2016-17 Gracious Gratitude Awards 🏆
The Gracious Gratitude Awards is a yearly celebration of those who make us smile, who are happy to help out, and who make the AUArts community a welcoming, kind, and creative environment. Here's to those who have helped us survive and thrive throughout the year, as nominated by you!
Award Recipients 🏆
See below for the complete list of GGA recipients, including their nominations.
All nominations are generated by members of the AUArts community, and may contain grammatical or categorical errors.
Students
Abby Kube
Abby goes way above capability of student she does everything at 100% and better he’s a great kid as her Grandpa I wish you the best.
Abby is someone I consider a true artist in everything she does. She is incredibly willing to drop whatever she is doing and help others. Her humility and kindness make her someone incredibly easy to work with and her strength of character fosters integrity in all she does. In short Abby Kube is an exceptional woman and as a student continuously finds way to give back to her peers and her school.
Abby is a very talented and caring person who loves to help those in need. She has a heart of gold and a smile that brings joy to all.
Abby’s art is stunning. The amount of effort she puts into each of her pieces is amazing, her paintings are absolutely beautiful to look at. She sets an example for working hard to achieve her goals and her dedication to her work.
Abby has shown dedication and puts her heart into all of her work. She is a very young up and coming artist. She volunteers and also helps others which is an amazing quality of a young student.
Abby has such passion, tenacity, drive and creativity when it comes to many things I her life, but especially about art. Since she was a very young girl, she would be so genuinely consumed by how she saw the world. And I soon learned to see my own world through her eyes. She was chosen as Airdrie’s Youth Art representative and belonged to a City Committee in which she was the only youth. She has been featured in a magazine article and her passion and desire to create beautiful art and positively impact peoples lives are some of the reasons why I want to nominate Abby for this Gracious Gratitude Award.
Abigail is a very dedicated student, who has been involved in her community as the Airdrie Public Arts committed youth representative. Her dedication to her work has led her to seek out different opportunities locally and abroad, and has taken several comissions for her work. Abigail is also involved in her community by donating proceeds to her art to the Airdrie food bank and Boys and Girls Club, and is an active advocate for people in the autism spectrum.
She’s an amazing person
She’s an amazing artist and sister, she is super patient and kind, she is probably the most kind person to animals in the world and she is a very independent and intelligent person and her art reflects her passion on life
Aira Santos
greets everyone with a smile and a nice good morning! always has snacks whenever you’re in need of something to snack on. Never hesitates to share everything that can help you improve on your studies.
Alexia Mitchell
The button club, which Alexia runs each week, is a wonderful initiative to bring students together. She welcomes anyone with a smile and is a lovely person to interact with. I really appreciate her dedication to the students.
Ally Latta
Ally has a high energy friendly spirit and a smile that can brighten your whole day. She works hard to help make amazing events happen at the school and is also a dedicated student and friend. Thanks Ally!
Caitlyn Rinne
Caitlyn is a dedicated student and she always takes the time to talk with you to help you on a project or share ideas. She is very kind to others, and has taken a big role in the Media arts community with the horse show and other committees. Caitlyn goes above and beyond in her studies, and she would be a great recipient for this award! Go Caitlyn!
Caleb Scholes
Caleb is just simply a delightful human being to talk with. He always seems like he’s in a good mood, he’s smart and funny, and it’s been an absolute pleasure being at ACAD with him.
Camille Porcheron
Camille is constantly working. She is in the studio every day completing project and working hard. She is apart of ACADSA and still completes her work on time- always. She offers a helping hand to everyone she knows, always. She brings light to the studio and the building
This year, I have had struggles majorly with some things I am going through at home. Along side these very difficult personal issues, our finance struggles have really taken a role on my mental and physical health. I got to the point where I would be skipping meals, often, just to save a buck. I can’t even put into words the amazing things this women has done for me in this time. She has been a shoulder to cry on, and easy person to talk to, and she has gone way out of her way to just make sure I was eating, and offering to assist me with nessesary school supplies. This girl has been everything to me this year, and she is always there for everyone around her, no matter what she is going through. Truly an amazing spirit, and I don’t know what I would have done without her.
Candace Horsburgh
Candace is an inspirational student. Whether it is rocking the runway at wearable art events or going to Australia for the exchange program, she is committed to diving in and making the most out of her time as an art student. She is rigorous in her practice and always open to feedback. Her smile has brightened many of my days here.
