CNA rewards outstanding employees
4/15/2009 11:12:53 AM
College of the North Atlantic has handed down its Awards of Excellence for 2008.
These annual awards showcase the extraordinary contribution of individuals to college and the communities CNA serves.
Nominees were submitted by campus administrators in four excellence categories: Leadership, Program, Staff and Teaching.
Keith White has been presented with the Leadership Excellence Award. White is currently the manager of business solutions and has been employed at CNA for 26 years in both teaching and management roles.
“The knowledge, abilities and professionalism he brings to the job are a reflection of the committed, passionate and caring person he is,” states the nomination package. “His enthusiasm and humour rub off on others around him. He epitomizes the core values of the college… Keith is committed to serving students and enhancing learning opportunities for all. He has earned the respect of fellow employees and is known as an expert and leader in the information technology field.”
“Keith in meeting the responsibilities of his varied college positions over the years has been an intelligent, dedicated and focused professional whose primary objective was always the delivery of a quality educational experience to the students who entered the doors of our facilities,” says Gary Comeau, manager of desktop service and regional operations. “I have observed and admired on numerous occasions Keith making personal sacrifices well beyond what would be reasonably expected to ensure successful outcomes for both colleagues and students.”
Wilfred Riego has received the Teaching Excellence Award.
According to the nomination package, Riego, who is the lead instructor for Math and Physics at CNA-Qatar (CNA-Q), is well deserving of this award.
“Wilfred Riego has been an integral part of CNA-Q’s faculty for the past five years. In that time he has become a strong leader within his academic group and provides a positive influence to those around him. He is innovative; role models a positive, motivated attitude and is an active member of CNA-Q on and off campus.”
“Under his direction and guidance, the faculty at CNA-Q has moved forward with a number of significant initiatives and continues to strive for bigger and better things for our students in Qatar,” explains Kevin Baker, vice-president of the Qatar project.
“His knowledge of academic best practices and innovative thinking has been a contributing factor to the campus’ success. CNA-Q provides Canadian curriculum to thousands of youth from the State of Qatar and through the Middle East region and has seen its reputation grow due to individual achievements such as his,” continues Baker. “His accomplishments are many, and it goes without saying that Wilfred has been a dedicated contributor to the Qatar campus, its students, and their success.”
Heather Penney, Service Coordinator for the Virtual Campus, has received the Staff Excellence Award.
“She exemplifies the meaning of student-centeredness,” says Maisie Caines, campus administrator for Clarenville. “She is exceptional in handling learners with the utmost respect, understanding, compassion and patience. The Service Coordinator position is most critical to the success of operations, and I have no doubt that any student who has dealt with Heather during their online studies received exceptional service and felt quite encouraged to continue their studies.”
“Heather is the most accommodating, conscientious person I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with,” adds Suzanne Keeping, guidance counselor with Clarenville campus. “She enjoys an exceptional relationship with every employee she meets and we are often better for having met her. Heather is an extraordinary person and employee. She brightens every room she enters, contributes positively to meetings, and improves staff morale.”
“Heather has many other wonderful attributes including her dedication, professionalism, creativity and strong work ethic,” adds Rick Martin, instructional coordinator of Business. “But in my opinion what makes her a real gem is the positive aura that is instantly felt in her presence. Heather’s enthusiasm makes her a delight to be around and I look forward to and enjoy working with Heather on any challenge. Her attributes make her a wonderful team player.”
Each of the winners will receive a $500 cash prize, $1,000 toward a professional development opportunity, and an award.
Finally, the Program Award of Excellence for 2008 has been presented to Conservation Law Enforcement at Bay St. George campus.
This program will receive a $1,500 grant for program-specific purchases such as new equipment, supplies, software and promotion.
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For more information please contact:
Glenda McCarthy
Public Relations Assistant
College of the North Atlantic
Stephenville, NL
(709) 643-6408
glenda.mccarthy@cna.nl.ca