Several employees were honoured at Holland College’s annual Staff Appreciation Day at Credit Union Place in Summerside recently. In addition to long service awards, and retirement recognition, four excellence awards were presented, and a new President’s Award was introduced.
P
aula Silliker received the Teaching Excellence Award. She has been teaching math and physics to adult learners at the college for more than 30 years. Her nonjudgmental, easy-going demeanor has created a safe, calm learning environment where students know their instructor believes in them and wants them to be successful.
The recipient of the Leadership Excellence Award was Richard MacDonald, Manager of IT Services. MacDonald, who is retiring this year after 30 years of service to Holland College. Richard led the college’s IT response through the challenges presented by COVID-19. He oversees the set up and service of approximately 2,100 computers along with 80 servers, which are used by over 2,500 students and 770 staff and faculty.
Sandi White, Senior Executive Assistant, President’s Office and Board of Governors, was presented with the Staff Excellence Award. She has been a member of the Holland College family for 25 years, serving in her current role for the past 17 years. She has been an integral part of many of the college’s major initiatives and has significant impact on every committee she is part of.
Kyle Stevenson, a general maintenance labourer at the Tourism and Culinary Centre received the Facilities Support Services Excellence Award. Stevenson is known for his great flexibility and positive attitude. He arrives early, works late, and lends a hand to other staff members without hesitation.
The outstanding quality of our faculty and staff is exemplified by these worthy award recipients. Holland College is a place where employees thrive and grow, which contributes to the quality of the learning environment for our students. ~ Holland College President Dr. Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald
A new award was presented for the first time this year, the President’s Award.
“The President’s Award was created to celebrate an individual whose contributions have helped to advance the supports and inclusion commitments outlined in the Shaping Futures strategic plan,” said Holland College President, Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald. “This includes contributions made as a community leader, efforts to improve mental well-being among students and employees, promoting inclusive practices and an overall impact on the greater Holland College community. “
Josh Silver, the lead instructor in the Heritage Retrofit Carpentry program is the recipient of this year’s award.
Silver is a member of the Holland College Mental Well-being Champions, a group that is dedicated to raising awareness and supporting employees’ and students’ mental health; and is Vice-President of Skills Canada – PEI. Through the connections that he has forged during his career, Silver has provided students with the opportunity to work on many unique and diverse projects in the community, including the restoration work at Province House, St. Dunstan’s Cathedral, Glenaladale, Fanningbank, and Parks Canada projects at Dalvay, Ardgowan, Cavendish and Stanhope Campgrounds, and Green Gables.
Of the employees being recognized for milestone work anniversaries, Debbie King, administrative support for the Business and Sport programs, stood out. King is celebrating her 50th year at the college. King started working at the college as a summer student in 1973 and became an employee in October of that year. Read more about Debbie's career here.
For more information about this release, please contact:
Sara Underwood, Media and Communications Officer
Tel: 902-566-9695
Date: Wednesday, June 28, 2023
