The UBC Facilities Staff Excellence Award Program provides recognition and rewards to staff who have demonstrated excellence consistently in the performance of their work and service to the university. All UBC students, faculty and staff were invited to nominate one, or more, of their clients or colleagues who, in their view, have achieved excellence in one of the award categories inspired by our VPFO Strategic Plan:
- Asset Stewardship
- Creativity & Innovation
- Customer Service Excellence
- Leadership Development
- Safety & Wellbeing
- Teamwork
- The Kim Nulty Inspiration Award
This year, we received over 90 nominations. The 2024 Staff Excellence Award selection committee had quite the task of reviewing the submissions. After careful consideration and intense deliberation, congratulations to the following 2024 Staff Excellence Award recipients:
Asset stewardship
This category is awarded to an individual who has made significant contributions to maintaining and improving our assets and spaces; and is invested in ensuring our spaces are safe, efficient and effective.
The Utility Workers, Custodial Services
Inderpal Toor, Jasbir Mann, Jasvinder Randhawa, Joey Talento Nava, Juanito Flores, Presco Rosaldo, Roberto Matalabos, Sukhwinder Sekhon, and Zafiri Georgilas
- The team has maintained and repaired over 1,250 pieces of custodial equipment, reducing external repair costs by 31% and extending asset lifespans. Their innovative, sustainable practices and detailed Planon logging have been vital to supporting Custodial Services and ensuring a clean, safe campus.
Creativity & Innovation
This category is awarded to an individual who contributed innovative ideas and/or facilitated an innovative environment where excellence and greatness were enabled; developed or improved methods, processes and/or procedures through original thinking and creativity, and employed emerging technology and/or introduced new and meaningful ways to achieve new standards of efficiency and effectiveness in the workplace.
Gardenia Honorio, Business Operations Manager, Customer Services & Informatics
- Gardenia transformed the static After Hours PDF into a dynamic, user-friendly SharePoint tool, streamlining call handling for multiple teams. Security’s ComOps, Operations Centre leaders, and the Clerical Team now benefit from centralized, up-to-date resources. With clear icons, concise guidance, and real-time updates, the innovation improved usability and efficiency.
Customer services excellence
This category is awarded to an individual who demonstrated significant contributions to; propelling excellence in customer service, improving customer experience throughout our community, anticipating and proactively meeting client needs and consistently providing superior service.
Nazreen Cameron, Building Service Worker, Custodial Services
- Nazreen’s care, attention to detail, and warm greetings have transformed spaces like the multifaith room into welcoming havens, fostering belonging for countless students. Her leadership and kindness inspire her team and make UBC feel like home.
Leadership development
This category is awarded to an individual who demonstrated significant contributions to; fostering a culture of service excellence through a positive attitude and high performance, exhibiting confidence, empowerment and the exceptional qualities of a leader.
Parm Ubhi, Assistant Chief Engineer, Energy & Water Services
- Parm’s leadership in managing the Bioenergy Facility and Campus Energy Centre sets a high standard. His integrity, sound decision-making, and ability to foster trust earn deep respect from colleagues and trades. As a union shop steward, his fairness and diplomacy unite teams and resolve disputes constructively.
Safety & wellbeing
This category is awarded to a group or an individual who made significant contributions to a safe, inclusive and healthy workplace where people feel respected, supported, valued and inspired.
Sukhbir Nagra, Heavy Equipment Operator, Municipal Services
- His leadership has fostered a culture of fairness, respect, and inclusivity. His balanced conflict resolution and commitment to safety have built trust and set high standards for workplace well-being.
Teamwork
This category is awarded to a group or an individual who demonstrated exemplary collaboration, cooperation, reliability and flexibility within and between all levels of UBC Facilities and the UBC community.
Philip “Sam” Agawa, Sub-head Painter, Building Operations
- Sam’s leadership, expertise, and mentorship elevates team performance and foster a supportive, inclusive environment. His organization of the annual “Christmas Get Together” reflects his commitment to community and camaraderie. Thank you for inspiring excellence and connection.
Kim Nulty inspiration award
This award is given to an individual who is committed to continuous improvement and development, positively influencing others to building consensus around departmental and university initiatives.
Richard Hugli, Manager Electrical Utilities, Energy & Water Services
- Richard’s 40-year career at UBC has been transformative. From apprentice to Senior Manager of Electrical Utilities, his expertise and leadership have set new standards. His innovations, proactive maintenance, and mentorship have improved safety, reliability, and team collaboration, leaving a legacy of excellence and respect.
A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate their team member(s) and colleagues to recognize the amazing work they do. Thank you to the 2024 Staff Excellence Award committee for organizing this program and selecting the winners, and thank you and congratulations to all the recipients for all that you do and for your dedication to UBC!