Peter Herd

President's Service Award - Fall 2004

Peter Herd's tremendous personal qualities as a part of the University of Saskatchewan campus community over the past 21 years - as a student, employee and volunteer - have now earned him recognition as the top 'team player' at the University. He is being presented with the Fall 2004 President's Service Award for outstanding contributions to the learning and working environment.

Peter's helpfulness, great sense of humour, positive attitude, skills and what those around him call "an incredible work ethic", have earned him friends and fans across campus. Born and raised in Milden, Saskatchewan, Peter began as a student at the U of S in 1983, later earning a Diploma in Agriculture and a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture.

He lived in residence, becoming Residence Advisor. When he began his career with campus Security Services in 1988, Peter started the Student Patrol program (now Student Crew), for which he won a U of S First and Best award. He also brought a workplace violence prevention course to campus and became the University's first instructor in non-violent crisis intervention. In Rutherford rink, home of the Huskie men's hockey team, Peter's passion for the U of S and for helping students has really shone. After early involvement in 1986-88 videotaping the games, from 1990-2002 he served as the team's trainer and equipment manager.

The many campus co-workers who supported Peter's nomination for President's Service Award all note how dedicated he has been to the team's success, putting in countless evenings, weekends, and vacation days going the extra mile to help the team succeed.

Peter's motto has been "Nobody outworks the Dogs, from the training staff on...". His hard work and excellence impressed coaches and players from his own and many other teams. Current Huskies coach Dave Adolph notes Peter "has become a recognized leader in his field worldwide". He was equipment manager for Canada's national team at World Junior Hockey Championships and other competitions around the world in countries such as Japan, Italy, the U.S.A., the Czech Republic, Finland and Russia - leading to a number of gold medals. He has been an inspiration to team members, coaches, and all who have worked with him.

Ever the team player, Peter says he has been blessed with the friendship of countless people, and particularly with having mentors along the way like hockey associates Troy Parchman, Peter Friesen and Blaine Whyte, and training-staff colleagues Corey Young, Chris Ellis, Scott Berg, and many others. He also thanks the staff and management of Security Services for making it possible for him to pursue his volunteer activities.