Through the SHCS Outstanding Contribution Awards, we recognize employees in our unit who make extraordinary contributions at UBC and beyond.

This year we received many wonderful nominations. Thank you to everyone who nominated one of their incredible colleagues.

While it was challenging to select from all of the outstanding nominees, we are pleased to announce the following six recipients of this year’s Outstanding Contribution Awards.

Outstanding Contribution Award

Faryal Abu-Sharife

Retail Floor Supervisor, UBC Bookstore

Nominated by Weldon Wong, Bookstore Assistant, UBC Bookstore

“For over 35 years, Faryal as been the heart of the UBC Bookstore. She supports customers and colleagues alike with warmth, expertise, and care. From the front of the store to the online orders desk, she works tirelessly to ensure her team is supported and our customers are satisfied. This Outstanding Contribution Award celebrates a legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to the university community.”

— Shane Gopaulsingh, Store Manager, Bookstore

Congratulations Faryal; your work in SHCS is amazing!

From Faryal's Nomination

“Faryal consistently demonstrates outstanding leadership, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to customer service. She skillfully manages complex day-to-day operations while fostering a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative team environment. Known for her empathy and professionalism, she excels at resolving challenging customer situations and regularly goes above and beyond—whether staying late to reunite a customer with a lost wallet, adding personal touches to online orders, or supporting community initiatives. Faryal brings strong technical expertise, dedication to staff development, and a clear alignment with UBC and SHCS values. Her contributions have led to measurable improvements in service quality, team morale, and operational effectiveness. She is a true asset to the UBC Bookstore and the broader UBC community.”

— Weldon Wong, Bookstore Assistant, UBC Bookstore

Andy Chan

Executive Sous Chef, Food Services

Nominated by David Speight, Executive Chef and Culinary Director, Food Services

“Andy exemplifies the very best of SHCS through unwavering commitment and exceptional leadership. As Executive Sous Chef, he drives operational excellence, improves efficiency and sustainability, and delivers creative solutions to complex challenges. Andy consistently elevates service quality while mentoring, empowering, and supporting team members to succeed.”

— David Speight, Executive Chef and Culinary Director, Food Services

Congratulations Andy; your work in SHCS is extraordinary!

From Andy's Nomination

“Andy exemplifies the very best of SHCS through his unwavering commitment, exceptional leadership, and long-standing contributions as Executive Sous Chef. His work ethic is exemplary, consistently ensuring operational excellence while fostering a collaborative and inclusive team environment. Andy has played a key role in streamlining kitchen operations, improving efficiency and sustainability and elevating service quality. He leads with professionalism, optimism, and adaptability, even under pressure, and is deeply respected for his patience and mentorship of staff. This past year, Andy has expanded his support of culinary apprentices by organizing experiential learning opportunities, guiding apprentice dinners, and facilitating participation in high-profile events. His leadership, creativity, and dedication have had a lasting impact on SHCS, strengthening both workplace culture and the future of our culinary team.”

— David Speight, Executive Chef and Culinary Director, Food Services

Outstanding Contribution Award in Community Leadership

Marie Booth

Administrator, Child Care

Nominated by Deb Thompson, Associate Director, Program Development, Child Care

“Marie brings our Child Care community together with warmth, creativity, and genuine care. She’s always up for a chat and a laugh, making everyone feel valued. She creates accessible ways to connect and lives her values through her meaningful volunteer work. Marie is always looking for opportunities to bring people together, making our child care community stronger.” — Karen Vaughan, Director, Child Care

Congratulations Marie; your work in SHCS is incredible!

From Marie's Nomination

“Marie connects us. As the face of Child Care, her warmth, cheerfulness, and sense of humour enhance every interaction with educators, managers, and parents, creating a welcoming and supportive environment. She bridges the gap between auxiliary educators and the broader organization, fostering a sense of belonging. Marie represents Child Care on the OWC, keeping staff informed about social opportunities and actively volunteering to make events engaging for all. She brings activities like yoga and Zumba to accommodate educators’ schedules and extends her care beyond work by volunteering in the community, looking out for those in need. Marie’s kindness, energy, and dedication make Child Care a brighter place for everyone.”

