2018-19 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
Alexia Mitchell
Pushes for better facilities and always voicing out student needs especially now that we’ve gained university status!
Andrea Engele
Andrea always goes above and beyond to help her peers. She applied to be apart of ACADSA because she 's an active advocate for change within the design department. She's also willing to put herself out there despite her fears and doubt.
Bianca MacDonald
This person is my lifeline! She supports me through all the rough times and tribulations. She changed my life and I wouldnt have made it thru semester without her. She would come over to me just because I feel down. I don't know what I did to deserve such an amazing friend and I can't say enough how much I appreciate her. She brightens my day and makes me happier. If not for this sunshine I wouldnt be me. Im incredibly thankful for her and Im glad that we met.
Cassandra Tkachuk
She is very helpful and always willing to go above and beyond to lend a helping hand. She's very humble and noble that even if she were to win this award she would say that someone else deserved it.
Charlee Witschi
I have been so touched by Charlee's compassion and support for her friend that is going through grieving. Charlee has been her emotional support as well as helping her in her class work.
She has been so present for her friend and an example of what a true friend is.
Declan Hoy
Carves beautiful bananas. Always goes above and beyond to help his classmates.
Fiona Couillard
I have nominated Fiona because of her genuine care and attention she has for her fellow students and friends. She is not afraid to speak her mind and stand by what she believes, which is so incredibly admirable and brave. She has the strongest voice in a room but that never worried me because she always makes sure that everyone is heard and respected. I don’t think she gives herself enough credit about how much hard work she has done and accomplished. You are an amazing person who deserves every bit of happiness.
Francesca Flaskay
Francesca Flaskay goes above and beyond with growing the painting community at AUArts, and by volunteering her time to help create events through the Fork gallery, which helps showcase painting students work and brings them together. She also does her best to help friends and students in need, whether it be through emotional support, or simply by offering a helping hand. She really does brighten this school up and is a perfect candidate for the gracious gratitude award.
Hannah Fowler
She is very devoted to her studies and puts as much time as well as herself into her art work. Her divotion to her talents is commendable and incredibly impressive. She also is very motivational towards her other classmates and friends, making sure that they have confidence in their own art as well. She is always willing to include others and help when ever they need it. She is truly an inspiration.
Hannah Neufeld
Hannah Neufeld is also positive and has a positive energy that surrounds her, and those around her. From volunteering in the community, like the annual Calgary Folk Fest. To participating and volunteering in the Alberta of the Arts bi annual Show and Sale. She always leads and demonstrates a passion and joy for what she does. She is a leader and a role model for those among her and those to follow. Hannah Neufeld always goes above and beyond, no matter the challenge!
Kade Masterson
Always willing to stop what he’s doing to help a buddy out
Kayla Gale
Kayla is an amazing positive influence to have around. Her attitude can’t help but make you want to laugh with her. She is so energetic and confident, i know that she will make an amazing role model for the years to come as she finishes her degree.
Kayla is the weirdest, most quirkiest and wonderful person to work with. She never fails to bring a smile to our faces and laughter to our hearts with her unique perspectives on life. She speaks her mind and is always willing to ask thoughtful questions. Kayla never hesitates to challenge the status quo and her bravery never ceases to amaze me. I’m so excited to see where her passion and zest for life will take her next!
Kim Korol
Kim is gracious and kind. Always willing to help others.
Kiri Ewing
Kiri is always willing to step up an offer a hand to other students and with club/department activities. She always seems to be in a good mood and shares positive energy with everyone.
Mary Snow
Thank you for being such an outstanding person. I know that you're going to do fantastic things here at AUArts, and I hope you keep uplifting and inspiring people :)
Naomi Fong
Naomi makes every one’s life better!!! She strives to support her friends, she has a beautiful soul, a fantastic sense of humour, and a great wisdom within her. She deserves 100 of these nominations, and if she doesn’t get them I’m suing.
Naomi is so sweet and considerate! Her courage and ambition are inspiring. Love you Naomi!
Nicole Swanson
Goes out of her way on a regular basis to help her colleagues while being an absolutely amazing artist. She makes coming to school so much better, and impact on the institution is immeasurable.
Shannon Reeves
Shannon is a shining light of happiness in a dark, dark world. I dont know how I’d have made it this far without her.
