Student and international affairs staff recognize jewels in their midst

There can be no greater tribute than to know that someone you helped is inspired to go on and help others in the same way.

Romina Oulevey, co-op coordinator in the Centre for Career Education, received that accolade Thursday in accepting the student-nominated award at the annual GEM luncheon.

“Romina encouraged me to increase my confidence level, realize my positive points which ultimately led to my success,” her nominator wrote. “I am now mentoring other students the way she mentored me.”

The GEM awards recognize staff members in Student and International Affairs who “Go the Extra Mile.”

Oulevey said she felt a little overwhelmed.

“I am extrememly honoured, especially to know a student nominated me,” she said. “My job is already rewarding, getting to see our students succeed.”

Peer-nominated awards went to Beth Oakley, director of the Educational Development Centre, and Rosemary Plastow, a psychologist in the Student Counselling Centre.

Clayton Smith, vice-provost, students and international, sponsors the awards. He said what makes them work is that the recognition is generated by peers and clients.

“This event is not mine, it’s ours,” he said. “It represents colleagues supporting each other in what they are doing.”

Dr. Smith also awarded a posthumous Lifetime GEM to Alan Gold, who died November 5, 2011. The mathematics professor emeritus had taken on a post-retirement role as academic coordinator of the University’s student exchange programs.

“We remember Alan Gold as an excellent educator with a commitment to broadening the student experience throughout his long and distinguished career at the University of Windsor,” said Smith.

Dr. Gold’s widow, Margaret Ann Gold, was on hand to accept the award.