Celebrating employee excellence and long service

OCAD U employees filled Onsite Gallery on November 20 for this year’s annual appreciation event, highlighting the 2024-25 Employee Excellence Award recipients and colleagues marking major service milestones. The event was also livestreamed.

The gathering also offered a warm send-off to employees who have retired or who will be retiring by the end of December. President Ana Serrano offered her heartfelt thanks to these employees, recognizing their contributions and service throughout the many years that they were with OCAD U.

LONG SERVICE

Nine employees were recognized for their long service, including Financial Aid Advisor Kelly Faller who has been with the University for 30 years.

15 YEARS OF SERVICE

• Melissa General, director, Indigenous Initiatives
• Natasha Holmes, coordinator, Student Learning Programs
• Lisa Kennedy: officer, Research Projects

20 YEARS OF SERVICE

• Vanessa Armstrong, financial aid advisor
• Cathy Cappon, manager, Diversity, Equity and Sustainability Initiatives
• Matt Dunn, manager, Service Management (IT)
• Leiko Shimizu, manager, Undergraduate Admissions
• Vilma Short, financial aid advisor

AWARD FOR EMPLOYEE EXCELLENCE

This annual award recognizes the outstanding contributions to the University by a non-teaching employee. The 2024-25 award was presented to Joginder Singh, contract technician in Studio Services.

Singh has made exceptional contributions to OCAD U through his professionalism, innovation and mentorship. Known for his thoughtful and supportive approach, he has provided outstanding service to students, faculty and staff, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone feels valued. Many students credit Singh for helping them build confidence and skills, describing him as a patient and inspiring mentor.

He has gone beyond his role to enhance the University’s facilities and operations, developing initiatives like The Pixel Gallery and the Lighten Up photo studio. His commitment to sustainability has also led to more efficient, environmentally conscious studio spaces. Through his leadership, creativity, and dedication to OCAD U’s values, Singh has also strengthened the Design Photography community and elevated the student experience.

Left to right: Joginder Singh and President Ana Serrano

Congratulations to the nominees:

Gale Allen, director and associate registrar, School of Graduate Studies; Tracy Buchanan, coordinator, Studio Information and Projects; Kristi Chen, contract technician; Elizabeth Clydesdale, academic governance and completion officer, School of Graduate Studies; Ellie Corfield, student monitor, Galleries System; Aleena Derohanian, coordinator, Studio Sales and Services; Raymond Fong, permanent technician; Wrynn Geswin, OCAD U LiVE studio coordinator; Emily Gowan, manager, Studio Services; Nick Hooper, director, Facilities and Studio Services; Daniela Lee-Kim, coordinator, International Experience and Exchange Programs; Joel Moffet, permanent technician; Kirstyn Moore, manager, Faculty of Arts and Science Office; Carol Rodriguez Allende, coordinator, Visitor Experience and Special Events; Brenda Shin, coordinator, International Student Engagement; Cameron Stott, computing and systems specialist; and Madge Yao, coordinator, Special Projects, Faculty of Art Office.

EMPLOYEE EQUITY AWARD

The Employee Equity Award recognizes an employee’s significant contributions in fostering an inclusive, equitable and diverse learning and work environment with the OCAD U community. The 2024-25 award was presented to Golboo Amani, coordinator, Experiential Learning, RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers.

Amani has demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing human rights, equity, and social justice through their daily work. In their role, they build strong partnerships with external organizations, collaborate with faculty, and support students to ensure that experiential learning opportunities are inclusive, accessible, and meaningful.

They have strengthened relationships with organizations that align with OCAD U’s values, including social justice groups and those serving equity-seeking communities. By prioritizing diverse and inclusive partnerships, they ensure students are mentored by leaders who share their lived experiences.

Left to right: Golboo Amani and President Ana Serrano

Congratulations to the nominees:

Ellie Corfield, student monitor, Galleries System; Sierra da Silva-Canadien, Indigenous student success coordinator; and Patricia Luk, computer support assistant.

CHRISTINE CROSBIE HEART OF GOLD AWARD

This award was established in 2020 to honour the memory of Christine Crosbie who was a valued colleague and member of the Marketing and Communications team. She was well-known for her generous and collaborative spirit, professionalism and passion for excellence as Manager of Communications and Media at OCAD U.

