With a diversity of talented and dedicated learners and researchers across the Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education (HASSE), there is never a shortage of things to celebrate. On Thursday, however, the spotlight was on the achievements of our dedicated staff.

The first annual Faculty of HASSE Citizenship for Achievement in Research, Education and Service (CARES) Awards presentation took place at the final Faculty Forum for 2019, celebrating those who have gone above and beyond to support and assist other staff and students to achieve their best.

HASSE’s Faculty Dean, Professor Michael Wilmore, said the new awards scheme is about making sure staff have the opportunity to be acknowledged and celebrated by their peers.

“Going above and beyond the call of duty is often second nature in an environment that’s about teaching and helping others to succeed, or provide an important support service. It’s what our staff do every day.

“However, as a Faculty Executive Team, we wanted to make sure those who exemplify this selflessness and care are appropriately acknowledged and thanked for everything they do.”

Staff and students had the opportunity to nominate anyone across the faculty, from academic to professional staff, who they felt were most deserving. Professor Wilmore says the quality of the nominations spoke volumes for the faculty’s staff.

“Not only were we impressed by the examples of our staff going above and beyond, but the extra time and effort their colleagues had volunteered in putting together such thoughtful and in-depth nominations was truly inspiring,” he said.

Winners of this year’s HASSE CARES awards were:

Dean’s Award

• Associate Professor Susan Feez, Education (Languages and Literacies), for being a passionately committed educator who cares deeply about the work of language and literacy teaching in schools.  

Faculty Awards

• Rachael Brooks, Administration, for showing leadership, professionalism, flexibility and commitment to students and academics within her disciplines
• Dr Vanessa Bible, Peace Studies, for her supportive and compassionate approach to teaching and dedication to the UNE community
• Liz Sozou, Administration, for providing excellent service to academics and students and meeting tight deadlines with dedication and a ‘can-do’ attitude
• Jenny Evans, German Language and Culture, for being an exemplary and enthusiastic teacher who encourages and excites her German students about learning
• Dr Mark Moore, Archaeology, for going beyond the call of duty to engage and empower communities through a variety of outreach activities, both real-world and virtual 
• Dr Arvind Iyengar, Linguistics, for creating a fair, equitable and inclusive learning experience for all students.

“I congratulate our exceptional winners and nominees and look forward to celebrating these awards annually, as part of what we do as a faculty that values and supports its staff,” Professor Wilmore said.

Image: Winners L-R: Arvind Iyengar, Rachael Brooks, Vanessa Bible, Liz Sozou, Susan Feez, Jenny Evans and Mark Moore with Michael Wilmore.