OURA 2023 Awards
You can view pictures from the 2024 conference.
Award of Excellence
This award is designed to recognize the everyday excellence of the employees of OURA member institutions.
Brock University
Brock University’s Award of Excellence recipient began her time in the Office of the Registrar as a student ambassador. Progressing through various roles, she held the position of Recruitment Officer where she managed the campus visitor and summer orientation programs before ascending to her current position.
Brock University’s Award of Excellence recipient is Courtney Keogh, Manager of National Recruitment. In this role, Courtney Keogh demonstrates unwavering leadership characterized by grit and empathy, embodying the core values of both Brock’s office and OURA.
Initially joining as a member-at-large, she swiftly assumed the mantle of Chair of the Ontario University Regional Fairs. With her capable leadership, she guided her provincial counterparts through the complexities of reintroducing in-person regional fairs in a post-COVID era, ensuring their success. Congratulations, Courtney!
Lakehead University
Lakehead University Award of Excellence recipient has been a respected and valued member of the University for 11 years. She serves as the technical expert for the university’s admissions on the student information system and is responsible for the management of admissions data.
Lakehead University Award of Excellence goes to Shawna Hymers, Systems Admissions Officer. Shawna’s depth of knowledge and expertise has significantly influenced the development of admissions reports, offering valuable analytics to senior leaders and institutional partners for informed strategic decision-making.
She plays a pivotal role in enhancing efficiencies within admissions processes, ensuring optimal support for our applicants. As a senior member of the admissions team, Shawna exemplifies dedication by not only supporting her colleagues but also serving as a mentor to new team members. Congratulations, Shawna!
McMaster University
McMaster University’s Award of Excellence recipient has made significant contributions to the University’s Registrar’s Office and helped to achieve service excellence. He has been an exceptional employee since joining the Student Services team in the Registrar’s Office in November 2019. He started in RO Student Services as a Student Services Professional (SSP) and was quickly promoted to Team Lead.
MacMaster University Award of Excellence recipient is Matt Horner, Team Lead, Student Services. Matt is a strategic thinker who supports leadership by identifying and assessing new priorities. Matt has been instrumental in the success of new Team Leads and Student Services Professionals over the years, as the training lead for all student finance topics.
Matt has presented at a variety of campus events at McMaster as well as two sessions for this year’s OURA conference, “Inflation-busting: Ideas to help students manage limited resources in an increasingly expensive world” and “How to deliver bad news with kindness and confidence.” Congratulations, Matt!
Nipissing University
Nipissing University’s Award of Excellence recipient has made significant contributions throughout her tenure since 1995.
Throughout her career, she has been instrumental in providing indispensable faculty and administrative support services, extending her expertise from exam coordination to crafting marketing materials, evaluating applications, and actively shaping decision-making processes within the admissions department. Since assuming the role of Secretary to the Registrar in 2005, she has adeptly managed essential administrative duties while offering steadfast support to diverse academic committees.
Nipissing University’s Award of Excellence recipient is Jane Hughes, Secretary to the Registrar.
As Secretary to the Registrar, Jane’s professionalism and innovative problem-solving distinguish her. Her unwavering dedication and exceptional support make her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award. Congratulations, Jane!
OCAD University
OCAD University’s Award of Excellence recipient is a longstanding employee who joined the Office of the Registrar last year, having previously worked in the School of Graduate Studies (SGS). He supported SGS during his transition into the Office of the Registrar, as SGS underwent a restructuring.
OCAD University’s Award of Excellence recipient is Julian Higuerey Nunez, Assistant Registrar, Curriculum and Scheduling.
In his role as Assistant Registrar, Julian adeptly navigated a new software system and familiarized himself with the intricacies of the university’s undergraduate curriculum. This enabled him to forge strong relationships with Faculty Office personnel, thereby guaranteeing a seamless and conflict-free schedule for the current academic year. Julian’s collaborative efforts extended to working closely with faculty members in devising practical curricular proposals that took into account resource allocation and the evolving needs of students. Additionally, he demonstrated his resourcefulness by offering inventive solutions to challenges posed by budgetary limitations and spatial constraints. Congratulations, Julian!
Ontario Tech University
Ontario Tech University Award of Excellence recipient has worked at the university for more than 13 years. She is a dedicated member of the Student Awards and Financial Aid Office. As Senior Financial Aid Officer, she has been integral in streamlining the university’s Confirmation of Interest-Free Status uploads, OSAP application program, course load and year updates, OSAP deferments, part-time OSAP assessments and more.
Ontario Tech University Award of Excellence recipient is Leticia Simon, Senior Financial Aid Officer.
Starting in 2020, she also served on the Ontario Association of Financial Aid Administrators (OASFAA) Policy Committee, collaborating with colleagues from other Ontario universities to advocate for policy and process changes within the Financial Aid sector.
Leticia is a knowledgeable resource for the Student Awards and Financial Aid and Enrolment Services teams and a well-respected member of the broader Office of the Registrar and the university community. Congratulations, Leticia!
Royal Military College
The recipient of Royal Military College’s (RMC) Award of Excellence has been with the institution for over 13 years. He initially served as the Class and Exam Scheduler before transitioning into the role of Associate Registrar – Student Services, where he infused new energy and innovative ideas into classroom life cycle management, ensuring thorough term inventory audits for all classrooms.
RMC’s Award of Excellence recipient is Sébastien Proulx, Associate Registrar – Student Services.
As the Associate Registrar – Student Services, Sébastien initially wasn’t tasked with scheduling responsibilities. However, driven by his commitment to RMC’s smooth operation, he voluntarily undertook the training of three replacements. Recognizing his exemplary work, responsibility for class and exam timetabling was officially shifted under the Associate Registrar – Student Services, highlighting Sébastien’s indispensable role. His commitment consistently yields outstanding results, making him a valuable asset to RMC. Congratulations, Sébastien!
