DPMG award recipients recognized for service to the campus community

The more than 950 members of the Dalhousie Professional & Managerial Group (DPMG) — the association that includes the university’s managers and professional employees — are known for going above and beyond in serving the campus community.

During its annual general meeting on June 8 in Halifax, nine members received DPMG Awards in recognition of their achievements and exemplary contributions to the university.

This year, the DPMG Awards program encompassed four categories: Outstanding Achievement (Early Career), Outstanding Achievement (Career), Outstanding Achievement (Long Service – 10+ Years) – a new category this year – and the IDDEA Award (achievement in Inclusion, Diversity, Decolonization, Equity, and Accessibility).

The following are excerpts from each of the recipients’ citations:

2023 DPMG Award for Outstanding Achievement (Early Career)

Cody Turner

For contributions to elevate Dalhousie’s story through visual media, creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

Cody’s approach to innovation in a time where the need for high-quality video content has never been greater has proven to be a considerable asset to the university. Upon joining Dalhousie in 2020, he requested a drone to capture aerial photography and provide more epic and sweeping views of our Halifax and Truro campuses. Furthermore, Cody explored and developed new content for platforms such as TikTok, YouTube shorts and Reels, which required a shift to shorter video content.

During the pandemic, when people were asked to stay home away from the Dalhousie campus, Cody’s leadership in the production of a holiday-themed gathering video in December 2020 amplifies how his talent for visual media helped encourage community engagement even within a remote environment.

When describing his achievements, Matt Proctor, Associate Vice President, Communications, Marketing and Create Services, notes: “Cody’s impact has also been felt across many strategic initiatives at Dalhousie, be it his support of our refreshed brand, the rollout of the 2022 Community Report and his support of Dal’s strategic plan. Cody’s work helps to elevate the work of others. He is also very conscious to ensure his work is inclusive and truly representative of our diverse community. I think of his excitement in sharing videography work as part of this year’s African Heritage Month that celebrated a long-serving Black student advisor, or his quick offering to find time to get new footage of the Progress Pride flag once raised on the Studley campus.”

Cody is an exemplary member of the Dalhousie community, and it is a breath of fresh air in how his true creativity, collaboration, optimism, dedication, and support engages all that have the pleasure of working with him.

Mabel Ho

For design and delivery of professional development programs for graduate students and post-doctoral scholars across Dalhousie.

Mabel’s high and consistent performance stems from her “can-do” approach to work while remaining positive and striving to stay abreast of developments in her field. She continuously seeks to improve the quality of the professional development programs delivered by the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Mabel’s innovative approach began with the development of the first cohesive professional development program, Dal GradPD. Further, she established a pan-university Graduate Professional Development Committee with multiple partners university-wide.

As a positive and creative leader, Mabel’s impact goes beyond the University as the current President of the Board of Governors for the Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network of Canada, and she also served on the Canadian Association for Graduate Studies. Prior to Mabel joining the University in 2019, professional development programs for graduate students across campus did not exist while other U15 universities had been offering programs for over a decade. Mabel’s impact has resulted in Dalhousie being able to offer programs that rival our U15 colleagues.

In support of Mabel’s achievements, Dr. Suzanne Le-May Sheffield, Executive Director (Acting) Centre for Learning & Teaching, says: “Dr. Ho brings her keen eye for improvement to everything she does, as well as an earnestness and intelligence that instills confidence in any project she undertakes. She works at a higher level of competence and wisdom than one would expect from someone so early in her career. I have appreciated her honesty and integrity and I know I can count on her professionalism. Most importantly thought, she cares deeply about graduate student professional development. Over 260 students are currently enrolled in Dal GradPD.”

Nicole Fraser

For service improvement, graduate student advocacy, and contribution to a positive workplace culture.

Starting in the role of Program Officer in 2021, Nicole’s high and consistent performance has been shown in the detailed attention placed on all the Faculty of Graduate Studies program-related processes. She created a new process for graduate student voluntary withdrawal and mid-term leave of absences/returns. Further, she has developed an electronic process for a previously paper-based system resulting in an exceptional, automated student experience.

Nicole’s impact upon Dalhousie is shown as she continues to lead the Faculty of Graduate Studies education and communication initiatives within the graduate community. If there is a process not working efficiently, she takes advice from others in the team and re-evaluates all the available information before sharing important updates in a variety of formats. When Dalhousie staff were encouraged to work from home, off-campus, Nicole identified several ways in which we could utilize current systems and communicate and transfer information in new ways across campus. This work has effectively changed the way the Faculty of Graduate Studies does business.

In support, Adam Donaldson, Acting Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies, says: “Nicole has progressively demonstrated a high level of personal standards and commitment to student-centric service within our office. Starting in early 2021, Nicole transitioned into the Program Office DPMG role, taking on significant responsibility to support graduate administrative staff across Dalhousie and to lead a team of staff in providing support services managed through her office. During the past 2+ years, Nicole has taken proactive steps to enact strategic initiatives which qualify her outstanding achievements, consistently demonstrating a high level of competence and performance in each initiative.”

