Recipients of 2015 Pride of Workmanship Awards with Dunedin North Rotary President Janet Hewson (left) are Sally-Ann Howard of Anatomy, Theresa Mendoza of Chemistry, Tania Renfree from Chem-Dry, Tom Tamati the Groundsman at the University Oval, and David Wenlock from Seddon's Plasterers.
Two “wonderful” departmental administrators from opposite ends of the campus were celebrated this week at the Dunedin North Rotary Club's Pride of Workmanship Awards held at the University Staff Club.
Sally-Ann Howard (the Department of Anatomy's Administrator) and Theresa Mendoza (the Department of Chemistry Administrator and Head of Department's Personal Assistant) each won awards, along with staff members from three other organisations.
"I feel very supported. The award makes me feel like I am doing a good job and that people appreciate me."
Rotary International encourages Rotary Clubs to make the Pride of Workmanship award available to firms, businesses, and institutions within their area. It aims to give well-deserved recognition to people who are making outstanding contributions in their workplace. Otago's Human Resources Division put a call out for nominees earlier this year.
Theresa Mendoza, who has been in her Chemistry role for eight years says she was thrilled to receive the award.
“I feel very supported. The award makes me feel like I am doing a good job and that people appreciate me.”
Head of the Department of Chemistry Lyall Hanton says Theresa is exceptional in her role.
“Chemistry is a large, complex and multifaceted Department of around 75 academic, general and research personnel and 70 postgraduate students not to mention the undergraduate students. Theresa is always totally organised and competent and this has been constant over her time in Chemistry.”
"It is an honour and humbling at the same time, when I know there are many staff who do an excellent job both in the Department and the wider University."
Sally-Ann Howard has served as Anatomy's Departmental Administrator for over 20 years. She says it was a complete surprise to learn she had been nominated for and awarded a Pride of Workmanship Award.
“It is an honour and humbling at the same time, when I know there are many staff who do an excellent job both in the Department and the wider University.”
One of those who nominated her, Associate Professor Christine Jasoni, says she goes above and beyond the call of duty.
“She is able to perform to such a high level because she possesses exceptional qualities, including amazing institutional knowledge, excellent people skills, intrinsic common sense and kindness. We could not function as a department without her.”