2010 Achievement Awards
2010 Teaching Excellence Award
The Teaching Excellence Awards are presented to those instructors who exemplify the best qualities of teachers, both in and out of the classroom.
Teaching Excellence Award—Dr. Lyn Baldwin (left), Dr. Cynthia Ross Friedman (middle) and Ms. Lian Dumouchel
Dr. Lyn Baldwin
Lyn Baldwin is described by students as dynamic, competent, and caring. A former student says that she had no idea of the beauty and excitement of the plant world until she made her way into Lyn Baldwin’s second year vascular plants course. Lyn’s lectures are almost always entertaining and engaging yet this never comes at a sacrifice in content. A student who is grateful that she took that first class with Lyn does not believe that she would now be pursuing a master’s degree in ecology without Dr. Baldwin’s direction. Another student says that through taking field trips, getting to review papers, writing research proposals, and learning how to give good presentations, Lyn’s class was the most valuable one she has taken in her undergraduate career thus far. Many colleagues are also very much impressed with Baldwin, exemplified by their adaptation of an illustrated and narrative journal that Lyn uses for students to observe deeply and accurately identify local species of the natural world of botany.
Lian Dumouchel
Lian Dumouchel was nominated for the Teaching Excellence Award by many students and colleagues. Students describe Lian as an excellent communicator and gifted teacher who prepares engaging lectures and takes extra time to assist students with course material. More than that, students repeatedly have said that Lian has inspired them to further their education and accomplish their dream. Colleagues in the department say that Lian is an organized and enthusiastic leader who takes pleasure in describing the success of her students, and takes professional development and remains current in her course material for the sake of her students. Lian has also demonstrated a commitment to the global competency of students as the International Coordinator for the School of Tourism.
Dr. Cynthia Ross Friedman
Many of Cynthia Ross–Friedman’s students and colleagues supported her nomination for this Teaching Excellence Award. New students have said they are pleasantly surprised by Cindy’s warm and supportive manner, and her clear, energetic and informative teaching style. Cindy’s students say that her lectures are interesting with good examples and injections of her own research. Students say that her passion for teaching is matched by her passion for research, and often makes herself available day and night for student assistance. Cindy is flexible in her course scheduling and uses an array of media to engage students in her lectures. Colleagues have described their positive impressions of Cindy’s teaching methods, and even admit to learning from Cindy’s lectures themselves. Colleagues attest to the quality of undergraduate researchers under Cindy’s guidance, and point out Cindy’s fine editorial skills overseeing students’ well–written theses and published papers in botanical journals, a wonderful reflection on the Biological Sciences department and TRU. Beyond TRU, the Editor of the Canadian Botanical Association Bulletin points out that what Cindy has brought to the Teaching section will ensure that teaching botany has a high profile in the association for many years.
2010 Environmental Achievement Award
The department of Environment and Sustainability presents this award to recognize individuals within the TRU community who have made, or are making, substantial positive contributions to environmental sustainability.
Dr. Penny Powers
Dr. Penny Powers
Dr. Penny Powers, Professor of Nursing has been instrumental in promoting environmental sustainability at TRU and also in the broader Kamloops community. Dr. Powers, as a Senate member, was a strong advocate and pioneer in making sure that TRU’s strategic plan incorporated environmental sustainability. She played a leading role in establishing the Environmental Advisory Committee a key component in making TRU the University of Choice for Environmental Sustainability. She also incorporates her passion for the environment in her professional work; for example, developing a new course in Climate Change and Health.
2010 Distinguished Service Awards
The Distinguished Service Awards are presented to those employees who demonstrate outstanding abilities and contributions to our university.
Distinguished Service Award—Lori De Frias (left) and Marg Hanna
Lori De Frias
Lori De Frias contributes significantly to TRU while enriching the life of students and the team she works with in TRU World. As a Continuing Education Coordinator and now as Manager of TRU World Contract Training, Lori has demonstrated exceptional skill at implementing custom–designed programs, and dedication when representing her colleagues on the Association of Professional Administrators.
When Lori was a coordinator in Student Development, she was instrumental in the creation and launch of the Teaching English as a Second Language Certificate, which was a major undertaking involving curriculum development, hiring, and student recruitment. Since then, Lori has been with TRU World, where she has been nominated for her unfailing dedication and breadth of contributions to TRU World.
In their nominations, Lori’s colleagues describe her as service oriented, and often taking personal time to work on a myriad of details that substantially improve the learning and teaching experiences of those she comes in contact with. Over the years, Lori has also been involved with minor hockey associations and her children’s school committees.
