John Powell said it was “truly an honour” to be recognized by the Organization of Part-time University Students at its 20th annual awards dinner Thursday, but that isn’t why he loves his job.
“I have the fortune to be able to play a role in telling the stories of students, faculty and staff across campus,” the University’s director of Web development said. “Certainly the work I do is reflected in efforts to advance the University.”
Powell was among the staff, students and faculty honoured for their outstanding contributions to the success of part-time students during the banquet, held at the Caboto Club. In addition to the awards presentations, the event included performances by the Hoa Sen dancers; two music students, the Jordan Sherman Duo; and poet Amina Abdulle reading original works.
This year’s OPUS award recipients are:
- Friend of Students Award: Gregory Marcotte, registrar
- Teacher of the Year Award: Stephen Brooks, political science
- Volunteer of the Year Award: Barbara Maitre
- Faculty Awards: Erica Stevens Abbitt, drama, and Randy Lippert, sociology
- Support Staff Awards: John Powell, public affairs and communications, and Joyce Pohjola, Catering Services
- Disability Campus Community Recognition Award: Rosemary Briscoe, Campus Police
- Student with Disability Achievement Award: Paul Cowan
- Alumni Association Academic Achievement Award: Mike Binder
- Alumni Association First Year Part-time Undergraduate Student Award: Brittany Lepera
- Wayne Girard Leadership Memorial Award: Ferial Bachir
- Ken Long Memorial Award: Lisa Milne
- Mary C. Schisler Award in Dramatic Art: Roberto Ercoli
- Dr. Kathleen McCrone Award: Helen Girgenti
- Appreciation Award: Vajo Stajic, OPUS Director at Large
Bernarda Camello-Doctor, a member of the OPUS board of directors and a UWindsor student since 1961, received a special award for Going the Extra Mile from Clayton Smith, vice-provost, students and international.