The VPFA R.I.S.E. Newsletter recognizes employee excellence across the portfolio by breaking down silos across units and departments, showcases priority projects, and aims to build a sense of community and belonging.
Embracing Renewal
Welcome to a new edition of the VPFA R.I.S.E newsletter.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your unwavering support of the series of prudent and cost-saving measures that are currently being implemented to address the university's budgetary challenges. I want to acknowledge the significant impact of the hiring freeze on you and your teams as we collectively strive to improve the university's financial situation. This task is undeniably challenging, but you are rising to the occasion, collaborating effectively with one another, and developing innovative strategies to navigate a situation with less resources in order to accomplish our objectives. We simply could not implement these measures without your goodwill, hard work, and unwavering dedication to the university's financial stability.
We continue to bring you a lineup of engaging content that honours the spirit of togetherness, wellbeing, and discovery. Join us as we keep featuring the contributions and unique journeys of the VPFA colleagues within our diverse community through the Employee Spotlights section; share valuable resources that foster a healthy work-life balance in the Well at Work section; and bring you a curated selection of books and podcasts that will ignite your imagination and stimulate thoughtful conversations.
In this edition, we introduce The Great VPFA Recipes section where you can explore a delightful array of culinary creations; and join a furry friend on a journey through time to discover a unique space on Queen’s campus.
As I continue to introduce members of my leadership team, along with their respective portfolios, I am delighted to feature the Facilities team, led by John Witjes, Associate Vice-Principal (Facilities). The team plays an impactful role in building and maintaining our beautiful campus to make it more welcoming for employees, students, and visitors. Their impactful initiatives add to the overall functionality and aesthetics of the university's surroundings.
Our ongoing coffee chats continue to provide a platform for open conversations and connections. I look forward to sharing warm beverages and fostering meaningful relationships.
In late October, I encourage you to participate in Thrive Week - an opportunity to prioritize your wellbeing and practice self-care. Human Resources will be offering an array of activities that will empower you to thrive in all aspects of life.
As we engage in fall gatherings and savor comforting treats this season, let us celebrate the spirit of revitalization as we look forward to exciting opportunities ahead.
Wishing you a season filled with warmth, joy, and an abundance of shared moments.
Donna Janiec, FCPA, FCA
Vice-Principal (Finance and Administration)
Enhancing Place and Community
Facilities has been at the heart of building and maintaining our beautiful campus, with every initiative adding to the overall functionality and aesthetics of the university’s surroundings.
Team Highlights
John Witjes (Associate Vice-Principal, Facilities)
Janet Pollard (Acting Director, Engineering)
Scott Garrett (Director, Design and Construction)
Lisa Crosbie-Larmon (Director, Human Resources)
Samuel Whyte (Director, Operations and Maintenance)
Tony Gkotsis (Director, Campus Planning, Real Estate, and Leasing)
Nathan Splinter (Manager, Energy, Sustainability, CHP, Refrigeration)
The Facilities team takes great pride in supporting a ‘mini Queen’s city’ within the city of Kingston with over 80 larger buildings and a complex network of underground electrical and mechanical infrastructure systems. As one of the largest departments on campus, it comprises a team of over 300 members from numerous professions, actively supporting the university community and the Queen’s Strategy. The Department spans six main groups: 1) Campus Planning and Real Estate, 2) Commuter Services, 3) Custodial Support Services, 4) Design and Construction, 5) Operations and Maintenance, and 6) Energy, Waste Management, and the Central Heating Plant which also serves Kingston General Hospital.
Project Highlights and Impact
The Facilities portfolio has a significant impact on the campus community and continues to make progress on several projects underway or in development that will further reduce the university’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enable it to fulfill the commitments outlined in the Queen’s Climate Action Plan.
The central works reception Client Services team coordinates over 25,000 maintenance and custodial work requests annually. They play a pivotal role in orchestrating the dispatch and response of a capable and skilled frontline team.
The Facilities portfolio’s recently completed projects include 1) the new residence Endaayaan – Tkanónsote; 2) the consolidation of various administrative support divisions of the VPFA and VPR portfolios at 355 King and 3) Lang Pavilion at Richardson Stadium. Projects currently under construction include 1) the John Deutsch University Centre and JDUC Residence projects to be completed in the summer of 2024 and 2) the Agnes Reimagined project, which will begin construction in the spring of 2024.
