welcome all employees to join us in the Library following the Employee Awards brunch today at 1 p.m. for this year’s presentation.

Musical Performance

Whisper Not is the strange title of a beautiful tune by American saxophonist and composer Benny Golson. Whisper Not Jazz is a Calgary trio led by the “strange” trombonist John Warkentin. After 25 years as a freelancer playing with an array of ensembles including the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Foothills Brass Quintet, and Tom Phillips and the Men of Constant Sorrow, John struck out on his own. “This way I could play songs I liked and be the leader.” John has also been an ESL instructor in the Department of International Education at Mount Royal for the past 13 years.

Keith Smith (guitar) and Simon Fisk (bass), two of Calgary’s hottest jazz sidemen/leaders, happily accepted the chance to play John’s take on jazz, Latin and pop tunes. Over the past nine years the group has performed for weddings, corporate Christmas parties, book launches, the Calgary International Film Festival, and – for five years – the dearly departed bookstore, McNally Robinson Booksellers.

One comment that reoccurs is how surprising it is to hear a trombone played so beautifully. Whether elegantly interpreting a Lennon/McCartney ballad or swinging like Basie, Whisper Not Jazz will surprise.

Distinguished Staff Awards(full-time)

Shawnee ArmstrongDescribed by colleagues as the “heart and soul” of the Bissett School of Business, Shawnee Armstrong brings a unique combination of “ e n t h u s i a s m , lightheartedness and stability to the Bissett community.”

Shawnee joined Mount Royal in 1989 working in Student Services and Residence Services before providing administrative support to the Bissett School of Business since 1998. If a task needs to be done or assistance is required, Shawnee is always willing to lend a hand. Shawnee’s attention to detail and her bright spirit and cheerful attitude make her an invaluable member of the Bissett team.

While working full-time at Bissett, Shawnee enrolled in the Human Resources diploma program and graduated in 2005. She continues to take courses at the University of Lethbridge towards a business degree. This experience has given Shawnee wonderful insight into

student life which translates into empathy for both students and faculty. Shawnee exemplifies Mount Royal’s Face to Face brand as she gets to know many students on a first-name basis.

Shawnee’s superior level of service also extends to those outside of Mount Royal. She volunteers with numerous organizations, including serving on the West Heritage Manor Board of Directors, mentoring and providing ski instruction to students through the Calgary Educational Partnership Foundation’s Stay in School program, and canvassing for the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Canadian Lung Association and the Heart and Stroke Association. Shawnee is also a member of the Mount Royal College Employee Alumni Executive and the Mount Royal Support Staff Association Policies and Procedures Committee, and fundraises for the Mount Royal College Corporate Challenge and the United Way.

“I feel so honoured that my colleagues feel that I am worthy of this award,” says Shawnee. “There are so many deserving individuals worthy of acknowledgement and I feel very blessed to have been nominated.”

Crystal KochFifteen years as a s tay-at-home mom and running her own day home gave Crystal Koch the skills and discipline necessary to excel in her position in Mount Royal’s Office of Institutional Analysis and Planning. A research assistant

since 2001, Crystal’s dedication, contributions and accomplishments to the department are being recognized this year.

Crystal began organizing student evaluations for credit instructors in 2001, and later created a system for that process. She is now responsible for coordinating the evaluations as well as hiring, training and supervising 12 casual staff. “I am very proud of being able to be a voice for students,” she says. “I take that very seriously. It gives them an opportunity to be heard.”

She also treasures her ability to connect with and build relationships with students. “I get to see incredible young people,” she says. “This is a wonderful place to work.”

Crystal was nominated by her supervisor, Senior Assessment Analyst Georgina Grant, who says,

“Under Crystal’s leadership, the conduct of the Student Evaluation of Instruction has been refined to roll out like a well-tuned machine. Her respect for human dignity, along with her patience, kindness and genuine interest in people are tremendous examples of what one person can do to make Mount Royal a welcoming place.”

Crystal says she was stunned and overwhelmed when she learned she had won this award. “I’m so honoured to be recognized by my colleagues and co-workers,” she says. Crystal is also glad to know student evaluations are being recognized as they have an impact on the entire institution. “I’m always looking at ways to make the student evaluations work better.

“My self-awareness and self-confidence have grown so much at Mount Royal,” Crystal says. “The staff is so warm and loving – we really are a family.”

Crystal takes on many projects, one of which has been volunteering for the Brain Tumour Foundation for the past year and a half. After her brother was diagnosed with brain cancer, Crystal has participated in conferences and is helping organize the Foundation’s Spring Sprint fundraiser.

