Congratulations to May Chan, Maija Norman, and Maria Smith who received the 2019 Dean’s Award for Staff Excellence.
This annual award recognizes exceptional staff contributions in executing the academic mission of the Faculty of Arts through support in administrative, technical, and other specialized areas. The Dean’s Award for Staff Excellence is open to all staff in Arts and includes an engraved plaque and a $1,500 cheque.
May Chan, Student Advisor, Department of Sociology
May Chan, Department of Sociology
May Chan is described by her colleagues as a “brilliant advisor, both to graduate and undergraduate students.” One colleague notes, “She takes the time to ask the right questions, to listen to answers, to remember the details, and to advise students in ways that are best for them.” Students reported that “May continually goes above and beyond to help us succeed as scholars and individuals.”
In addition to her regular duties, May organizes a welcome-day orientation for new students, coordinates professional development workshops for graduate students, and serves on the department’s wellbeing committee. She recently co-developed and implemented a peer advising program for the department and her guidance to the new peer advisors has been instrumental to its success. One nominee concluded, “We are so fortunate to benefit from May Chan’s superb initiative, capacity, leadership and dedication.”
Maija Norman, Administrator, Department of Asian Studies
Maija Norman, Department of Asian Studies
Maija Norman has approached her position with unwavering commitment, overriding objectivity and continues to go above and beyond to contribute to a happy and productive work environment, while maintaining operational efficiency. Whether building community with student initiatives, championing opportunities to build professional networks through the Arts Administrator Community of Practice, or redesigning staff structures in the office to ensure an equitable and transparent work schedule, Maija continuously strives to enhance the experiences of faculty, staff and students in the department, while maintaining a sunny disposition.
Demonstrating leadership in financial management, human resources, training, communications, and excellence in quality of service, she is also the source of high morale and mentorship. Maija models the fullest extent of the criteria of this award. As one referee describes, “Maija is in many ways the heart and soul of the Department of Asian Studies.”
Maria Smith, Accounts Coordinator, Vancouver School of Economics
Maria Smith, Vancouver School of Economics
Maria Smith has dedicated 25 years of professional excellence to her department. Bringing ingenuity, creativity and an unfettered attitude to problem solve complex financial matters, she plays a vital role in the effective coordination of faculty grants. Described as “calm and positive,” Maria creates a pleasant and collegial work environment with her willingness to help those in need and to go beyond regular requirements to ensure tasks are done well.
As one referee remarks, “she allows us (faculty) to spend our time doing what we are supposed to do – teaching and research.” Maria provides extraordinary efficiency in organizing research payment structures and handles complex travel expenses with timeliness and competency. She is kind, understanding and is described as the “go to” person to make things happen. Providing first-rate reliable services for the past 25 years, Maria exemplifies excellence in the highest regard.
