Thumbs up! President's Barbecue ends year on a high note
June 2, 2016
"Some of you have been to many of our annual barbecues, while for some, this is your first. But it is traditions like this that bring us all together … to celebrate, reflect, and share who we are as a group," said Algonquin President Cheryl Jensen. "And tradition, whether it’s this annual barbecue or the start of the fall term or skating in the courtyard, gives us a common history, too."
Cheryl then unveiled the new Algonquin College 50th Anniversary logo, which decorated pins all employees received (along with green Frisbees everyone took home at the end of the festivities).
Cheryl noted that it was particularly appropriate that the event's MC was Lisa Barker.
"Not only is she doing a fine job as our MC today, but she’s also guiding us as our Promotions and Events Officer for all our 50th anniversary events this year."
The barbecue was also a chance for the College community to recognize outstanding contributions made by many employees over the course of the year. This year's winners were:
Part-time Support Staff Award: Ryan Mullin
Support Staff Award: Kelley Grant
Administrative Staff Award (2): Chris Hahn and Chris Brennan
Deborah Rowan-Legg Service Excellence Award: Nancy Feres
Dianne Bloor Part-Time Facuty Award: Jay Smith
Laurent Isabelle Faculty Award: Jack Hollinger
Team Award: Automated Grade Entry Project Team
Gerry A. Barker Leadership Award: Jennifer Langlotz
Lifetime Achievement Award: Jo-Ann Aubut
The event had a social-media theme — which everyone was able to participate in via the hashtag #ACBBQ — with selfie sticks and giant "thumbs up" signs at every table.
"We had tons of tweets," said Aaron Lieberman, who was handling the Twitter feed for the event. "People really enjoyed getting involved by posting selfies."
One of the highlights was the performance (pictured, above) by the Algonquin College Executive Team, who belted out an updated AC-version of "Hotel California," much to the delight of the crowd (who cheered them on with an abundance of thumbs-up signs).
A delicious barbecue lunch, souvenir AC hats and an entertaining video of 2015-16 highlights rounded out the festivities. If you missed out on the fun (or just want to relive it!), you can catch the video here. And check out our Flickr album of photos, by Nancy Bell, here.
And please tell us about your experience at the Barbecue by filling in this brief feedback survey.
Congratulations to all this year's nominees and winners, and thanks to everyone for joining us for another memorable President's Barbecue — see you in August for the President's Breakfast on Aug. 25.