Outstanding employees recognized with Principal's Awards

By Neale McDevitt | When Mary Lourenço was called into the Director of Libraries office and saw a person from HR sitting there, her first thought was that she was being transferred from her job as Library Supervisor of the Nahum Gelber Law Library. While she tried to keep an open mind, she admits she was disappointed. "I really love this job," she remembers thinking.

In fact, the news couldn't have been any better for Lourenço—not only was she staying put, she had also earned one of the five annual Principal's Awards for Administrative and Support Staff.

Each year, five McGill employees are recognized for their exceptional work with an award of $5,000. This year's outstanding administrative and support staff are Kathryn Peterson in the management category; Maria D'Amico in the clerical category; Alfred Kluck in the technical category; Manuel De Jesus Lucio in the trades and services category; and Lourenço in the library assistant category.

Lourenço, who started working at McGill in 1980, was humbled by the award. "I feel so honoured and grateful," she says, excitement palpable in her voice. "I appreciate it all the more because it's a result of the hard work and dedication of everyone who works here."

"You know, I come to work and really enjoy what I do. I am in contact with so many great faculty members, students and external users, and then to get an award for that is a little overwhelming."

The Principal's Awards for Administrative and Support Staff will be presented as part of the Fall Convocation ceremonies on Nov. 9 at 10:00 a.m.