Distinguished Faculty/Teaching Awards(full-time)

Irene NaestedIrene Naested is passionate about quality teaching and learning. Her colleagues in the Department of Education and Schooling are impressed by Irene’s boundless energy and motivation and describe her as being the “epitome of an

administrator who encourages her instructors to strive for excellence in all that they do.”

Following a highly successful 20-year career with the Calgary Public School Board as a teacher, curriculum leader and department head, Irene came to Mount Royal in 1995 with a vision of establishing education alternatives for pre-professional teachers. With this vision and her capacity to inspire others, Irene, as chair of the Department of Education and Schooling was instrumental in establishing the highly reputable Bachelor of Education – University Transfer program and has been the driving force for the proposed Bachelor of Education degree at Mount Royal.

Irene’s background as an artist, educator, author and administrator has provided her with solid skills and perspectives in the field of educational leadership. She has authored and co-authored eight publications, two of which remain in active use in classes at Mount Royal. Irene also has numerous academic and professional presentations to her credit, and regularly shares her educational expertise as a member of a number of academic committees at the College.

Students describe Irene as a teacher who “consistently goes above and beyond” in creating engaging learning environments. Her approachability, fairness and integrity are evident in teaching evaluations. Students involved in the Education Undergraduate Society value Irene’s guidance and support as the faculty advisor.

“I was very touched,” says Irene about being nominated for this award. “I have always thought very highly of the teaching that happens at Mount Royal, and I’m very pleased to be considered among the many wonderful teachers at Mount Royal.”

Dianne WoodsNot only has Dianne Woods taught business at Mount Royal’s Bissett School of Business for nearly 27 years, she’s made it a family affair – her husband is also a Bissett instructor and one of her sons is studying for his degree

here. But it’s her work with the students, staff and faculty at Mount Royal that keeps her here, and she’s grateful to them for this award.

“It’s nice to get this at the end of my career – it keeps up my enthusiasm for the job,” she says. “I really love working with students and having the opportunity to do a variety of different jobs while working at Mount Royal – it’s why I’m still here.”

Dianne teaches international business and marketing courses and has worked with the Directed Field Studies. “It’s been a great experience working with students setting up their own business or taking on an international internship. I work closely with them and mentor them through the trials and tribulations of launching a small business.”

Dianne came from an entrepreneurial background before deciding to give teaching a try. With a Master of Business Administration, she was initially offered part-time work at Mount Royal teaching marketing courses and found she loved it. She began teaching full-time in 1987 and later became involved with launching the international stream of the Bachelor of Applied Business and Entrepreneurship applied degree in 1997.

Dianne is proud of many of her accomplishments during her time at Mount Royal, but particularly the opportunities she’s had to showcase international exchange program opportunities for students at various symposia both locally and internationally. The Bissett School of Business recently won a province of Alberta award for internationalizing the teaching and learning practice, and Dianne was very involved in the nomination process. She’s also proud of her work developing curriculum for the International Business stream in conjunction with the Forum for International Trade Training.

“I’ve loved that the College has changed and evolved over the years – it makes it a very exciting place to work” she says.

Distinguished Faculty/Teaching Awards(part-time)

Doug McClintockAs a sessional instructor of economics in the Department of Policy Studies and a part-time instructor with the Bissett School of Business, Doug McClintock teaches “from his heart and genuinely cares about individual

student success.” Many students can attest that Doug’s mentorship and practical approach to learning has really made a difference and has encouraged them to further their studies at a post-graduate level.

To Doug, teaching at Mount Royal was like coming full circle, as he recalls being a struggling student and is truly appreciative of the role Mount Royal played in his life as a transitional school. “Mount Royal really helped me in terms of my confidence when I was a student and really made me believe in myself,” says Doug. “Mike Fellows was one of my first instructors at Mount Royal and he was my mentor so I really wanted to come back and teach with him.”

In 1977 Mike Fellows hired Doug as a lab instructor, giving him the confidence to go beyond his Business Administration diploma

and continue to a bachelor’s degree, then a master’s. Doug also teaches part-time at the University of Calgary. His wide oil and gas industry experience combined with work on commercial test banks and study guide materials in economics adds an extra dimension to the classroom experience.

During the time that Doug studied at Mount Royal he remembers being so financially strapped that he couldn’t even afford to buy a cup of coffee. Although it was many years ago, it is an experience that he’ll never forget as he can still remember the negative effect it had on his educational experience. “Since then, I made a promise that if I was ever in a position to help a student in financial need, I would certainly do so,” says Doug.

