Individuals and teams whose leadership, creativity and commitment to service strengthen York University’s mission, vision and values were recognized Nov. 3 at the 2024 President’s Staff Recognition Awards.
The annual awards provide an opportunity to celebrate meaningful contributions across the instutition, including student success, service excellence, community building and commitment to equity and inclusion.
“As a leading institution committed to driving positive change through academic excellence, research, innovation and community engagement, York University depends on the dedication, passion and professionalism of our staff,” says President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton. “Your contributions – especially during times of change and uncertainty – lift us, connect us and help us move forward together. My heartfelt congratulations to all nominees and recipients.”
The 2024 President's Staff Recognition Awards recipients and nominees
Deborah Hobson York Citizenship Award
Established in honour of former vice-president enrollment and student services Deborah Hobson, this award is given to an individual who emulates Hobson’s energetic commitment to students and boundless enthusiasm for the York community. Nominees for this award embody the University's spirit and use their creativity and imagination in support of the student community at York.
Winner: Shandana Khan, administrative assistant, programs and student services, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health
Other nominees for this award:
- Anesa J. Albert, associate director, graduate communications & digital engagement, Faculty of Graduate Studies
- Claudia V. Bennett, experiential education program coordinator, Lassonde School of Engineering, Student Welcome and Support Centre
- Vanessa Ironside, program officer, k2i Academy, Lassonde School of Engineering
- Ann Welsh, associate director, International Relations, Schulich School of Business
Decolonization, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (DEDI) Award
This award, established by Lenton in 2023, recognizes staff who address decolonization, equity, diversity and inclusion at York with passion, dedication and campus engagement. The award can recognize an individual or a team. Recipients are honoured for outstanding achievement in practice, events, policy, programs or other activities that foster equitable, sustainable and measurable change at York’s campuses. Efforts and initiatives reflect an intersectional social justice lens, especially for equity-deserving groups (e.g. women, visible/racialized minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTQIA+ community members). The award recognizes ongoing work or outstanding accomplishments at a point in time.
Winner: Richolette Freckleton, associate director, graduate research, scholarships & awards, Faculty of Graduate Studies
Other nominees for this award:
- Harriett Brempong, career education and development specialist, Markham Campus
- Colleen Robinson, administrative coordinator, Anthropology, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS)
- The Umoja Black Legacy Builders Team
- Said Zazai, senior business intelligence analyst, Office of Institutional Planning and Analysis
Gary Brewer Emerging Leader Award
Established in honour of former vice-president finance and administration Gary Brewer, the award recognizes and encourages early-career professionals who have demonstrated significant promise of leadership. It celebrates a staff member known for innovative and meaningful contributions to the effectiveness of their unit and has significantly contributed to the University’s commitment to excellence.
Winner: Theresa Dinh, institute coordinator, Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research
Other nominees for this award:
- Bhanu Priya Sharma, student engagement coordinator, LA&PS colleges
- Tanzina Tahereen, associate director, faculty curriculum, Office of the Associate Dean, Programs (LA&PS)
Harriet Lewis Team Award for Service Excellence
Established in honour of former University secretary and general counsel Harriet Lewis, this award recognizes excellence in service and support to students, faculty, staff and/or other service users.
Winner: School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) Performance Facilities Team
- Ian Albright, manager
- Kyle Derry, technician
- Kimberly Guidolin, events administrator
- Zach Kale, technician
- Scott Rennick, front of house and box office services coordinator
- Victor Wolters, coordinator of technical services
Other nominees for this award:
- English Department Administrative Staff
- LA&PS Faculty Research Office
- Network and Telecommunication Services Team
- Psychology Department Staff
The President’s Leadership Award
This award recognizes excellence in service to York University. Individuals nominated for this award perform at a level that inspires professionalism, creativity and innovation across the University community.
Winner: Sonia Pettinella, director, Integrated Resource Planning
Other nominees for this award:
- Caterina Elzbet, director and senior executive officer, Office of the Vice-President Advancement
- Helen Lee, director, transition team, School of Medicine, Provost's Office
- Sasa Nestorovic, director, Bookstore, Printing & Mailing Services
- Amanda Rodrigues, director, strategic enrolment, LA&PS
- Natacha Sam, director, budgets and planning, Budgets & Asset Management
- Ulya Yigit, director of computing, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Phyllis Clark Campus Service Award
Established in honour of former vice-president finance and administration Phyllis Clark, the award recognizes a York employee who has made outstanding contributions to the University in terms of efficiency, cleanliness, safety, security or other campus/plant services.
Winner: Joe Young, supervisor, Community Safety Department
Other nominees for this award:
- Miguel Rivero, custodian, Day Shift Custodial, Property Management-Facilities
- Sandy Simonetta, administrative assistant, Advancement Services and Operations
Ronald Kent Medal
This award was established in 1979 by President Emeritus H. Ian Macdonald. The award’s namesake, Ronald Kent, had a unique personal commitment to the University showcased through years of dedicated service. His sincerity and enthusiasm inspired colleagues across the University. He was considered a true ambassador for York. A dedicated member of Macdonald's staff, Kent passed away suddenly in the late 1970s.
Winner: Magy Baket, student success and academic advisor, LA&PS (note: photo not available)
Other nominees for this award:
- Leonard Chow, assistant manager, Operation & Account Management, University Services Centre
- Anderson Coward, communications and marketing specialist, Faculty of Education
- Celeta Irvin, undergraduate program administrator, Gender, Sexuality & Women’s Studies, LA&PS
President’s Voice of York Award
The “Voice of York” is awarded to a staff member who makes the first contact with a visitor or community member. The quality of responsiveness and the genuine desire to assist in the most difficult or sensitive situations is essential to York’s reputation. Nominees for the this award are employed as front-line staff who have regular interactions with the York community. This award was established in 1999 by President Emerita Lorna R. Marsden.
Winner: Louisa Zaffino, executive assistant, Facility Services
Other nominees for this award:
- Hazel Beecham, coordinator, Institute for Technoscience and Society
- Jacqueline Selman, undergraduate students coordinator, Social Science, LA&PS
- Tina Sposato, executive assistant, Vice-President Research & Innovation
- Neal Stephenson, solutions architect, University Information Technology