Every day, McMaster employees bring dedication, talent and passion to everything they do, in every space that makes up the university. These are people whose skills, commitment and diverse experiences and perspectives are woven into this university’s success.
The People of McMaster series began as a way to celebrate the incredible people who help make McMaster a great place to work, learn, teach and do research. Over the months, we’ve got to meet many of the people who work seen and unseen, to support our community in a tremendous number of ways. Here are some of the extraordinary individuals we’ve met so far.
The program manager at the Physical Activity Centre of Excellence — a place unlike any other — creates a community where everyone feels like they belong.
As program manager and research coordinator for the McCall MacBain Postdoctoral Fellows Teaching and Leadership Program, George supports and sees the potential in every postdoc.
Whether she’s supporting grad students, umpiring baseball nationals or helping colleagues understand allyship, Rayna Trepanier brings energy, enthusiasm and humour wherever she goes.
Cormier joined Physics & Astronomy in her first year of undergrad — and she’s now celebrating her 20th anniversary with the department.
A spontaneous karaoke moment unexpectedly showed off the Special Constable’s voice, and the sense of connection he and his colleagues create with students.
Whether she’s coordinating a LIVELab performance, mentoring students or coaching an elite Special Olympics skater, Belaskie’s mission is simple: Ensure everyone she meets feels special.
From running a great meeting to organizing the department’s potato chip parties and Olympic gatherings, the academic program manager is at the heart of this tight-knit community.
‘I don’t want my work to sit on a shelf.’ The Construction project manager got her master’s degree in Engineering and Public Policy and started her PhD while working full-time on long-term projects and raising a child.
Ono-dit-Biot is the primary point of contact for the Brockhouse Institute for Materials Research. She’s also a dryland musher, riding a custom scooter-bike with her extremely athletic dogs.
Exam times are hectic, but after nearly 40 years — and a great deal of change — Grasley still loves the work and has it down to a science.
Gibbs inspires the next generation of innovators through McMaster Engineering’s Venture Academy and community STEM programs.
Malis has helped keep exams running smoothly for years, supporting generations of students at a stressful time.
Large works in the Mills Memorial Library, where she’s known for building community and making people feel welcome.
Ferguson leads the team that oversees one of the most complex projects at the university, coordinating 1,400 staff and volunteers to give incoming students and their families the best possible experience.
Phillips leads the MPS web development team, which maintains MacSites, powering more than 300 websites across McMaster.
With a passion for analytics and boundless curiosity, Rosiel Tang brings technical expertise and human-centred thinking to her role in HR’s People Analytics team.
Alain Pamuce is a custodian, a teacher, a learner and above all, a musician.
Whatever he does – keeping critical IT infrastructure running, mentoring students, enjoying amateur radio or supporting cancer research – Wayde Nie is always learning, always adapting.
Morrone combines data, strategy, and collaboration to strengthen McMaster’s foundation and make budgets make sense.
Warwick and Foottit from the Campus Store bring warmth and McMaster pride to every convocation ceremony, making sure each graduate feels celebrated, one gown at a time.
Facility Services’ summer student Sophie Walsh talks to her former colleague and President’s Award recipient Gary Moscardini.
“Being part of this community, knowing the same people who work across campus helped save my son’s life, gives a whole new meaning to McMaster family.”
Rukhsana Jamal from Parking Services sees the value of acts of kindness and helping to make people’s days easier. ‘It’s about believing in yourself and knowing that you can make a difference, no matter how small.’
Stonehouse runs the Immediate Access program at the Campus Store, and works with profs, publishers and customer service to get students the resources they need to succeed.
From custodian to business systems analyst for a very large department, Rexworthy’s career path reflects his curiosity and drive to solve problems.
The systems integration specialist shares her passion for cybersecurity and mentorship.