Merv Prysiazniuk

President's Service Award - Spring 2000

Merv Prysiazniuk, a materials handling supervisor in the Division of Facilities Management, is the recipient of the Spring 2000 President's Award.

Merv began working for the University of Saskatchewan in September 1973 as a temporary laborer when the Murray Library was expanding into the newly built south wing. Merv worked for almost a year building shelves and moving books before he was hired full-time in Material Handling. He worked his way up from a Labourer to a Utility Labourer to Assistant Supervisor and in November 1989 was made Labour Supervisor, a position he still holds.

One of his nominators, Melana Soroka of the Vice-President (Academic) office, said that Merv's dedication to his work demonstrates his support for the academic and administrative missions of the university. She goes on to say that "no task is too big or too small for Merv to handle!"

He is clearly somebody who enjoys his job. He says it's because he likes dealing with people and trying to understand what their needs are. He takes pride in the way the job gets done and making sure that his clients are happy.

He makes it sound effortless, but his nominators insist that he regularly goes well beyond the requirements of his job. "Merv is always most accommodating and willing to assist whoever, whenever called upon, whether setting up for exams or commissioning new buildings," said Stuart Dawson, a manager in the Division of Facilities Management. "He's a person of impeccable integrity who is ever seeking new challenges."

"Merv is a genuine University of Saskatchewan person. He treats everyone as if they were family, always providing aid and service to the best of his ability. I can't think of a more suitable recipient for this year's award," said one letter of support.

Clearly committed to the University, Merv also worked on the First & Best National Fundraising Committee, creating awareness of the campaign and its goals among the internal community.

Unfailingly polite, professional, effective, practical, and accommodating were all qualities listed repeatedly by Merv's nominators and supporters. They also each emphasized his commitment to outstanding customer service. "When I think of Merv, I think of service. He is the kind of person who puts people first, going out of his way to ensure the needs of others are met," said another letter of support.

The only nominee in the history of the President's Service Award to be nominated by two separate groups of people in the same year, Merv is clearly a man deserving of the honour.