John Dobson, ©UWinnipeg
WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg will present Library staff member, John Dobson, with the Stars of Spence Street Prize at this year’s Spring Convocation. The award, created in 2013, recognizes UWinnipeg employees with a long history of dedicated service, a passion for student learning, and a demonstrated commitment to supporting students in achieving their educational goals.
Over the course of 34 years, Dobson has worked in nearly every department of the Library — making him an indispensable source of knowledge for students, colleagues, and faculty alike. His passion for helping others is exemplified by his kind demeanor and thoughtful approach to every query, no matter how complex.
“Anyone having the pleasure of being assisted by John will leave the Library better equipped to be successful in their research studies,” says Gabrielle Prefontaine, Dean of UWinnipeg’s Library. “A true Star of Spence Street comes to work understanding the bigger picture of what they do and why they do it. John understands that what he learns from faculty and students in his reference role will inform what he does on the backend of our Library systems.”
In addition to assisting at the reference desk, Dobson is the Library’s Scholarly Communications and Web Design Specialist, where his behind-the-scenes technical support maintains essential library services for everyone in the University community.
From lending his layout and online journal management savvy to UWinnipeg’s new academic student journal Crossings, to giving an expert edit to a faculty member’s publication, Dobson’s multifaceted skills are apparent in the many projects he’s been involved with during his tenure.
Dobson is a UWinnipeg alumnus, having graduated with bachelor’s degrees in theatre, English, and history (Hons). He has strong academic interests in Eastern European genealogy, Dutch translation, and mathematics — a discipline in which he publishes. Dobson’s innate love of education and his appetite for information enhance his ability to help students from every faculty.
Dobson’s expertise and quiet contributions have made a significant impact on the academic success of countless students — and on UWinnipeg’s reputation as a centre for research excellence.
For his continued dedication to education and student support, UWinnipeg is proud to award John Dobson with the 2017 Stars of Spence Street Prize.
MEDIA CONTACT
Eva Wasney
E-Communications Coordinator, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7129, E: e.wasney@uwinnipeg.ca