Caroline Forde
Caroline is actively involved in the ACAD fibre community, and I would argue is an integral member that I am sad to see graduating. Whether it be running free Natural Dye and Natural Dye Printing Workshops, or fibre funding initiatives in collaboration with other departments, or just providing support to both new and mature fibre students, she emanates both passion for her art and creating community. I think passionate students who contribute extracurricularily to community and are able to balance their academic work life are worth noting, and I have to say that I have witnessed Caroline working to help not only myself, but others too. She is extremely inclusive, kind, sharing, hard working and I nominate her for just being her awesome self.
Charlee Witschi
Charlee is an excellent example of a student who goes the extra mile to get involved. Particularly from the Campus engagement with Staff, Charlee continues to impress.
She has volunteered for several opportunities to showcase her work by designing posters and pamphlets with Admissions and Recruiting, and her commitment to the College has landed her a summer-employment opportunity within our department.
I have nothing but excellent things to say about Charlee Witschi.
Daniel Labutes
Daniel is so generous with his time and help in the ceramics studio. He's always willing to share information and has a great attitude that adds a lot to the studio!
Eila Miller
She talks in behalf of VCD students. When she sees a problem that affects us, she makes sure to tell the admin about it and take action.
Ethan Peters
Ethan has been working at the Knowledge Centre welcome desk for several months. Every day he comes to work with a positive attitude, which permeates his interactions with everyone who approaches that desk. His customer service skills are wonderful - he is personable, remembers peoples names, and makes our ConEd students feel welcome.
Ethan has quickly become the Concierge of ACAD. For example, after just one meeting he can remember every Con Ed student by their name. He is an outstanding representative of ACAD and the quality of people that are our students.
Francesca Flaskay
Francesca deserves this award for her amazing positivity and ability make all those around her feel appreciated. She realizes that supporting another’s success won’t ever dampen her own, and she is one of the most encouraging students I know at ACAD. With the craziness of being a university student it's such a great feeling when someone just genuinely wants to talk to you and know how your life is going. I’m very grateful to have Francesca in my life, there couldn’t be a better candidate for this award!
Jennifer Thiessen
Jen is always ready to help out with whatever you need. She’ll drive you across the city with an art project, bring supplies to your house, and give you an encouraging word when you’re feeling down. I feel like I can trust her with anything and she’;ll never judge me. She’s been instrumental in keeping me sane and on track this year. All around a wonderful person.
Jordan Schinkel
i would like to nominate jordan schinkel for all the amazing, hard work that he did on the horse show last year. it was hands down one of the best shows that i have ever been to!
Karin Tarr
Karin has done an immense amount of work in helping the VCD 2nd year students cope and understand their rights concerning the hour changes. She has dedicated to much of her own time and money to representing us, and she deserves to be commended for all of the effort that she put in. She has dramatically helped change the community of 2nd year VCD for the better.
Kat Wawrykow
Youre an inspiration to us 3rd years!!! Thanks for your help and advocating for us!
Kaylee Maciejko
Thank you for helping make Sculpture Love happen this year! It was a great success! Many people in the community looked forward to this event each week and we would like to acknowledge all the hard work you put in to make this happen.
Kyrsten Lofts
Kyrsten is a great person and I believe she deserves this award because she is intentional in developing relationships. She genuinely cares about people, and will go above and beyond to show her support. My friendship with Kyrsten has greatly influenced my experience at ACAD because she goes the extra mile to make people feel loved and accepted!
Lindsey Schechosky
Lindsey is one of the strongest students I have ever met. She has remained a committed student despite many challenges, and has an inspirational attitude towards making the change that you wish to see. Through her dedication and big energy she has helped many students take accountability for their experience, and has helped everyone she works with find the will to go on even when things are tough. I am grateful for having this role model in my life and look forward to seeing all the ways she will take on the world as she leaves ACAD and starts the next phase of her life.
Lisa Ray-anne
Lisa is a rock. She is a foundation. Few people in my life have I ever come across that work as hard as she does, and have a heart as golden as hers. If one single person in the entirety of ACAD deserves proper recognition, it is her. She is a shining, sparkling, gem of a person. She deserves to be recognized for more reasons than I can even list. You rock Lisa. Keep on rocking. You're great at what you do. Keep being you.