2023 DPMG Award for Outstanding Achievement (Career)

Tereigh Ewert

For commitment to understanding the needs of communities, and lifelong commitment to equity, diversity, inclusivity, accessibility, and indigenization and decolonization.

Joining Dalhousie in 2018 and hired to ensure Dalhousie’s faculty, staff and students experience a more equitable learning environment regardless of background, discipline, or current circumstances, Tereigh hit the ground running and has led transformational change initiatives while never losing focus on the end goal of a more equitable society.

Tereigh’s initiatives include:

·       Supporting departments who wanted to work through intercultural development inventory to explore their intercultural competence.

·       Creating a studio course as part of the Faculty Certificate in Teaching & Learning on anti-racist and anti-oppressive education.

·       Creating a Universal Design Learning (UDL)/Culturally Responsive Pedagogy (CRP) Faculty-wide workshop with Les Tyler Johnson, prompting communities of practice in those Faculties to implement UDL/CRP into the curriculum.

Tereigh is a positive influence, and her leadership style is truly collaborative. When working within the Centre for Learning and Teaching’s Transformative Pedagogies Team, by recognizing her own positionality as a white settler and theirs as racialized and Indigenous individuals, they have said they have felt heard, respected, and supported by her approach.

Dr. Barb Hamilton-Hinch, Assistant Vice-Provost, Equity and Inclusion and Quenta Adams, Assistant Vice-Provost, Student Engagement and Success, say: “Tereigh’s genuine concern for faculty, staff, and students from equity-denied groups – which is a term she uses to better describe the lived experiences of equity groups – showcases her compassion for her colleagues and the work she engages in. She is purposeful in the language she uses and does not follow what is popular, but what is right. Additionally, Tereigh is always looking for ways to improve her own understanding and learnings. On several occasions, she has shared with us resources or books that could be used by others to advance EDIA initiatives. Her excitement in sharing these resources is contagious and has influenced our collective work at Dalhousie and within the province.”

Stephanie MacKenzie

For exceptional project management and leadership accomplishments after the Cox building fire and playing an integral role in the rebuilding of the Cox Institute.

What was initially thought to be a small fire proved to be one of the most challenging and complex construction projects in Dalhousie's history. Despite facing numerous hurdles (including a pandemic), Stephanie remained cool as a cucumber, guiding the project with remarkable finesse.

Peter Coutts remembers: "Stephanie became the main cog in a complicated wheel, calming the nerves of frantic and emotional researchers while negotiating with insurance and logistical red tape."

In the words of the Dr. David Gray, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture: “Stephanie exhibited an extraordinary ability to adapt to constant change. This was one event that broke the mold for a ‘normal’ project at the university. She worked above and beyond what most perceive as normal hours. Weekends, evenings, and holidays disappeared from her life during this project. (…) Stephanie showed exceptional leadership and relationship building, working with internal clients and external contractors to complete the project with the least disruption possible to operations.

Moreover, Stephanie’s positive influence and leadership shone through as she acted as a mentor and trainer for a new employee, who had just joined the university. While providing support to this new staff member, she effectively communicated with all stakeholders, including close to 200 different agencies, suppliers, and subcontractors.”

2023 DPMG Award for Outstanding Achievement (Long Service)

Stuart McCormack

For work ethic, ability to “lead while not in charge,” and reputation for being known as the “go-to guy.”

Stuart joined Dalhousie in 2009, and over this time has helped improve almost every building on the Halifax campus — from high visibility projects like the renewal of the dentistry clinic, to the miles of underground tunnels that now stretch from Henry to Barrington Streets.

A trusted project manager and mentor, Stuart’s most recent job on the $42.6 million renewal of the Halifax Thermal Plant is arguably the most complex project ever completed by Facilities Management. Further complicated by the consequences of the pandemic, Stuart would you tell you this the Halifax Thermal Plant project is no different to the others. Despite the project’s complexities, he managed the project in the same affable way, through relationship building, attention to safety, discipline with contractors, ingenuity with delays and hitches, and unparalleled fiscal responsibility.

In support of Stuart’s nomination, Dr. Ben Davis, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry Dean, says: “The Clinic Renewal Project of our existing 50-year-old facility was essential to maintain our accreditation status and strategic vision of the Faculty. This close to $28 million dollar update of our “dental hospital” was a massive undertaking for our school. Stuart’s ability to work collegially and collaboratively with the construction company and various sub-contractors, allowed the project to be completed early and on budget. He continually provided our team with daily updates and tours of the work site, keeping us informed and involved in the many decisions that could only be made once construction had begun.”

Stuart’s colleagues would tell you that his ownership of projects is unparalleled. He immerses himself and takes responsibility for all aspects even after a project is complete. Stuart still occasionally drops in to see how the staff in the Dentistry Clinic are doing, and to ensure the integrity of the work has been maintained.

