Five employees at UBC’s Okanagan campus were recognized recently for their lengthy service. From left to right, Maurice Williams, 35 years, Daniel Kay, 25 years, Prof. Deborah Buszard, deputy vice-chancellor and principal, Rose Cresswell, 35 years, Michael Gesi, 25 years, and Michael Berger, 35 years.
Five recognized for more than 25 years' dedicated service
Michael Gesi was noted for more than long-term loyalty at the recent long service recognition luncheon for UBC’s Okanagan campus employees.
Sure, he had put in the time, more than 25 years, mostly with campus security. Gesi was honoured along with Daniel Kay, 25 years, and Michael Berger, Rose Cresswell, and Maurice Williams—who were all recognized for more than 35 years of service.
But Gesi has the rare distinction of working his full career at UBC, starting out at Vancouver’s Point Grey campus in 1988 and then moving to the Okanagan campus five years ago. Kay, Berger, Cresswell, and Williams have all served in a variety of capacities at UBC’s Okanagan campus and its forerunners, Okanagan University College and Okanagan College.
“Those two entities that were here before UBC, make UBC Okanagan’s campus a very special place,” says Prof. Deborah Buszard, deputy vice-chancellor and principal, who personally congratulated each of the honourees.
“We couldn’t be what we are without the rich history of our past. And I know your contributions have added to that history and made us what we are. There is nothing that equals the magic of this campus and we are all so privileged to work here.”
25-year honourees
Michael Gesi -- Security Services, started at UBC’s Point Grey campus, patrolled the campus on bike, foot, and by patrol vehicle.
Daniel Kay -- associate professor with the Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences' Computer Sciences, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics Unit, teaches physics, and helped develop a new upper-level biophysics course.
35-year honourees
Michael Berger -- media technician with the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies, credited for constantly introducing new technology to the department and coaching faculty and staff on how to use handheld devices.
Rose Cresswell -- Okanagan Campus Library Services, worked in most library departments and known to be efficient, caring, and willing to take on the more challenging tasks at hand.
Maurice Williams -- professor with the Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences' History and Sociology Unit, teaches history with a specialty in European history.
-- 30 --