They offer new approaches to old problems. They align their goals to Dal's mission and values. They serve as a positive influence through their leadership.
Recipients of the annual Dalhousie Professional and Managerial Group awards stand out among the association's nearly 1,000 members for their exemplary contributions to Dal.
This year, seven individuals were honoured across four categories: Outstanding Achievement, Early Career Outstanding Achievement, Long Service (10+ Years), and Outstanding Achievement in IDDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Decolonization, Equity, and Accessibility).
Learn more about this year's DPMG award winners below and see photos from a reception held June 27 in their honour. Dal President Kim Brooks, nominators, and others were in attendance.
The following are excerpts from the recipients' citations:
2024 DPMG Award for Outstanding Achievement
Tyler Hall (Faculty of Medicine)
For a commitment to serving students, operational excellence, and leading others.
Tyler Hall, centre.
Tyler Hall's colleagues at Dalhousie consistently praise his positive influence and leadership. Phrases like “you are so lucky to get to work with him” and “he’s the best” reflect his embodiment of Dalhousie’s leadership competencies. His contributions as director of resident and student affairs in the Faculty of Medicine include organizing the Faculty's “Unwind and Cheese” events and launching the “Dance it Out” initiative to promote wellness and togetherness.
Tyler has provided exceptional leadership in his role as director. From health and wellness programs, to producing video vignettes to simplify system changes for colleagues, Tyler creates an engaging and supportive work environment for his team and the Faculty. Moreover, advocacy is central to his work. During a strategic planning retreat, he ensured the inclusion of NSGEU staff voices.
Rigel Biscione Cruz, student affairs advisor, commends Tyler as an invaluable support, exceptional mentor, and trusted friend, noting his ability to foster a welcoming and positive community.
Andrew Harding (Faculty of Agriculture)
For exceptional leadership skills and an overachiever attitude to the many projects he has successfully implemented.
Andrew Harding, second from right.
Joining the Faculty of Agriculture team in 2019 as associate director of athletic services, Andrew Harding quickly proved his dedication by successfully hosting the 2019 CCAA National Badminton Championships within two weeks on the job. His commitment to excellence has been evident in all subsequent events, projects, and operations management. Andrew made impactful decisions such as suspending the basketball program after thorough analysis and student feedback, and he played a crucial role in redeveloping women's rugby, men's volleyball, and shifting the equestrian program. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, Andrew continued to innovate, support community events, and personally engage in recruitment efforts.
Andrew's leadership has significantly benefited the community and university facilities. He collaborated with local groups to ensure community access to athletic facilities and oversaw summer camps promoting the university. Jonathan Wang, coordinator of operations, marketing, and facilities, highlights Andrew's pivotal role in revitalizing the Langille Athletic Centre, which now features updated equipment, a new hardwood gymnasium, and improved infrastructure. These upgrades have increased daily visitors and established the centre as a premier sports location in the Truro region.
Conor Falvey (Schulich School of Law)
For transformative change in the Law School’s research community and being a driving force behind the school’s research aspirations and relationships.
Conor Falvey, second from left.
Since joining the Schulich School of Law in 2019 as research facilitator, Conor Falvey has worked tirelessly to forge and sustain research relationships within the school and across the university. In this newly created role, Conor has shown high and consistent performance in grant capture, leading to a 40 per cent increase in grant funding over four years. Conor has strengthened the School’s research capacity and profile through numerous new initiatives and has met research challenges with strategic thought and energy, enabling more faculty to engage in ambitious long-term projects.
Sarah Harding, dean of the law school, highlights Conor's significant contributions beyond grant acquisition, emphasizing her role in building the research profile of the law school. Conor supports faculty in disseminating their work and creating research connections, advocating for smaller, focused meetings between research deans to enhance cross-faculty sharing and idea exchange.
2024 DPMG Early Career Award for Outstanding Achievement
Veronica Bacher (Research Services)
For "can-do" spirit, trust in the autonomy and accountability of her team members, and tenacity in challenging the status quo.
Veronica Bacher, second from right.
