Campus News

Lethbridge College Employee Excellence Awards recognize and celebrate employees who go above and beyond to promote our core values of people, excellence and success. This year's nine recipients were recognized by their colleagues for Leadership and Creating Community, and Service and Innovation. The recipients will be recognized at the college's annual Employee Recognition Event March 24.

Benjamin Northcott, Nursing Instructor and Practice Coordinator, NESA and After-Degree programs, Centre for Health and Wellness

Excellence Award for Service and Innovation 

Benjamin Northcott exemplifies excellence in service and innovation. He joined the college in 2013 as an instructor, and since 2017, has been Practice Coordinator of the Nursing Education in Southwestern Alberta (NESA) four-year Bachelor of Nursing degree and two-year After-Degree programs. Described by his colleagues as thoughtful, flexible and creative, Benjamin is always trying to make things better for his students and the college as a whole.  

Benjamin was instrumental in the creation, development and execution of NESA’s new simulation scenarios which focused on industry realism, depth of learning, emotional connectedness and relational learning. Scenarios also addressed social issues such as a newborn baby experiencing opioid withdrawal, a transgender patient with chronic pain and paralysis, a pediatric Blackfoot infant with pneumonia and a rural patient with dementia and a gastrointestinal bleed. This was a huge undertaking and Benjamin’s colleagues say at every step, he was finding ways to best serve students and maximize quality, experience and innovation.  

“Benjamin is a true servant leader and so thoughtful in seeking feedback from students, colleagues and stakeholders in the curriculum process,” says one of his colleagues. “He creates a welcoming and safe environment and advocates for the human side of education, seeing beyond the academics.” 

Benjamin is recognized for his commitment to teaching and for his service within the program. He works to meet everyone’s needs and is the first to offer help, strategize on problems or discuss new possibilities.  

Cameron Reimer, Career and Academic Advisor, Student Affairs

Excellence Award for Service and Innovation 

A calm demeanour and rational analysis of any challenge has earned Cameron Reimer the admiration of his colleagues and the Excellence Award for Service and Innovation. When the college shifted to online learning in March 2020, Cameron — serving as Testing Services coordinator with the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Innovation (CTLI) — provided options for employees and students and assisted instructors in adopting an additional online proctoring service for exams with no added cost to students. He also worked with other teams within CTLI to have Testing Services employees provide formatting support to facilitate the quick move to online learning for all courses.  

Cameron was also instrumental in the creation of the Testing Services satellite lab which expanded the number of spaces for students needing accommodations and he introduced the full-class testing service. He responded to feedback, held focus groups and collected data to learn how to best serve the college population with the new service.  

“The success of Testing Services rests squarely on the shoulders of Cam and his well-trained team,” says one colleague. “Cam’s management of huge volumes of requests, during the move to online digital testing, demonstrated his exceptional nature of flexibility, accommodation and organizational skills.” 

Cameron’s contributions make a positive difference in the college community on a daily basis as he demonstrates a continuing enthusiasm for adapting procedures and practices to ensure all students benefit and that instructors are accommodated as much as possible.  

Deanna Gonnelly, Student Success and Advising Manager, Student Affairs

Appreciation Award for Leadership and Creating Community 

Deanna Gonnelly is being recognized for inviting creativity and new ideas. She values her team’s input and contributions, which in turn inspires them to do their best for students and stakeholders.  

Her colleagues have high praise for her ability to connect and network with anyone she meets, as she’s always eager to develop lasting relationships and partnerships. Deanna has strong connections with local community programs, such as Career Transitions and the Read On adult literacy program, and she is an active member of several organizations that work to improve student recruitment and academic advising. Her portfolio of community outreach programs closes the gap between student, parent and career practitioner. 

Deanna’s colleagues say she is a pleasure to work with and has a wonderful sense of humour. “She cares deeply about her staff as individuals and offers a judgment-free zone so creativity can be cultivated and fostered,” they say. “Deanna is a champion for personal integrity and trustworthiness and is accountable to her team.” 

Since joining the college in 2015, Deanna has found a passion for working with adult learners. She’s currently finishing her master’s degree in education with a specialization in adult, community and higher education where she’s focused on how student affairs professionals contribute to student learning.  

Erin Howard, Associate Dean, Centre for Teaching, Learning and Innovation

Excellence Award for Leadership and Creating Community 

Described as a leader full of empathy, kindness and strategic insight, Erin Howard has worked on and championed major Centre for Teaching, Learning and Innovation initiatives like the Student Core Competencies and Teaching Excellence Framework. For Erin, no project is out of reach no matter how complex or difficult. She encourages diversity and diverse viewpoints and helps move projects forward with unified purpose and clear goals. 

Erin describes her own leadership style as “a golden retriever.” According to her colleague, “if that means she approaches her role with loyalty, affection, a calming energy, an openness toward all humans and the strength of heart to save her team from a burning building, then I would wholeheartedly agree.” 

Erin’s team appreciates her encouragement to take a full lunch, find joy outside of work and take time for a personal day, appointment or rest while also empowering them to build strong projects and enact change at a grassroots level. 

And, even though she’s busy planning, orchestrating and attending CTLI events, Erin always lends a hand to make the work lighter for everyone. Erin has also committed to personal professional development by beginning her doctor of education program at Western University and actively shares her learning with the team.  

