From left: Dean Marc Parlange, Dean’s Award for Excellence in Service recipients Maged Senbel, Mary Jansepar, Stuart Mackenzie, Gwynn Elfring, Sheldon Green (not pictured: Benny Nimmervoll)
On May 16, 2017, at the annual Applied Science Appreciation Barbeque Department Head Sheldon Green, Assistant Professor Gwynn Elfring, and Mechatronics Technician Benny Nimmervoll received the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Service. Created to recognize the work that faculty members engage in outside of their regular teaching responsibilities, and the exceptional work and dedication staff show to the Faculty. this award is only presented to three faculty and staff members each year. Green, Elfring, and Nimmervoll were also all presented with a $2,000 award and a personalized plaque for recognition of their excellence in service, leadership and administration, and their contributions to the Faculty.
Dean Parlange also had the following kind words to say:*
Sheldon Green
Having completed 10 years as Department Head, Sheldon’s name has been put forward by his fellow Heads and colleagues as a tribute to the outstanding nature of his service contributions to both to his department and to the Faculty of Applied Science. He approaches all tasks in a principled manner, and is known for rigorous governance practices and sound fiscal management. His style of leadership is highly consultative, humble and effective, ensuring an equal voice for all in matters that affect the department. He serves as a champion for students, aboriginal outreach, and diversity, and places a high priority on ensuring that all of his faculty colleagues succeed in their careers.
Gwynn Elfring
As a relatively new member of the Department, Gwynn has already made a marked impact. When he sees an issue or a problem to be solved, he jumps right in to address it. For example, he identified a need for a fluid mechanics seminar series, and took it upon himself to organize it, including obtaining funding, lobbying his colleagues for support, and finally coordinating it. The Distinguished Seminar Series in Fluid Mechanics has become a major success, attracting internationally renowned speakers from such universities as Stanford, MIT and Harvard.
Benny Nimmervoll
With caring and ingenuity combined with a passion for continuous improvement, Mech technician and machinist Benny Nimmervoll has been a driver of change. For 23 years, he has not only provided exceptional machine shop support for teaching and research, but also streamlined and improved services by envisioning and implementing new on line systems. His commitment to education is evident: mentoring in courses like Mech 491 and his successful co-application for a TLEF grant to develop instructional machining videos. Benny cares about people and diversity, and his patience, good humour, and personalized approach makes the machine shop a welcoming place for all.
To read more about the award and the other recipients, see the story in APSC News: Applied Science celebrates exemplary staff and faculty at annual appreciate barbeque
*quotes and photo taken from APSC News