Facilities actively participates in collaborative I-EDIAA initiatives. These impactful projects include the Career Gateway Program piloted in Custodial Support Services, PRIDE crosswalks, the Indigenous gathering space, an Indigenous classroom in MacCorry, the renovation of Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre, and the installation of six flags in six different buildings. To make Queen’s more inclusive for transgender and/or gender non-conforming people, all single-user washrooms across campus have been converted into gender-neutral washrooms with symbol-based signage focusing on space usage rather than user identity.
Currently, four Engineering students are pursuing internships and work-study placements in Facilities. This opportunity for Queen’s students underscores the portfolio’s commitment to continuous growth and excellence.
Leadership Highlights
The Queen’s campus is a unique place, steeped in history and tradition while also moving forward with a clear vision and strategy for the future.
“I am immensely proud of our exceptionally skilled and wonderfully diverse team of dedicated professionals who consistently go above and beyond in their support of the Queen’s community. Their unwavering commitment makes our daily work endeavours more meaningful and enjoyable.” shares John Witjes, Associate Vice-Principal (Facilities).
John joined the university in 1991 and has since held several progressively responsible positions within the Facilities portfolio. In September 2014, he was appointed to the role of Associate Vice-Principal (Facilities). He is a Queen’s mechanical engineering graduate (B.Sc.’86 with Honours) and a Licensed Professional Engineer in the province of Ontario. In 2004, he successfully completed the University Management Course (UMC) at the University of Manitoba and in 2014 he graduated from the Rotman Executive Leadership Program at the University of Toronto. John is a Past President of the Ontario Association of Physical Plant Administrators (OAPPA), a committee of his university peers.
With over 30 years at Queen’s, John has witnessed the university’s growth and evolution during that time and nurtured his strong commitment to our community. When not working, John can be found sharing time with friends and family and enjoying many outdoor activities including canoeing, kayaking, hiking, cycling, snowshoeing, and downhill skiing.
Employee Spotlight
Get to know the people across our portfolio serving in a variety of roles.
Michael Brown, Internal Audit
Guide dog foster parent, father of two, and globe-trotting Kingston native, Mike Brown takes us on a journey through the varied world of Internal Audit.
Mike is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and a business consultant who assists many different units across campus with both compliance and efficiency.
Please tell us about your role at Queen’s.
I am the Manager, Internal Controls & Special Projects within Internal Audit. I have been in this role since January 2022, but I have been with Queen’s and Internal Audit since 2011My role is two-fold: part of my job is to assist the VPFA to independently review the operations of the internal controls in place to make sure university’s assets are safeguarded, financial information is accurate, and transactions comply with laws and regulations; whereas the other part of my job involves helping units across campus to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations. These projects are usually requests from the business units that involve some collaboration between me and the units in areas they most need help with. Units reach out to me and say, “Mike, we need some help with making sure we’re compliant with this, or we’re looking at this process to make sure it’s efficient
The Internal Audit department develops an annual work plan that is approved by the Audit and Risk Committee of the Board of Trustees. Both the internal controls and the special projects part of my job are included in this annual work plan. Any requests from management throughout the year are added to this work plan. It is a risk-based plan that supports the allocation of audit resources to those areas that represent the most significant priorities for the university. We are directed to areas to ensure compliance with processes.
What do you enjoy the most about your role?
I enjoy both parts of my role. Any operational or compliance assistance you need, I’m always here for a chat. The special projects part keeps my day interesting because I am assisting people and departments who have come to me for help in achieving their objectives. I get to meet people from various units across campus. Projects usually take three-four months each, so every new project means working with a different group of people, totally new processes, departments, and environments. I am constantly learning new things about the university. Off the top of my head, I can say I have worked with every single unit at the university – from AMS, Financial Services, Environmental Health and Safety, Housing and Ancillary Services, IT Services, Library, Archives, Privacy, Geography, the Office of the Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic), I-EDIAA projects, plus a lot more – I get to look at almost anything you need me to look at and the varied work makes my role interesting and fun.
What project have you recently been involved with that you’re most proud of?
I just released a report to the Library on the process by which Queen’s processes article processing charges – a tongue-twister, I know. This is about scholarly publishing - to help the Library and Research track their spending. My project with them enabled them to start monitoring, tracking, and implementing procedures so they could have a fully managed scholarly publishing process.
What have been some of the most important lessons you have learned throughout your career?
