Five Brock University employees were honoured for their dedication and hard work Tuesday during the President’s Annual Holiday Celebration.

Each of the award recipients were nominated by their peers or managers.

President and Vice-Chancellor Jack Lightstone quoted the nominations when announcing the award winners in a packed Pond Inlet.

Ed Blansinski, of Information Technology Services, was recognized with the Human Resources Distinguished Staff Service Award for Leadership.

“This employee arrives to work each day with a positive and helpful attitude, and is highly respected among his peers, the Brock community and external vendors,” Lightstone said.

He said the human resources leadership award is given to one staff member with a proven track record of leading and working collaboratively.

Blansinski was nominated because he is always there to provide advice, guidance, feedback and encouragement. He is known as a great leader who leads by example.

Four employees received the President’s Distinguished Staff Service Award.

“These awards recognize individual permanent staff members who have consistently provided outstanding contributions to the working environment at Brock University at a level significantly beyond normal expectations,” said Lightstone.

Valerie DeSimone, from the Goodman School of Business, received the president’s award for her contributions to enhancing Brock’s reputation through exceptional customer service to colleagues and students alike, Lightstone said.

“Quietly and consistently, she goes above and beyond, epitomizing the University’s values and ethics,” he said.

Sheldon Carl from Facilities Management was honoured with the president’s award for his high-demand technical talents and people skills.

“His contribution to the University may not be visible to the naked eye but as one looks deeper into the heart of the University’s core facilities and system operations, his contributions and handiwork are everywhere,” Lightstone said.

Alisa Cunnington, from the Faculty of Humanities, was recognized with the president’s award for her hard work, knowledge and exceptional ability to communicate.

“She gives the institution a compassionate presence and facilitates student retention and progress,” Lightstone said. “She is known for being thoughtful and positive, addressing student goals while acknowledging the challenges that unusual pathways can cause, leaving the impression that Brock is a place where the unusual can happen.”

Lisa Kuiper, from Career Services, received the president’s award for her dedication to helping students take on employment and providing employers with tools and resources to support them with hiring.

“She is a tireless advocate for students with disabilities and has an unwavering commitment to move forward specific programming dedicated to addressing and supporting the specific needs of individuals with disabilities heading out on their chosen career path,” Lightstone said.

During the holiday gathering, 21 members of faculty and staff were recognized for working for Brock for 25 years.

Currently, there are 194 faculty and staff who have dedicated at least a quarter century of service to the University, he said.