After the death of his mother in 1999, Doug decided to establish the Lily (Bunny) McClintock Memorial Scholarship, named for his mother in order to help Mount Royal Arts students who demonstrate financial need. “This scholarship, without a doubt, is my most honoured and prized accomplishment,” says Doug.

“I feel like teaching is what I was meant to do. I’m very honoured to be recognized not only by the students but by my peers as well.”

Tamara WickwirePsychology instructor Tamara Wickwire says although she stumbled into teaching, her passion for the job and her students keeps her feet on the ground.

“I love how my students find interesting what I find interesting,” she

enthuses, “and that I get to talk about what I think is relevant and important. When you’re passionate about something, it’s nice when others feel passionate about it too.”

Tamara followed a unique path to teaching – she was an ice dancer competing nationally and also skated professionally with Disney on Ice before pursuing her master’s degree in sports psychology. She was also very young – 25 – when she was hired by Mount Royal four years ago. “I didn’t really think about teaching because I was so young; I didn’t think there was a chance of getting hired. It’s what I’m most proud of.”

Once she retired from competitive and professional skating, Tamara began ballroom dancing and now teaches the sport. She also coaches figure skating, and can see definite similarities between skating and teaching. “You put on a show when you’re lecturing – it’s the same energy,” she says. “You have to keep them entertained!”

Tamara teaches Introductory Psychology and Interpersonal Communication at Mount Royal and also works as a mental skills coach with Mount Royal’s golf, hockey and basketball teams. She was nominated for this award by her students, who appreciate her enthusiasm, energy, clear expectations and approachability. “I was shocked and really pleased to be nominated,” she says. “It was very unexpected.”

Tamara, who calls both her students and her department colleagues amazing, says the award is a verification that she’s on the right track with her career. She knows she wants to continue teaching and working with sports teams. “I try to encourage my students to find a way to contribute in their own lives that will make them as happy as I am spending my days teaching.”

Distinguished Faculty/Teaching Awards(credit free)

Craig BaskettAfter more than eight years as an instructor in Mount Royal’s Transitional Vocational Program (TVP), Craig Baskett is delighted that his students nominated him, saying the award is “super exciting” and an acknowledgement that his teaching is

moving in the right direction. “Teaching is very important to me, and to have this award come from the students is twice as rewarding,” he says.

Craig began his career as a schoolteacher in Guatemala in the late ‘90s where he taught for two years – an adventure he says was a wonderful experience – before joining Mount Royal in 1998. He works here with students in the Employment Preparation Extension certificate program, and says he’s very fortunate to work at Mount Royal. “Working with the students has been a remarkable experience,” he says. “Once they are employed, it’s rewarding to see how they mature in the work world and become more independent. The students are so kind and wonderful, and also supportive of each other.”

Craig is also grateful for a cohesive group of colleagues who work well together, with a focus on meeting student needs. “Our team is a big part of why I won this award,” he says. “And as a team we share a healthy sense of humour.”

Craig also values the positive environment at Mount Royal and the support he and the TVP receive. “This is an environment where what I do is valued by students, by our faculty and by the College.” Craig is president of the Canadian Association for Participatory Development, a non-profit group working to improve the lives of people with disabilities by partnering with local organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean. He is also a member of both the Alberta and Canadian Associations for Supported Employment.

Craig will be enjoying a year’s sabbatical starting in June 2010, when he and his wife plan to live in Central America – possibly Nicaragua – to learn Spanish and volunteer. “This is a chance for me to recharge my batteries and come back re-energized,” says Craig. Most likely, his students would say he’s earned the break.

Warren ClendiningWarren Clendining is simply a “dream instructor to work with” according to staff in the Faculty of Continuing Education and Extension, where Warren has been an instructor since 1998.

He has been a devoted champion of the Technical Writing program, tirelessly guiding it through its evolution over the years. Warren has been committed to the students by providing excellence in the classroom, both in the Technical Writing program and through the Centre for Business Development. He has developed and taught almost every one of the courses in the Technical Writing program – first five courses, then 11, now 16 in all! Warren’s students consistently rave about their learning experiences and greatly appreciate Warren’s practical, hands-on instruction.

“You kind of pour your heart out into the teaching and it’s rewarding when students tell me that I’m making a difference in their lives and that it has helped them to pursue a new career,” says Warren.

Warren has a bachelor’s degree in science and geology and has been working as a professional technical writer for 15 years. He has also worked as both a geologist and software project manager and has been an active member of the Society of Technical Communicators for 15 years.

