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Every year, Student Affairs recognizes staff or faculty members who have displayed a commitment to providing outstanding service to students, outside of a teaching role.

The Michael Condra Outstanding Student Service Award was established 10 years ago upon the retirement of Dr. Condra, the long-time director of what is now Student Wellness Services, and an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology. His tenure was marked by a dedication to supporting student success and wellbeing.

This year’s recipients are:

Fatima Couto 
Fatima has been the clinic manager in Student Wellness Services for more than 15 years. She and her administrative team help to ensure the smooth operations of medical and mental health services. Much of her days are spent helping students in need of support. She is a problem solver, a compassionate listener, and a calm steady presence. She has led numerous initiatives over the years to enhance clinic operations. And she contributed student-centered input into the design of the purpose-built space in Mitchell Hall as well as a recent renovation to ensure the clinic in the Cote Sharp Student Wellness Centre is welcoming, maintains student privacy, and is comfortable for all. 

Hanna Knowles
Hanna is coordinator of Student and Transition Programs in the Student 91������ Office in Student Affairs. She leads Summer Orientation to Academics and Resources (SOAR) and student engagement events throughout the academic year, helping students connect to each other and to resources and supports on campus. She collaborates with colleagues and student groups across campus to improve the experience for incoming students, and provides exceptional programming that reflects student needs. Students note how she put them at ease with her genuine care, connecting them to peers across different years of study to help build community and resilience. Many took on further leadership roles on campus and continue to use the skills she taught them, in their careers and graduate studies.

Stacy Shane
Stacy is the director of Student Services in Smith Engineering, managing advising, student awards, academic considerations, and mental health and wellness. In her role, she frequently collaborates with campus partners to assist students who are experiencing unique challenges or circumstances, and responds with compassion, empathy, and creative problem solving, providing workable options that prioritize student wellbeing and dignity. Stacy has championed innovative mental health programming at Smith Engineering, and she takes time and care to encourage students to support each other, informally and through peer mentorship. She continually demonstrates her commitment to diversity and inclusion through advocacy for a BIPOC-identifying counsellor, implementing supports for neurodivergent students, and expanded programming for international students.

“Congratulations and sincere thanks to Fatima, Hanna and Stacy, who exemplify Mike’s compassion, commitment and student-centered approach to every task and issue, large and small,” says Acting Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs Corinna Fitzgerald. “They make a significant difference in students’ lives every day.”

Learn more about the Michael Condra Outstanding Student Service Award on the Student Affairs website.