The biggest lesson I have learned is about honesty and transparency – everything is easier when you just lay your cards on the table. Playing things close to the vest doesn’t breed partnership or communication or engagement. So, I’ve always been really honest whilst also being careful to listen to the other party, and I’ve developed this skill more as I went on in my career. If you make a mistake, say you’ve made a mistake. I explain my entire process, so people are not wondering why I’m asking questions or what I’m looking at. It has been really helpful in my job to develop and maintain relationships, and it has always ensured a great end result.
What is one skill you’d love to learn?
After graduating with my Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Accounting (honors), I gained a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation.
I would also like to take a business writing course – I think that is a useful skill to have, in any role.
Personally, I would love to learn to draw and play the guitar. I’ve been saying that I’ve wanted to learn those for the past 30 years, and I haven’t started on either, maybe this year will be the year
Please tell us about your journey to foster guide-dogs-in-training.
During the pandemic, my family and I started fostering dogs. Our Miniature Pinscher passed away in 2019, and we really wanted to bring dogs back into our home. When we heard that the Kingston Humane Society needed foster families, we thought this was a great opportunity. Many of the dogs needed a lot of care and some hadn’t been domesticated yet. We provided post-operative care to dogs who had just been spayed or neutered. My wife, our two teenagers, and I shared the tasks. My wife and I trained as a short-term foster care provider for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) guide dogs, which assist people who are blind or partially sighted. We have cared for five guide dogs so far. It’s a great way to begin your dog ownership journey whilst also giving back to the community.
We have heard that you and your family enjoy traveling. Please tell us about your most memorable travels.
Yes, we are definitely big travelers. In 2016, we took off for eight months and traveled around the world when our kids were 9 and 11, and we try to go somewhere new every year.
For that round-the-world trip, we created a travel webpage to keep our friends and family updated so they could follow us on our journeys. We circumnavigated the globe starting in Costa Rica. We then flew up to California where we boarded a cruise ship, and crossed the Pacific Ocean for all of February, stopping in Hawaii. Then on to a few nights in New Zealand, four weeks in Australia, six weeks in Asia, and went from Bangkok to Germany. We then spent the summer in Europe, and back home – 20 countries altogether.
We are now planning for Iceland next.
For those with young children, my tip is to wait until they’re about 9 or 10, that’s the perfect age because they’re old enough to walk around, carry their own bags, and explore with you, no nap times. At that age, they aren’t old enough to not want to hang out with you.
If you had to describe Queen’s in one word to a new employee, what would it be and why?
Community.
Queen’s is like a little city with different neighbourhoods that have all come together for a greater goal.
What makes it even more special for me is the fact that every single person in my family (except me) has attended Queen’s – my wife, all of my siblings, my siblings’ in-laws, my parents, my nephews and nieces, and now my son.
Sheena Graham, Office of the VPFA
Self-taught artist and long-time Queen’s employee, Sheena Graham, offers us a glimpse into the dynamic world of a senior administrative assistant in one of the most influential offices at Queen’s – the Office of the Vice-Principal (Finance and Administration).
With 25 years of dedicated service to the university, Sheena shares her experiences of witnessing the evolution of Queen’s over the years.
Please tell us about your role at Queen's.
I currently hold the role of Administrative Assistant to the Vice-Principal (Finance and Administration) (VPFA) and have served in this capacity since 2001. During my career at Queen’s, I have supported a combined total of eight Vice-Principals, and I am presently working alongside Donna Janiec. I started at Queen's in 1997, initially working with the Vice-Principal (Advancement). In 1998, I made the transition to Richardson Hall, where I joined the University's Legal Counsel and then moved to faculty relations before taking on my current role. My background is rooted in the field of law, commencing with a law firm in Toronto and subsequently working with several others in Kingston.
What do you enjoy the most about your role?
One of the things I enjoy most about this role is the variety of duties. I love that there is never a dull moment in this office. Every day is something different and you never know what is going to happen!
We have a very strong team. I am very fortunate to work with not just an amazing group of supportive, caring individuals in this office but also in various portfolios throughout the university. I’ve always said you can do any job if you work with great people. There have been many occasions where we’ve all had to pull together and perform duties that we had never done before – for instance, during COVID, we all gathered at Grant Hall and put together COVID-19 testing kits.
One of the most rewarding initiatives that I have been involved in is around sustainability. In 2020, I initiated a “Sustainable Clothing Drive” to help recycle gently used clothing and accessories in support of Big Spoon Lil Spoon, a non-profit established in 2018 by second-year Queen’s students that involves workshops for children with disabilities.
Another part of this role that I have really enjoyed is mentoring the many student interns that we have had over the years. It is so rewarding to watch them grow, mature, and succeed and to know that you had a small part in it.
