President's Fall Staff Meeting and Distinguished Achievement Awards

Fanshawe President Howard Rundle met with College staff on Thursday, September 23, to discuss enrolment, strategic enrolment management and physical plant improvements. For details, see video of the meeting at http://www.fanshawec.ca/president/fall10.asp

Dr. Rundle also presented the President's Distinguished Achievement Awards. "As always, I am delighted to announce this year's President's Distinguished Achievement Award recipients. Fanshawe takes pride in its many exceptional employees. Every year, it is my privilege to acknowledge a few of those great people and to pay tribute to the work they do on behalf of Fanshawe's students. Thank you to everyone who nominated a colleague or supported a nomination this year."

Architectural Technology is one of Fanshawe's longest-running and most successful programs. Backed by an experienced, qualified instructional and administrative team, the program has adapted to accommodate new technology, new building practices, and a new emphasis on sustainable development. It has also moved into applied research with a focus on solar power, giving students and faculty the chance to lead Ontario's shift toward green energy. Architectural Technology continues to enjoy high graduate placement and co-op placement rates, with students receiving a practical education that ultimately leads to career success. Congratulations to everyone involved in the program!

The Trauma and Treatment Team has used a focus on practical education to create several exciting learning opportunities for students, most notably the annual Trauma and Treatment Inter-professional Education Event. Held in October last year, the event brought together Paramedic, Emergency Telecommunications, Police Foundations, Nursing, Broadcasting, Building Technology, and Theatre Arts students, plus local emergency services personnel, to respond to over 40 simulated 911 calls in one weekend - excellent practice for students who will eventually work on multi-disciplinary teams in high pressure situations. Thank you to all team members for your dedication!

President's Distinguished Part-Time Teacher Award
Ian James (School of Applied Science and Technology)
Here's a fish story for you: A man from Scotland turns his knack for fly fishing into a career in Canada as a professional fisherman, world renowned fly maker, book and magazine author, CBC radio personality, television host, and college professor. It seems like a whopper, but that's exactly what Ian has done. Ian's fly fishing course - the first college level accredited fly fishing course in Canada - uses fly fishing as an introduction to environmental issues. In its first two years, the course has earned not only exciting IFS scores, but high praise from stakeholders and community partners. Congratulations, Ian. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with Fanshawe's students!

President's Distinguished Leadership Award
Harry Bakker - Facilities Management
Fanshawe proudly boasts one of Canada's safest and most attractive college campuses. Harry is a big reason for that status. Over the past nine years, he has been in charge of major projects including the new Centre for Automotive Trades and Technology at 1764 Oxford Street, campus improvements such as the Colvin Atrium and new residences, expansions at regional campuses, and Fanshawe's comprehensive Master Plan. Harry's team keeps Fanshawe running. Everything from building maintenance to emergency planning goes through his office, and his expertise has made the College much more functional and environmentally friendly. Thank you and congratulations, Harry!

President's Distinguished Staff Award
Karrie Burke - Marketing and Corporate Communications
This year marks 20 years of service to Fanshawe for Karrie - and service is exactly the right word to describe her career. Anyone who has worked with Karrie knows just how enthusiastic, willing, and committed she is. She has contributed to extensive growth and development in Fanshawe's thriving Marketing and Corporate Communications office, helping to shape the department's goals and procedures for maximum efficiency. Karrie also represented Fanshawe exceptionally well as the College's United Way sponsored employee in 2006 and has demonstrated a commitment to life-long learning through her professional development work at the College. Congratulations Karrie, and thank you for your effort!

President's Distinguished Teacher Award
Rhonda Payne (Lawrence Kinlin School of Business)
As a teacher, leader, and mentor, Rhonda has had a huge impact on Fanshawe's Lawrence Kinlin School of Business. Her approach reflects the College's focus on practical education, and she has helped develop valuable learning experiences for students including the unique Community Consultants program, the TD Canada Trust Small Business Plan Challenge, and other competitions. Through those initiatives, she has built key business partnerships that bring the real world into Fanshawe's programs. Rhonda is also a classroom innovator, using new technologies and methods to make her courses as accessible and relevant as possible, with great results. Congratulations!