Kimberly McDonald Winsor

For insights into annual giving, team leadership, growth and support, and fundraising industry impact.

A long-serving fundraising professional at Dalhousie, Kim’s joined the university in 2000 and her leadership translates directly to the continued success of Dalhousie’s Annual Giving program. Last year, the campaign celebrated surpassing the $5 million mark in annual fund level gifts for the first time ever.

Kim has spearheaded a robust strategy that leverages multiple touchpoints, meaning Dalhousie can reach out and meet with alumni where they are, in the medium of their choice. An innovative leader, in 2012 Kim had the foresight to establish a crowdfunding tool to enhance the online giving experience and year later projectDAL was launched, changing the giving landscape by giving staff, faculty, students and alumni the opportunity to launch and manage their own student-centric fundraising campaigns.

Kim’s leadership is evident in many campaigns. Here are some campaigns of note:

·       The Food Security Project

·       International Student Holiday Dinner

·       Emergency Micro bursaries Fund

·       The Iranian Memorial Bursary

Kim’s leadership stretches far beyond the Dalhousie community noted by her initiative to bring Dalhousie into the Target Analytics benchmark group for Canada’s U15 institutions. Dalhousie consistently outperforms other U15 Annual Fund programs on donor acquisition and renewal figures, which reflects Kim’s command of her field.

Sheila Blair-Reid, Vice-President Advancement (acting) writes: “Her direct reports describe her as an outstanding, once-in-a-career supervisor. In the past I have noted her capacity for uplifting her team when unexpected obstacles get in the way of shared or individual objectives. I remember when an external vendor platform crashed during the all-important final hours of a Giving Tuesday campaign. Kim is the kind of leader whose easygoing nature easily fosters an amicable all-hands-on-deck sensibility among teammates, even in trying times, and this was on full display on that particular night.”

Maureen Keough

For high level of professionalism, achievement of exceptional results, and leadership of new initiatives.

Joining Dalhousie in 2005 in the department now known as the Office of Research Services, Maureen stepped into the newly created role of Research Prizes and Institutional Projects in 2016. Since then, her institutional project work on developing Dalhousie’s Research Centres and Institutes program has been outstanding and she continues to oversee the process on developing new research centre and institute proposals for Senate Review.

Just over half of Maureen’s role is devoted to nominating faculty members for research awards and prizes. This is a long and intense process and for Maureen, it entails maintaining knowledge of submissions requirement for dozens of awards, developing lists of potential nominees, editing letters of nomination, corresponding with potential referees, and managing all stakeholders for documents deadline submission. Maureen’s has overseen the successful nomination of 13 Royal Society Fellows, doubling Dalhousie’s annual average!

In support of Maureen’s achievements, Dr. Christine Chambers, Canada Research Chair & Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience & Pediatrics, says: “It is established that women in academia receive fewer prestigious awards than their male counterparts. There are many reasons for this (e.g., structural, psychological), but part of the solution is to make sure that women are nominated for awards, and Maureen has actively sought out and supported women and others from diverse backgrounds across the university to be nominated for awards. This shows great leadership and is an important part of developing a more equitable and inclusive university environment. It helps to position these individuals for future career success, and strongly aligns with Dalhousie’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. It also helps to raise awareness of the importance of the university in the greater community and beyond.”

2023 DPMG IDDEA Award (achievement in Inclusion, Diversity, Decolonization, Equity, and Accessibility)

Órla McDevitt

For dedication to accessibility and accommodation, determination to think outside of the box, and commitment to amplify voices that are not always heard.

Órla started with Dalhousie over 35 years ago and is considered the heart and soul of the Human Resources Department and a cornerstone of the University. Well-respected, she has undertaken multiple roles during her time at the University, but none so close to her heart than her current role as the Director of Accessible Employment.

Órla’s high and consistent performance was evident throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, working countless hours to offer resources and support to those in need. With compassion and kindness, she advocated for people who were adversely impacted during the pandemic including employees with disabilities. Órla has contributed to countless recruitment initiatives reflecting values of inclusion, diversity accessibility, and equity, and provides mentorship to employees from diverse backgrounds. It was her vision to develop better coordination of Dalhousie’s accessibility supports, a component she felt was sometimes forgotten in Dalhousie’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Decolonization framework.

She successfully created and developed a new HR unit in 2020 to raise the profile and lead the work of accessibility and accommodation. Since then, Órla helped advocate for the inclusion of a mental health benefit resulting in the enhanced Blue Cross benefit, and supported Judy MacDonald, Director of the School of Social Work, to help create Dalhousie’s first Disability Caucus.

Ivonne Paez, Accessibility Advisor, notes: “Órla is well known among the leadership team at Dal and her HR colleagues to be the go-to person for any accessibility challenge in the workplace. Employees at the university have called her at all hours of the day or night, and she is always willing to drop everything to come to the aid of the employee and help them navigate some very challenging situations.”