How would you describe the role of administrative assistants in the functioning of a unit?
Administrative assistants play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of day-to-day functions, many of which occur behind the scenes. Strategically planning and proactively anticipating needs in order to solve potential conflicts before they arise are critical. We are also the gatekeepers, handling confidential and sensitive information with the highest levels of discretion and confidentiality.
You recently completed 25 years of service to the university. What have been some of the most important lessons you have learned throughout your long career at Queen’s?
Adaptability and flexibility are key. People are afraid of change but, learning to embrace it rather than resist it is key. The ability to adapt to new technologies, trends, and challenges is so important, now more than ever. I remember when I first began at Queen’s, certain forms had to be done on a typewriter with carbon! I saw us go from typewriters to those big personal computers to laptops and now the virtual world!
Foster relationships. At the very beginning of the pandemic when we were all sent home, and thought it would be for a maximum of two weeks - I was just trying to get work equipment ready, and figure out Teams and Zoom- emergency committees had to be set up using technology we didn’t yet know how to use – it was all very stressful However, we were all in it together and learning together and helping each other and that was so important – supporting each other, which is why I say, “Foster your relationships.” Strong relationships and teams are invaluable.
Continue to learn - the importance of ongoing education and skill development is so important.
Have patience – you know when you’ve finally got that rather large, challenging committee organized and all confirmed, and then everything falls apart.…well, that’s where patience comes in.
How do you juggle the several competing demands that come with being in a highly visible and busy office and still focus on personal wellness?
By prioritizing.
It’s easy to say but it can be a challenge when you have numerous competing priorities. I have ongoing checklists, I use my calendar, I use the reminder system, and the alarm on my phone-. use whatever tools you have to keep organized.
We have heard that you enjoy painting, and your work was featured on the Principal’s holiday card. Can you tell us more about your art?
In 2017, Principal Woolf asked me if I would be interested in creating a piece of artwork for his annual holiday card – no pressure there! I was very honoured to be asked but also slightly intimidated.
I only began painting around 1995 with the encouragement of my friend and neighbour who is a well-known artist.
I love art and I love to paint. It takes me to a different place – my happy place. I love vibrant colour and texture, experimenting with different mediums and glazes, incorporating various materials, adding and removing until it just feels right
Through my work, I try to evoke a feeling of happiness and usually, it takes on an unexpected form rather than a direct likeness. My new work is increasingly abstract in nature. I have had several shows over the years in Gananoque, Kingston, and Toronto, and for the most part, I am self-taught. I was also very pleased to have one of my paintings incorporated into the Human Rights and Equity Office’s initiative “Woman Recreated Mosaic Project”.
What is the next creative adventure that you plan to tackle?
A new art studio! The past few years have not allowed for much time to paint. It’s time to create a new space where I can be creative and inspired and get back to doing what I love...I guess that means the new skill that I need to learn is carpentry!
What would you tell someone who is just starting out at Queen’s?
Queen’s is a place of opportunity. Besides being a beautiful campus, it is also a wonderful place to thrive.
There are so many prospects for growth. I would tell someone new to make themselves a priority and invest in themselves. Too often in administrative roles, we get so busy that we sometimes miss out on the opportunities. Both personal and professional development are really important. And lastly, build relationships – learn and mentor.
Sheena is a mom of three boys and recently became a first-time grandmother on her birthday, a serendipitous coincidence that is a gift that will keep on giving.
The Great VPFA Recipes
In this section, we invite you to discover the beloved signature recipes from our VPFA colleagues. Each one carries the love and passion of the chef who crafted it and offers a window into the rich tapestry of culinary traditions that makes us unique. So, join us on this extraordinary culinary journey, where every recipe is a piece of our community's heart and soul.
Curried Chana (Chickpeas)
- Recommended by Donna Janiec, Vice-Principal (Finance and Administration)
- Vegetarian Recipe
A spicy Trinidadian dish that is both easy and flavourful, which can be a great side dish at a potluck.
Ingredients:
1 can chickpeas
1 onion chopped
2 cloves of garlic
1 tablespoon cooking oil
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon pepper sauce (hot sauce)
Salt and pepper
Method:
Drain chickpeas reserving half a cup of liquid. Sauté onion and garlic in oil; add curry powder.
Cook gently for 1 minute. Add chickpeas and fry for 5 mins. Add remaining ingredients and reserved liquid. Simmer for 15 mins.
