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Reward an excellent result for lecturer

June 23, 2004

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Dr Mary Notestine’s devotion to fostering a climate of fairness and equal opportunity at the University of New England has been officially recognised. The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ingrid Moses, has presented Dr Notestine with the 2004 Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Equity. Dr Notestine, a Senior Lecturer in Zoology in the Faculty of The Sciences, comes originally from Utah in the United States. Working at UNE, she quickly developed (and has maintained) a strong commitment to the University. She has played a prominent role in committees and networks set up to develop and implement the University’s equal-opportunity and anti-discrimination policies, and has been a UNE Ombudsman since 1998.

“Mary’s commitment to equal opportunity principles in the workplace, and her untiring support of equity principles, have made an invaluable contribution to the University’s goal of providing an inclusive environment that is open and supportive of staff and students, and free from discrimination and harassment,” Professor Moses said in reading the citation for the award. Dr Notestine said she felt “very honoured” by the award. “It’s a highlight of my career,” she said. “I see it as a recognition of my commitment to equity and the University.”

She said she was very happy to have been part of a movement in which, over the years, people had become more tolerant of diversity. “I see women being more willing to speak out,” she said. “I see students, too, being more willing to speak out if they’re being discriminated against. I feel I’ve contributed to that.”

“Mary has always found time to provide advice and support to people facing difficult situations,” Professor Moses said. “Her courage in speaking out against injustice is exemplary. She is forthright and able to see clearly both sides of a situation and, as a result, is able to provide appropriate advice and assistance.”

As a prominent and active member of the UNE branch of the National Tertiary Education Union (which represents the individual, industrial and professional interests of all tertiary-education staff), Dr Notestine assists members on an individual basis whenever needed.

Media contact: Jim Scanlan, Public Relations, UNE, Armidale (02) 6773 3049.
A photograph of Dr Mary Notestine (right) after receiving the award from Professor Ingrid Moses (left) is at:
http://smithserver.une.edu.au/photography/media/notestine.jpg

Posted by Lydia Roberts at June 23, 2004 11:38 AM