Warren’s colleagues describe him as an expert in his field – confident and knowledgeable but he remains humble and never sees himself as bigger than the program. He quietly accepts praise and reciprocates praise to administrative personnel.

Warren’s enthusiasm and dedication also extends to those outside Mount Royal. As a father of five boys and two girls, Warren has been involved in Scouts Canada since 1986 acting as a leader for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. He also volunteers his time as an instructor with the Calgary Board of Education to assist ESL learners with resume preparation.

“I was very touched,” says Warren about being nominated for this award. “We don’t do it for the acknowledgement; we do it for the love of it. But it’s always nice when someone commends you on a job well done.”

Saadat KeshavjeeMaintaining strong ties between the real estate community and Mount Royal, continually working on his professional development and being recognized as an outstanding teacher are the hallmarks of Saadat Keshavjee’s teaching

career at Mount Royal.

Saadat has taught residential property management and condominium management courses with the Faculty of Continuing Education and Extension since 1990. Educated on three continents (Kenya, England and Canada), Saadat is a certified property manager and he also has a Hotel Administration diploma. He is a member of the Alberta Real Estate Association and the Institute of Real Estate Management and has served as president and director of both. As if all this is not enough, Saadat is also finishing up his Adult Educator certificate through Mount Royal.

“This award is a very special honour to me as I love teaching,” Saadat says. “Mount Royal has a special place in my teaching and professional career.”

Saadat’s nominator, Cheryl VandeGraft, a program coordinator with Continuing Education, says consistent excellent feedback from his students, a high standard of academic excellence and his willingness to share his experiences result in a highly productive learning environment. “Saadat’s genuine interest in student success frequently results in him staying after class, and many students keep in contact with him well after the courses have ended.”

One of Saadat’s major accomplishments at Mount Royal was the instrumental role he played in developing a four-course extension certificate program in Condominium Management, including student manuals, after identifying a training need. The course began in January 2008 with full support of the industry.

Saadat says he felt “most humbled, most grateful and very surprised” when he found out he had won this award. “Mount Royal has been a place for growth, for personal development and a place where I have met some very wonderful, supportive people. I get a lot of satisfaction from being able to make a difference and help others develop their careers.”

Distinguished Faculty Scholarship Award

John WinterdykJohn Winterdyk, instructor in the Department of Justice Studies, came to Mount Royal in 1988 and has found his 21-year career here satisfying, providing him with a great work-life balance.

John was a bit ambivalent about teaching at the college level initially, but found in time that there were compensating factors. “I saw that the balance of life I was able to find here complements what I value,” he says. “I could pursue things in the academic area that interest me without having to deal with the publish-or-perish issue.”

John was appointed department chair in 2005 and has found his role to be challenging, but he has also managed to maintain a reasonable scholarly agenda. “You dictate your own success,” he says. “Mount Royal has provided opportunities for me and for many students to be successful.”

One of the highlights of John’s Mount Royal career has been the biennial European

criminology study tours he has led for the last 14 years. Students have the opportunity to tour Europe while viewing criminal justice systems up close and personal, rather than just through books. “This is almost a life-changing experience for some students,” he says. “It’s something I’ve believed in for a long time, and I have seen huge benefits for students.”

John was pleasantly surprised by the nomination for this award and says he appreciates the recognition for his work and academic record. “It’s an honour to be recognized by my colleagues,” he says. “It’s recognition of what I’ve tried to do here during my tenure.”

John has competed in triathlons for many years, winning Ironman Canada in 1984 and competing several times in the World Masters games. “I’ve gotten a lot out of sports and out of being at Mount Royal,” he says. “In the areas in which I’ve done well, I’ve tried to give back some of the wisdom of my experience.”

The newly-opened Criminal Justice Research Lab is one of John’s proudest accomplishments. “This is one of the things I’ve immersed myself in since I’ve been here – it’s another venue to bring research to students and the institution.”

Distinguished Administrator/Manager Award

Manuel MertinIn his 35-year career at Mount Royal, Faculty of Arts Dean Manuel Mertin has taught prisoners, pursued a part-time music career and served as a strong booster of Mount Royal’s degree programs.

“Manuel served on almost every College-level degree transition committee, participated actively as a Mount Royal board representative on the collective bargaining team and was a key player in the several-year process of developing the MR model of General Education,” says Lee Wertzler, instructor, Department of Psychology.

In 1974 Manuel was hired by Mount Royal to teach a political science course at the Drumheller Penitentiary. “It was a study in motivation,” Manuel says. He also began teaching part-time at Mount Royal in the winter semester of 1975.

