Hundreds of Brock University faculty and staff gathered in Market Hall Tuesday, Dec. 10 in celebration of collaborative efforts from the past year and the approaching holiday season.

Employees enjoyed each other‘s company as well as complimentary appetizers, sweet treats and beverages before the formal agenda began.  

Five employees were honoured with distinguished staff service awards and 16 individuals were recognized for their long-standing commitment to the University.  

Bryan Cober, Manager, Structural Services with Facilities Management, was the recipient of the Human Resources Distinguished Staff Service Award for Leadership, which recognizes one staff member with a proven record of leading and working collaboratively, engaging faculty and staff, building strong relationships, and developing a respectful work and learning environment. 

“I was very surprised,” said Cober of the news. “I’m thrilled to have won this award, but we’re all a team, right? We all work together to support students.”

In her nomination letter, Tracey Naldjieff, Research Accounting Clerk, wrote that Brock staff have come to rely on Cober for his expertise and appreciate his teamwork attitude and overall approachableness.  

“Bryan is involved in projects people often overlook or take for granted,” she said. “He’s been on the roof, beneath the floor and in virtually every building, classroom and living space on campus. Regardless of where his is, the impact of Bryan’s work is reflected throughout the progressive teaching and working environments we have all come to feel safe in, enjoy and be proud of.”  

In addition to the Human Resources Distinguished Staff Service Award for Leadership, four staff members received the President’s Distinguished Staff Service Award for Outstanding Contributions, which recognizes permanent staff members who have provided outstanding contributions to the working environment at Brock. This year’s winners were: 

• Elaine Aldridge-Low, Administrative Assistant with the Centre for Canadian and American Studies and the Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies 
• Sandy Howe, Associate Director, Experiential Education with Co-op, Career and Experiential Education 
• Sandra Wong, Aboriginal Academic Program Support Co-ordinator and Learning Skills Instructor with the Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement 
• Ryan Yungblut, Horticultural Technician, Lead Hand with Grounds Services 

Quarter Century Club 

Eight employees were inducted into the Quarter Century Club, joining 248 others who have worked for Brock for 25 years: 

• Mary Feast, Cleaner, Custodial Services 
• John Kizera, Inventory Facilitator, Customer Service, Campus Store 
• Helen Lapp, Cleaner, Custodial Services 
• Maureen Mccart, Library Assistant, Acquisitions, Collection Services, Brock Library 
• Maureen Reedyk, Professor, Physics 
• Susan Spearey, Associate Professor, English Language and Literature 
• Barbara Sullivan, Accounting Assistant, Financial Analysis 
• Virginia Wagg, Administrative Co-ordinator, Geography and Tourism Studies 

35 years of long-standing service 

Seven people were recognized for 35 years of service: 

• Joanne Boekestyn, Administrative Co-ordinator, Psychology 
• John Ciolfi, Senior Lab Demonstrator / TA Co-ordinator, Biological Sciences 
• Maureen E. Donnelly, Associate Professor, Accounting 
• Karen McAllister-Kenny, Director, Brock Recreation, Ancillary Services 
• Murray Miles, Professor, Philosophy 
• Jan Milligan, Circulation/Reference Assistant, Access Services, Brock Library 
• Fereidoon Razavi, Professor, Physics 

50 years of long-standing service 

Joseph Kushner, Professor, Economics, was recognized as the longest-serving ongoing employee in the history of the University, surpassing Peter Barclay, who retired Nov. 30, 2018 after 50 years of service.