Staff members honoured for their hard work and dedication

While professors often see their hard work recognized with research grants or published articles, the support staff that help make that work possible often go unnoticed.

Robin Drew, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, is working to change that through the newly reinstated Staff Achievement Awards.

On December 7, 2010, during a special reception at Concordia's downtown campus, four staff members from the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science were honoured for their outstanding work. They were: Marcelle Trotman, Dmitri Rozhdestvenskiy, Michael Assels, and Sophie Merineau. Together, they have given well over half a century to this Faculty--and their colleagues couldn't have been happier to honour them.

Michael Assels, Manager of Networks & Security within the Faculty's Academic Information Technology Services unit, was the first honouree. He was introduced by his colleague Serguei Mokhov, who spoke warmly of how Michael is a "treasure trove of networking knowledge." When he was called up to accept the award, which included a framed certificate and a cheque, Michael kept his speech brief, proclaiming "free beer for AITS staff on December 10th after work!"

Martin Pugh, Chair of the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, then introduced his own assistant, Sophie Merineau. Joking that he was slightly biased, Dr. Pugh was nothing but sincere in his praise for Sophie's relentless dedication, explaining that "she treats everyone with courtesy and respect--she's very loyal and committed."

Then it was Dmitri Rozhdestvenskiy's turn in the spotlight. Although Dmitry has been with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering as Design and Project Specialist for less than five years, he has already left an indelible mark. Bill Lynch, the department's Chair, explained that it was a "great honour" to introduce Dmitry, further stating: "I don't know how I'd run the department without him." When Dmitry stepped up to the podium, he was visibly moved and said, "I perceive this award as an appreciation for all of the technical specialists--we teach our students to love their future profession."

Last to be honoured, but certainly not least, was Marcelle Trotman, Coordinator of Academic Programs for the Student Academic Services (SAS) group. She was warmly introduced by Radu Zmeureanu, Associate Dean of SAS. Having worked closely with Marcelle for years, he called her a "treasure trove of information" and explained that she is "like a mother to our students. And she's much tougher with me than she is with them!" He also pointed out that that very day, Marcelle had attended a long service luncheon honouring her 40 years with the University.

Marcelle kept her acceptance speech brief, saying a simple but heartfelt "thank-you", before Dean Drew wrapped up the reception by once again praising the four honourees for displaying such loyalty, trust, and dedication towards the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science.

Related link:
•  Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science