The little things that make a big difference

Completing a university degree takes drive, dedication, focus — and, sometimes, it also benefits from a helping hand.

Talk to any of the the nearly 3,000 graduates who crossed the stage at Spring Convocation ceremonies this year and they’d likely have a story about a Dal staff or faculty member who helped them in a time of need. Perhaps that need was small: a document that needed signed, a university process that was unclear, or a tiny concern that benefitted from simply being heard. But the need may have been all encompassing, the sort of personal crisis that without extra support could threaten a student’s ability to make it to the convocation stage at all.

Here’s what defines this year’s recipients of Dalhousie's Rosemary Gill Award: whether the need is large or small, these staff and faculty members are there to help. Both their day-to-day support for students and their “outside the job description” efforts are guided by an immense compassion for and commitment to students and their success.

“It’s that above-and-beyond passion for our students that we’re so pleased to honour today,” said President Richard Florizone, presenting the awards at a ceremony in Shirreff Hall Tuesday afternoon.

For two decades, the Rosemary Gill Awards have served as Dalhousie’s top recognition for service to students in capacities other than teaching. They were established in 1995 in memory of Dr. Rosemary Gill, a graduate of the Faculty of Medicine who in her time as director of University Health Services (1985-1991) exemplified a high level of commitment of service to students.

None of this year’s four Rosemary Gill Award recipients can be summed up in one extraordinary gesture or single major achievement — though some, certainly, have those to their credit. Instead, to hear their stories is to take stock of the little things these individuals do that, cumulatively, make a big difference in the lives of students.

Tina Bowdridge

Graduate Program Administrative Assistant – Community Health & Epidemiology

You get to know a lot of students when you’ve been with a department for more than 21 years. But students in the Department of Community Health & Epidemiology’s graduate programs still find themselves getting to know Tina Bowdridge personally over the course of their degrees. “From the first day of classes, to handing in our thesis, Tina’s presence is felt,” said one student.

Those meaningful relationships often go beyond the call of duty. One student nominator wrote about how a heartfelt conversation with Tina when she was going through a difficult time was transformative for her. It was the sort of support Tina offers to all students in the program, and it’s no wonder that so many keep in touch after graduating. Her compassion extends to colleagues: when one co-worker’s son was in the hospital, Tina not only volunteered to take on additional responsibilities in the office but arranged personal duties such as shopping, food delivery and even babysitting.

Somehow, she also finds time to make a difference in her community — at Dal and beyond. She’s been involved in various initiatives including championing yoga and Pilates activities in the Faculty of Medicine, fundraising for the United Way and working with the school breakfast program at Harrietsfield Elementary School.

“I’m flattered to have been nominated and to have been selected by the committee,” says Tina. “The most rewarding part of my job is working closely with the students and knowing that I had a hand in their success when they graduate.”

Keltie Jones

Assistant Dean, Students – Faculty of Agriculture

Keltie Jones is the first Rosemary Gill Award recipient from the Agricultural Campus since Dal’s merger with NSAC three years ago. The Faculty of Agriculture’s assistant dean, students was described by a nominator as “one of the strongest pillars on the Agricultural Campus.”

Keltie is known for her determination to engage with students on a first-name basis and her eagerness to know how their days are going. She creates an inclusive and welcoming environment in her office and is constantly encouraging students to become more involved — and she leads by example in that respect. She’s a fixture at Rams sporting events and chairs the Student Success Committee, Academic Coordination Committee and Faculty Council. She’s also been involved in launching the Landscape Architecture program and the Aboriginal Health Sciences Success program.

Keltie has had a diverse career in law, teaching and student services, and is now working towards her doctorate in business administration. “The dedication to her family, job and community that she demonstrates every day mirrors powers of a superwoman,” wrote one nominator.

“I used to practice law,” says Keltie, “and when I moved into higher ed I knew that’s where I wanted to be because I love being around people who are learning and growing. Everything you do with students, [it] doesn’t matter if it’s in or out of the classroom, it’s a learning experience and it’s really exciting to be a part of that.”

Tina Jones

Administrative Secretary – Department of History

If you had any doubt about the important role Tina Jones plays in the Department of History, the fact that one colleague described her as the “all-seeing and all-knowing force without whom all will collapse” is one heck of an endorsement.

Tina has been administrative secretary since 1989; in fact, the department boasts current faculty members who experienced Tina’s patience, kindness and outstanding support as undergrads. No wonder her name frequently shows up in the dedication pages of students’ undergrad and masters theses. “Tina always takes the time to address student needs directly,” wrote one student. “There is no question or query too small and you never feel like you have interrupted her or drawn her away from some other, more important task.”

Approachable and compassionate, Tina helps with everything from holiday potlucks to undergrad journal launches. Students flock to the History office at the beginning of term to seek out her advice, and faculty members rely on her as a crucial front-line resource. “The nature of what Tina does might not seem to count as unusual or outstanding,” wrote a colleague, “but how she does it certainly is.”

“It’s all about the students,” says Tina. “If you can help one student, that’s what it’s all about for me. When you do the littlest thing for them, they have such gratitude. You really feel like you accomplished something important.”

Florence Tarrant

Assistant Professor/ Academic Director, Undergraduate Studies – Faculty of Management

“Unfailing good cheer, a perpetual smile and a positive attitude.”

That’s how one nominator described Florence Tarrant, a faculty member in the Faculty of Management since 2010 and currently academic program director for both the Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Management programs. In that capacity, she’s made key improvements within the Faculty and has become renowned for selflessness in her time and commitment outside of the classroom.

“Contagiously optimistic,” as one nominator put it, Florence’s commitment is perhaps most noticeable in her dedication to student life activities. She gives up many evenings and weekends in support of teams in the JDCC case competition, mock trials, first- and second-year case competitions and many of the Dalhousie Commerce Society’s charitable initiatives.

“Throughout my four years at Dalhousie, I have not seen a faculty member more dedicated and committed than Florence,” said one student. “She relentlessly provides outstanding service to her students. It’s professors like Florence that make a difference in a student’s undergraduate experience. I know she did for me.”

“I’m not even sure I know how to describe it,” says Florence, of receiving the Rosemary Gill Award. “I have a real passion for my students and I love working with them and doing things for them. The fact that they were part of recognizing me for that is so gratifying.”