by Alissa Blanchard

Three awards given for teaching, leadership, and staff excellence were presented to members of Holland College staff during the College's annual Professional Development Day held recently at the Atlantic Tourism and Hospitality Institute.

Presented in accordance with the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC), of which Holland College is a member, these awards are given for specific purposes and are based on specific criteria including commitment, impact on students and community, team work, performance and contribution, creativity and leadership. College staff, co-workers, and students are provided the opportunity to recommend to a Selection Committee, the names of individuals who they feel are most deserving of these special awards.

"Organizations often tend to focus on events that happen within an institution as opposed to focusing on those people who contribute to making successful events and positive things happen," commented Alex MacAulay, President of Holland College. "Awards such as these provide us the time to recognize those people at the College who have given so much of themselves to make the College a better place for our staff and community and particularly, our students."

Honoring a faculty member who has exhibited consistent excellence in teaching and who has made a significant impact on the personal and academic growth of students is this year's recipient of the Holland College Teaching Excellence Award, Pat Faulkner.

A 25-year member of the College community, Pat began her work with Holland College when she was asked to sit on the DACUM Analysis Committee for the Medical Support Program. The following year, she was hired as the program's Learning Manager. Since then, Pat's commitment to her program has seen Medical Support Services develop from a traditional full-time Holland College program to the one that it is today - diverse, self-directed, and accessible. Of particular importance to her students, are Pat's goals and flexibility in continuing education, an area that has had a significant impact on the life-long learning aspirations of all who take her courses.

Colleges and institutes have traditionally played a learning leadership role in the communities they serve. Although the entire institution participates, inevitably, one or two people make an outstanding contribution each year.

Francis Tang, this year's recipient of the Holland College Leadership Excellence Award, is such a person. Since coming to the College in 1971, Francis's contributions are many. He initiated and delivered the first computer program at Holland College as well as the Computer Engineering Technology program. His love of mathematics and science and his interest in students led to numerous successful initiatives including Science Camps, Science and Industry Tours and the creation of the highly successful Flying Circus of Physics. Highly regarded and sought after for his knowledge of competency-based education, Francis is currently the Coordinator of the College's Learning Management Program and serves as Coordinator of Professional Development. As a contributor to many of the College's international endeavors, he was a key player in helping the College establish agreements with six College?s in the People?s Republic of China.

The Holland College Staff Excellence Award for the year 2001 was awarded to Madonna Gallant. This award honors a staff member who has made an exceptional contribution within the institution and in the community and serves as a model of excellence for all staff. Madonna has worked at the College since 1985 holding positions in Student Services, the Registrar?s Office and most recently her current position as Secretary for College-wide Facility Services in the Human and Corporate Services Division. Recognized by students and staff alike for her efficiency, professionalism and dedication to the College, it is through her outstanding volunteer and community work that the true spirit of her generosity and kindness shine through and which made the choice of Madonna for this award such an easy one.