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. 
 

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2024 Recipient – Cameron Lawrie Facility Supervisor (Alumni Stadium, Field House, Sports Fields)

Cam was named the 2024 recipient of the Tom Kendall Staff Development Award for his tireless work developing not only himself but many of his staff and colleagues into excellent leaders of not only this department but other campuses and industries across the province and the country.

He excels in his dedication to learning new ways to make our facilities safe and inclusive for all community members and students. Through these new ways he empowers his staff to learn and grow with him, giving them added responsibilities and autonomy to make decisions. The trust his staff put in him is shown all throughout the department and they have been recognized not only with major internal department awards, but across the industry. 
In a unit that is traditionally dominated by men, Cam mentored three phenomenal women staff who have gone on to excel with positions in the department. His approachable and kind demeanor bring a sense of calm in difficult situations and his employees know he is welcoming and fair.

Cam is a fantastic leader and role model for his student leads and part time employees. He has worked hard over the last few years in developing resources, guides and operating procedures to make the tasks required of his staff as safe and functional as possible. His goal is always to empower his team to learn, grow and become independent. He values leading from within the group and guiding his staff to share their knowledge to make everyone successful at work.

  

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Recipients - Tom Kendall Staff Development Award
 

Year	Recipient	Job Title
2024	Cameron Lawrie	Facility Supervisor (Alumni Stadium, Field House, Sports Fields)
2023	Jen O'Neill	Manager, Fitness, Recreation & Client Services
2022	Katie Mora	Assistant Coach, Women's Hockey & Sports Camps Director
2021	Gryphon Athletics	All Staff Awarded during Covid-19
2020	Michelle Pino	Manager, Marketing & Communications
2019	Kevin Lindner	Active Kids Coordinator
2018	Frank Cain	Facility & Business Development Manager
2017	Andrew Godard	Facility Supervisor
2016	Beth Fisher	Supervisor of Aquatics, Safety Certification & Active Kids Programs

More on the Tom Kendall Staff Development Award & Previous Award Recipients