At the same time, Manuel spent his weekends playing drums with his jazz and dance band, Allegro, in some of Calgary’s swanky hotspots such as the Palliser Hotel and the Calgary Petroleum Club. In 1981, after developing

several new political science courses, he was offered a full-time teaching position at Mount Royal (although he had to give up the music career). Manuel was chair of the Department of Economics and Political Science twice, first in 1988 and then again, after completing a PhD, in 1997. He oversaw the development of the Bachelor of Applied Policy Studies, and in 2000 he was appointed associate dean. After serving as acting dean for half a year, he became dean in 2002.

Manuel is very proud of the work he did to help jumpstart several degree programs at Mount Royal, starting with the Bachelor of Arts – Athabasca University at Mount Royal program. He also accurately forecast, back in 2000, that the Arts faculty would grow significantly, which flew in the face of most opinions then. “I looked at the data and found that every time a new applied degree was added there was increased demand for Arts courses,” he says.

One of the main reasons Manuel has stayed at Mount Royal this long is because he has always been given the support and resources he needs to take advantage of opportunities. “This award is recognition of the work that has been done over the last few years – I feel honoured.”

Alumni Award of Distinction

Roland (Rollie) LaHayeRoland LaHaye, or Rollie as his colleagues and students affectionately call him, always knew that he wanted to be involved in the justice system. His grandfather worked as a prison guard and upon watching an ad on television for the

Correctional Careers diploma program at Mount Royal, Rollie enrolled in the program in 1968 and never looked back.

“Mount Royal instilled in me a thirst for knowledge,” says Rollie. While pursing his diploma he supported his family by working night shifts, often finishing at 7 a.m. before heading to classes. “I never missed a class. The teaching was fantastic and I had great admiration for the instructors.”

Rollie eventually returned to Mount Royal as a faculty member in the Department of Justice Studies in 1976. He served as department chair for three years before teaching full-time. “I just love teaching, but more than anything else it’s watching the development of students that really gives me a kick,” says Rollie.

While many past students would credit Rollie for providing them with the direction and support they needed to succeed, the majority would also credit him for assisting them to secure positions they are in today. Rollie also conducted numerous student tours to various correctional facilities throughout Alberta. His passion and care for the students has been an inspiration and role model for many of his colleagues.

Rollie’s proudest achievement involved hosting Mount Royal’s Realities of Life and Justice conference which spanned 24 years. This major biennial event was student run and resulted in the creation of six endowed scholarships and several other scholarships were enhanced by the conference’s financial success. This legacy will remain at Mount Royal for the benefit of students for many years to come.

Rollie has been involved, in one form or another, with every criminal justice agency in and around Calgary. Even today he continues to serve on a range of local, provincial and even national boards and is a leader in many of these areas.

“It’s such an honour to receive this award,” says Rollie. “I could have retired a long time ago but I love being here and teaching keeps me energized.”

Effective Team Award

For the past several years, a Mount Royal committee – featuring a diverse range of faculty and staff, as well as members from the Students’ Association of Mount Royal – has worked together to increase awareness of issues relating to violence. This topic is of such importance to the committee members that they worked over and above their regular duties at Mount Royal to organize events and secure internal and external funding support.

Last November, several events took place in and around Calgary through Turn Off the Violence (TOTV) Week – an annual campaign to mark Violence Awareness Month across Canada. Mount Royal’s TOTV committee collaborated with various community agencies to host four events on campus during the first two weeks of November 2008.

The events included prominent speakers such as Ben Atherton-Zeman, a spokesperson for the National Organization for Men Against Sexism, and Nancy Janovicek, assistant professor in the Department of History at the

Turn Off the Violence (TOTV)University of Calgary and author of No Place to Go: Local Histories of the Battered Women’s Shelter Movement.

The events sparked highly engaging discussions about the issue of violence, and a photo-based research project displayed on Main Street provided opportunities for students, faculty and staff to learn about the hidden complexities of the sex trade.

The TOTV committee hopes to continue to increase awareness of violence prevention on campus and has plans to work with the EnCana Wellness Centre and Mount Royal Administration to ensure there is policy and protocol in place to deal with dating violence issues at Mount Royal.

Team Members: Stephen Davies, Yasmin Dean, Susan Harris, Marlene Kingsmith, Patricia Kostouros, Iakov Sapojnikov, Kourtney Smith, Scharie Tavcer, Paul Varella, Gaye Warthe and various other staff, faculty and students who volunteered their time, expertise and energies.

Honouring employees of distinction