The President's Award for Service Excellence recognizes exceptional service to The University of Lethbridge and members of the University community. The Award is given to two individuals: one AUPE staff member and one APO/Exempt Support Staff member.

Naomi Cramer
(AUPE staff)

Described as the "backbone" of the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, administrative assistant Naomi Cramer consistently goes beyond the call of duty to help students, faculty, staff and the general public.

Cramer has managed the front lines of the CCBN with total composure and competence through the dramatic growth and diversification of the centre. Her contributions to the CCBN extend well beyond what is usually expected of administrative assistants.

Aside from supporting the faculty in their teaching and research efforts, Cramer is involved in fundraising and advertising for major events such as Brain Awareness Week and the Brenda Milner Lecture Series; attends all Neuroscience seminars to gain an understanding of the centre's work; and applies for grants for student, faculty and travel awards.

Cramer also contributes greatly to the graduate program by coordinating external examiners and scheduling master's and PhD defenses.

To many, she is the face and voice of the CCBN as she arranges tours by schools, interest groups and visiting dignitaries, while also coordinating communication with various media representatives. She accomplishes all this and more while still only in a part-time capacity.

One of her most important roles is introducing new students to the Department of Neuroscience. Cramer endeavours to make new students feel at home, devoting significant time and effort to ensure these students are settled in Lethbridge.

With her friendly manner and conscientious approach, Cramer is also a great asset in the department's academic recruitment efforts.

Charlene Janes
(APO/Exempt support staff)

Currently celebrating 10 years of service at the U of L, Charlene Janes fulfills a complex role with gusto and dedication.

Currently the International Liaison Officer, Janes has worked with the International Centre for Students since its inception. Over the years she has implemented and revised procedures to help prospective and newly admitted students navigate the application and acceptance process from a distance.

In response to an ever-changing environment, she constantly refines processes and improves how she delivers programs. Janes provides outstanding leadership and liaises with the U of L community on behalf of international students, working with departments and administrative units to resolve issues and problems.

When assisting international students, Janes has a unique ability to look at the U of L from their perspective, ignoring boundaries between faculties and units. She helps non-traditional students every day, striving to build a community for international students to help them succeed on our campus, backed by an essential network of support. When students are in trouble, sick, or short of funding, it is Janes who helps them.

She doesn't do this alone, having built a network of students and colleagues across the institution that assist in providing services for international students. In that, Janes is a leader in forming collaborative relationships across the University of Lethbridge.

Beyond her work role, she is a regular volunteer at convocation, the APO representative for the Senate, a volunteer on the Supporting Our Students committee and a member of the APO Executive.