Colleen Teague

President's Service Award - Fall 2002

In recognition of 29 years of outstanding service to students, colleagues and the U of S, Colleen Teague, Co-ordinator of Personnel and Facilities in the College of Engineering, is being honored with the President's Service Award at Fall Convocation 2002.

Colleen's nominator and a host of supporters note the high regard people in the College and the University have had for her since she began working for the U of S in 1973. With a broad range of responsibilities ­ including developing and implementing administrative and operational policies, advising on faculty and staff recruitment and development, overseeing the allocation of College offices and facilities, direction of support staff in the Dean of Engineering's Office, and involvement in capital planning ­ Colleen interacts with a huge number of people throughout her College and the entire campus.

Yet despite being involved in many sensitive and challenging duties, students, faculty and co-workers say Colleen is always a delight to work with ­ exhibiting kindness, thoughtfulness, professionalism, and an uplifting cheerfulness. They comment that she is always smiling, friendly, helpful and seeking new ways to improve things for her co-workers and the College. Colleen says this stems from her love of the College and the University. "It's my second home", and the faculty, staff and students are "like my extended family", she says. "I have to say I can't think of a better place to work, with opportunities for growth, learning new things, meeting people and making friends - it's just phenomenal here."

Colleen began her U of S career in 1973 in the Registrar's Office, then moved to the College of Engineering in 1975 as a Clerk Stenographer. She moved up the ranks, working in Mechanical Engineering, then in Engineering Shops as an Assistant Manager and Draftsperson. She moved to the Dean's Office in the mid-1980s as an Administrative Assistant, then took on even more responsibilities when she assumed her current job, Co-ordinator of Personnel and Facilities.

Colleen has been very involved at the University and in the community. At the U of S she has served on the executive of the Administrative and Supervisory Personnel Association and has been involved in many campus committees on issues like students with disabilities, status of women, employment equity, and Engineering's Wall of Distinction, Research Day, and international projects. In the Saskatoon community she has volunteered with many groups, including: Kinsmen Telemiracle, Santa Claus Parade, Special Needs Shopping, the Festival of Trees, the Canadian Cancer Society, the 24-hr. Relay for Camp Easter Seal, and the Canadian Institute of Management.

The President's Service Award recognizes exceptional contributions by non-academic staff.