Celebrating excellence: Meet the 2023 Mary Choi Staff Excellence Award recipients
The Faculty of Dentistry Mary Choi Staff Excellence Awards recognize staff members who have demonstrated excellence in their work and who have earned the respect of their colleagues for their professionalism, teamwork and contribution to morale. The awards have been established by and named in honour of former Assistant Dean Administration and Chief Administrative Officer, Mary Choi, who held the position from 2012 to 2022.
“Congratulations to this year's winners. Their dedication and commitment to the Faculty of Dentistry is truly appreciated.” says Arleen Morrin, Chief Administrative Officer, Faculty of Dentistry.
“The Mary Choi Staff Excellence Awards are an excellent way to formally recognize the amazing contributions and exceptional work performed by staff across our Faculty and Clinic operations.” says Arleen Morrin, Chief Administrative Officer at the Faculty of Dentistry.
For 2023, four award recipients were selected. This year’s nomination criteria included:
- Professionalism: Making professionalism a consistent practice which may include: honesty, trustworthiness, integrity, and respect for others in the workplace.
- Teamwork: Includes a commitment to cooperation, collaboration and/or coordinated effort in the interests of a common work-related cause, task, service, project or initiative.
- Contribution to morale: Includes appreciating the efforts and contributions of others, maintaining a positive attitude toward optimism and achievement, and contributing to an enjoyable workplace.
Meet the 2023 Mary Choi Staff Excellence Award Recipients:
Dhaarmini Rajshankar
Manager at Collaborative Advanced Microscopy Laboratories of Dentistry (CAMiLoD)
Best advice you ever received:
“Failures are steppingstones to success.”
Mohammed Amoodi
Client Support Specialist, IITS
Career highlight you are proud of:
“I have always dreamed of working at a university or in the field of education, where I can provide crucial IT support to teachers, students, and the support staff. I have always been fascinated by the behind-the-scenes efforts and the management required to run a large educational institution smoothly. From administrative processes to infrastructure management, the diverse elements that contribute to the seamless functioning of a school have always intrigued me.”
Nadiya Suprun
Graduate Orthodontic Receptionist, Clinics
Best advice you ever received:
“The most impactful advice I ever received came from my late father, who dedicated 42 years to his profession as a doctor. He told me to always approach each interaction with empathy and compassion. This advice has not only enhanced the experience of the people around me but has also positively influenced my own professional growth and brought satisfaction in my day-to-day life.”
Rovena Meto
Dental Assistant, Clinics
Career highlight you are proud of:
“Getting to know so many students over the years and seeing them grow professionally has been the highlight of working for the Faculty. I am lucky to spend my days with so many amazing people from my colleagues to students, doctors, instructors and patients.”
Written by Nina Ambros Beckles
Photo credit: Jeff Comber, IITS & Award recipients