Three exceptional Holland College staff members were celebrated and service awards were presented to 35 staff members during the college’s recent Staff Appreciation Day.

Linda Griffin, Administrative Assistant to the President of Holland College and Secretary of the Management Executive Committee, received the 2009 Staff Excellence Award in recognition of her dedication, professionalism, and compassion. Griffin has worked at the college for more than three decades, and over the years has worked with each of the college’s four presidents.

Jeannie Connolly, an instructor in the college’s Travel and Tourism Management program, received the 2009 Teaching Excellence Award. Connolly sets high standards for her students, connecting theory and practice in an experiential environment that students find both challenging and fun. Connolly joined the college in 1997 after working in the travel and tourism industry for 13 years. In addition to earning a certificate in adult education, she recent earned a bachelor of education degree from UPEI.

The recipient of this year’s 2009 Leadership Excellence Award was Gerry Seward, Manager of Instructional Development in the college’s Learner Support Unit. Seward played a prominent role in the development of the Certificate in Adult Education program, a mandatory program all instructors at the college must complete. He also was instrumental in the development of both the Bachelor of Education (Human Resource Development) and the new Master of Education (Community College Leadership) programs the college offers in collaboration with UPEI.

“Taking the time to acknowledge the achievements of so many dedicated individuals at the college is of paramount importance to our success.  While we are constantly striving to be a better employer, initiatives such as Staff Appreciation and the Excellence Awards give us an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the many individuals that make Holland College such a great place to work and learn,” said Dr. Brian McMillan, President of Holland College. 

In this picture: Gerry Seward, centre, recipient of Holland College's 2009 Leadership Excellence Award accepts his gift from Joanne MacQuarrie, Learning Manager, and Jake Baird, Vice President of Programs and Chief Learning Officer, at the college's annual Staff Appreciation Day.