Trent University
Trent University’s Award of Excellence recipient has worked at the university for 25 years in both the International and the Admissions Offices.
Trent University’s Award of Excellence recipient is Elena Koudiakova, Admissions Officer.
Elena Koudiakova’s has an unwavering dedication to supporting applicants and students. She continually introduces innovative ideas to streamline the application and admission processes, benefiting both students and staff. Her remarkable blend of empathy and astute process improvement skills is also commendable. Elena’s profound understanding of global education systems and her adeptness at analyzing and synthesizing this knowledge greatly enrich the work of Trent University’s admissions team. Congratulations, Elena!
Toronto Metropolitan University
Toronto Metropolitan University’s Award of Excellence recipient has been with the university for 10 years. In her role as Legislated Reporting and Special Projects Analyst, she exemplifies dedication and innovation, consistently enhancing student experiences. Her exceptional organizational skills and resourcefulness have benefited all students, contributing to their success and welfare.
Toronto Metropolitan University’s Award of Excellence goes to Kate Liss, Legislated Reporting & Special Projects Analyst.
She spearheads expert teams, facilitating the rapid implementation of new platforms such as digitizing student transcripts and official letters, enabling seamless issuance of many transcripts and letters. Kate’s pivotal role extends to supporting Law School and planning the Medical School, and she also currently leads the implementation of the Graduation Verification Service with MyCreds. Her advanced statistical analysis skills make her an invaluable asset to the university community. Congratulations Kate!
Université de L’Ontario Français
Université de L’Ontario Français Award of Excellence recipient started at UOF in the Fall of 2022. Before this role, she had experience as an Information Clerk for the Student Financial Services Office and Communications Assistant at another post-secondary institution.
Université de L’Ontario Français Award of Excellence recipient is Bariquis Ismail, Financial Aid and Student Accounts Officer. Despite her relatively short tenure at the university, she established key policies within the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office, improved communication with students, fostering transparency and support. She also enhanced professional standards in Student Financial Services and contributed to the success of UOF’s first OSAP audit. Additionally, she managed the non-admission scholarship portfolio with precision. Bariquis has a blend of gentle firmness and a steadfast commitment to equity for all students, embodying the core values of the institution. Congratulations, Bariquis!
University of Ottawa
University of Ottawa Award of Excellence recipient has been working for the University for 10 years. He started as a Student Ambassador and joined the Registrar’s Office in 2015 as a Liaison Officer. He plays a critical role in the university’s Francophone and French immersion markets.
This year’s University of Ottawa Award of Excellence goes to Christian LeVoguer, Liaison Officer.
Amidst his already demanding schedule, Christian admirably took on the additional responsibility of assisting with the Prospective Student Coordinator role, which had been vacant for some time. Despite it not falling under his direct purview, Christian willingly stepped up to the plate, demonstrating his commitment to the university community and its prospective students.
Moreover, his dedication shone brightly as he collaborated with a representative from Carleton University to meticulously plan and execute the Ottawa Regional Fair of 2023. Congratulations, Christian, on your outstanding contributions!
University of Toronto
University of Toronto Award of Excellence recipient has been at the university for 10 years. She is currently the Associate Registrar and Director of Systems & Operations at U of T Scarborough (UTSC) and co-leads UTSC’s Institutional Planning & Research Office.
University of Toronto Award of Excellence recipient is Naureen Nizam, Associate Registrar and Director of Systems & Operations.
Naureen has been an active member of the registrarial community participating in many committees. She was recognized with a UTSC Emerging Leader Award in 2016. She has contributed to different organizations by presenting at the OURA, ARUCC and CAUCUS conferences.
Naureen has been a member of OURA for approximately 10 years supporting the collective through presentations at conferences and being a committee member in the record and systems group. Naureen is a collaborative, consultative and thoughtful leader who is constantly striving to improve the university experience for students and the administrative process for staff and faculty. Congratulations, Naureen!
University of Waterloo
Waterloo University’s Award of Excellence recipient began her journey at the University of Waterloo in 1997 and has since held numerous roles within the Registrar’s Office, providing support in admissions, records, and student services. Her extensive knowledge and dedication to the Registrar’s Office have led to her current position as Executive Officer.
University of Waterloo’s Award of Excellence recipient is Debbie Knepper, Executive Officer.
Throughout her career, Debbie has collaborated with several Registrars and Associate Registrars and has played a key role in hiring and onboarding staff across various registrarial portfolios. She has prioritized supporting the management team by ensuring they have the necessary information and implementing peer mentorship initiatives.
Debbie has championed digital solutions, significantly reducing paper usage in the Registrar’s Office and streamlining processes through automation. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Debbie and her team, maintained office operations to provide essential support to remote workers. As the return to campus commenced Debbie’s diligent efforts ensured that all staff had the necessary resources and felt included in the team. Congratulations, Debbie, on this well-deserved recognition!
York University
York University’s Award of Excellence recipient joined the university in 2022. During her time at the university, she has been vital in supporting staff training and has supported multiple process improvement efforts that have contributed to bettering the student experience.
York University’s Award of Excellence recipient is Martine Plouffe, Manager, Student Financial Processing at the Office of the University Registrar.
Martine has demonstrated exemplary leadership by spearheading the development and implementation of a new financial aid training program, including the creation of training materials and conducting live walkthroughs for over 30 new staff. Her ongoing support ensured a consistent knowledge level among all team members beyond the initial training phase.
Martine played a pivotal role in establishing and meeting service standards for OSAP funding distribution, resulting in a more efficient and satisfactory student experience. She streamlined the international student refund processing times by 75%. Congratulations, Martine!
Congratulations to all of our 2023 OURA Award Winners!