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.
Maria Jardim
Family Programs & Services
“This year, when the Transitional Year Programme needed assistance with reviewing applications for admissions, Maria gladly participated even though this was outside of her job expectations.
“For Maria, being a part of a program that is trying to help those who cannot enter university using the typical path is very important. She also volunteered her time with the Role Model Moms outreach event in May 2016.
“She helped welcome 42 moms and their children to the U of T so that they could learn about postsecondary options as they complete their high-school equivalency.
“Creating a sense of community is vital to her. Maria is always doing her best to find resources and connect individuals to make their experience at U of T better.
“She puts everyone at ease and ensures that there is a vital sense of community by working hard to introduce and welcome participants, by her caring attitude, and by the care she takes to seek feedback from participants and collect key statistics to support the program evaluation. Maria also ensures that all members of the U of T community can access the classes.”
Does this remind you of someone you know? Nominate them for a True Blue Award.