VP Academic Portfolio recipients of the 2020 President's Award for Staff
We are pleased to announce that four staff in the Provost & Vice-President Academic portfolio are recipients of this year’s UBC President’s Award for Staff.
The President’s Service Award for Excellence is the top award presented to UBC staff in recognition of excellence in personal achievements and contributions to UBC and to the vision and goals of the University.
Over the course of nearly two decades, Kirsten Cameron, Academic Support Manager, has become the face of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies - her intricate knowledge of policies and processes, as well as her focus and attention to service, impacts support for over 13,000 annual applicants, 10,000 graduate students, and the faculty and staff of more than 100 graduate programs across the university.
In her advising approach, Kirsten uses the highest amount of tact, reassurance and kindness. She is generous with her time and effort, and is dedicated to the improvement of advising at UBC. Through change and challenging times, Kirsten takes care to instill confidence, mentor and support her team throughout their careers. She makes a positive impact in her office with continuous actions of selflessness and service to her staff and colleagues, and it reverberates throughout her team. Read Kirsten's full award citation.
Cheryl Dumaresq, Managing Director, Office of the Vice-Provost International, is recognized as an invaluable colleague who is collaborative, supportive, and unwavering in her commitment to the university, its mission, and its people.
At the Office of the Vice-Provost International (VPI), she manages another very complex portfolio with many stakeholders, and navigates challenging and high-pressure situations with calm, focus, and ease. No matter what the task or project, she demonstrates that she takes UBC’s Focus on People initiative to heart; she encourages empathy and understanding, and she shows genuine and steadfast compassion for people. Her motivation is always rooted in service and empowering others with resources, tools, knowledge, and support. Read Cheryl’s full award citation.
Ryanne James, Musqueam & UBC Bridge Through Sports Program Coordinator, First Nations House of Learning, demonstrates sustained and exceptional contribution to UBC with meaningful community enhancement through long-term and sustainable Indigenous community engagement and youth outreach. Her contributions to the UBC Indigenous student community are extensive. She excels with her ability to recognize the strengths of her colleagues, students and community youths to work collectively in creating diverse, inclusive and safe learning environments.
Ryanne leverages strong connections and coordinates many programs that help xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) youth feel engaged, empowered and supported. Her current role with the long-standing joint xʷməθkʷəy̓əm-UBC youth program Bridge Through Sport, allows her to foster connection and bridge the social, economic and educational gaps between the two communities. Read Ryanne’s full award citation.
The President’s Staff Award in Emerging Leadership is presented to UBC staff who display a commitment to people at the university and the broader community. These staff actively seek opportunities for learning and developing knowledge of leadership principles and practices, and display significant potential to advance their careers and achieve positions of great responsibility.
Within her six years at UBC, Joanna Yang, Finance & Academic Manager, St. John’s College, has proven that her keen ability to strategize, problem solve, and motivate her team has set her on a strong trajectory to be a capable and trusted leader. Joanna acknowledges her team’s achievements with recognition and gratitude, and she is not afraid to stand up and advocate for vulnerable or marginalized groups. She has a deep and authentic commitment to inclusion and a keen awareness of the needs of her staff and the broader UBC community.
At St. John’s College, Joanna focuses on the long-term objectives of importance and brings those insights into her day-to-day work. She rallies her team to align their goals with the best interests of the College, the Vice-Provost International portfolio and the university. Read Joanna’s full award citation.
On behalf of the Office of the Provost and the Vice-President Academic, we congratulate this year’s recipients in the VP Academic portfolio, and all recipients across the university.