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The Special Recognition for Staff Awards recognize staff who have gone above and beyond to create a lasting positive impact across the Queen’s community. For 2025, nine individual staff members and one team are being recognized for their incredible work and accomplishments. Award recipients and their guests are invited to a private reception in June hosted by Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane to celebrate their tremendous achievements.

“These awards recognize the exceptional contributions of individual staff members and teams whose work strengthens our community and enriches the experiences of students, staff, faculty, and partners,” says Patrick Deane, Principal and Vice-Chancellor. “On behalf of the university, I extend my sincere congratulations to this year’s recipients. Your dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence are evident in the impact you have across campus. Through your important work, you also contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, helping to build a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future. We are deeply grateful for all that you do for Queen’s and the broader community.”

Nominations for the awards can be submitted by anyone, including students, staff, faculty, and alumni. The awards continue to be highly sought after each year, reflecting the many outstanding and deserving nominations received from across the Queen’s community.  

“The recipients of this year’s Special Recognition for Staff Awards truly embody the dedication, innovation, and teamwork that make Queen’s thrive,” says Lisa Walsh, Associate Vice-Principal, Human Resources. “It is a privilege to celebrate their achievements and the meaningful impact they have across our university community.”
 

2025 Special Recognition for Staff Awards recipients:

Alana Korczynski, Manager, Undergraduate Programs Office, Queen’s Health Sciences

Since joining Queen’s in 2011, Alana Korczynski has played a fundamental role in transforming undergraduate education within Queen’s Health Sciences. As a leader in the development and launch of both the online and on-campus Bachelor of Health Sciences programs, she built the administrative systems and processes that enabled enrolment to grow while maintaining a high-quality student experience. Known for her innovation and problem-solving skills, Alana has improved course delivery, enhanced learning management systems, and introduced data-driven approaches to support decision-making and student success. Her leadership also promotes a collaborative and supportive work environment, empowering staff, and strengthening cross-campus partnerships. Through ongoing professional development and a deep commitment to accessibility and inclusion, her work aligns with several UN SDGs, including 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 4 (Quality Education), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
 

Colleen Donahoe, Graduate Program Coordinator, School of Nursing

Colleen Donahoe plays a central role in the graduate student experience and overall success of graduate Nursing and Health Quality programs at Queen’s, exceeding expectations by serving as both a highly effective administrator and a strategic partner. Drawing on extensive institutional knowledge, she ensures continuity, efficiency, and strong policy alignment, while proactively addressing complex issues and supporting program development. Deeply committed to student success, Colleen provides thoughtful, individualized guidance to help students navigate challenges. Her collaborative approach strengthens coordination across leadership, faculty, and administrative units, improving overall program effectiveness. Colleen’s work advances the UN SDGs, particularly 4 (Quality Education), through her dedication to student-centered learning, and 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), through her continuous improvement of processes and systems. Her professionalism and innovation have had a lasting impact on students, programs, and the broader Queen’s community.
 

Duane Parliament, Associate Director, Facilities, Operations and Events, Athletics and Recreation

Duane Parliament has dedicated more than 25 years to Athletics & Recreation at Queen’s, starting as a student staff member and growing into his current role as Associate Director of Facilities, Operations and Events. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a student-centered approach, shaped by his early work in recreation programming and his commitment to enhancing student wellness, participation, and belonging. Duane’s proactive leadership and collaborative mindset have strengthened operations, ensuring that facilities and events are safe and responsive to student and community needs. His behind-the-scenes work has a profound impact, supporting thousands of students and community members and providing high-quality experiences. Duane’s work aligns with the UN SDGs, particularly 4 (Quality Education) through the curation of environments that support student success, and 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by advancing accessibility and inclusion. His leadership also supports 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through innovative, facility practices, and community partnerships that extend impact beyond campus.
 

Graham Gibson, Operations Manager, NanoFabrication Kingston, Department of Chemistry  

Graham Gibson has played a foundational part in establishing and advancing NanoFabrication Kingston (NFK) since its inception in 2014. His leadership in designing critical facility systems, implementing operational frameworks, and ensuring seamless transitions during equipment installations and relocation has helped build one of Queen’s most sophisticated shared research environments. Through his technical expertise and commitment to access, Graham has enabled high-quality, interdisciplinary research while supporting hundreds of students and researchers through hands-on training, mentorship, and teaching. Equally notable is Graham’s dedication to an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative research culture. His approachable mentorship style and commitment to ongoing learning opportunities have enhanced both the student experience and the broader research ecosystem. His contributions strongly align with UN SDG, 4 (Quality Education) through experiential learning and training and 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by advancing cutting-edge research infrastructure and supporting sustainable technological development.
 

Janet Pollard, Senior Electrical Engineer, Facilities  

For more than two decades, Janet Pollard has played a vital role in ensuring the reliability, safety, and continuity of electrical infrastructure across Queen’s and its critical partner, Kingston General Hospital. Akin to a small town within a city, she helps oversee and sustain a complex, campus-wide electrical utility, where uninterrupted power is essential to academic, research, and clinical operations. Known for her proactive and solutions-focused approach, Janet consistently prevents major disruptions by identifying risks early and implementing targeted interventions. During complex incidents, she provides calm, decisive leadership, coordinating teams and restoring services efficiently while maintaining a strong focus on safety. Janet’s impact extends beyond operations through her commitment to innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement. She has developed practical tools and modernized systems that enhance performance and reliability, while mentoring colleagues and engineering interns to strengthen team capability. Janet’s work supports several UN SDGs, but particularly 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by championing the modernization of systems and networks, moving Queen’s towards more sustainable solutions. Janet’s sustained contributions have had a significant and lasting impact on campus operations, research continuity, and clinical care.
 