Sheila Mahut
Sheila is always willing to help anybody and share her vast glass knowledge freely. She makes the glass department a better place.
Sheila is always willing to help anybody and share her vast glass knowledge freely. She makes the glass department a better place.
This year Sheila is graduating with her MFA in glass. Sheila has been an amazing help for the past two years to fellow students in both glass and ceramic departments. She goes above and beyond for the students and faculty members in the glass department, and is always willing to share her extensive knowledge with her peers. Sheila deserves to be acknowledged for her efforts at AUA, as she makes the university experience more enjoyable for everyone who meets her.
Simone Saunders
Simone is one of the most composed and grounded leaders I have had the pleasure of working with. She brings a balanced perspective to any situation, and is such a strong and confident representative for her community. She easily earns the respect of those around her, and has been a great asset to our team. Her talent, passion and drive are clearly present in anything she sets her mind to, and I know she will find and bring great joy to whatever next adventure lays ahead of her.
Simone is a very genuine and caring person. She has the ability to be serious and mature when the situation calls for it but is also able to light up a room with a positive attitude. She has an undeniable passion for the fellow students and friends around her and makes a great role model. Keep on shining Simone!
Faculty
Bryan Cera
An amazing instructor who always goes well out of his way to help students with everything, even their wildest requests.
Cathy Simone
In recognition of the fact that you go above and beyond to enrich both the students and faculty in the photography dept.
Your generosity and support is valued!
Chris Willard
Chris has been a great advocate for Student interests within the department. Chris is a gifted teacher, seeing each students unique abilities and needs. He is able to make every student feel they are the most important person in the room.
Chris has been a great advocate for Student interests within the department. Chris is a gifted teacher, seeing each students unique abilities and needs. He is able to make every student feel they are the most important person in the room.
Ian Fitzgerald
Ian has been a truly wonderful instructor having had him in many classes in the last two to three years. Hes absolutely accommodating to every student and in my particular case, he was so understanding and sympathetic. I enjoy him as my instructor because hes funny, witty and has a lot to say about the world. He never lets me down!
Jackie Bagley
Jackie, your willingness to adapt to students ambitions has been incredibly wonderful. You are sweet and kind, and make each of us feel heard and appreciated. Thank you for taking care of us!
Jocelyn Reid
Jocelyn always goes above and beyond to keep the ceramic’s department running smooth. She’s wonderfully helpful and makes time for everyone who asks. I’m so thankful for Jocelyn!
John Gaucher
In recognition of your continuing efforts to support, improve, and develop the Photography program!
Kasia Koralewska
Kasia is always so willing to go above and beyond to be available for her students and to share any information she can on what they're interested in. She regularly spends long hours in the department working on her own lovely work and researcch, but is always willing to be available if somebody has a question. She is very appreciated!
Kevin Kurytnik
For being the best teacher at this school, for really genuinely caring about his students and the things they produce, and working himself to the bone to improve the animation and design departments!
Lisa Cern
Lisa thanks for always being great at problem solving and assisting with issues in the Glass faculty you always go above and beyond.You deserve this award for all your hard work and time that you put in.
Lynne Rennie
With Lynne, you look forward to her energy. She is excited about teaching and watching her students grow and be creative but her energy is intoxicating and it brings your mood up 100%. She is also empathetic and aware about real life problems and is understanding of a students stress and largely values self care. Her authenticity and open mind benefits the SCD program.
Mackenzie Kelly-Frere
From day one he created an open and welcoming environment in class, accepting and encouraging everyone to create art in their way. The students know he’s there to help, he’s always friendly, and the fibre hallway feels like a family in part because of him being there. The fibre classrooms wouldn’t be the same without him.
Mark Clintberg
Dr Mark Clintberg is outstanding, by-way of his fastidious and exceptional personality. Mark carries a clear love for the Arts and educating. His love is infectious and brings forward the quality of education by which we hope all instructors would follow his rigorous planning and humour he that brings to the lecture hall. He inspires those around him to learn more about the arts and to do well. Mark goes out of his way to help others succeed, and puts his heart & love forward into the world. We are grateful for his glowing & inclusive presence here at AUArts.
Megan Kirk
Always helpful and killin it
Mike Kerr
You are honestly one of the best illustration instructors in this school. You should be incredibly proud of the positive influence you give to students!
