The annual Celebration of Service and Recognition Awards event recognizes members of the U of A community, both for outstanding contributions to the workplace and for attaining milestone years of service.
In the Community
2025 Celebration of Service and Recognition Awards
December 11, 2025
Elaine Coupland (Library and Museums)
Elaine Coupland has been the driving force behind one of the University of Alberta Library’s most ambitious and transformative projects — the migration to a new Library Services Platform. As lead of the Library Applications Support Team, Elaine combined extraordinary technical expertise with compassion, patience and grace under pressure. Elaine fosters a culture of care and respect, making sure her team feels heard, valued and supported, truly exemplifying what it means to bring your best self to work every day.
Melissa Roach (Faculty of Science)
Melissa Roach is a dedicated educator, mentor and leader who brings integrity, curiosity and care to everything she does. As Laboratory Coordinator in Biological Sciences, Melissa is deeply committed to creating inclusive and engaging learning experiences for students while supporting the well-being of her teaching assistants and colleagues. A champion of professional development, she actively advances reconciliation by integrating Indigenous knowledge into science education and has completed training in both Indigenous Peoples and Technoscience and Mental Health First Aid.
Kalyn McIntyre (Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry)
As the sole administrator for the Division of Anatomy, Kalyn McIntyre is the steady force behind its teaching, research and community impact. She brings remarkable professionalism, empathy and dedication to everything she does — from coordinating complex academic programs to compassionately supporting families in the university’s Anatomical Gifts program. Colleagues describe her as someone who uplifts others, leads by example and embodies the very best of the University of Alberta’s spirit of respect, integrity and community.
Christine Whelan (College of Social Sciences and Humanities)
Christine Whelan brings exceptional professionalism, empathy and integrity to her role as Academic Integrity and Discipline Coordinator for the College of Social Sciences and Humanities. She has been instrumental in implementing the University’s new Student Academic Integrity Policy, ensuring that every case is managed with fairness, consistency and care. Colleagues describe her as the steady centre of the academic integrity process — someone whose knowledge, diligence and kindness make a complex system work smoothly.
APO, FSO, MAPS & Librarian Recognition Award
Danielle Steele (Faculty of Education)
Danielle Steele is a compassionate leader whose work embodies the heart of the University of Alberta’s core commitments. As practicum coordinator with the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program, she creates spaces where students, colleagues and community partners feel respected and supported. Her approach to teaching and leadership is grounded in care, reciprocity and cultural integrity — honouring the knowledge and experiences that each person brings. She represents the institution with professionalism and warmth, forming lasting, respectful partnerships with schools, Elders and communities across Alberta and beyond.
Colleen Starchuk (Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry)
Colleen Starchuk is a thoughtful and collaborative leader whose work has truly shaped the future of dental education at the University of Alberta. As Curriculum Manager in the Mike Petryk School of Dentistry, she creates an environment where colleagues feel safe to share ideas, ask questions and work together toward meaningful change. Her leadership was central to the redesign of the Doctor of Dental Surgery curriculum — a project that has earned both national and international recognition.
Maja Osmanagic (Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences)
As Operations Director, Maja leads with empathy, patience and an unwavering commitment to helping others succeed. Colleagues describe her as the person who makes everyone feel welcome — someone who listens, encourages and ensures every voice is valued. Maja represents the institution with grace and distinction — whether welcoming international delegations, hosting campus events or speaking on global sustainability stages.
Excellence in Learning Support Award
Kacie Norton (Faculty of Science)
Kacie Norton is an educator, mentor and problem solver who ensures that every student leaves not only with quality research data but also with new technical skills and confidence in their abilities. She creates a supportive environment where all students feel welcomed and respected, and her adaptable, student-centered approach ensures that each learner’s needs and skill levels are met. Her contributions, recognized in numerous student theses and publications, underscore her vital role in advancing both learning and research excellence at the University of Alberta.
Excellence in Leadership Award
Shauna Wilton (Social Sciences, Augustana)
Shauna Wilton is a leader whose vision, integrity and inclusive approach strengthen both the academic and social fabric of Augustana. As Chair, Shauna leads with integrity and data-informed decision-making, engaging faculty, staff and students in meaningful dialogue and ensuring every voice is heard. Through her scholarship on reflective learning, commitment to professional growth, and active engagement in the university’s governance, Shauna consistently demonstrates visionary leadership.