The 2024-25 award was presented to Travis Freeman, curriculum specialist, Quality Assurance, Centre for Learning and Teaching.

An exceptional team member, Freeman has provided outstanding support to faculty during quality assurance processes. Known for his collaborative and patient approach, he has ensured that all voices are heard and respected. His work has consistently integrated key principles of decolonization, anti-racism, accessibility and equity, helping to create curriculum that is both current and reflective of OCAD U’s diverse student body.

Faculty and colleagues alike frequently have shared positive feedback about working with Travis, praising his consultative style, creativity and passion for his role. He has actively contributed new ideas to improve processes and enriches departmental discussions with thoughtful insights.

Beyond his professional excellence, Freeman has brought warmth and positivity to the workplace. His enthusiasm for sustainability, art and community—whether through sharing stories or gifting plants to colleagues—has embodied the values he promotes.

Left to right: Travis Freeman and Karen McCarthy, director, Communications and Media

Congratulations to the nominees:

Kristi Chen, contract technician; Elizabeth Clydesdale, academic governance and completion officer, School of Graduate Studies; Rebecca Diederichs, writing consultant, Centre for Learning and Teaching; Gerald Grison, permanent technician; Alexandra Hong, program lead, RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers; Donald Kelly, director, Admissions; Domenic Sgambelluri, coordinator, Studio Services; Kesa Smith, curatorial assistant, Onsite Gallery; Lance Straun, manager, Campus Operations; Gary Williams, maintenance assistant, Facilities and Studio Services; and Madge Yao, coordinator, Special Projects, Faculty of Art Office.

Advancing Excellence Team Award

The International Student Support Office was named as the recipient of the 2024-25 Advancing Excellence Team Award for its dedication, creativity and collaborative spirit, which have been instrumental in advancing the University’s mission.

The centre has provided exceptional service to OCAD U’s international student community. Navigating the complexities of immigration policies and regulations, the office ensures students receive accurate, timely, and compassionate support. The team’s caring professionalism helps students manage challenges effectively while feeling welcomed and understood.

Beyond advising, the team fosters belonging and cultural connection through engaging community events such as the Maple Syrup Festival, treetop trekking, and Toronto neighborhood tours. These activities help international students explore Canadian culture and build meaningful relationships.

Under Susan Kemp’s steady leadership, each team member contributes unique strengths—Le Dao offering insightful advising, Yedda Tsoi handling administrative processes with precision and Brenda Shin who brings events to life with creativity and care. Together, they embody collaboration, efficiency, and empathy.

The members of the International Student Support Centre are: Le Dao, international student advisor; Susan Kemp, manager, International Student Support Centre; Brenda Shin, coordinator, International Student Engagement; Yedda Tsoi, program assistant, International Student Support; and student monitors Adrin Jian, Minjeong Ju, Sarvin Sadeghian and Timothy Soriano.

Congratulations to the nominee in this category:

RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers

CELEBRATING EMPLOYEES TAKING RETIREMENT

At the employee appreciation event, the University recognized and celebrated those employees who have retired or who are retiring at the end of December 2025. These dedicated employees have given so much of their time, energy, and expertise to the OCAD U community.

The following employees were thanked for their many contributions, with best wishes for their future:

• Cathy Cappon, manager, Office of Diversity, Equity and Sustainability Initiatives
• Sarah Currie, director, Creative and Brand, Marketing and Communications
• Rebecca Diederichs, writing consultant, Centre for Learning and Teaching
• Karen Henry, coordinator, Donor Services, Advancement
• Brent James, coordinator, Campus Life, Student Affairs (he retired earlier in 2025)
• Ajay Joshi, research accountant, Finance and Research Office
• Alastair MacLeod, chief information officer
• Tamela Madden, student advisor, Student Advising
• Omita Mansur, manager, Budget Planning
• Karen McOuat, manager, Faculty of Design Office
• Frank Mozzone, AV support specialist
• Christian Philipsz, senior student advisor, Student Advising
• Ana Pineiro, senior procurement officer
• Craig Porter, senior manager, Academic Planning
• Alan Simms, vice-president, Finance and Administration (he will be retiring in June 2026).
• Mike Steventon, manager, Research Technology, IT Services

Employees who are retiring and who attended the event (left to right): President Ana Serrano, Rebecca Diederichs, Ana Pineiro, Karen McOuat, Mike Steventon and Alastair MacLeod.