Administrative and support staff honoured at Fall convocation

Nine staff members are the latest recipients of the President’s Award for Administrative and Support Staff.

The annual awards honour staff members who’ve made outstanding contributions to the mission of the University.

“I am proud to celebrate the winners of the President’s Awards for Administrative and Support Staff,” said President Deep Saini. “Their talent, dedication, and hard work strengthen McGill every day.  This award reflects the high regard of their colleagues and supervisors and honours the essential role they play in our University’s success.”

This year’s winners are:

• Lisa Bartczak, Student Affairs Administrator, Postgraduate Medical Office
• Daniel Cool, Building Operator, FMAS/HVAC
• Mahnaz Mansoori, Phytotron Manager
• Mike Stephens, Shop Technician, Jamieson Structures lab
• Ashley Adam, Julia Adams-Whittaker, Patricia Diaz del Castillo, Catherine Loiselle and Isabella Scurfield, members of the Youth from Care, Access and Support Team

Below are condensed versions of their official citations:

Lisa Bartczak

Student Affairs Administrator, Postgraduate Medical Office

Clerical category

Lisa Bartczak plays a pivotal role in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, supporting over 60 programs across multiple platforms.

Renowned for her exceptional organizational skills and for never shying away from a challenge, Bartczak takes the initiative to develop innovative tools, find viable solutions and streamline processes to improve operational efficiencies. These qualities were evident when the assessment system was faced with an unexpected constraint and Bartczak taught herself a coding language using AI to find a solution.

Bartczak’s contributions will leave a lasting mark on the residency program, and her commitment to excellence, team spirit and the University are worthy of recognition.

Daniel Cool

Building Operator, FMAS/HVAC

Trades and Services category

For 20 years, Daniel Cool has been a vital member of McGill’s facilities team, expertly managing one of its most complex HVAC sectors, driving significant improvements and generating cost savings across campus.

Cool is a trusted team player and respected leader. His skill, patience and humility have earned him the respect of colleagues, faculty, staff and external contractors alike, and his consistently high level of professionalism has set a standard that others aspire to. Whether facing a pandemic, construction challenges or extreme weather, he consistently delivers – no matter the circumstances. He is an exemplary employee and true asset to his team and this institution.

Mahnaz Mansoori

Phytotron Manager

Management category

Mahnaz Mansoori’s leadership as manager of Phytotron, McGill’s research centre for experimental plant biology, has elevated the facility into a state-of-the-art model of innovation.

She has led major infrastructure upgrades, modernized outdated equipment and maintained complex HVAC and environmental control systems, often independently and always with exceptional precision. Moreover, her commitment to sustainability – including waste reduction, energy optimization and promotion of green practices – have positioned the Phytotron as a model of environmental responsibility and generated significant financial savings.

Mansoori’s commitment to excellence can be seen in all aspects of her work. This includes interactions with colleagues, students and researchers, all of whom recognize her outstanding contributions to McGill.

Mike Stephens

Shop Technician, Jamieson Structures lab

Technical/Library Assistants and Nurses category

The Jamieson Structures Laboratory is a high-pressure environment that demands creativity, precision, resilience and drive: all qualities that Mike Stephens exemplifies in his role as Shop Technician.

Whether designing and building unique lab setups, preparing for complex testing or troubleshooting equipment issues, Stephens adheres to the highest standards, and his dedication goes well beyond his duties. A natural team builder with a community-focused mentality, he regularly volunteers to lead safety training sessions, support outreach initiatives and help new staff integrate into their roles, while his commitment to sustainability and efficiency motivate him to find creative and cost-effective solutions.

His contributions to the lab, our community and this institution are worthy of recognition.

Youth in/from Care, Access and Support Team

Ashley Adam, Julia Adams-Whittaker, Patricia Diaz del Castillo, Catherine Loiselle and Isabella Scurfield

Team category

In Quebec, youth in care leave youth protection at the age of majority. They often do not have the means, financial or otherwise, to pursue higher education.

The Youth in/from Care Access and Support Team’s goal is to support and empower youth to overcome the barriers they face. Together with partners, they developed a holistic program that fosters meaningful student engagement, addresses students’ unique needs and provides guidance throughout their academic journey. Last year they supported 22 students, including three who received full bursaries.

The team has made extraordinary contributions to the University, our community and beyond, exemplifying McGill’s mission and values. Through their deep commitment to excellence, community service and access to education, they are empowering youth in/from care to pursue education and succeed at McGill.