The
Tom Kendall Staff Development Award is presented annually to a staff member within the University of Guelph Department of Athletics who epitomizes professionalism and who goes above and beyond in support of staff and/ or student success and development. This award is named in honour of Tom Kendall, who served as the Gryphons Director of Athletics from 2004-2015. In this role, Tom committed passion, time, and resources toward staff development. Criteria for the Tom Kendall Staff Development Award include professionalism, mentorship, a strong sense of Gryphon pride, and a list of significant contributions or enhancements to the University of Guelph's Department of Athletics.
2023 Recipient – Jennifer O'Neill, Manager Fitness, Recreation & Client Service
Jennifer O'Neill was named the 2023 recipient of the Tom Kendall Staff Development Award for her commitment, passion, time, and resources she provides toward staff development. Jennifer epitomizes professionalism and goes beyond in support of staff and student success and development.
"As a member of several equity-seeking groups, Jen has fostered an environment where I feel seen and heard. She takes all opportunity to listen, collaborating with campus partners and attending additional training workshops to learn how to be a better ally to those around her. One of the things I admire most about Jen is that when there's a need for improvement, she doesn't wait around for the "perfect" time or to have every minor detail to make a safe decision. She makes things happen right away- seeing what works, and what doesn't. I believe this has paved the way for a lot of EDI-related changes made to our programing over the past few years. This has made me excited about the work I do and incredibly proud to be a part of the Athletic Department."
– Student Leader & Part Time Student
"Jennifer has made herself a proud Gryphon. She always thinks in terms of the 'I am A Gryphon' pledge, and more recently 'The Gryphon Way'. The area that Jen truly excels in in Mentorship, Guidance, and Support! She will always nurture the interests of those that work for her to make you better. Jen takes a genuine interest in employees' development and works to make sure they have the resources for that development."
- Full time Staff Member
"Jen has an outstanding talent for bringing ideas and suggestions to fruition. We have added several new initiatives in Jen's area over the last year and I was continually amazed how seemingly effortlessly Jen was able to make things happen. Jen gets the job done. She is reliable and solution focused."
- Full time Staff Member
More on the Tom Kendall Staff Development Award & Previous Award Recipients