For saucy chickpeas, cover the pan while simmering and add more liquid as desired. For drier chickpeas, leave the pan uncovered while simmering and stir often.
Serve with rice and meat or in a wrap.
Shrimp Orzo Salad
- Recommended by Tanya Iakobson, Human Resources
- Recipe based and modified from Feel Good Foodie
Tanya recently made this salad and loved it.
Ingredients:
8 ounces dry orzo
1 pound medium-large shrimp peeled and deveined
2 large scallions thinly sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
2 Persian cucumbers thinly sliced
¼ cup chopped fresh dill
Dressing:
½ medium shallot minced
1 ½ tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 ½ teaspoons oregano divided (this ingredient will be added in parts)
5 tablespoons olive oil divided (this ingredient will be added in parts)
Kosher salt to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Recommended by Sheri Sager, Human Resources
This is a handwritten recipe shared with Sheri by her sister. These muffins have been taste-tested by colleagues many times.
Ingredients:
1 ½ cup flour
¾ cup sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. salt
½ cup oil (vegetable or coconut)
¼ cup milk
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
¼ cup chocolate chips (or more to taste)
1 cup zucchini shredded
Method:
Preheat oven to 350° C.
Thoroughly mix the dry ingredients.
Add oil, milk, vanilla & egg, and mix.
Gently fold in the shredded zucchini as is and the chocolate chips. Spoon the mixture into muffin tins. Bake for 23-26 minutes or until done/toothpick comes out clean.
For mini muffins, bake for approximately 15-17 minutes.
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil, generously seasoned with salt. Cook the orzo until it reaches the desired al dente texture. Once done, drain the orzo and cool it down by rinsing it with cold water.
While the orzo is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a large bowl, combine the shallot, vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and ½ teaspoon of oregano at the bottom. Gradually pour in 4 tablespoons of oil, whisking continuously. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to your taste, and then set it aside.
Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel, and season both sides with the remaining 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and are fully cooked, which should take around 2-3 minutes. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Now, combine the cooled orzo, cooked shrimp, green onions, tomatoes, feta cheese, cucumbers, and dill in the same large bowl with the balsamic dressing. Season everything with salt and pepper to your liking. Toss to coat and serve immediately.
Note: You can prepare the orzo in advance and refrigerate it for several days, while the dressing can be made up to two weeks ahead. When stored in the fridge and covered, this salad will remain fresh for approximately 2 to 3 days.
Well At Work
Thrive Week is a series of events focused on building positive mental health for Queen's staff, faculty, and students. Thrive Week 2023 runs from October 30 – November 3, and the theme for this year is a Culture of Compassion. Please see the Thrive Registration page for a list of events and register today!
This year we will offer new categories of events AND a Meeting Free Friday. Please see the Thrive site on the Intranet for more details.
EFAP Update - TELUS Health
LifeWorks will officially transition to be known as TELUS Health One. TELUS Health One will continue to offer comprehensive and confidential support to employees and their families. Services remain unchanged, encompassing a wide range of mental health, emotional support, financial advice, and wellness resources.
Login credentials have been updated to align with the new name and brand, included below for reference and available on the HR Website and HR Intranet.
Username: queensu
Password: telushealth
Gold Folder
A printable guide for assisting employees in distress. Learn how to recognize, respond, and refer when colleagues need support. Understand the signs of distress that colleagues could be experiencing. Review resources available within Queen's, Kingston, and Ontario that can help. Please reach out to employee.wellness@queensu.ca if you would like physical copies of the Gold Card for your team.
VPFA Recommends
The acts of reading and listening foster deep connections with characters and stories, shaping individuals' understanding of themselves and the world around them. In this section dedicated to offering creative pathways and the expansion of the human mind, our colleagues share their current reads and listens as well as a few all-time favourites.
Books:
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
- Suggested by Nicki Mundell, Strategic Procurement Services (SPS) e-procurement
Genre: Non-fiction
Robin eloquently explores the intersection of Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and environmental stewardship. Through a series of essays, Robin, a Native American botanist, and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, weaves together her personal experiences, Indigenous teachings, and ecological insights to offer a unique perspective on sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and the need for environmental conservation.
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
- Suggested by Brian O'Neill, Investment Services
Genre: Fiction
Set in a future world where artificial intelligence (AI) technology is deeply integrated into society, Klara and the Sun explores the complex relationships between humans and their AI companions. The story is narrated by Klara, an AI robot with remarkable observational skills, who is designed to provide companionship to a young girl named Josie. Klara's unwavering devotion to Josie is at the heart of the narrative, and as the story unfolds, it raises questions about the nature of consciousness, the longing for connection, and the ethical implications of creating beings that mimic human emotions.