Where do I even begin. Lisa is probably the most hardworking individual you will ever meet in your life. She;s been the absolute backbone of the Student Association for two years. She is insightful, helpful, and dedicated. Quite frankly she deserves an entire gracious gratitude event completely devoted to her. Seriously. Maybe even a statue, or some sort of permanent plaque of the wall. The work she has done for the school and for the students is incredible, and I want her to know that she is loved and appreciated.
lisa has a quiet strength that works behind the scenes to ensure all students are supported and made a priority within the institution. During her time as President of ACADSA, she has never wavered for a single moment when is comes to putting the needs and desires of the student body at the forefront of every meeting and every decision she's made. Her Open Hearted leadership has given courage to her entire team to keep working hard even when everything seemed to be going against us. There will never be enough I can say about the gratitude and pride I feel having got to work by her side.
Martina Westib-Laird
Martina is a supportive friend and student with an inspirational practice. She has been an asset on the Event Committee team helping to create events that have benefited the ACAD community. I appreciate the energy she brings to the school and the insights she has given me. Thanks Martina!
Megan Fen
Your work enchants me and fills me with awe. The inventiveness and beauty of your work is inspirational. You have a kind gentle spirit and I know that you will do well as you continue to express yourself through out your life time. Never give up on yourself- you are doing great!
McKenna Prather
Positive attitude, strong work ethic and natural talent.
for her thoughtfulness, intellect, and personability. She is also involved in SLC!
Naomi C.
Naomi is a beautiful soul that I am always happy to be around. She has a gentleness of spirit and a laugh that brightens my day. She always brings smiles, hugs and a silly moment when I need it the most. Thanks for being wonderful spectacular you!
Paige Harris
Paige is one of the most dedicated students I have met during my time at ACAD. She is always a great support for her friends and puts 100% effort into everything she does. I feel incredibly lucky to have known her and had her enrich my student experience with all her love, big ideas, and hard work.
she is a good listener, kind and goes beyond her time to help her fellow students and is actively involved in the Sculpture love that happens every Wednesday for past two years.
Polly Orr
Polly;s efforts at ACAD, both inside the classroom and within the larger college, exhibit not only a genuine excitement and dedication to learning but also a passionate curiosity as to how we can make ACAD stronger and more relevant for all of us. Polly leads by example, trusts through conversation and inspires through daily dedication. Thank you.
Polly exudes community. Her open heart and gracious gift of time and support to art projects all across campus are just the tip of the iceberg of the passion she has for her community. Polly’s diverse self-expressions communicate and inspire freedom, courage, joy and delight. Polly’s advocacy of students rights is a quiet strength that she brings to everything she does.
You are amazing Polly!
Poly is one of the most beautiful people I have ever had the privilege of meeting. She has an aura about her that can make you feel happy simply by standing next to her, and she is always helpful, concerned, and genuine. She has been an inspiration to me, and I’m certain many other students. Truly a beautiful soul.
Polly deserves this award. Have you known anyone else at ACAD who spends this amount of time and attention on trying to show that she values the students, faculty, administration or staff? This being emulates love and compassion and is building community while she dreams. She gives all of herself to the ACAD community and it would be wonderful if she was shown gracious gratitude by winning this award.
Polly, Camille, Lindsey
I want to nominate my wonderful Executive team! Thank you for everything you do for me, and for all the students on campus. You have made an extremely challenging year quite fun at times. You are the real MVPs and I love you all so much. Thank you for all your hard work this year!
Ryan Owen
Ryan is always willing to help people set up their work and give very thoughtful and generous feedback on their peers works of art. He is always there to help, offer support, and put a smile on your face!
Saralena Kuntz
She always puts a smile on my face and never fails to lend a helping hand when others need her.
Shanai Bennett
Shanai is a natural leader and she has organized so much of the student life in Media arts that she should get a metal. She has been able to organize and administer student meetings, and she has done all this during full studies. I have wondered how such a talented person can do so many things and do them to such a high standard. Shanai, thank you for your abounding dedication!
Trudy Tsan
Trudy has worked very hard this year to help bring the beauty of design to the ACADSA office. Her colourful posters helped to spread community and invite the student body to contribute to a wide variety of events. Thank you for all your time and dedication Trudy!