— Deb Thompson, Associate Director, Program Development, Child Care

Alissa Horn

Marketing and Communications Specialist, SHCS

Nominated by Tom Bromwich, E-Commerce & Digital Card Manager, UBC Bookstore

“Alissa’s creativity and ability to keep up with social media trends has really levelled up our Bookstore marketing this past year. Her initiative to get the new staff newsletter off the ground has made a real impact, and her willingness to pitch in on Food Services projects while we were temporarily shorthanded was critical.” — Lisa Fisher, Director, Marketing and Communications

Congratulations Alissa; your work in SHCS is incredible!

From Alissa's Nomination

“When Alissa joined the Bookstore team a year ago, she listened, learned, and applied her marketing and communications expertise where it could have the greatest impact. She strengthened internal communication, building trust across teams and launching a staff newsletter that reconnected colleagues and boosted morale. Alissa also repaired relationships with campus partners, developed a brand voice framework centered on inclusivity, and enhanced the Bookstore’s online presence, generating over a million organic impressions in 90 days. She played a pivotal role in the Summer 2025 graduation experience, contributing ideas, supporting execution, and providing on-site leadership and social coverage. Her ability to translate creative vision into practical, community-centered results has strengthened engagement, collaboration and the Bookstore’s role in campus life.”

— Tom Bromwich, E-Commerce & Digital Card Manager, UBC Bookstore

Outstanding Contribution Award in Service Excellence

Alia Abu-Sharife

Bookstore Assistant, UBC Bookstore

Nominated by Natalie Leung, Bookstore Assistant, Dina Del Bucchia, Sales Clerk and Melanie Dodig, Sales Clerk, UBC Bookstore

“Alia is known for her care, precision, and reliability. She expertly manages faculty and departmental orders, and many special requests, ensuring every detail is handled seamlessly. Beyond her daily work, Alia plays a vital role in training new staff, setting a high standard for service and teamwork. This award reflects the pride Alia brings to her work every day, recognizing the many ways she ensures departmental customers and colleagues feel supported from start to finish.” — Shane Gopaulsingh, Store Manager, Bookstore

Congratulations Alia; your work in SHCS is incredible!

From Alia's Nomination

“Alia is an integral part of the UBC Bookstore, consistently going above and beyond to provide exceptional service with a personal touch. She expertly manages peak periods like convocation and back-to-school, ensuring smooth operations while maintaining a welcoming, positive presence for students, faculty, and staff. Known for her knowledge, patience, and attentiveness, Alia resolves issues proactively—like personally hooding students during a graduation shortage—turning potential stress into joyful experiences. She supports colleagues as a shop steward, mentors new staff, and ensures workspaces are organized and functional for everyone. Beloved across campus, Alia connects the community, builds lasting relationships, and creates a positive, inclusive environment. Her dedication, kindness, and professionalism make her an invaluable asset to the Bookstore and UBC community.”

— Natalie Leung, Bookstore Assistant, UBC Bookstore

Samantha Mauro

Sales and Service Manager, Conferences and Accommodation

Nominated by Ria Natividad, Director, Groups, Conferences and Accommodation

“Sam demonstrates an outstanding work ethic and delivers exceptional customer service to her portfolio of high value clients. She has an incredible ability to anticipate client needs and follow through with excellence; clients trust Sam completely as she is knowledgeable, responsive and empathetic.” — Allan de Jong, General Manager, Conferences and Accommodation

Congratulations Sam; your work in SHCS is incredible!

From Sam's Nomination

“Samantha consistently delivers exceptional service, especially in high-pressure, client-facing situations. At the World Deaf Ice Hockey Championship in May 2025, she coordinated across multiple units to provide a safe, inclusive experience for over 200 athletes, proactively resolving issues such as missed meals and becoming a trusted point of contact. During the PTO T100 Triathlon, she managed frequent guest list changes, custom setups, and media requirements with professionalism and integrity, often resolving challenges before they became problems. Samantha builds lasting relationships, mentors new staff, and fosters a welcoming team environment. Her proactive problem-solving, operational foresight, and community-building efforts—through the VPS Committee and partnerships across UBC—consistently elevate service quality and workplace culture.”

— Ria Natividad, Director, Groups, Conferences and Accommodation

SHCS Outstanding Contribution Awards 2025