Evelyn Peters

President's Service Award - Spring 1998

In proposing Evelyn Peters for the President's Service Award, her many nominators and supporters including senior University Administrators, Department faculty and emeritus professors, students, staff, adjunct and associate faculty members, post-doctoral fellows, research fellows, and others, cite numerous qualities that eminently qualify her for the honour. Professor Wayne Skrapik, Associate Dean, Arts and Science, notes: "I have always been impressed with Evelyn's candor, her sense of humour, her willingness to provide whatever support she could for the Department and the College." Professor Vipen Sawhney, currently Acting Head of Biology commented, "Evelyn continues to do an outstanding job, is very professional in her work, is resourceful, cheerful, and very friendly. She is the central focus of this department and, as one colleague put it, "Evelyn is the cement that holds this large department together." Dr. Taylor Steeves, Professor Emeritus of Biology, says that Peters performs well beyond the letter of her job description: "Her dedication to (the Department) and its effective operation is most impressive. Evelyn is for all Department members and students the source of information about procedures, deadlines, and opportunities and is the one to whom all turn for advice. Her efficiency and effectiveness in dealing with such diverse issues is remarkable and is much to be commended."

Several supporters comment on Evelyn as an excellent ambassador for the department in her interactions with other units at the University and elsewhere. "Her help is constantly sought by faculty, staff and students in the Department and her extensive network of contacts on campus provide us with access to other sources of assistance. The entire staff of the College of Graduate Studies and Research endorse Evelyn's commitment to her work, and the time she took to understand the roles within our College has allowed her department's interactions with us to run smoothly." One student notes, Evelyn treats the needs of the students as a top priority. As a liaison between the students and faculty, Evelyn's work is appreciated greatly by all the students in the Biology Department. I believe that were it not for Evelyn, the department of biology would not run as smoothly, and the students would not feel as welcome and respected."

Professor Dick Neal, also an Associate Dean of Arts and Science, recalls joining the Department of Biology nearly 30 years ago and meeting Peters for the first time. "Her warm, cheerful personality and her interest in people made one feel at home immediately." She has a similar effect on students, faculty and all who come in contact with the Department, demonstrating a genuine interest in people and a strong desire and commitment to assist in any way. Larry Fowke, Head of Biology Department when proposing the nomination, wrote, "It never ceases to amaze me the range of people popping into Evelyn's office for advice, reinforcement, a sympathetic ear or just a friendly word." He adds, "Evelyn has devoted over 30 years of her life to the Department of biology and the University of Saskatchewan and has demonstrated the highest level of dedication and commitment to her job. The University is a better place because of her."