Vicky Canete
Vicky is a power house first year. I am impressed not only by her involvement on the SLC, but how committed she has been to representing the first year students. She has gone above and beyond in helping with events as a volunteer and an energetic participant. Thank you for everything you have done this year Vicky!
Faculty
Alana Bartol
Alana conducts her class on the fringe of what is possible. Incorporating social practice and experimental knowledge exchange into the structures of her class, she invites her students to expand their ideas of what making art and presenting as an artist can mean. She is open and honest about the potential struggles of being a practicing artist, and continuously offers resources, conversations and opportunities to help students be successful as they transition out of school.
Bryan Cera
Bryan helps students all the time. He helped me with a huge project, and let me use some of his equipment. I think he is an excellent person to receive this award!
Chris Cran
Chris wildly exceeds expectations
Craig Fahner
Craig allows his vast curiosity and awe to spill into his teaching. He promotes collaboration and reaching beyond ones limits to find a new way of expressing. He always makes time for his students and will go the extra mile to explain something in further detail. It has been a pleasure being around his contagious spirit and in the excellent learning environment he created.
Derek Beaulieu
Derek is an inspiration both inside and outside of ACAD. He constantly advocates for positive changes within the institution and is in full support of any student looking to facilitate change, growth and experimentation. His unconventional approaches are not everyone's cup of tea, but if you are looking for someone who will posses you with the spirit of radical self responsibility and bold creativity-Derek is your man.
Jackie Bagley
Thank you Jackie for helping me pursue my goals. Your consideration and support is valued and appreciated more than you can ever know.
Jennifer Merio
Jenn’s kindness is unparalleled at ACAD. She is understanding and considerate of things that life sometimes throws at us students. Don’t get me wrong, she’ll be blunt when you’re falling behind or not presenting work to the standard.. but she is always willing to take time and give your constructive feedback. The amount of time she gives her students is always above and beyond what is required of her... and we all appreciate it.
Jennifer Salahub
Dr. Salahub is the best resource I've come across at ACAD. She's always willing to help not only in topics regarding her courses, but is also willing to offer guidance whenever she can.
Kurtis Lesick
He is above and beyond what a teacher gives to his students! he is more concerned about our school life than ourselves! he is definitely a precious gift to MADT department
Mark Clintberg
Mark Clintberg is one of the most dedicated teachers I have ever had. He is obviously so passionate about the subject matter he teaches, and injects so much contemporary context into his art history classes, making it relevant for each and every student. His passion and intellect makes me love art history in a way I didnt know was possible. He is also very organized, which always sets students up for success.
Paul Hudson
I was a student in Pauls class last semester. Every day that I attended his class, I was blown away by his passion, his dedication to the students, and his willingness to always go the extra mile. He was constantly lending out his own books and giving immersive and interesting lectures. Not to mention his incredible talent and gentle spirit. In particular, I appreciated the kindness he never failed to show the students. Despite being new to a school in crisis, he jumped in headfirst in hopes of improving it. His criticism was thoughtful and precise, and I am a better artist for having been in his class.
Richard Clements
In his first year teaching at ACAD, Richard has made a very positive impact on the Sculpture Department. He deeply believes in the power of art, and structures his classes to demand the highest level of commitment and professionalism from his students. I have had many conversations with students who feel enriched and challenged after being in his class. We look forward to his influence continuing to shape the future of the Sculpture program.
Rita Sasges
Even with the short amount of studio time we have, she still stays after class time for us. She also makes sure to bring in resources and other books to give us a small lecture about designers and techniques.
Rita Mckeough
Rita is always finding ways to help her students with SKIP internships and the like. She is very devoted to giving her time to help with projects and I see her often staying at the school until 9pm, while her class had finished at 5pm to help her students, myself included. Rita is so wonderful! Thank you, we appreciate you so dearly!
Sara Nordean
An excellent caring teacher, who cares about and appreciates students.
Scott Cressman
Thank you Scott for listening to us VCD students complain. You are truly making us feel heard and respected as members of the ACAD community. We appreciate all the time and consideration that you are putting in. Thank you.
Shelley Ouellet
Shelley has been a wonderful support within the ACAD community. She is always showing up to events to support students, and has always made herself available to talk and discuss life after ACAD. She encourages students to think broadly about community involvement and how they will transition into the Calgary arts scene. Her support does not end after graduation, as she is happy to continue providing encouragement and insight.