Marg Hanna
When the idea was first proposed that the English as a Second Language faculty nominate Marg Hanna for a Distinguished Service Award, there was an immediate and hugely positive response with many people eagerly wanting to write a supporting letter.
Marg started at UCC in October 1992 as an auxillary in the Office of the President. Since then she has held positions in the VP’s offices, Purchasing, ESL, TRU World, and has been a part of the ESL department since February 2001. Marg is described as a leader and someone who sets the bar high, often fulfilling the needs of the department before being asked to do so. One of Marg’s roles is to receive as many as 265 new international students in one semester. She is courteous and patient with students who are often struggling to adjust to a new culture, and often creates documents and schedules with less than an hour’s notice. Marg has a hand in so much of the planning for ESL scholarship fundraising dinners that the department can’t imagine how they’d put on these events without her.
Beyond her office efficiency, Marg remembers and acknowledges everyone’s birthday, putting a homemade card or a little treat in everyone’s mailbox at Halloween, Valentine’s and Christmas too. She makes special cards for baby showers, retirement, marriages and bereavement, and annually initiates and coordinates a hamper of contributions for someone in need.
Donna Petri
Donna Petri has been in the nursing profession since 1984, and an instructor since 1987. Seven nominators have attested to Donna’s distinguished service to the University, the School of Nursing, and to the Nursing profession.
She has held leadership positions as a nursing program coordinator, chair of the SON curriculum committee as well as holding positions on provincial curriculum development committees, and has been a leader of 3rd and 4th year students experiencing international practice in Samoa and Thailand. Donna’s community service is extensive as she is the new chair of the Western Regional Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing, along with serving her third term as President of the TRU Faculty Association and the related responsibilities that accompany that position.
Donna’s colleagues have given many examples of her mentorship, volunteer and leadership activities and describe her as honest, forthright, collaborative and respectful in both her Nursing–related and TRUFA roles.
Pina Russo
Pina Russo has been nominated by students, faculty and support staff for going above and beyond expected service with radiating energy, respect and friendly demeanor when organizing recreational sports, fitness classes and field trips. As our campus Recreation Coordinator, Pina’s passion for sport and fitness has been demonstrated by her participation in the recent World Masters Games in Kamloops.
Pina has organized aerobics classes, BC Lions games, ski days, Canucks road trips for students, recreation nights at hockey games, and Wolfpack activities that involve students, faculty and staff. Pina’s ‘Rec Nights’ in support of varsity and club teams pull together large numbers of students. In addition, Pina shows compassion and generosity in volunteer work for student tournaments and other activities beyond her normal working hours.
Pina has left a lasting positive impression on her nominators which reflects well on our university as she enhances Campus Life for many people.
2010 Award for Excellence in Scholarship
TRU recognizes excellence in research, scholarly activity or the production of creative works over a sustained period of time representing a significant contribution to the field of inquiry with the presentation of the annual Award for Excellence in Scholarship to Faculty.
Dr. Jonathan Van Hamme
Award for Excellence in Scholarship—Dr. Jon Van Hamme
Dr. Jonathan Van Hamme is a very deserving recipient of this year’s Excellence in Scholarship Award. Since his own graduate training, one of Jon’s main research interests has focussed on the possibilities that microorganisms might present to solve potentially catastrophic environmental problems, such as the destruction of former chemical weapons like mustard gas. This line of research has led him to collaborations in South Africa and Brazil and indeed throughout the world. More recently, Jon’s research in microorganisms also has led him to explore other areas of great importance, including the potential for producing alternative energy sources, such as biologically friendly fuels and the development of novel pharmaceuticals.
Jon has received support for his research from the NSREC, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, and the British Columbia Knowledge Development Funds which has led to the expansion of TRU’s research capacity. His work is highly respected by his colleagues both here at TRU and across Canada. One of Jon’s greatest contributions to research here at TRU has been the role he has played in mentoring students. Former students acknowledge his influence in their own successful pursuit of careers in science and thank him for inspiring them, as well as making the process of discovery fun.
Dr. Roger Yu
Dr. Roger Yu has received this award for his outstanding contributions in publications and research. Dr. Yu has made significant contributions in the field of graph theory and in building strong international research partnerships. Roger has published three books and 59 peer–reviewed journal articles and has submitted an additional 14 research papers to scientific peer–reviewed journals. Dr. Yu has presented his research at eight international conferences in the past three years, twice as invited keynote presentations and three other times as invited talks. Dr. Yu has held NSREC grants continuously since 1995 and has also received research funding to support his collaborative work in China. Dr. Yu has also helped organize six national or international conferences or symposia in the past three years.