Fred Manaloto, Simulation Specialist, SPHERE, Centre for Health and Wellness

Strong Start Award for Leadership and Creating Community  

While he hasn’t been with the college for very long, Fred Manaloto has already made a significant difference within the Centre for Health and Wellness. He was instrumental in bringing new life to the Simulated Patient Health Environment for Research and Education (SPHERE) – volunteering to create a dementia scenario during his first week on campus. Fred also helped develop a scenario where a transgendered male became paralyzed from a mountain biking accident and updated the alcohol withdrawal live-acted patient. Colleagues say he brings compassion, depth and relatability to these scenarios while offering an understanding to situations that others haven’t considered. 

Fred is also the first to offer help. He is a life-long learner and passionate about growth. He’s made an effort to get to know each of the 125 student volunteers in SPHERE and he makes everyone feel comfortable. 

“Fred demonstrates a wonderful sense of welcome and friendliness,” a colleague says. “His words and actions, in the short time he’s been with us, have had an impact on the students. He’s an incredible ambassador for SPHERE and the greater college community.” 

His technical prowess, background as an international student and passion for the arts have also served him well in his new role, as has his life philosophy that anything and everything is possible with heart, teamwork and grit.  

Jason Lawrence, Emergency and Security Manager and Conduct Officer, Human Resources and Risk Services

Excellence Award for Service and Innovation 

Jason Lawrence joined Lethbridge College in the early days of the pandemic and in less than two years, he has made a measurable difference. From introducing the LC Alert safety app, to working with the pandemic response and access teams to help keep campus safe, Jason has leaned in fully and encourages his colleagues to do the same.  

In early 2021, Jason led the effort in testing LC Alert for the first time. The app changed the way employees and students could access not only crisis messaging and information but simple safety tools like friend walk and work from home options. This expanded to track vaccine records in fall 2021. Jason’s ongoing Incident Command System training has also given valuable confidence and knowledge to its members.  

A co-worker says “Jason has taken our emergency response team from nearly non-existent to something I’m now confident could function well in difficult circumstances. He always remains calm and cool and that helps others around him feel more settled.” 

Jason has had a 20-year career working as a national security officer with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, and prior to coming to the college, worked as an Emergency Communication Specialist in Lethbridge.  

Regardless of the role or initiative Jason is dealing with, he demonstrates leadership strength with expertise, enthusiasm, flexibility, collaboration and creativity.  

Dr. Nick Savidov, Senior Research Scientist, Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Excellence Award for Service and Innovation  

Dr. Nick Savidov has been recognized for his passion and contagious enthusiasm for aquaponics and associated technology. After his arrival at the college six years ago, the Aquaculture Centre of Excellence experienced an uptake in visitors and potential industry partners. Nick worked to create a client intake process to screen and direct inquiries, which has since been adopted in all research areas of the college and several other post-secondary institutions.  

He has led significant applied research projects and is currently working to develop a commercial design for the conversion of aquaculture fish waste into high-grade fish fertilizer – a major industry advancement.  

In addition, Nick has been the lead consultant on the development of the new Centre for Sustainable Food Production Greenhouse on campus, and is the lead researcher on the Sunterra Greenhouse project, to identify optimal growing conditions on a commercial scale, for varieties of strawberries and tomatoes in Alberta.  

“Nick embodies the term innovator in every way,” says a colleague. “His commitment to advancing aquaponics research and seeing widespread adoption of sustainable growing techniques is unmatched.” 

Ryan Kaupp, Heavy Equipment instructor, Centre for Trades

Excellence Award for Leadership and Creating Community 

Ryan Kaupp demonstrates leadership in several ways, from developing schedules to organizing areas of the Heavy Equipment Technician program on behalf of fellow instructors. He adjusts his own schedule to accommodate others in the department and acts as a mentor to new instructors – sharing his knowledge and experience while offering support when new initiatives arise.  

In his mentoring work, one instructor referred to Ryan as “Batman” because he simply shows up when he’s needed. Ryan explains this by saying he understands the pinch points in the program and anticipates where difficulties may arise, so he makes an effort to stop in and help. 

Colleagues also appreciate Ryan’s direct approach in conversation, while also demonstrating compassion and understanding. 

“From the day I was hired on as an instructor, Ryan has always been there to help mentor me,” says a colleague. “His knowledge and patience have made me feel like part of the team and despite his busy schedule, his door is always open.” 

In addition to his instructor role, Ryan serves as Vice President Negotiations and Welfare with the Lethbridge College Faculty Association and is recognized in that capacity for being a positive influence both as a representative and a mentor.  

Shari Strank, Practical Nurse instructor, Centre for Health and Wellness

Excellence Award for Leadership and Creating Community 

Recognized for leading with creativity and initiative, Shari Strank is a respected member of the Practical Nurse program. She began her role as practice coordinator during the pandemic and has been able to navigate challenges in a caring, positive and thoughtful way. Shari promotes diversity and inclusion and with her exceptional listening skills, she assists students and colleagues through challenging discussions.  

“Shari is the most kind and caring person I know,” says a colleague. “Her calmness in any situation is an asset in creating connections not just with students, but with staff and external stakeholders as well. Under this calmness is a strong person that will advocate for students, staff and patients to ensure a safe and healthy environment.” 

Shari also advocated for the student-centred pathway option in the PN program which gave students the choice to extend the program timeframe. She recognized this need and its benefit for students.   

Colleagues appreciate her gentle approach, compassion and kindness and say her leadership engages existing instructors and attracts new instructors to the program. In a challenging clinical environment, she encourages and supports others with ease.