My door is always open
Hilary Scuffell has been a full-time support staff member at Concordia for 25 years. She started out in the Office of the Provost. The Department of Contemporary Dance was next, and then she moved to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. “Polar opposites,” she says of the latter two with a grin.
What is the same, though, is the quality of the people. She is the assistant to the chair of Chemistry and Biochemistry, where she is recognized by staff, faculty and students as a problem solver.
“If I don’t have the answer, I know who does,” she says. “This term, I had a history student ask me about how they could take a math class. One quick question turned into many, and we managed to get the student into a math class that fit their schedule.”
In addition to her day job, Scuffell has been active in the university community. She was a member of the Concordia Shufflecommittee for 15 years and still volunteers for open house events.
“I love that the Shuffle is a grassroots effort. Plus, I’ve seen first-hand what that financial assistance can do for a student. I still love meeting new students and helping them get the services they want and need. My door is always open.”
The challenges are what make you grateful for the rewards
Sharon Frank is the administrator for the Department of English. She is celebrating 45 years at Concordia. What she appreciates most from her time at the university is the people and the opportunities to learn through formal academic training, but also through experience and mentorship.
“Giving back through mentorship is most gratifying. I’ve met so many wonderful students, staff and faculty, some of whom have become lifelong friends.”
She remembers one in particular. An international grad student who was a single parent and had never been in a winter climate before was experiencing some hardships while in Montreal. Her apartment was robbed and ransacked, her laptop was stolen and then her mother passed away. Frank decided she couldn’t just sit by while the student suffered. Instead, she mobilized. She helped the student gain part-time employment on campus, organized a fundraiser to replace her laptop and drove her to and from the airport for her flights home to look after her mother’s affairs. The student completed her degree, went on to do a PhD in Canada and remains good friends with Frank.
“The challenges are what make you grateful for the rewards. I’ve pushed past my limits and have succeeded in surpassing my goals.”