Celebration of Service
45 Years
- Artin Afacan, Engineering; Chemical & Materials Engineering
- Donald Morrish, VP Research; Research Integrity
- Julie Haskins, Medicine & Dentistry; Cell Biology
40 Years
- Louise Asselstine, Fine Arts Administrative Services
- James Coe, Medicine & Dentistry; Pediatrics
- Richard Field, Alberta School of Business; Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Management and Peter Lougheed Leadership College; Peter Lougheed School of Leadership
- Jorge Jiles, Information Services and Technology; Infrastructure Operations
- Sharon Lumley, Shared Services; Finance Services
- Dino Marghella, Utilities & Operations; Facility Services
- Natalie Sharpe, Provost & Vice-President Academic; Student Services, Student Ombuds Office
- Rick Szostak, Arts; Economics
35 Years
- Simaan Abourizk, Engineering; Dean's Office
- Pinder Bains, Engineering; Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Amy Barr, Medicine & Dentistry; Pharmacology
- Valerie Capstick, Medicine & Dentistry; Obstetrics & Gynaecology
- Trina Cattral, Engineering; Civil & Environmental Engineering
- Thomas Chacko, Science; Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
- Hua Chen, Medicine & Dentistry; Oncology
- Bruce Cockburn, Engineering; Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Murray Diduck, Medicine & Dentistry; Undergraduate Medical Education
- M. Scott Hanna, Science; Biological Sciences
- Michelle Hoyle, University Services, Operations & Finance; Conference Services
- Kenneth Irwin, University Services, Operations & Finance; Parking Services
- Murray Jacobs, University Services, Operations & Finance; Utilities
- Grace Jamieson, Arts; Social Sciences Administration
- Sunrose Ko, Science; Computing Science
- Cynthia Krys, Medicine & Dentistry; Medicine
- Doris Kurtz, Medicine & Dentistry; Medicine
- Rita L'Heureux, Medicine & Dentistry; Dentistry
- Angela Libutti, Medicine & Dentistry; Rehabilitation Medicine
- Walter Maksymowych, Medicine & Dentistry; Medicine
- Kat McLeod, Office of the Registrar; Undergraduate Records
- Don Page, Science; Physics
- Richard Perron, University Services, Operations & Finance; Utilities
- Ian Reade, Student Success and Experience; Athletics
- Phil Webb, University Services, Operations & Finance; Finance, Procurement and Planning
- Andrzej Weber, Arts; Anthropology
- Monty Wood, University Services, Operations & Finance; Campus & Community Recreation
- Jaynie Yang, Rehabilitation Medicine; Physical Therapy
30 Years
- Kimberly Arndt, Education; Dean's Office
- Morten Asfeldt, Augustana; Social Sciences
- Ben Bablitz, Medicine & Dentistry; Laboratory Medicine & Pathology
- Emily Ball, External Relations; Government & Community Relations
- Luc Berthiaume, Medicine & Dentistry; Cell Biology
- Pak Chow, Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences; Renewable Resources
- Thomas Churchill, Medicine & Dentistry; Surgery
- David Crawford, Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences; Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science
- Sandra Doerr, University Services, Operations & Finance; Shared Services, HR Services
- Gordon Fleming, Medicine & Dentistry; Dentistry
- Louis Francescutti, School of Public Health
- Tammy Frunchak, University Services, Operations & Finance; Shared Services, HR Services
- Armann Ingolfsson, Alberta School of Business; Accounting and Business Analytics
- Wolfgang Jaeger, Science; Chemistry
- James Lyon, Medicine & Dentistry; Alberta Diabetes Research Institute
- Lynn McGarvey, Education; Elementary Education
- Allan Murray, Medicine & Dentistry; Medicine
- Jason Papirny, Medicine & Dentistry; Anatomy
25 Years
- Rob Adam, University Services, Operations & Finance; Trades & Infrastructure Maintenance
- Felipe Aguerrevere, Alberta School of Business; Finance
- Mohamed Al-Hussein, Engineering; Civil & Environmental Engineering
- Declan Ali, Science; Dean's Office
- J. Nelson Amaral, Science; Computing Science
- Chris Andersen, Native Studies
- Shaun Arkison, University Services, Operations & Finance; Foote/South Campus Fields
- Glen Armstrong, Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences; Renewable Resources
- Guy Ayotte, University Services, Operations & Finance; Trades & Infrastructure Maintenance
- Russ Baker, Arts; Music