Sondra Meszaros
Sondra is one of the best instructors I’ve had at ACAD. She deserves recognition for it, and that’;s really all that needs to be said. I came to ACAD because people told me the faculty was second to none. Sondra is a prime example of why I made the right decision.
Suzanne Lemermeyer
She is so enthusiastic about every idea and project, consistently a pleasure to be in her class. Also her laugh is so contagious.
Staff + Admin
Alex Moon
Thank you for all the time you spend working on projects with us! You have such an eye for video, and your an avid problem solver. A wiz at Premiere!
Amy Lo
Amy is quite possibly the most competent and reliable person I have ever worked with. Her compassion, expertise, and sense of humour make her one of ACAD’s best.
ALWAYS helpful, goes the extra mile when needed and is always cheerful!
Ann Thrale
Ann is amazing at her job and dedicated to the artists and staff she works with. She is resourceful, a problem-solver, and incredibly hard-working. Ann is a true asset to IKG and ACAD!
Anna Palmer
Thanks Anna for all your help and always making my day whenever I come down to the bookstore!
Anna consistently has a friendly and welcoming attitude when students come to the bookstore and always goes above and beyond in order to help students find what they need for their projects, and to ask students how their days are going with genuine care. The bookstore is an incredibly busy place and Anna always maintains a patient, friendly and upbeat attitude that always brings a smile to my face, and I am sure to many others. Thanks Anna for being awesome!
Arkatyiis Miller
Arkatyiis is a unique and creative addition to ACADs Knowledge Centre.
We get to see you nearly every day and your smile and welcoming presence make a difference for those who enter our space.
Bill Hornecker + Bill Austin
He along with the other Bill in the workshop work so hard and are beyond helpful and welcoming when it comes to projects that seem overwhelming to someone not comfortable with wood and power tools. They go above and beyond to ensure that you leave happy and safe.
Bill and Bill in the woodshop have saved my ass multiple times. They’re always friendly, and incredibly skilled and helpful. I owe the A I received in Sculpting class to both of them. Thanks Bill, and thanks Bill. You’re both a huge asset to this school and deserved to be recognized for it.
Bookstore Staff
Anna Palmer, Cody Cox, Lisa Cerny, Marci Simkulet, Stephen Augey- EACH of you are so incredibly helpful and supportive. Thank you for your patience and sharing all your knowledge with us! The basement bookstore shines bright because of your smiles. #cheezybuttrue #awe
Brett Hollingsworth
Brett is the most amazing person. He puts in the extra effort to make the school a better place by staying late, by working tirelessly to make the equipment safe according to the schools standards and in doing so available for us to use. He trains the students on how to properly use the multiple types of equipment. (lots of equipment and lots of individual training) He upkeeps the equipment. He puts together presentations for if multiple students are requesting more information on a subject. He then presents the presentation along with a little demo. The most recent one was about power engraving and using it to set stones. He is always in a great mood and has something smart to say. When an issue with a project arises and your stuck Brett always has a suggestion, tip, or trick to help get you going again. He goes above and beyond his job description and has made my time at ACAD more enjoyable. He is amazing. If I need to know who to talk to to get permission for a project he is able to either tell me who to talk to or already knows the information needed. Brett will forever be the person that I strive to be like.
Cashier’s Desk
I dont actually know her name, but the woman who works at the cashier’s desk is the most lovely person. Every time I see her in the hallway she has a smile for everyone! She is so kind.
Chantal Hisey
Chantal you are a bright shining light of joy, laughter and supportive contribution to many teams at ACAD. Thank you for being you!
Dale in A.V
Thank you Dale for being so helpful with all the students demands on the A.V room! Dale is so calm during show installations that it helps students remain calm too. In media arts, he has helped trouble shoot so many projects that it is baffling. Dale is patient and a very good technician. ACAD is lucky to have him around!
Jason Hussey
Having Jason as a technician in the metal shop and as an overall assistant to the MFA students has been a wonderful experience. With his sincere and friendly way he goes above and beyond to be accommodating and helpful. I found his vast knowledge of tools, equipment and materials, and his level headed, generous sharing spirit to be not only a pleasure to work with but entirely useful in the pursuit of my work. Presented with a technical problem, Jason carefully considers all the options out loud and discusses all the possibilities so the student is part of the conversation and can learn from it. I had previously thought he should get some kind of award before I knew about this one and am glad to be able to convey my endorsement. He really deserves recognition for the stellar way he does his work. ACAD is lucky to have him.
