The annual Employee Appreciation Event, held Friday, June 20, celebrated OCAD University staff for their dedicated years of service, excellence and commitment to diversity.
Ana Pineiro, Senior Procurement Officer in the Finance Office, was recognized with the Equity Award. Pineiro oversees the purchase of goods and services for the university, and took a lead role in ensuring that accessibility criteria be embedded in OCAD U's Procurement Policy. Her initiatives help ensure products, services and systems used by students, faculty and staff are as accessible as possible, and the accessibility requirements help encourage vendors to be forward-thinking. She was commended for not only achieving minimum compliance, but also pushing us all to a higher standard.
James Morrow and Renzi Guarin both received Employee Excellence Awards.
Morrow is a student advisor and was recognized for contributing to the success of the new Student Advising Centre and for his insightful, respectful and encouraging student coaching in his capacity as advisor. In addition to inspiring students, he is also making a contribution to the university's goals around accessibility as part of the Customer Service Working Group on Accessibility.
Guarin is an AV support specialist in the IT Services Department. He was recognized for consistent and exceptional service to the entire OCAD U community, playing an instrumental role in ensuring the university's many events are seamless, and assisting everyone from the president to the student union to external stakeholders. He was highly praised for his energy, patience, professionalism and "can do" attitude.
The following employees were granted Service Recognition Certificates:
Peter Lashko, for 35 years: Lashko is the Director, Facilities Planning & Management.
Cynthia Little for 30 years: Little is a payroll administrator.
Jill Patrick for 25 years: Patrick is the Director, Library Services.
Dr. Sara Diamond, OCAD U’s President, was at the event to extend her thanks and congratulations to the staff.