Mitch Kern
In appreciation of your consistent support of students, fellow instructors, and the growth of the Photography dept.
Naoko Masuda
Naoko works very hard to organize events, job listings, student opportunities and other information for SCD students, and always makes time to help her students. Naoko is kind, passionate about design, and genuinely encouraging of her students. I can't think of anyone who works harder than Naoko at making SCD a positive experience for all of the students and faculty involved with the program.
Paul Hudson
Paul is a kind and dedicated teacher who is always available to his students, and knows how to encourage them to be their best. Paul goes above and beyond to help his students learn to be better illustrators by bringing in his own sculptures, and working just as hard as the students to show his process by drawing at the front of the classroom. Paul always has time to review former students work, and knows how to pay a genuine compliment in addition to offering feedback for improvement.
He is friendly, caring, and passionate about education. He really wants his students to succeed, and cares about the department. He is a wonderful proffessor with valuable experience but is also approachable and really motivates and inspires students.
Scott Cressman
Scott has helped lead the efforts to rebrand our institution. He's worked above and beyond on tight timelines, not to mention his other responsibilities as the Chair of the School of Communication Design.
Silas Kaufman
One of the best teachers in the school. He's so helpful and considerate. I wish he taught 4th year!!
Staff + Admin
Alex Moon
Alex is so enthusiastic about what he does, whether it’s helping a student with a critique or helping with student-run events outside of class time. Without hesitation, he will always jump in to help when he can. Alex’s dedication to helping students to make their passions come alive is so important, and it’s because of people like him that AUArts is such a great environment to grow as an artist.
Andrea Power
For being a wonderful new colleague. Welcome to AUArts!
Bill Hornecker
Thanks Bill for always going above and beyond to assist us with our projects and crazy ideas and taking the time to advise us and being patient.
Brett Hollingsworth
Brett cannot be summed up in 100 words. But to begin with he is the most positive, and hardworking tech with full dedication to the metals students. He’s always there for students to share his insight or cheer them up, and never fails to help someone in need.
Cafeteria Staff
I'm so sorry but I never got her name. She's the one with the red hair (not Ziggy) in the cafeteria. She works her butt off and always has the best recommendation for what to add to my tea when I'm sick!
Caretaking Services
There’s one lady that does the third floor garbages in the painting home studios and she is the loveliest lady, I’ve never had a negative interaction with the staff and they seem like a group of incredibly lovely people who put up with our shit and mess everywhere. They deserve more recognition for their hard work.
Carol Ryder
Carol Ryder is a visionary who is the hardest working chair in the community. She attends almost every AUArts event, and actively represents us in the community. What many people don't appreciate is she does all of this as a volunteer.
Cicilia Hartley
Cicilia's compassion and dedication to wellness shines through in everything she does, and every interaction she has. She truly is a leader in our community, and a strong advocate for anyone who needs it. Always a joy to work with, her support of both staff and students’ activities is much appreciated!
Crystal Scott
It has been so fantastic knowing you. I can’t express just how much of a pleasure it was being a student ambassador because you set such an amazing example! Your dedication, work ethic, fashion sense, and amazing personality were all inspiring. Thank you so so much for all the work you do!
Iain Howe
Thank you for putting my instructor in touch with a friend of yours who was looking for animators for the game he was developing. I got some good experience and money from the multiple jobs I’ve done for him.
Jason Hussey
Jason is very giving of his time and knowledge. Without his help, I would not have learned the skills in working with metal that will allow me to to to make my sculpture concepts happen. Thank you!
Jeannie Gorrie
Jeannie has dedicated so much time, energy, and passion into creating a safe and welcoming campus for our students. She is always willing to support anyone around her, and has made an incredible impact on so many who have had the opportunity to know her. Jeannie has developed an amazing program that has benefited so many people in such meaningful ways, and though we wish her well in her next adventure, she will dearly be missed.
She is an amazing and compassionate person who is always there to listen when you need someone to talk to. She is so strong and positive which is the best thing to have around because it somehow makes things seem like they’ll actually be okay. She works so hard, harder than anyone I know and she deserves to be appreciated. Youve been an amazing part of ACADSA Jeannie! Now go take on your masters!
