Five who have made a difference

Five staff members at UBC’s Vancouver campus are receiving the 2010 President’s Service Award for Excellence for outstanding contributions and personal achievement. Each recipient receives a gold medal, and $5,000, in a presentation during Spring Congregation ceremonies.

Maura da Cruz, an organizational and learning consultant in the Dept. of Human Resources, has worked at UBC since 1989. Widely credited for her generosity of spirit, she has helped launch Most, UBC’s first training program for staff; BEST, an English language skill staff program; the student volunteer UBC Equity Ambassadors program and the Community Learning Initiative Leadership program.

Paul Lawson has worked as manager of the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest since 1999. Held in high regard by the B.C. forest community, he is recognized for his insights into sustainable forest management including building strong relationships with local communities and First Nations, championing a partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society to locate Camp Goodtimes at Loon Lake, and hosting many field schools for UBC and other organizations.

Director of Classroom Services Justin Marples began working at UBC in 1981. He is recognized for contributions across the campus, including volunteer work in the Association of Administration and Professional Staff (AAPS), and as a founding member of the Coaches Services Program. Colleagues credit him for strong leadership of Classroom Services to greatly enhance campus learning spaces.

Serving UBC for more than 21 years, Andrew Parr, Managing Director, Student Housing and Hospitality Services, has built innovative campus services. He is honoured for leading the growth of UBC Food Services and its sustainability initiatives, chairing two United Way campaigns, and for volunteer service to the Canadian College and University Food Service Association.

Gerald Vanderwoude was first employed at UBC as a box office clerk in the Frederic Wood Theatre in 1996. Today he works as administrator and business manager of the Department of Theatre and Film. He is recognized for his hard work, care for others, and professionalism and exceptional skill at making improvements to the department’s program administration.