2008 Recipient - Patricia Connor
Department of Geography
While she doesn’t teach cartography, Patricia Connor is the ‘go-to person’ for cartographic advice, encouragement and appraisal. As head of the only cartographic service on campus, Connor provides advice on content, design and execution to undergraduate and graduate students.
Cartography has changed immensely in recent years and Connor has pioneered campus innovations by taking courses with software companies to expand her skills. She led the initiative to develop digital campus maps available to everyone within the university, yet customizable to meet the needs of individual departments.
Connor’s expectations of herself and what she brings to the university on a daily basis are best summarized by the Oscar Wilde quote she uses in the signature block to her correspondence – ‘I am not difficult to please; I am always satisfied with the best.’
University of Victoria Social Sciences Dean Peter Keller has known Connor since he was a Western graduate student in the early ‘80s and recalls to this day the respect he was given by Connor.
“I have learned to respect and value Patricia for her dedication to her work and profession, for her respect for anybody asking her advice, for her willingness to take the time to address questions - however silly - and her will to always go the extra mile,” says Keller. “Her leadership in workshops, her academic presentations resulting from her own research, her contributions on the executive and her engagement in the social life of the organization all stand out.”
In 2006, Connor received the Award of Distinction for exceptional contributions to the Canadian Cartographic Association and cartography in Canada.
Joan Finegan, Associate Professor (Psychology), recognizes Connor for her remarkable creativity, dedication, energy and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty.
“Not only does she pay attention to the big picture, but her attention to the little things is impressive,” she says, noting her tremendous involvement with the United Way campaign.
by Paul Mayne
Western News
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Contact Information
.: Scott May
Campus Communications Consultant
(519) 661-2111 x85466 or smay5@uwo.ca
