Employee Achievement Awards

Ellen Siew Meng Yap

International Studies

As the manager of the School for International Studies, Ellen Yap is commended for her combination of deep expertise, meticulous attention to detail, and compassionate approach in her interactions with faculty, staff, and students. Her poise and resilience under pressure as she navigates numerous departmental shifts and challenges is an illustration of her tenacity and commitment to excellence. Often going above and beyond, she frequently offers her help and expertise to other managers and professional staff both in FASS and the wider SFU community. Her willingness to share her knowledge and mentor others is a clear indication of her compassionate nature and dedication to the growth and success of her colleagues. The impact Yap has on students has also been profound, with many attesting that her support and encouragement have been pivotal to their academic success and personal growth, even long after their graduation from SFU. 

Message from Ellen:
I would like to thank and acknowledge my hardworking, creative and empathetic counterparts in other FASS units for all that they do, as well as my incredibly talented team in International Studies for their hard work and care for our colleagues and students alike. They make working in IS joyful, particularly during these difficult times at the university.

FASS Administrative Team

Office of the Dean

The FASS Dean's Office administrative team currently consists of Stacey Fujimoto, Ophelia Fu, and Nicole Yoo, with the award also recognizing former team members Clare Zheng and Sophia Zeng. Often the first ones in the office and the last ones to leave at the end of the day, the team has been instrumental in supporting FASS leadership, especially during periods of change and uncertainty. Despite staffing shortages and significant organizational shifts—including transitions through multiple pro tem deans, a new dean, five associate deans, and three senior administrators—the team has consistently demonstrated remarkable commitment, resiliency, and positivity. When the faculty affairs team was short-handed, the administrative team jumped in and redistributed responsibilities among themselves to help cover the gap, even if it meant taking on additional work and learning new processes from scratch. By organizing social events, coordinating greeting cards, and taking care of tasks many of us take for granted, the FASS administrative team plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of community within the office and keeping the office running smoothly. 

Michelle "Elle" Walks

Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies
Sociology and Anthropology

Known for their innovative approach to teaching, Michelle “Elle” Walks, specializes in transforming complex subject materials into accessible and engaging learning experiences. Walks' unique pedagogical methods and commitment to create an inclusive environment fosters critical thinking and self-reflection in the classroom, encouraging students to freely express their opinions and explore new, sometimes challenging ideas. Walks also uses non-traditional teaching materials such as podcasts, blogs, and videos, which enriches the learning experience and broadens students' access to diverse sources of knowledge. In their commitment to making learning inclusive, Walks uses accessible readings, highlights authors and filmmakers of diverse backgrounds, and recognizes that students bring relevant and insightful perspective to the classroom that can be shared through team-based learning and class discussions. Walks' dedication to student success and well-being is evident in their personalized approach—always going the extra mile, and taking the time to understand each student's name and learning style.

Valérie Vézina

French Cohort Program
Political Science

Valérie Vézina’s expertise lies in comparative politics, nationalism studies and social movements. Since joining the French Cohort Program (FCP) in Public & International Affairs (housed in the Department of Political Science) in 2020 as an instructor, Vézina has developed three distinct courses specifically for FCP, each covering content and perspectives not addressed by her colleagues. Vézina’s teaching is noted for its captivating and engaging style, which has earned her high praise from students, with many noting her approachability and willingness to address questions and concerns. One of Vézina’s most outstanding qualities is her ability to create an inclusive and warm environment in the classroom. She prioritizes the needs of her students, many of whom have French as a second language, and employs innovative teaching methods to foster collaboration and enhance language acquisition.

Message from Valerie:
I am thankful for the warm welcome I have received from my colleagues and from all students from the FCP; it has made me feel at home!

Richard Rigby

Psychology

Praised by professor Rebecca Cobb as one of the most caring and thoughtful teaching assistants (TA) she has encountered in over 20 years, Rigby has consistently gone above and beyond what is typically called for his position. He helped develop new course assessments, assisted with the creation of a podcast to supplement student learning, and mentored students with compassion and respect. When he took on the newly-created Head TA/Course Coordinator position for PSYC 100, a large entry-level course with about 600 students across two sections, Rigby successfully coordinated and mentored three other TAs. In an illustration of his resourcefulness and forward-thinking mindset, he created and maintained a handbook for future Head TAs to use as a reference and training guide. More than one student nominator has described Rigby as one of the most influential figures in their undergraduate career—changing the trajectory of their career aspirations, cultivating their interest in close relationship research, and inspiring them to pursue graduate school.