Scientist: E.O. Wilson: A Life in Nature by Richard Rhodes
- Suggested by Andy Green, Strategic Procurement Services
Genre: Non-fiction
Edward Osborne Wilson, a gifted biologist, naturalist, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and communicator, possessed a unique talent for simplifying complex ideas for the general public. This biography chronicles the life journey of a young boy who developed a passion for ants, igniting a remarkable and influential career marked by groundbreaking contributions to biodiversity. Wilson overcame numerous personal challenges and professional obstacles, navigating a fiercely competitive environment, ultimately discovering his strength in collaborating with unlikely individuals. Despite his deep philosophical and critical thinking, Wilson remained accessible and understandable to a diverse audience, leaving a lasting impression with his humility and unwavering commitment to his field. Spoiler alert: the book's most inspiring aspect is how Ed won over a long-time foe and fellow competitor James Watson (Nobel prize winner and co-discoverer of the DNA double helix). This biography is witty, intriguing, masterfully written and a fitting farewell to a brilliant scientist.
Podcasts:
Stolen: Surviving St. Michael's
- Suggested by Ruby Pettie, Human Resources
Connie Walker presents a gripping and powerful documentary podcast series that investigates the traumatic experiences of Indigenous students at St. Michael's Indian Residential School in Canada. The podcast uncovers the history of abuse, neglect, and cultural erasure that occurred at the school, shedding light on the long-lasting impact it had on survivors and their families. Through in-depth interviews, personal stories, and historical context, Connie exposes the dark legacy of the residential school system and the resilience of those who endured it. "Stolen" serves as a compelling and heartbreaking exploration of a painful chapter in Canadian history, highlighting the strength and resilience of Indigenous communities in the face of adversity.
The Sum of Us
- Suggested by Ishana Gopaul, Office of the Vice-Principal (Finance and Administration)
“Too often these days it feels like we’re more divided than ever, and the stories in this podcast are a great way to remind us that there will always be good folks all over this country who are working to bring us closer together. I just love this series. It’s inspiring and energizing." – Michelle Obama
SmartLess
- Suggested by Saneel Vasram, IT Services Directorate, Strategy and Partnerships
A popular comedy podcast hosted by actors and comedians Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, the show features the three hosts bringing on celebrity guests from various fields, including entertainment, sports, and politics. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, including personal anecdotes, career insights, and discussions on current events. "SmartLess" is known for its witty banter, humor, and the genuine camaraderie among the hosts and their guests.
Please note that if any of this content triggers discomfort or strong emotions, professional emotional support is available through Queen's Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP).
Finn Visits Douglas Library
Join us in welcoming VP “Fin”ance and Administration portfolio’s newest and furriest adventurer, Finn Cottontail! Finn is no ordinary rabbit; he's an Eastern Cottontail with an insatiable curiosity for the world around him. Follow Finn as he hops through Queen's historic campus and its enchanting surroundings, bringing joy and discovery to all he encounters.
In this special section, we invite you to embark on a delightful adventure with Finn as your guide. Today, Finn has ventured into the hallowed halls of Douglas Library, where ancient tomes and treasured manuscripts reside within Rare Books and Special Collections. Can you spot Finn in this fascinating spot replete with architectural treasures? When you find our friend, please enter your email address in this form for a chance to win a Tim Hortons gift card!
Douglas Library
Work on Douglas Library’s southern half was completed in 1923-24, making it Queen’s oldest library. The northern half was added in 1966. Named after Chancellor James Douglas, this historic landmark is faced with both Kingston and Queenston limestone. Over its extensive history, the Library has fulfilled various roles. For instance, prior to the construction of Richardson Hall in 1954, it housed the offices of the Principal and other senior officials. In 1999, a fresh addition was introduced to the library in the form of the W.D. Jordan Rare Books and Special Collections.
This dedicated segment of the Library serves as a hub for research and education, catering to Queen's University students and faculty, as well as the broader community. Within this esteemed section, you'll find a treasure trove of rare books, maps, and the remarkable Edith and Lorne Pierce Canadiana collection. Rare Books and Special Collections welcomes enthusiasts from various fields, encompassing astronomy, natural history, classics, modern languages, literature, politics, and history.
Where is Finn in the image below?
When you find our friend, please enter your email address in this form for a chance to win a Tim Hortons gift card!
