Home 25 Years of Service Susanne Sprowl Award
Susanne Sprowl Award Presented to Angie Trivett
Susanne Sprowl was a 20-year staff employee of the University of Guelph. All of us at the University are part of a community based around our jobs. Susanne used her talents to make the workplace more than a job. She made those around her feel they belonged to a community. Whether you were faculty, fellow staff, graduate or undergraduate student, Susanne was there to help. She volunteered for many activities, both on and off campus, because they were the right things to do and she enjoyed helping people. Susanne enriched the lives of all who knew her. Many other staff members at the University of Guelph also create a sense of family and community. This award, in Sue’s memory, is dedicated to saying thanks to those who give their time so generously to others.
Angie Trivett, a secretary and clerk, in Plant Agriculture is this years 2008 recipient of the Susannne Sprowl award. Angie's volunteer efforts, charitable activities and support for those who she feels are in need are just part of the reason Angie was nominated for this years award.
The following is part of a letter written in support of Angie's nomination and it attests to Angie's character and why she was nominated for this years award:
"Angie is truly a remarkable and inspiring human being. You may be aware that she was faced with a considerable life-threatening challenge when she was severely injured in a major automobile accident a few years (ago). I had the opportunity of visiting her at the hospital during the early months of her recovery. Remarkably at that time, even though she was experiencing considerable pain, she was already devising a plan on how she would share her “road to recovery” success story with others in similar circumstances. As a patient Angie witnessed firsthand inadequacies not only in the hospital where she was being treated, but the health care system in general. She spoke to hospital employees, wrote letters to hospital administrators and politicians and acted as a patient advocate all the while she was sitting in a hospital bed recuperating. Needless to say, whenever I came away from the hospital, I usually felt better having spent time in Angie's positive aura than when I first arrived. Her energy is infectious and she is truly inspiring!
I have and continue to always be impressed by Angie's willingness to embrace the cultural diversity within our Department and the University. Angie is often the first person to introduce herself to a graduate student or employee new to our country or University. It is not uncommon for her to invite them out for coffee or to initiate a conversation to make them feel welcome. She takes interest in them personally, especially if they are facing any challenges and offers her support."
Angie knew Sue personally and so this nomination holds a special meaning for her. Angie is pictured above next to the Susan magnolia plant in Sue's honour in 2001, which grows right out side Angie's office window.
