Kurt Tischler

President's Service Award - Fall 1996

Kurt Tischler has served the University for twenty-four years and has been the International Student Advisor for eleven years. Although his dedication and hard work throughout his tenure with the University are noted by all nominees, it is in his capacity as International Student Advisor that Kurt really came into his own. He not only brings to his work his already-proven organizational capacities and efficiencies, but he demonstrates other human qualities which show him to be the ideal person for this challenging job. Kurt put to good use his natural capacities for observation, patience, kindness and sensitivity. He is genuinely dedicated to the students, and has over the many years of his service given long hours meeting the needs of newcomers to Canada in ways going far beyond the regular duties of his office.

Dr. Robert Williamson, Chairman of the International Committee, comments, "I have seen Kurt Tischler, very late at night, meeting people at the airport, bringing winter clothing when necessary or helping new arrivals to get settled in their accommodations and find their way around the institution, and the community, including stores, banks and government offices. He has always kept the family perspective in mind, both in the case of overseas students who have come to this country with their immediate kinsfolk, and in understanding the needs of isolated individuals whose families are back in their homelands."

In his service to the broader University community, Kurt has been an outstanding asset. He has been instrumental in influencing others in providing consistent and quality service to the international students; and in assisting others in developing a greater awareness of, and sensitivity to, cross cultural dimensions. According to Asit Sarkar, Director, University of Saskatchewan International, Kurt has fostered a cordial relationship between officials of Canada Immigration and the international students. Kurt is also well respected by many of the representatives of the diplomatic missions of foreign countries from which we have students at the University. He has been a key person in liaison and coordination efforts between our own institution and the University of Regina and SIAST in realms of international cooperation of many kinds. He has, of course, also represented our University with distinction in national meetings of International Student Advisors.

Dr. Vera Pezer, Assistant Vice-President, Student Affairs and Services, sums it up by saying that "Kurt Tischler, through his work and his personal life, both of which embrace a genuine commitment to the service of others, has proven himself to be an exemplary employee. The University, its students and his colleagues are the beneficiaries of the efforts of this kind, supportive, dedicated, hard-working man."