Joanne Deaver
Joanne is exceptionally positive, pleasant and helpful to everyone. She always goes beyond her job requirements to assist the entire AUArts community (employees, contractors, students and visitors). Joanne always has the right answer, and is never too busy to stop and help you find or get whatever is needed. She can be relied on to offer and provide support, guidance and assistance in any situation, all the time, and she does all this cheerfully, with a smile.
Jocelyn Reid
Jocelyn is patient and helpful. A real example to all students on how to behave in a professional manner. Also candies.
Joel Farris
He is always open to building new relationships and making connections. Joel’s touch of lighthearted sass always brings a subtle humor to any conversation, and his composure under pressure helps keep those around him grounded.
Joel may come across as shy but I highly encourage anyone to become friends with him. He has an amazing sense of humor and is always the quickest to make a great joke. He does an incredible job with show and sale every year and is always so supportive and helpful for students. He is a very kind and genuine person and I hope everyone knows it!
Kiah Gutowski
Kiah is such a rock star! Always willing to go WAY above and beyond to help anyone who asks. Her talent, dedication, and commitment to innovation and improvement has had an incredible impact on the SA. Always a voice of reason and a source of grounding, she brings a sense of calm and order to those she works with. Kiah’s intelligence drives her passion for efficiency and innovation, and I have no doubt she will always be successful in whatever she dreams of!
Kiah is so knowledgeable about anything with a computer and has been a huge help with these awards year after year. She is an amazing human being full of compassion, positivity and an amazing work ethic. I hope you find success wherever your life leads you!
Kiah is one of the most supportive, accommodating, and nice people I know. She is always willing to help out with whatever is needed, and I always feel happy after talking to her because she is so kind and funny!
Kim Neutens
Kim has been a much needed blessing to this community. Her ability to bring order out of chaos, structure out of ambiguity, and momentum out of stagnation is deeply appreciated. She has been a catalyst for efficiency in our community in a time of transition, and our success as we move forward together will be in large part due to her commitment in supporting us accomplish our collective goals.
Laura Pritchard
She’s got style, she’s got grace, she’s a winner! Knowing Laura over the last few years, I can say that I truly admire her poise and character. She has such a gentle approach to her work, but is not afraid to be assertive and speak her mind. Her capacity for compassion and empathy are truly inspirational and I have no doubt her talent will take her to great heights!
Lisa Cerny
works way too hard.Cares about past, present and future of auarts. Candid, fair, engaged always.mostly pleasant always professional. Humourous and handsome
Marci Simkulet
Marci goes above and beyond to insure the school and its people have what is needed. Including dealing with insane distributors!
I’m grateful Marci recognized my potential!
Marion Garden
Marion has helped lead the efforts to rebrand our institution. She’s worked above and beyond on tight timelines, all with a smile and positive attitude.
Mike Hooves
Mike has been such a great addition to the team at the SA. Their ability to understand and connect with students clearly shines through the work they do. Always looking for ways to improve things, their ideas always have such a positive impact on their work. Full of passion and curiosity Mike never ceases to brighten a dull day at the office, and it’s been such a great joy to have Mike as part of our team.
Morgan Scully
Morgan has been a wonderful addition to the ORAA team! Her commitment to her work and to the institution shows in everything she does. Morgan is always positive, ready to help, and a pleasure to work with!
Murray Dundas
For caring about the students and making the library a great place to work.
Nate Mcleod
For always being there to help out, solve our problems, and being overall a kind and supportive person.
Rene Martin
Rene’s zest, passion, and dedication to students, teaching, learning and her community is truly inspiring. She brings a much needed life to any meeting, project, or initiative and always energizes a room to the fullest. She’s an incredible asset to the community and we are truly lucky to have such a fabulous spirit on our side.
Russ Taylor
Russ is a ray of sunshine on campus. He and his whole staff are the real mvps.
Sarah Grodecki
She is one of the hardest working people I know. She is so incredibly driven and passionate about making sure things are in order and have been thoroughly planned out. Her charts, graphs and excel sheets are the best I've ever seen, she is so organized which is incredibly admirable. Sarah is kind, compassionate but can also be fierce and willing to defend her friends when they need a voice. Keep being you Sarah.
Sarah Van Sloten
Sarah has made a huge difference in my experience as a tutor. She is encouraging and positive, down to earth and so so so helpful.