Veronica Bacher, manager of Institutional & International programs in the Office of Research Services, brings a refreshing approach to management, addressing the challenges of an understaffed, high-volume environment by prioritizing staff well-being. She focuses on celebrating wins and committing to workplace wellness, understanding the toll of high-quality service demands. Her impact at the Office of Research Services includes creating lunch and learn sessions for Dal's research community, leveraging her expertise in EDIA issues.
Kait Tornblom, Research Administrator, praises Veronica's commitment to fostering a positive team atmosphere. Veronica ensures team members feel valued and appreciated by acknowledging achievements, organizing treats after successful grant applications, and sending thank-you emails. Her consistent recognition of her team's hard work builds a strong, supportive environment.
Long Service (10+ years)
Tiffany Coolen-Jewers (Schulich School of Law)
For streamlining administrative processes, proactively developing and implementing work plans, and having 32-plus years of institutional Law School knowledge.
Tiffany Coolen-Jewers, centre.
Tiffany Coolen-Jewers joined the Schulich School of Law as a faculty secretary in 1992, demonstrating remarkable efficiency and supporting three deans over her tenure. In 2000, she transitioned to another administrative role, and in 2013, Donna Beaver, former director of finance and administration, recognized her leadership skills in resource and process management. Subsequently, Tiffany became the administrative officer and, in 2023, her role evolved to manager of finance and administration. Throughout her career, Tiffany has made significant impacts on students, the Schulich School of Law, and Dalhousie University by piloting new technologies, embodying the Weldon tradition of public service, and being a dependable resource for administrative processes, guiding the school through challenges like fires, pandemics, and floods.
In support of Tiffany’s nomination, Sarah Harding, dean of the law school, commends her for being not only competent and detail-oriented but also deeply loved as a colleague and friend. Sarah highlights Tiffany's boundless care and compassion for all members of the law school community, including her colleagues, students, faculty, and even herself. Tiffany’s kindness and random acts of generosity set a positive tone for everyone, making the law school a better place while complementing her exceptional performance as a financial manager.
IDDEA (Outstanding achievement in Inclusion, Diversity, Decolonization, Equity, and Accessibility)
Huwaida Medani (Human Resources)
For her development and implementation of the university’s first-ever Employment Equity plan.
Huwaida Medani, second from right.
Since joining Dalhousie in 2022, Huwaida Medani has made significant strides in promoting the Employment Equity plan, presenting it to more than 800 people across 32 unit presentations. The plan, launched six months after her start date, is built on seven pillars and includes 60 actions, with 22 completed and 32 in progress according to the one-year progress report. Her initiatives include forming a working group for equity-deserving job candidates and collaborating with the Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development on a leadership module for aspiring leaders from these groups.
Huwaida's contributions extend to developing customized supports and retention programs for equity-deserving employees, fostering a workplace culture that encourages open conversations on challenging topics.
Grace Jefferies-Aldridge, vice-president of people & culture, commends Huwaida’s integral role in the HR team, highlighting her leadership, collaboration, and ability to handle complex and sensitive issues with patience and flexibility. Huwaida's approach balances driving change with understanding and addressing the unique challenges within Dalhousie, making her a vital IDDEA changemaker.
Rachelle McKay (Centre for Learning and Teaching)
For her approach in developing and managing the inaugural portfolio in Indigenous Knowledge and Ways of Knowing.
Rachelle McKay, second from right.
Rachelle McKay joined the Centre for Learning and Teaching (CLT) two years ago, bringing her perspective as an Anishinaabe person from the Little Saskatchewan First Nation to her work in educational development. Despite being new to the field, she crafted a five-year vision focusing on decolonizing and Indigenizing education, which entails significant emotional, cognitive, and spiritual labor. Her leadership in this area is evident through her extensive contributions, including offering around 12 workshops per term and teaching multiple Studio Courses, surpassing expectations for her role.
Raghav Sampangi, senior instructor in the Faculty of Computer Science, highlights Rachelle’s profound impact at Dalhousie University. She teaches popular courses on Indigenous Research Methods and Historical Issues in Indigenous Studies, inspiring colleagues across faculties to integrate decolonizing approaches into their courses. Her efforts have fostered a collective consciousness aimed at creating a more equitable academic environment, demonstrating her exceptional contributions to the university community.
Learn more about the DPMG and the DPMG award at the DPMG website.