Excellence awarded

John Bonanno was awarded the Spirit of UWS Award at the VC's Excellence Awards.

From teaching and research to professional service and sustainability, the VC’s Excellence Awards are an opportunity for staff and students to be commended for their contribution to the success of the University.

Theresa Mcgavock, Director of UWS Early Learning Penrith who is currently completing her Master of Education (Leadership), received the award for Excellence in University Sustainability. The project – which grew out of an energy and water-saving grant received in 2010 – not only involved children in the process of growing food, but also with raising chickens, worm farming and composting. “There is something really rewarding about seeing a small child’s face light up when they see an egg waiting to be gathered from the hen house – it is a magical moment of childhood,” says Theresa.

Theresa says she intends to use the prize money to travel to Estonia this year to attend the European Early Childhood Education Research Association conference, titled Values, Culture and Contexts, which will further support her studies.

Christine Booth, Assessment and Graduation Manager in the Academic Registrar’s Office, was awarded for Excellence in Professional Service. “This award is appreciated as recognising the work that I do within ARO,” says Christine. “The successes I achieve are largely attained through building and maintaining strong collegial relationships that work to align our processes with the UWS mission statement and objectives.”

Christine says the best thing about her role at UWS is being able to help students and staff resolve problems as efficiently and emphatically as possible, and she acknowledges the staff who work in her unit as helping her achieve the award through their continued attention to providing the best possible business solutions.

As well as a range of staff members receiving Excellence Awards, two staff members each received the Spirit of UWS award: Sister Valerie Powidzki, Chaplain on the Parramatta campus, and John Bonanno, Director of Capital Works and Facilities. The award recognises the exceptional personal effort of an individual staff member who makes an outstanding contribution to the University.

“Sister Valerie has become part of the fabric of the University of Western Sydney and embodies all that is the Spirit of UWS,” said the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Janice Reid, at the ceremony. “There is no job too big or too small for Sister Val and she is always there in times of need to provide support and comfort, regardless of circumstance, the day or time.”

Sister Valerie says she loves working at UWS. “I did not need to receive an award as I feel like I receive an award each and every day by being part of UWS,” she says. “Receiving the Spirit of UWS Award has made me take the time to reflect on how fortunate I am to be part of such a wonderful place. The only reason I was able to be worthy of the award was from catching the spirit from everyone else.”

John Bonanno received the Spirit of UWS Award in recognition of his passionate commitment to creating high-quality facilities for staff and students, contributing to the University’s identity and sense of place in Greater Western Sydney.

“John is ever-focused on leading and mobilising his team for the benefit of the University, whether in rejuvenating old buildings, beautifying the campuses, building new and attractive facilities or during times of crisis,” said Professor Reid at the ceremony.

John says that while his job can be challenging, he gains satisfaction from ensuring each campus promotes the University in the best light while fostering an environment for learning. “First impressions last, so it’s important our campuses are presented well,” he says. “I have a really good team and a high level of support from all the Executive, which is one of the best things about my job. I am always happy to go to work – there are always new challenges and solutions to be found.”

John explains that receiving the Spirit of UWS award means recognition for the work the Capital Works and Facilities team has achieved. “It has given me even more drive to strive to do even better than I have done previously,” he says. The award also provides John with the opportunity to conduct research on further developments in a particular area, which he hopes will be sustainability.

To view the complete list of VC Excellence Award winners, including staff who were Highly Commended, and to find out more information about the winners’ roles at UWS, visit the 2012 Winners webpage (opens in a new window).