Dave McMurray
General Studies instructor;
researcher/writer in the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Innovation
The sun’s not even up and I’m pedaling my bike towards the college. It’s early January and the air bites at the exposed skin on my face. I’m on my way to teach an 8 a.m. history class on Western Civilization and I couldn’t be happier.
Arriving at the college, I carry my bike up three flights of stairs to my office. I quickly unpack before heading to class. I love chatting with students while I get set up and I’m always amazed at the diversity of backgrounds, interests and experiences they bring. To actively engage with them about the past pushes me to keep learning, to keep asking questions.
After class, I walk to the food court to grab a coffee. On the way, I encounter Cardine and Ryan who make sure that the campus is kept running and in tip-top shape. We stop for a few minutes to chat and I usually end up laughing.
When I arrive at the food court, I’m greeted by Steph, Peg, Tisa and Jody, who are some of the hardest working people that I know. Not only do they serve hundreds in a day, but they do it with grace and efficiency. I walk away richer, having learned more about gardening or grandkids.
I’ll teach one more class of 60 before heading back to my office. When I arrived earlier in the day, no one was here,
but now things are bustling. Jackie, Andy and the rest of the Educational Enhancement and Educational Technologies teams exude creativity, humour and passion. In my short time with them, I’ve been pushed to think outside of the box and today is no exception.
Later, I leave my office and walk down a floor to the Liberal Arts hallway. Between Brad, Marda, Shaylene and others, I’m drawn into deep conversations about history, politics, literature and religion. I need this.
As I ride home, I think about the day’s countless other conversations and encounters. For me, the college is a learning community and everyone who I met has given something of themselves to me. I hope that I’ve done the same.
**
At our brainstorming session for this special issue last year, employees, students and alumni suggested the names of nearly 60 current faculty and staff members (as well as many whole departments and teams). The enthusiasm for the people who work at Lethbridge College is clear, and it was difficult to choose who to feature. In the end, we opted to celebrate the faculty and staff who were honoured at the annual college employee recognition event in February, although we know that whole issues of the magazine could be – and have been – devoted to the talented employees at the college.
**
Erin Howard
{ Curriculum and Instructional Design specialist }
Erin Howard was nominated for the Above and Beyond Award because of her knack for collaborating with work groups to look into a problem or issue being encountered, seeking further understanding in a thoughtful and respectful way, and introducing a potential solution that is brilliant. “When Erin talks, everyone listens! We listen because we appreciate her creativity, intelligence and courage in taking risks.”
Erica Cormack
{ School of Public Safety program administrator }
Erica Cormack’s Lifelong Learning Award notes that she inspires others and demonstrates a passion and enthusiasm for lifelong learning. “She has impressed me with her work, compassion, ethical behaviour, knowledge, managerial and person skills, and her commitment to lifelong learning. Her professional interest and belief in … lifelong learning make her an outstanding Competency-Based Education program manager.”
Linda Dalton
{ Admissions specialist }
Linda Dalton’s Service and Innovation Award cites her efforts to make each applicant experience a positive one. “Linda enjoys working with applicants and is excited to see them arrive on campus and eventually cross the stage at convocation.” She creatively creates accommodations for students who
need unique support and streamlines the admissions process by learning details about each of the programs
she supports.
Murray Bartley
{ Criminal Justice instructor }
Murray Bartley’s Leadership and Creating Community Award cites the appreciation others have for his philosophy that “everyone is a leader. Not only does he encourage his students and peers to adopt this mindset, he clearly demonstrates this during his interactions with others. Murray is a compassionate, loyal and trustworthy individual. He is not afraid to do what is right.”
Wendy Weninger
{ Chair, School of Human Services }
Wendy Weninger, winner of a Leadership and Creating Community Award, was praised for being committed to creating community within her area. “She is approachable, trustworthy and diligent. She has initiated activities that have brought people together, such as soup days. Wendy is technically very competent but of key importance, she cares. She cares about her programs, faculty, staff, students, industry partners and Lethbridge College.”
Sherry Divins
{ Human Resource specialist }
Sherry Divins, who won an Above and Beyond Award, is described as always being warm, cheerful and knowledgeable, and was praised for taking the time to assist students in their learning by providing solutions when unpredictable changes occur. “The excellent service Sherry provides is definitely a reflection of not only her personality but also her work environment. It is a pleasure working with Sherry!”
Janet Yorke
{ Nursing 2004, Practical Nursing instructor, Centre for Health and Wellness }
Janet Yorke, who also won an Above and Beyond Award, is described as someone of great integrity who took a risk in accepting the temporary role of assistant dean because it was an opportunity to learn more about the centre and college in general. Her colleagues say she is innovative in her research and works collaboratively with college departments to better serve the students.