- Karyn Ball, Arts; English & Film Studies
- Lola Baydala, Medicine & Dentistry; Pediatrics
- Moira Bazin, Nursing
- David Beck, Arts; Linguistics
- David Bigam, Medicine & Dentistry; Surgery
- Alison Blanes, Engineering; Dean's Office
- Erin Blazey, Medicine & Dentistry; Pediatrics
- Jim Bohun, College of Natural and Applied Sciences; Dean's Office
- James Cahill, Science; Biological Sciences
- Michael Caldwell, Science; Biological Sciences
- Richard Camicioli, Medicine & Dentistry; Medicine
- Christina Caputo, Office of the Registrar; Admissions
- Eric Carpenter, Science; Chemistry
- Alicia Chan, Medicine & Dentistry; Medical Genetics
- Suzette Chan, Science; Physics
- Xinmei Chen, Medicine & Dentistry; Medical Genetics
- Xing-Zhen Chen, Medicine & Dentistry; Physiology
- Krista Clintberg, Office of the Registrar; Admissions
- Fred Colbourne, Science; Psychology Science
- Rick Conrad, Engineering; Machine Shop
- William Craig, Medicine & Dentistry; Pediatrics
- Ronald Damant, Medicine & Dentistry; Medicine
- Saswati Das, Medicine & Dentistry; Physiology
- Chantelle De Martin, Education; Dean's Office
- Raymond Decorby, Engineering; Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Piet Defraeye, Arts; Drama
- Jon Dennis, Science; Biological Sciences
- Sandra Der, Information Services and Technology; Enterprise Applications
- Jacques Despres, Arts; Music
- Joseph Doucet, Alberta School of Business; Marketing, Business Economics & Law
- Carrie Douglas, Medicine & Dentistry; Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology
- Robert Driver, Engineering; Civil & Environmental Engineering
- Webb Dussome, Alberta School of Business; Marketing, Business Economics & Law
- Thel Dvernichuk, University Services, Operations & Finance; Utilities, Electrical Utility
- Andrew Eckert, Arts; Economics
- Deborah Eerkes, VP Academic; Access, Community & Belonging
- Lynette Elder, Medicine & Dentistry; Alberta Diabetes Research Institute
- Lisa Evered, Medicine & Dentistry; Pediatrics
- Sharon Farnel, Library & Museums; LAMS Cataloguing Strategies
- Arlene Figley, Engineering; Civil & Environmental Engineering
- Paul Filiplic, University Services, Operations & Finance; Trades & Infrastructure Maintenance
- Brian Fleck, Engineering; Mechanical Engineering
- Micheline Forgues, Campus Saint-Jean; Services du Campus
- Keith Franklin, Campus Saint-Jean
- James Franks, Library & Museums; LAMS Digital Archives
- Bonnie Gallinger, Library & Museums; Information Services & User Engagement
- Alexander Game, Kinesiology, Sport, & Recreation; Faculty Affairs
- Terra Garneau, VP Research; Research Partner Network
- Marie Goudreau, Medicine & Dentistry; Post Graduate Medical Education
- Syed Habib, Medicine & Dentistry; Medicine
- Kevin Haggerty, Arts; Sociology
- Bin Han, Science; Mathematics & Statistical Sciences
- Lisa Hartling, Medicine & Dentistry; Pediatrics
- Melissa Hawrelechko, Engineering; NanoFab
- Susan Helwig, Medicine & Dentistry; Dentistry
- Michael Hendzel, Medicine & Dentistry; Oncology
- Carrie Hlady, Medicine & Dentistry; Medicine
- Audrey Hodgson-Ward, Education; Education Academic Program
- Martin Jagersand, Science; Computing Science
- Lindsay Johnston, Library & Museums; Information Services & User Engagement
- Wendy Johnston, Medicine & Dentistry; Medicine
- Amy Kaler, Arts; Sociology
- Stanislav Karapetrovic, Engineering; Mechanical Engineering
- Catherine Kellogg, Arts; Political Science
- Heather Kennedy-Plant, Education; Dean's Office
- Anna Kirova, Education; Elementary Education
- Michael Kohlenberg, University Services, Operations & Finance; Utilities & Operations
- Ergun Kuru, Engineering; Civil & Environmental Engineering
- Gerald Lachance, Medicine & Dentistry; Medical Microbiology & Immunology
- Paige Lacy, Medicine & Dentistry; Medicine
- Denise LaFitte, Library & Museums; Office of the Chief Librarian
- Richard Lehner, Medicine & Dentistry; Pediatrics
- Yi Li, Science; Mathematics & Statistical Sciences
- Peter Light, Medicine & Dentistry; Pharmacology
- Raimar Loebenberg, Medicine & Dentistry; Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Dougal MacDonald, Education; Education Academic Program
- Andrew MacMillan, Medicine & Dentistry; Biochemistry
- Carina Majaesic, Medicine & Dentistry; Pediatrics
- Blessie Mathew, Student Success & Experience; Career Centre
