Students encounter all sorts of ups and downs in university and having supporters nearby can make a real difference when it comes time to ride those waves, whether big or small.
Dalhousie's Rosemary Gill Award exists to cast light on those faculty or staff at the university who have provided outstanding service, other than teaching, to students. That support can manifest in many ways, ranging from mentorship to critical services that help students stay healthy and succeed.
Dr. Rosemary Gill, who the award is named after, was a graduate of Dal’s medical school and went on to serve as director of Student Health Services from 1985 to 1991. She was known for her commitment, compassion and exceptional service to students.
Dal’s Acting President Frank Harvey presented this year's three recipients of the award with their plaques at a reception in Shirreff Hall on Tuesday.
“These are three outstanding colleagues who continue to carry on [Dr. Gill's] memory and her tradition, her legacy, and — through their exceptional work — her service to Dalhousie,” said Dr. Harvey of this year’s recipients.
A permanent plaque bearing the recipients’ names will be added to a display in the Henry Hicks Building, alongside those for past honourees dating back to the award’s origins in 1995.
Learn more about this year’s recipients below:
Carolyn Bartlett
Exceptional care during difficult times
Carolyn Bartlett came out of retirement after 30 years as a registered nurse in leadership and direct patient care positions to join Health Services on Dal’s Truro Campus in 2014. What began as a part-time position quickly evolved into a far more robust role, and in 2019 she took on a secondment as manager of Health Services and director of Student Success in Truro.
When COVID-19 hit Nova Scotia’s shores in early 2020, Carolyn added an additional role to her portfolio as Dal’s health liaison with the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness, Nova Scotia Public Health, and the Department of Labour and Advanced Education.
“For almost two years, she worked tirelessly as the lead for student COVID case management and student support and regularly informed the university’s communication efforts and response to constantly evolving federal and provincial Public Health requirements,” explained Dr. Harvey.
Carolyn’s support during the pandemic was critical to ensuring Dal’s students, especially those from other countries, were able to cope and navigate changing regulations and protocols that impacted everything from international flights to quarantines upon arrival in Canada.
Carolyn settled into the role of primary care manager for Health Services in Truro in 2021, while continuing in her role as health liaison for the university — illustrating her exceptional leadership and commitment to student health once again late last year as she helped guide Dal through a Meningitis B outbreak.
Nine years into her time at Dal, Carolyn is clear about what she enjoys most about her role.
“To have the privilege to provide help to students sometimes in their most vulnerable, and unexpected moments,” she said. “To help them feel comfortable, safe, and cared for during times of triumph and times of defeat.”
Lori Gagnon
Making mountains feel like grains of sand
Lori Gagnon has made a major impact on the success and wellbeing of students served by the Mark A. Hill Centre since joining four years ago. She provided a first point of contact for students in her role administrative clerk, before moving on to become accommodated exam coordinator last October.
"Working with students at some of their most stressful times, she has a natural ability to put them at ease with her smiling face, positive energy, and true compassion," said Dr. Harvey.
Lori's work often takes place behind the scenes out of view of the students. She works closely with accessibility advisors, booking exam rooms, scheduling student exams, matching students with notetakers, and liaising with professors. More than 2,100 exams were held in the centre during the exam period last December, and Lori proved instrumental in ensuring students were able to do so in a caring and welcoming atmosphere.
“Many of the students who write at the Mark A. Hill Centre have anxiety, depression, ADHD, and many other learning or physical disabilities. Lori has a natural but unexplainable ability to make mountains feel like grains of sand," wrote one of her nominators.
Lori's dedication to supporting students and helping eliminate barriers is illustrated by the help she provides in guiding them through the accommodations process, but also through providing positive reinforcement during everyday chats.
“I consider myself fortunate to witness the transformation of students as they progress through their degree," she said. "There are students who have deeply impacted me by their growth over the years, now standing tall, confident, and proud. These moments make all the hard work worthwhile.”
Michelle Patrick
Inspiring students to reach their goals
Michelle Patrick arrived at Dalhousie to complete a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion in 2010, followed by a Master’s in Health Promotion in 2014. "Fortunately, she has never left us," said Dr. Harvey.
In 2013, Michelle joined Dal a as program coordinator and then program manager in the Global Health Office in the Faculty of Medicine. In that role, she oversaw PLANS (Promoting Leadership in health for African Nova Scotians), where she developed programming — such as summer camps — to introduce Black youth to opportunities in the health professions. She was also instrumental in expanding the program to other universities in Nova Scotia.
"She quickly became a trusted contact in the African Nova Scotian community for supporting students through the application and admissions process and beyond, offering mentorship to them throughout their university careers," said Dr. Harvey.
She carried this dedication into her next role as a career advisor in the Bissett Student Success Centre, where she provided one-on-one advising and career education and managed the peer-coaching program. She also led the development of programming during the pandemic that would ensure students taking a gap year would remain connected to the Dal community.
In 2022, Michelle took on a secondment as manager of special projects and initiatives with the office of the vice-provost, equity and inclusion. She coordinated a project to improve access and success for Indigenous and Black graduate students and helped develop the university’s racial violence policy.
Now back with the Faculty of Medicine as the associate director of the Office of Community Partnerships and Global Health, Michelle is once again promoting PLANS as well as providing strategic advice and management to administration on issues, policies and vision for the equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility portfolios within the Faculty.
“She is always kind and non-judgemental when helping students navigate through difficult situations," said one nominator, a student. "Above all she is a passionate advocate for what is right. Her dedication and passion inspire confidence for students to reach their full potential.” at the graduate level.