2016 Staff Awards of Excellence winners Alana Jordan, Cherie Michels, George Athans and Leah Sanford stand with (far left) Director of Student Development and Advising Michelle Lowton and (far right) Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal Deborah Buszard.
The end of the summer marks an important tradition at UBC Okanagan: the bestowing of the annual Staff Awards of Excellence.
The awards are part of a day of welcome back events for staff and faculty, which also feature the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal's Town Hall and a barbecue for all employees.
This year four employees were recognized: Alana Jordan, Cherie Michels, George Athans and Leah Sanford.
Human Resources Associate Alana Jordan was given the Enhancing the UBC Experience Award for her effectiveness in tackling difficult issues and helping colleagues as well her improvements in the relocation and immigration process for new faculty and staff.
Safety and Environment Advisor Cherie Michels was given the Sustainability Award for her promotion and implementation of the Green Labs program, which has reduced water usage and sanitary waste output on campus by 200,000 litres per year since 2010.
This year's Leadership Award went to George Athans, manager of Human Resources and Employee Relations. Athans is recognized as a leader and mentor who helps builds consensus and is committed to fairness in all areas of staff and faculty relations.
This year's Global Citizenship Award was given to Leah Sanford, manager of International Program and Services, who is responsible for developing the English Foundations Program and who has forged a number of important and lasting on- and off-campus partnerships.
Congratulations to all four award winners, who have made a significant impact in their workplaces and beyond.