Today@Dal

Left to right: Ted Migas, Catherine Currell, Gaye Wishart, Bev Hubley, Lynn Power (Danny Abriel photos) 

Congratulations to five Dalhousie Professional and Managerial Group (DPMG) members who received the 2013 DPMG Award last week at the DPMG annual conference. The award recognizes DPMG members for their outstanding performance or achievements.

Catherine Currell, Department Administrator, Faculty of Medicine

Catherine works in the Department of Medical Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, and during her short time there she has been attributed to revitalizing the department, creating a team approach and improving morale.

Among her many accomplishments to date, she was responsible for the development and implementation of a systematic cost-recovery plan for the Clinical Cadaver Program. In addition, she has demonstrated leadership by identifying infrastructure issues that have resulted in a renovation of the morgue in the Tupper Building, as well as introducing e-learning to the gross anatomy lab in the upcoming 2013-2014 academic year with the purchase of iPads to replace anatomy books.

“I can honestly say that Catherine is the most approachable and fair administrator that I have worked with at Dalhousie over my 27 years,” said Brenda Armstrong, Human Donation Program. “Her enthusiasm is an inspiration for me, as well as for others, who have the pleasure of working with her.”

Bev Hubley, Director, ITS Business Operations

Bev began her career at Dalhousie more than 25 years ago starting in the Registrar’s Office. Since accepting the position as Director, ITS Business Operations, three years ago, she has demonstrated her knowledge and experience in HR practices and procedures as well as the budget process. During the merger with the former NSAC merger and Dalhousie, she was instrumental in the integration of ITS employees in both the Halifax and Truro campuses.

In 2012, ITS received the Dalhousie Healthy Workplace Award due in large part to Bev’s enthusiastic planning and coordination efforts. She leads many ITS events that promote a healthy work environment including the annual Ring Toss picnic and various social events.

“Bev exemplifies employer loyalty and demonstrates what a model employee can be with the right attitude, skills and ability to learn,” said Bryan Utas, Administrative Computing Services.

Ted Migas, Project Manager, Facilities Management

Ted has been with Facilities Management since 1996 when Dalhousie merged with the former Technical University of Nova Scotia (TUNS). In 2003, Ted advanced to become a Project Manager in Facilities Management. He is known to many in the department as the “Facilities Management Ambassador”, as a supporter of the merger and assisting with its successful integration. In 2012, he shared that same positive attitude with the introduction of Dalhousie’s Agricultural Campus.

One of his greatest contributions to the university has been with Dalhousie’s research activities. In the last five years, Ted has managed more than 117 research-related renovations totaling $11million. He is instrumental in guiding the researchers to a lab design that successfully achieves their requirements.

“Ted is one of the most respected and admired people in Facilities Management,” said Darrell Boutilier, Facilities Management. “He has been a beacon of positivity from the day he arrived and continues to be so today. On a daily basis, he inspires others to be better people.”

Gaye Wishart, Advisor, Harassment Prevention, Conflict Management, Office of Human Rights, Equity and Harassment Prevention

Gaye began with Dal’s School of Physiotherapy in 1984, and since then has assumed a variety of roles within the university. In 2007, she took on her current role, and expanded the Sexual Harassment position to include Personal Harassment and Conflict Management.

During her time with Human Resources, she launched the first online application process for recruitment, making Dalhousie one of the first in the Atlantic region to go “digital”. In her current role, she has led the establishment of Dalhousie’s Personal Harassment Policy and she supports other groups on campus including the Women’s Centre, the Residence Assistants and Dal Allies. In addition, Gaye co-developed conflict resolution training programs for employees, managers and supervisors, and a video series of showing employees having difficult conversations.

“Gaye is a caring and considerate advisor and colleague who is highly responsive and accessible,” said Janice MacInnis, Human Resources. “She cares deeply about the experience of others and believes strongly in the power of the organization and its people.”

Lynn Power, Director, Human Resources, Faculty of Medicine

Lynn began her career at Dalhousie 32 years ago. In her current role as Director of Human Resources, Faculty of Medicine, she has demonstrated dedication, diligence and commitment to the welfare of faculty and staff across the Faculty of Medicine and the university. Lynn has also served as President and Vice-President of DPMG.

She has been instrumental in laying the groundwork for the Faculty of Medicine’s mentorship program for senior leaders, including department heads, associate/assistant deans and department administrators.  Lynn has also championed the successful implementation of the university’s performance management tool, ACHIEVE, for staff across the Faculty of Medicine. One of her most notable achievements is her leadership in the Faculty’s renewed policy for faculty appointments completed in May 2013.

“Lynn’s caring and thoughtful manner is at the forefront of all her interactions with faculty, staff and students,” said Tom Marrie, Dean, Faculty of Medicine. “She is always available to listen to  and provide advice regardless of her own time commitments.”

Congratulations to Catherine, Bev, Ted, Lynn and Gaye!

The DPMG award nominations were judged for outstanding performance or achievement in an area of the university’s Strategic Focus and in reflection of Dalhousie’s values through a particular project or strategic initiative and/or a consistent track record of significant accomplishments over the years.

The awards were presented during the DPMG conference on June 12. For more information about DPMG, visit its website.

All winners piectured with DPMG President Christina MacNeil and Dal Vice-President Finance and Administration Ken Burt.