Fanshawe Employee Appreciation Event

It was an afternoon of good food, shiny prizes, and nearly 2000 years of Fanshawe College wisdom under one roof.

Fanshawe President Howard Rundle with 40-year employee Bob Brine, Board of Governors Chair Britta Winther and First Vice-Chair Crispin Colvin

On Tuesday, October 19, 2010, the College held its annual Employee Appreciation event, which was expanded this year to celebrate years of service to the College in five-year increments.

The College celebrated the achievements and contributions of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 year employees. Also honoured at the event were the past year's retirees, as well as the winners of this year's President's Distinguished Achievement Awards.

Over 140 people attended the event in the James A. Colvin Atrium to congratulate their friends and colleagues. Employees were announced by President Dr. Howard Rundle, then welcomed to the stage by Britta Winther, Board of Governors Chair for 2010, and Crispin Colvin, First Vice Chair and son of the venue's namesake.

Collectively, the room was full of more than 1,835 years of Fanshawe College experience. The single greatest contributor, and Fanshawe's first-ever employee to be honoured for 40 years of service, was Bob Brine of the St. Thomas/Elgin campus.

Professor Jim Van Horne was once again MC for the afternoon, trading quips with Dr. Rundle and bringing a soft touch of humour to the event. Guest speakers included Kim Otto on behalf of 5 to 15-year employees, Amy Morris on behalf of 20-plus year employees, and Suzanne O'Neill on behalf of retirees. Betty Pickering also addressed retirees on behalf of the Fanshawe College Retirees' Association.

Awards were presented to the 2010 winners of the President's Distinguished Achievement Awards, and professor Brian Lee received the ACCC Silver Teaching Excellence Award.

After the ceremonies concluded, guests were treated to a spread of gourmet hors-d'ouevres and desserts, and many smiles could be seen as co-workers applauded each other's accomplishments one last time.