Grace Milashenko

President's Service Award - Spring 2001

In recognition of 33 years of outstanding service to students, colleagues and the U of S, Extension Division Program Co-ordinator Grace Milashenko is being honored with the President’s Service Award at Spring Convocation 2001.

Grace’s nominator and a host of nomination supporters attest to what a tireless and exceptional leader she has been since she began with the University in 1968 as a secretary in the Extension Division. Her technical and administrative talents were apparent to all, and she rose within the Division to become secretary to the Director, later increasing her responsibilities as a program co-ordinator.

Since 1979 she has co-ordinated the Business Administration Certificate program (BAC), and upgraded her education by completing the BAC program herself. Now, as an Administrative Co-ordinator, she oversees BAC, the Certificate in Adult and Continuing Education (CACE), the Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language (CERTESL), the Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), and Independent Studies.

Grace’s colleagues extol her virtues: "Grace Milashenko personifies what it means to give service ... She has been a leader, a part-time student, an advocate for part-time, adult, and distance learners, a defender of the disenfranchised, and a tireless worker on many boards and committees both within the University and outside of it."

Her co-workers remark that "students come first" with Grace. They also say she has been "a great ambassador to the business community", "a delight to work with", and has "a superior intellect that she demonstrated in all the work that fell within her responsibility". "Grace’s professionalism, dedication, and commitment to the University of Saskatchewan have led to the enhancement of the Extension Division programs."

Besides her main work in Extension, Grace has served the University and the community as an active executive member and former President of the U of S Administrative & Supervisory Personnel Association (ASPA), Prairie representative and newsletter editor for the Canadian Association for Distance Education (CADE), national board member of the Canadian Association for Adult Education, a lay member of the Certified General Accountants (CGA) provincial board, board member of the Canadian Cancer Society, and an active volunteer with many other organizations such as the Saskatchewan Action Committee for the Status of Women, the Saskatoon Community Clinic, Planned Parenthood, the Northern Saskatchewan International Children’s Festival, and Jeux Canada Games.

The U of S established the President’s Service Award in 1995 to recognize exceptional contributions by non-academic staff. It honors individuals who have enhanced the work environment by providing extraordinary service to the University community, who have inspired, supported and respected the endeavors of others, and who have achieved this distinction through dedication and commitment. The award includes a $1,000 prize and a commemorative ring or pin.