Jeannie Gorrie
Jeannie has done so well providing as much outreach and support as she can to students. She is a wonderful asset to the ACADSA team and is always eager to help in whatever way she can. She is genuine and kind and ACAD needs more people like her.
Jeannie is a powerful advocate for student health and well-being. She is not limited to that as she supports and engages the entire ACAD community including Faculty and Staff with many of the ACADSA health initiatives.
Her bright smile and welcoming personality are always a joy to be around. It is evident that she cares a great deal about student success.
We are lucky to have such an amazing person making a difference here at ACAD.
Jim Burton
Jim is our rock in the photography program, he is the glue that on rough weeks is sometimes the only thing holding us together. We would be so lost without his help. He has gotten many of us, including myself out of a bind or calmed down a last minute panic attack more times than can be counted. He is such a valuable part of our time here and he should be recognized for all the hard work and effort he puts in.
With all of the issues we had with the print lab and photo cage last semester, Jim came in to save the day. He took over so many duties associated with the photo department and is always sharing his time with students who ask for his help. Jim will give one on one time with students in the print lab to give them an in-depth printing demo as many times as a student will ask for it. Jim has helped me and I know many other students so much and has honestly changed my ACAD experience for the better.
Jo-Anne Clarke
Jo-Anne is committed to community and to being a bridge for people who are dedicated to the same vision. Her support has allowed me to connect with other inspirational individuals who are striving to make a difference in the Calgary community. Jo-Anne is an excellent asset to the ACAD community. her contributions make this a brighter place!
Kiah Gutowski
Kiah has embraced an incredibly busy year with grace and commitment. The first semester Show and Sale could not have functioned without her. She has stepped up to the plate wherever needed, and is committed to bringing new ideas and approaches that help ACADSA run smoothly. Thank you for all that you do Kiah!
Library Staff
The FINA450B students, Mireille Perron as instructor as well as Katrina Chaytor as special guest would like to thank Rene Martin and all the library staff for their support for their exhibition in the LLLibrary: The Reparative Impulse.
Laurel Smith
I don’t know what we would do without Laurel! I feel so privileged to have someone who is so concerned (and excited) about my education. It’s so obvious that Laurel has each student’s best interests at heart, and she does everything in her power to make sure that each student has the best opportunities, and that each student has the ability to make the most of their education. All this with a smile on her face !
Laurel is always willing to go the extra mile for everyone she meets. The amount of work she has been tasked to do is unreal but she manages to execute it with ease and passion for students success at heart. Laurel has made a difference for so many students and I can’t thank her enough.
Outstanding work/effort in maintaining the highest possible academic advising service quality. Tireless effort in assisting students in resolving course selection/Degree advising path “bumps” And for genuine care, compassion and understanding of students needs.
If there were more Laurel Smith's in the world it would definitely be a happier planet. Laurel has the ability to make you feel as though she only has one student to guide, recommend, soothe and advise and youre the lucky student! There is never a question that is too much trouble to either answer or find the answer to and always with a lovely smile and a “We’ll figure it out” attitude. Please try and clone her and dont - whatever you do- lose her. She is a huge contribution to the well-being of all students at ACAD . What a lovely person!
Marc Scholes
Marc’s vision for ACAD looks beyond our current walls to find new opportunities, new ideas and new ways of integrating ACAD in to the larger community. His generative ideas offer a “what if” For the college that looks beyond our current limitations and envisions a new way of doing things. His ideas think big, challenge assumptions and propose new doors just waiting for us to open.
Marci Simkulet
Having just started my role at ACAD, Marci was very accommodating and helpful when I needed assistance or had questions. Marci is always cheerful, well spoken, and does her job very well. I appreciate her professionalism and her infectious positive attitude.
Simply because the support that she provides not only students, but staff, faculty and the community in their art and design making needs is unparalleled. She is passionate about what she does and is an incredibly valuable resource to our creative culture that should be recognized. That and she's also a really cool person. The whole package!
Marianne Elder
Marianne has been such a wonderful advocate for students, and I am so honored that I have been able to work along side her over the years. She puts all her time and energy into trying to make this a better place for everyone, and it does not go unrecognized! Thanks Marianne for all that you do.
