2009 Recipient - Marie Graham
Hospitality Services
Video of presentation of The Western Award of Excellence to Marie Graham
Fearless and funny, her smiles and laughter can light up a room. No matter who you ask, there are nothing but good things to say about Marie Graham.
A food service assistant with Hospitality Services (Perth Hall) for more than 25 years, Graham’s daily involvement with students has transformed her into their “mother away from home”. She becomes so close with the students that she instinctively knows when they are stressed or worried and has been known to make special meals when a student is not feeling well.
“Marie is their mom away from their mom,” says Hospitality Services’ Lesley Ann Cook. “They all feel good, safe and loved with her looking after them - and look after them, she does.”
“The thing about Marie is she is here because of the students. She makes a difference in their worlds and I believe helps them get through their first year of university,” adds Cook. “It is because of people like Marie that these kids grow up to be confident adults and achieve their goals and dreams.”
Hospitality Services’ Marsha McCutcheon agrees and says, in many ways, ‘lucky’ is the one word to describe how all those around her feel.
Her commitment the university, students and our team is second to none,” says McCutcheon. “We are very truly lucky to have a person like this on our team. The students are lucky as they always have her looking out for them and her team is lucky because she never lets them down.”
Fellow employee Chris Cox says Graham is “the voice of reason” for students, staff and all those fortunate enough to know her.
“Marie provides leadership through example,” says Cox. “She reminds me that years from now the students may not remember everything they were taught, but they will always remember how we made them feel. And Marie makes them feel good both today and tomorrow.”
by Paul Mayne
Western News
Also from this web page:
Contact Information
.: Scott May
Campus Communications Consultant
(519) 661-2111 x85466 or smay5@uwo.ca
