The True Blue Award emerged from the most recent Speaking Up: Faculty & Staff Experience Survey. The results showed that feeling valued and recognized in the communities in which they work rated highly among employees.
The True Blue Award complements the recognition programs already in existence at the University of Toronto (U of T) and provides staff and faculty with an opportunity to recognize their colleagues in a more informal way. Award recipients are nominated by their colleagues for embodying U of T’s true-blue spirit.
Read on to find out why.
Kyomi Duncan
University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)
“Kyomi Duncan has been a valued member of the Admissions & Student Recruitment team at UTSC for 14 years.
“Her contribution to the campus is unique in that she touches the lives of both current students and prospective students.
“As a recruitment officer for the University, Kyomi inspires prospective students to choose U of T. She presents the U of T message with passion to thousands of individuals each year but also patiently follows up with future students, parents, counsellors, teachers, faculty and other community members to answer their questions and help them find their path to postsecondary education.
“She is valued and respected by all her colleagues across the University and within the provincial university recruitment collective.
“Kyomi’s influence also extends to current students.
“As the supervisor for our Student Recruitment Assistant team, Kyomi is directly responsible for training and coaching a team of student-staff who also give tours and carry the front-facing message for the University. She spends countless hours ensuring that the student-staff are able to deliver incredible customer service.
“Most days, she also acts as sister, counsellor, mentor and confidante for these students. The sense of community she creates with the student-staff is remarkable. Friendships are forged, connections are made and the student-staff return years later to update on their successes – successes that are a result of the exceptional way in which they have been mentored and trained.
“Each and every day, Kyomi inspires others to work hard, listen closely and do their best. She is a personal and professional role model for prospective students, student-staff and employees across the University.
Above her desk, you will find a piece of paper with the words ‘Hard Work is Love in Action.’ It is this approach to her daily work life that makes Kyomi Duncan a deserving candidate for the True Blue Award.”
Does this remind you of someone you know? Nominate them for a True Blue Award.