With a touch of Hollywood glamour, staff in Student and International Affairs areas rolled out a red carpet in Vanier Hall on Thursday to celebrate members who Go the Extra Mile. The annual GEM Awards luncheon recognized four individuals nominated by colleagues and students for providing exceptional service.

Director of international affairs Mike Houston and Russell Nahdee, coordinator of the Aboriginal Education Centre, received awards for service to faculty and staff. Houston’s nominators praised his willingness to commit substantial personal time to make students feel welcome, while Nahdee was called “the heart and soul of the Turtle Island house.”

Yvonne Currie, career development coordinator, received a student service award. In nominating her, one client wrote: “She takes interest in us, and makes us feel that we can do anything, be anyone and achieve all that life has to offer.” Others called Currie a “rock star,” passionate about helping students.

The final formal award went to Lianne Weiss of the Schaeffler Group, who works with co-op students placed with the company in Germany. The manufacturer develops precision products for supply to the automotive industry. Students refer to Weiss as their “German mother” for her dedication to their needs— arranging for their housing and transportation in addition to training and development. Her colleague Tim Coppock accepted the GEM award for an off-campus partner.

Tim Coppock of the Schaeffler Group, Russell Nahdee, Mike Houston and Yvonne Currie display the GEM Awards they received at Thursday’s luncheon. Find more pictures from the event on the University's Facebook page.