We recognize the people who shape this amazing university community

It was an afternoon of gratitude and celebration for everyone who attended the university’s 2018 Recognition Awards on Tuesday, May 8.  

The annual event honours 15- and 25-year Long Service Award recipients and U Make a Difference Award recipients and nominees for their continued effort to support and inspire colleagues through innovation, collaboration and positivity.

• Above, Natasha Kenny, U Make a Difference Award recipient, poses with President Elizabeth Cannon at the 2018 Recognition Awards ceremony.

President Elizabeth Cannon spoke about the importance of programs like the Recognition Awards, and was there to celebrate on stage with each of the recipients.

“Our Recognition Awards celebrate all of the ways in which graduate students, faculty, staff, and postdoctoral scholars contribute their talents to our shared success at the University of Calgary,” says Cannon. “These exceptional individuals are the soul of our university: always ready to address complex challenges, model respectful behaviour to others, unify colleagues with a shared vision and explore new avenues of inquiry.”

The peer-nominated U Make a Difference awards recognize individuals and teams who exemplify the ability to reach above and beyond the expected. These awards acknowledge outstanding contributions in the areas of innovation and curiosity; collaboration and communication; and positive work environment and community. Long service employees are presented with silver or gold pins for 15 or 25 years of dedicated service as a thank you for their commitment and contributions.

In 2018, 128 long service pins were awarded to faculty and staff who began their careers at the university in 1993 and in 2003. In addition, 16 individual and three team U Make a Difference awards were presented, with over 55 nominations submitted in total. Each nomination package was reviewed thoroughly by an independent selection committee.

Visit the recognition website where all the U Make a Difference nominees and recipients are featured in detail. Congratulations to the 2018 Recognition Awards recipients and nominees.