Wendy Bates receives President's Service Award

Posted October 27, 1998


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 23, 1998
98-10-12-OTHER

President?s Service Award to Wendy Bates

The second 1998 winner of the President?s Service Award?
established four years ago to ?recognize staff members who have
made outstanding contributions to the learning and working
environments of the University,? is Wendy Bates, a coordinator in the
Alumni and Development Office with particular responsibilities for
alumni reunions and branch activities.

The Award, which carries a $1,000 prize and includes a
commemorative ring or pin, will be presented during the University?s
Fall Convocation.

In proposing Bates for the Award, her nominators and supporters
cite numerous qualities that eminently qualify her for the honor.
Chancellor Emeritus Ted Turner speaks of her ?unassuming but
remarkable performance of her duties? and of being impressed with
her ?pleasant personality and friendliness? over a decade of knowing
and working with her on the Agriculture Building Campaign. Her
selection, he adds, ?will bring great honor to the Award itself.?

In describing Bates, many mention such traits as courtesy,
commitment, warmth, dedication, efficiency, sincerity, and
professionalism. But beyond those attributes, says Lyle Hislop, of
Planned Giving, ?she has a clear understanding that public relations
is not a department but an attitude,? and adds that Bates ?places
others before herself to ensure their enjoyment and satisfaction.?

More than one of her many supporters state that she is an excellent
ambassador of the University whom alumni from around the world
seek out when they want information or opinion about a reunion or
are in Saskatoon for such a function. A number of nominators also
express the idea that her qualities would place her at the top of any
employee group, using any comparative criteria.

Bates first came to the U of S in 1975, as secretary to the director of
Alumni Affairs. After working at a number of other jobs in 1978
and 1979, she returned to the U of S, moving into the University?s
middle-management ranks in 1988, when she was named
coordinator of alumni projects.

She?s served on the board of directors of the Hub City Curling Club,
where she has also been director of its youth curling program. She
says that she enjoys accompanying her son to taekwon-do, track
meets, and softball tournaments as well as a range of sports and
social activities.

For more information, please contact:

Maureen Gammell
Executive Assistant to the President
(306) 966-6620