CUCCIO Awards 2024: A ‘claws’ for celebration
The CUCCIO awards aren’t just a highlight of the CANHEIT conference – it's a dedicated moment to shine a light on the incredible achievements of our Canadian education IT community. This year's event, held amidst the festivities at CANHEIT 2024 at Dalhousie University, was no exception. It provided a platform to recognize truly exceptional individuals and institutions who are leading the charge in innovation, collaboration and IT leadership. The dedication and ingenuity on display were humbling, and the recipients of this year's awards are more than deserving of this recognition.
Bo Wandschneider, CIO of the Year
Bo Wandschneider, CIO, University of Toronto; Lindsay Sill, Executive Director, CUCCIO; Dana Sanderson, CIO, University of Prince Edward Island; at "A ‘Claws’ for Celebration, CANHEIT 2024, June 18, 2024. Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The prestigious CIO of the Year award goes to Bo Wandschneider, CIO of the University of Toronto. Bo's leadership has been instrumental in shaping information technology at the University of Toronto, but his reach extends far beyond. As a founder and steward of CanSSOC, Bo has made Canada’s critical infrastructure more secure. His creative involvement in, and enthusiastic endorsement of, best practices in all three pillars of Digital Research Infrastructure (RDM, Research Software, and ARC), but particularly RDM, has greatly benefited Canadian researchers. As a friend, mentor, and leader he has touched so many in the community. He serves and supports higher education, and CUCCIO, with everything he does. We wish Bo Wandschneider the best of luck as he also announced his imminent retirement as the CIO at the University of Toronto.
Mike Patterson and Laleh Mosadegh Recognized as Emerging Leaders
Mike Patterson, University of Waterloo, and Lindsay Sill, Executive Director, CUCCIO; at “A ‘Claws’ for Celebration” during CANHEIT 2024, June 18, 2024. (Laleh Mosadegh was unable to attend CANHEIT). Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The Emerging Leader Award recognizes the future stars of Canadian education IT. The 2024 recipients are Mike Patterson of the University of Waterloo and Laleh Mosadegh of the University of British Columbia. Both Patterson and Mosadegh have demonstrated unique and exceptional potential. We are so happy to share how they continue to advance IT in Canadian higher education.
Nipissing University earns the Innovation Award for Digital Student IDs Project
Heather Hersemeyer, Director, University Technology Services, Nipissing University; Lindsay Sill, Executive Director, CUCCIO; at “A ‘Claws’ for Celebration” during CANHEIT 2024, June 18, 2024. Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The Innovation Award celebrates projects that leverage technology to create positive change. The 2024 winner is Nipissing University for their visionary "Digital Student IDs" project. This initiative promises to streamline campus life and enhance security for students and staff.
NB/PEI ECN Named Collaboration Award Recipient for After-hours Security Operations Centre (SOC)
Mark Humphries, CIO / AVP ITS University of New Brunswick; Dana Sanderson, CIO University of Prince Edward Island; Jennifer Burns, AVP IT, CIO, The University of British Columbia; Lindsay Sill, Executive Director, CUCCIO; at “A ‘Claws’ for Celebration” at CANHEIT 2024, June 18, 2024. Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The Collaboration Award recognizes the power of teamwork. The 2024 recipient is the New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island Educational Computer Network (NB/PEI ECN) for their collaborative After-hours Security Operations Centre (SOC) project. This initiative demonstrates the strength of collaboration in safeguarding our institutions.
These awards represent just a glimpse of the incredible talent and dedication within the Canadian education IT community. Congratulations to all of the recipients! Let's continue to inspire each other as we work together to build a stronger and more innovative future for Canadian higher education.