- Erin Maurier, University Services, Operations & Finance; Bookstore
- Robin McClelland, Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences; Student Services
- William McGregor, Engineering; Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Donna McLellan, Engineering; Engineering Student Services
- Sarah Meins, Registrar's Office; Enrolment Systems & Service Innovation
- Julie Midgley, External Relations; Development & Alumni Relations
- James Miller, Engineering; Electrical & Computer Engineering
- John Misiaszek, Rehabilitation Medicine; Occupational Therapy
- Ivan Mizera, Science; Mathematics & Statistical Sciences
- Martin Mueller, Science; Computing Science
- Kerry Nadeau, Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences; Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science
- Erin Nelson, Law; Administration
- Amber Nicholson, Alberta School of Business; Career & Work Integrated Learning
- Kimberly Noels, Arts; Psychology
- Jeff Papineau, Library & Museums; LAMS Digital Archives
- Johanne Paradis, Arts; Linguistics
- Dave Parlin, Engineering; Machine Shop
- George Pavlich, Arts; Sociology
- Rena Pawlick, Medicine & Dentistry; Clinical Islet Transplant Program
- Douglas Peterson, Alberta School of Business; Marketing, Business Economics & Law
- Brandon Presizniuk, University Services, Operations & Finance; Shared Services, Finance Services
- Andrzej Prus-Czarnecki, Science; Physics
- Christopher Ptak, Medicine & Dentistry; Cell Biology
- Hendrikus Puurveen, Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences; Renewable Resources
- Davood Rafiei, Science; Computing Science
- Tracy Raivio, Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies; Administration
- Patricia Reay, Alberta School of Business; Dean's Office
- Marek Reformat, Engineering; Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Christina Rinaldi, Education; Educational Psychology
- Oliver Rossier, College of Social Sciences & Humanities; Office of Research
- Florin Sabac, Alberta School of Business; Accounting & Business Analytics
- Bobbi Schiestel, Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies; Administration
- Tim Schneider, External Relations; Marketing
- Shelley Scott, Science; Biological Sciences
- Dave Sharp, Engineering; Chemical & Materials Engineering
- Carrie-lynn Soltys, Medicine & Dentistry; Medical Genetics
- Colleen Cassady St. Clair, Science; Biological Sciences
- Chandra Strasbourg, Medicine & Dentistry; Surgery
- Tracy Temple, Medicine & Dentistry; Medicine
- Albert Terheide, Engineering; Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Aneta Thompson, Engineering; Chemical & Materials Engineering
- Edward Tiong, Engineering; Electrical & Computer Engineer
- Kathryn Todd, Provost & Vice-President Academic; Administration
- Tammie Tolvay, VP Research; Animal Facilities
- Martyn Unsworth, Science; Physics
- Heather Vandertol-Vanier, Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences; Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science
- Shahin Virani, University Services, Operations & Finance; Shared Service, Finance Services
- Harissios Vliagoftis, Medicine & Dentistry; Medicine
- Brent Voyer, Information Services and Technology; Enterprise Architecture
- John Waldron, Science; Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
- Robert Welsh, Medicine & Dentistry; Medicine
- Maya Wheelock, Science; Physics
- Colin Winslow, Arts; Drama
- Timothy Winton, Medicine & Dentistry; Surgery
- Wendy Wismer, Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences; Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science
- Edy Wong, Alberta School of Business; International Office
- Kristy Wuetherick, Arts; Student Programs Office
- Yue Xing, Information Services and Technology; Enterprise Applications
- Tony Yeung, Engineering; Chemical & Materials Engineering
- Verna Yiu, Provost & Vice-President Academic
- Colin Young, Information Services and Technology; Enterprise Architecture
- Qing Zhao, Engineering; Electrical & Computer Engineering
Starting in 2026, retirements and milestones will be celebrated in the spring, and performance based awards will be recognized in the fall. These changes support priorities set out in Forward Together: The University of Alberta People Strategy.