UBC honours staff members for contribution to Okanagan campus

UBC’s Okanagan campus Staff of Excellence Awards were presented by Deputy Vice Chancellor and Principal Deborah Buszard (right) to, from left: Jody Ainley, Jamie Snow, Bud Mortenson, Susan Belton.

Four receive Staff Awards of Excellence for their dedication to university life

UBC’s Okanagan campus has a reputation for outstanding employees. Recently, four of the best were honoured for burnishing that reputation, both as ambassadors of good will and for outstanding performance making UBC a better place.

“When we talk about our people, we have no better examples than the four we honour today,  who truly make a difference to all of our lives on the Okanagan campus,” said Deborah Buszard, deputy vice chancellor and principal. “They have distinguished themselves by going far beyond expectations and they have made UBC a better place for students, staff and visitors.”

The four staff members honoured are:

Bud Mortenson, director of University Relations: Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal Award.

Margo Yacheshyn and Suann Brown of University Relations, who nominated Mortenson, said he is a compassionate, attentive manager who always makes time to discuss projects, solve problems and brainstorm new ideas. Mortenson’s role includes oversight of media relations, internal communications, marketing, and government relations.

Jody Ainley, administrative assistant to the associate Dean, academic and faculty planning, Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences: Enhancing the UBC Experience Award.

The Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences has over 200 faculty members, and Ainley prepares and modifies documents relevant to the appointment of each faculty member. . She is efficient, friendly and helps faculty members resolve issues, said nominator Barbara Rutherford, Acting Dean of the Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences.

Susan Belton, curator of the Fine Arts (FINA) Art Gallery and UBC’s Okanagan campus permanent art collection: Enhancing the UBC Experience Award.

Belton has put art into the public eye at UBC’s Okanagan campus through her dedication, expertise and unrelenting efforts to acquire and showcase work by artists and students, said nominator Wisdom Tettey, Dean of the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies.

Jamie Snow, career manager, Faculty of Management, Leadership Award.

With a caring attitude and attention to fine detail, Snow has put a priority on helping students with job placements, internships, career planning and establishing a career fair to connect potential employers with their employees of the future, said nominator Carol Zuckerman, faculty administrator.

The award winners were each presented with a framed certificate, along with a prize of $2,000.

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