Marianne has been such a wonderful advocate for students, and I am so honored that I have been able to work along side her over the years. She puts all her time and energy into trying to make this a better place for everyone, and it does not go unrecognized! Thanks Marianne for all that you do.
Thank you Marianne for spending late nights reading and replying to our concerns as students and making us feel like respected members of the ACAD community.
Thank you Marianne for believing in my lofty goals and taking the time help me pursue my dreams. <3
Paul Szymanowski
Paul cares so much for the quality of student life. He is always here to listen and to support our success.
For:
- providing academic accommodations and academic support to 180+ students with disabilities, at ACAD;
- personal engagement in scheduling and proctoring 150+ accommodated exams, every academic year, in a timely and efficient manner;
- providing administrative support and making possible delivery of the front-line services (tutoring, academic strategy, writing centre) to all ACAD students, who need assistance, including the Lodgepole tutoring services;
- providing administrative and advisory services to students seeking financial assistance through the Canada Study Grants Program;
- consistency and care in facilitating services, in the last 10 years (2007-2017), at ACAD.
- organizing and personally driving international students on the monthly field trips - throughout Southern Alberta - to visit the points of interest;
- providing advise and guidance to international students in their visa and study permit applications - to make the process of Federal Government/ACAD students communication as productive as possible;
- being there for students and faculty, often on the weekends and time off, to answer their questions and provide constructive advise.
Peggy Friesen
Peggy is new in the Registrars Office. She is always so friendly and eager to help. She goes above and beyond.
Rachel Forrest
Rachel always is so friendly and patient when she helps me with my registration. I really appreciate how she treats me like a person.
Recruitment Staff
ACADs Recruitment Staff works really hard and are really friendly and professional.
I think they dont get the appreciation and thanks they deserve.
Shelly Daku
Shelley is amazing. She always cheerfully and promptly helps me out when I need it. I am guilty of inundating her with questions via e-mail and in person, and she is ALWAYS, without fail, happy to answer my queries. You can tell that she wants students to be successful financially. We all know that school can get expensive, and finances can be a particularly stressful part of school to deal with. Shelley is always there with sage advice and encouragement. Thanks Shelley! All of your tireless hard work is noted and appreciated.
Sheryse Legaspi
Sheryse is such a pleasure to work with! She makes everyone in the room feel happy while providing a great service. She has improved recruitment at ACAD tenfold!
Stephanie Dewar
Steph is always willing to work with those who have ideas on how to make the college a better place -- she is focused on solutions, on students and on cutting through the challenges in order to add to the college community -- and she does all this with an amazing, supportive attitude and the biggest laugh ever.
Stephen Augey
Always cheerful, helpful and ready to lend a hand when required. A guy who does a lot of work behind the scenes that many cant appreciate. I look forward to my daily check in with Steve, and enjoy working with him.
Steve really really cares.
Su Soyer
Su always goes above and beyond in her job. She is a wonderful resource and is a very valuable part of the college. she always has a positive attitude, responds quickly, and is always on top of her job. She makes our lives easy and the administrative processes smooth. She also always helps her colleagues. She is wonderful to work with and is always ready to help. Thanks for all you do!
Tina Kinree-Brown
Tina has had the biggest impact on my experience here at the school. She not only is teaching me valuable lessons, but made me feel at home when home and family are a far distance away. I believe that my experience here would not have been nearly as memorable or enjoyable if not for her!
Tina always has a smile on her face and welcomes everyone that she sees. She goes out of her way to help students succeed and provides knowledge to those people who wish to participate at the Lodge Pole Centre, but are to shy to ask around. Tina is a hard worker and her love for preserving and promoting Indigenous culture is what gets me through the day. Tina sees people for who they are and opens up to each and every person just to “know their story” as she says. Walking with Tina in the halls, she is nothing but kind to all people and this is why I think she should get the Gracious Gratitude Award. Despite the fact that she has only been with our community since September, she has made the biggest impact on my life and other students in the past six months than in the three years that I have been at ACAD.
Your welcoming and kind spirit is a wonderful presence in this school. Thank you :)
Tyler Los-Jones
Such a happy and helpful presence in the studios! Always has a smile on his face and always treats your questions as valid. It's been a pleasure interacting with him the last four years. :)
Ziggy
Im not sure what her last name is, but every time I go to the cafeteria I always get excited to see her and have a momentary chat with her.