The Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science has awarded its 2000-01 Staff Excellence Awards to Sophie Mérineau and Sylvain Bélanger. We offer them our hearty congratulations.

Sophie Mérineau, who won the award in the office support category, joined Concordia in 1986 as an Administrative Assistant for the Concordia Centre for Composites, otherwise known as CONCOM. In 1995-1996, she worked as a secretary for the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and since then, in addition to fulfilling her responsibilities for CONCOM, she has also been Undergraduate Program Assistant for the Department.

She has handled research contracts, coordinated no fewer than six international conferences for CONCOM, and addresses students’ concerns with understanding.

With her computer skills and IT background, Sophie has automated several recurring tasks and has become an expert in updating and maintaining the Department’s Web site. Furthermore, her degree in translation and ability to communicate in English, French, and Spanish have proved indispensable.

Sophie is hard-working, efficient and friendly. Her positive, resourceful attitude has been greatly appreciated by everyone around her.

Sylvain Bélanger joined Concordia in 1988. He has spent the past 12 years as a Systems Analyst to improving the working and learning environment of the Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering.

In fact, he has become a major source of knowledge, information and support to the Department, an invaluable asset to those that have the opportunity to work with him every day. Described by his colleagues as an expert trouble-shooter, Sylvain also has a keen sense of camaraderie.

Because he takes pride in his work and has high standards, Sylvain is dedicated to maintaining and upgrading the computing facilities infrastructure. This is at times a daunting task, since he splits his time, providing technical support, between two buildings that operate on different operating systems and platforms.

He often disrupts his schedule to complete the required tasks, and stays beyond the normal working hours to accommodate the various needs of colleagues, faculty members, and students. He keeps up-to-date on new advances in technology applicable to his line of work, and he makes creative use of recycled hardware.

He genuinely enjoys his job, and constantly reads articles, books and extracts information from on-line sources on the latest developments in IT, and then shares his knowledge and experience with others.

It has been difficult to find anyone who matches Sylvain’s capability and character. Everyone rests assured that all is taken care of when Sylvain is on the job.