Welcome to the Excellence Awards 2022. The Principal’s Awards for Excellence
in Professional and Support Services recognise the exceptional contributions
made by individuals and teams. They recognise the positive impact staff can have on others
and highlight the significant contributions of colleagues in Professional & Support
Services in fulfilling the objectives and values of the University of Aberdeen.
Excellence in Professional and Support Services
Excellence in Customer Service
The winner is Agnieszka Kruk-Omenzetter
Aggie is recognised for her exceptional communication skills and her desire to
do everything to the very best of her abilities. Aggie approaches her sensitive
duties with kindness and respect, whilst maintaining a bright and cheery manner.
Excellence in Leadership
The winner is Nick Edwards Nick has led the Gender Based Violence committee
since its inception, with great sensitivity to the challenging nature of the topic.
His compassionate leadership style ensures members of the group and wider community
feel supported and listened to, allowing significant advances to be made in this area.
Excellence in Partnership Working
The winner is Yu (Peter) Qi Peter’s support has been pivotal
in the University’s alumni engagement activity in China. Peter has used and
shared his knowledge to develop a successful alumni engagement strategy for China. He has
facilitated introductions between colleagues in Aberdeen, Beijing and Shanghai leading to
greater partnership opportunities and has been vital in the launch of new alumni events.
Excellence in Equality, Diversity & Sustainability
The winner is Janine Chalmers Janine is at the forefront of the great
successes the University has achieved in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. She is forward-thinking
and has introduced a number of engaging and informative Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
training packages, as well as overseeing various EDI networks and working to ensure fair treatment and opportunity for all staff and students.
Excellence in Creativity & Innovation
The winner is Karen Grant Karen's colleagues said she
is the font of knowledge on all things SRS-related. Her in-depth understanding
of the system and her thoughtful and solution-focused approach has been vital
in the delivery of significant changes. Her unwavering positive can-do attitude
together with her innovative and analytical approach makes her a pleasure to work with.
Rising Star Award
The winner is Nele Beutels
Nele goes above and beyond in her role as a Medical Administration Assistant,
anticipating the needs of staff and students with attention to detail. Her dedication to
working with international partners has been exceptional. Nele has also demonstrated a
passion and commitment to welcoming international students, using her own experiences to ensure
they feel welcome and supported in Aberdeen.
Outstanding Contribution to a Team or Role
The winner is Jill Murray Jill has made an outstanding
contribution to her team, directorate and the wider University with her deep understanding
and knowledge of the University coupled with her giving and supportive nature.
Jill has shown time and time again her willingness to learn new ways of working,
support colleagues and willingness to tackle any challenges that come her way.
Outstanding Team
The joint winners are the IT Service Desk Team and Desktop Support Team
The IT Service Desk and Desktop Support teams are recognised for the pivotal role both teams have
played in the continued operation of IT services during the pandemic. The teams have remained
motivated and professional, supporting and facilitating new ways of working, ensuring many
University staff could continue working. Access to systems was maintained and improved throughout,
and the teams were always on-hand with a positive and flexible attitude to help with staff queries.
Their collaborative hard work and dedication to the organisation has been invaluable.
Congratulations to all our winners in the 2022 Principal's Excellence Awards.