Engineering Award of Excellence for Outstanding Achievement by a Staff Member goes to Kathy Lesko

Kathy Lesko, the Administrative Assistant in the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, began working at The University of Western Ontario’s Health Care Research Unit twenty-five years ago.  In 1986, she was hired to a secretarial position in The Faculty of Engineering (Science).  In 1996, Kathy assumed the Department Administrator role in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering.

"Kathy has received a very strong nomination, supported by a very large number of testimonials from current and past students, faculty, and staff," says Dean Berruti. "The nominator and all the supporting statements concur that Kathy is a very pleasant and dedicated staff member, very organized and meticulous who does not hesitate to provide timely support to the Department Chair, faculty, staff and students." 

A student adds, "....she does not know students by number, but by name!"

The Engineering Award of Excellence for Outstanding Achievement by a Staff Member Award recognizes the outstanding achievements of a fulltime (continuing) staff member (administrative or technical) who supports the academic, research and innovation, public service and/or administrative missions of the Faculty of Engineering. 

Criteria for selection include: collegiality, creativity, and sustained commitment to the Faculty and University.  The awardee must be recognized as being a team-player by peers, students and faculty.  Positive attitude, active participation, honesty, integrity, hard working attitude and demonstrated ability to take on different roles (leadership, advisory, and support) are all key attributes necessary for this recognition.

Only one award can be given out annually, and individuals cannot receive the award more than once. The award consists of recognition on a Faculty of Engineering plaque, a certificate and a cash award.  The award will be presented at the annual Engineering Faculty and Staff Awards Dinner in June 2005.