Awards by the University - Administrative Staff

Presented to Frances Ann Smeaton, Intermediate Web Developer and Content Management Specialist

As the custodian of the Faculty's website content and structure, Frances Ann supports the broad Social Sciences team of professors and support staff by ensuring effective content planning and dissemination. Her work enables optimal visibility for their achievements and initiatives.

Frances Ann excels at ensuring that content is laid out in accordance with the University’s guidelines and best practices, as well as industry standards for content structure and optimization.

She adheres to stringent standards for bilingualism and accessibility, ensuring that all content is inclusive and respectful of the diversity of our audiences.

Given to Mourad Belkebir, Senior Programmer-Analyst

Mourad is a first-rate collaborator with his colleagues. He is constantly juggling a number of complex projects, and handles the pressure calmly.

Over the past year, Mourad has put his skills as a programmer-analyst to good use. He has been able to cope with the changes linked to the pandemic and new working methods. His technical skills, understanding of business rules and mastery of development techniques make him a valuable asset to the Faculty. He always strives to satisfy customers, and sometimes even exceeds their expectations. Well done!

Given to Sylvain Léonard, Senior Systems Manager

As the Senior Systems Manager for the Faculty of Social Sciences, Sylvain Léonard has shown great leadership since started to work for the Faculty. In charge of many complex projects, he leads them head on with dynamism, professionalism and diligence.

Over the past year, Sylvain has put his leadership and team leader skills to work to build a strong team spirit within his industry. He has a positive effect on his colleagues which calms them and reassures them in the face of the complexities of the tasks that fall to them. He is a valuable asset for the Faculty, both in terms of technical skills, vision and humanity. His sense of altruism is an example of service excellence to follow!

Given to Sophie LeTouzé, Research Development Manager.

As the Research Development Manager for the Faculty of Social Sciences since 2009, Sophie LeTouzé plays a strategic role at the Office of the Vice-Dean of Research. Right-hand woman for the Vice-Dean of Research, Sophie ensures the development and implementation of the research vision at the Faculty of Social Sciences. She serves as a source of advice to 277 researchers for matters related to seeking out and obtaining funding; and helps showcase the impact of social science research.

Given to France Prud'Homme, Nancy Pelletier and Daniela Gutierrez de Pineres

The Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA)'s team received the President's Award for Service Excellence - Team Award. This team consistently delivers superior and exceptional client service. These employees demonstrate creativity and initiative in the way they respond to their clients' needs.

This fantastic team is also known for their insatiable desire to improve the student experience. Whether it is managing networking events or organizing placements and exchanges, this trio consistently goes above and beyond the job at hand to provide GSPIA students with the tools they need to attain academic success. Their thorough knowledge of the GSPIA as well as their effective problem-solving skills only scratch the surface as to why this team is deserving of the prize.

Given to Gaetan Schnob, Computer Consultant and Analyst, 2006.

In the School of Psychology, computer technician Gaétan Schnob, is truly considered a jack of all trades by professors, other staff members and students. His skills go well beyond helping people out of computer jams. His ingenuity is well known to the School. From prolonging the life of old but unique instruments, to creating tools to help researcher and students conduct their research, to repairing machines used in evaluating test results, “it is a point of pride for Gaétan to understand everyone’s needs,” points out Catherine Plowright, director of the doctorate program in experimental psychology.

Professor Plowright recalls how Schnob constructed a complex labyrinth and unique artificial flowers connected to an electrical system – all to support research in bumblebee behaviour. Schnob “allowed many students to continue their projects while avoiding additional costs and delays in their thesis research,” points out Claude Messier, assistant director of the School of Psychology.