John Odell, Departmental Technician, Department of Physics  

John Odell has been a cornerstone of the Department of Physics at Queen’s since 1988, always demonstrating generosity, reliability, and an unwavering commitment to student and faculty success. As Departmental Technician, he plays a critical role in supporting lecture demonstrations, laboratories, and infrastructure such as cryogenics systems. His creativity and technical expertise have made physics demonstrations a defining feature of the student learning experience, while his adaptability, designing portable demos and supporting remote labs during the pandemic, has ensured continuity and quality in teaching under challenging and changing conditions. John’s impact extends beyond the classroom through outreach initiatives and his stewardship of innovative systems like the helium recovery plant. His work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by enhancing experiential learning, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through sustainable resource management. John’s quiet leadership and dedication continue to strengthen the academic mission and community at Queen’s.
 

Lisa Latour Colby, Director, Human Resources, Faculty of Law

Lisa Latour Colby is widely recognized for her thoughtful, principled, and empathetic approach to human resources at Queen’s. She brings a rare combination of deep policy expertise, strong leadership, and genuine care for people, ensuring that complex HR processes are not only compliant, but clear, equitable, and supportive for all involved. From large-scale academic hiring to navigating sensitive employee relations matters, Lisa approaches each challenge with diligence, fairness, and a commitment to reducing barriers and confusion. A champion of equity, inclusion, and workplace well-being, Lisa actively promotes practices aligned with UN SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 5 (Gender Equality), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities). She is also a collaborative leader and innovator, advancing improved hiring systems and mentoring colleagues. Her dedication to continuous learning and process improvement has strengthened HR practices within the Faculty of Law and beyond. Lisa’s impact is both far-reaching and deeply felt across the entire Queen’s community.  
 

Sarah Indewey, Department Manager, Psychology, Psychology Clinic  

Sarah Indewey plays a central role in the success and daily operations of the Department of Psychology, one of the largest departments at Queen’s. A proud two-time Queen’s alumna, she supports complex undergraduate and graduate programs, research-intensive faculty, and clinical training operations. Sarah is widely recognized for her exceptional leadership, responsiveness, and ability to anticipate and resolve challenges before they escalate. Her proactive approach to budgeting, operations, and crisis management ensures continuity and stability, even during periods of significant change and unexpected disruptions. Through innovative initiatives, including enhanced internal resources, alumni engagement, and streamlined administrative systems, she has improved efficiency and engagement across the entire department. Her work aligns strongly with UN SDGs 4 (Quality Education) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), creating an environment where teaching and learning, research, and people can thrive. Sarah’s exceptional contributions and invaluable support make her an indispensable asset to the university community.
 

Shannon Hill, Learning and Development Specialist, Human Resources  

For more than 15 years, Shannon Hill has played a transformative role in shaping professional development at Queen’s. Through her vision and expertise, Shannon has built one of the most comprehensive employee learning catalogues in higher education, which today includes over 100 tailored workshops that reach thousands of employees annually. She is the driving force behind the university’s first institution-wide leadership development framework, Building Leadership Capacity at Queen’s, which brings together staff and faculty across all levels to foster inclusive, effective leadership. Beyond this programming, Shannon actively supports employee resource groups, develops mentorship initiatives, and contributes as an educator across multiple faculties. Her innovative, research-informed approach continues to strengthen leadership capability, inclusion, and organizational culture at Queen’s, and directly advances UN SDGs 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Shannon is a highly respected and collaborative leader whose influence and impact is felt across the university.
 

Postgraduate Medical Education Team, Queen’s Health Sciences  

Postgraduate Medical Education Team (left to right): Jeremy Solomatenko, Jordan Sinnett, Lara McKinlay, Leslie Barroso, Amanda Villeneuve, Christine McCallum, Karen Spilchen, Jen Nolan, Isabel Gastelú, Laura McEwen, and Nicholas Snider. Not pictured: Denis Jones.

The Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) team has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and collaboration in advancing postgraduate medical education and institutional excellence. Through the redesign of key systems, including a streamlined trainee registration platform supporting over 600 learners, the team has significantly improved operational efficiency and user experience. Their commitment to supporting program assistants, program and fellowship directors, enhancing internal processes, and fostering a positive hybrid work environment has strengthened both productivity and workplace well-being. The team’s impact extends to learner support, where innovative wellness initiatives, improved communication strategies, and enhanced resources have created a more inclusive and supportive training environment. Their forward-thinking work in accreditation readiness, national engagement, and award-winning communications has elevated Queen’s reputation across the medical education community. The PGME team’s initiatives strongly align with UN SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 4 (Quality Education), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and 13 (Climate Action), reflecting a deep commitment to sustainability, equity, and excellence. Collectively, their contributions have had a profound and lasting impact on learners, employees, faculty, and the broader academic community.

Nominations for the 2026 Special Recognition for Staff Awards will open in the fall. All forms and instructions are available on the.