Recognizing staff achievements and contributions at Queen’s

Feature Stories | 14 Apr 2026 | Read time: 2 min | Written by: Queen's Gazette

The Special Recognition for Staff Awards recognize staff who have gone above and beyond to create a lasting positive impact across the Queen’s community. For 2025, two individual staff members and one team from Queen's Health Sciences are being recognized for their incredible work and accomplishments. Award recipients and their guests are invited to a private reception in June hosted by Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane to celebrate their tremendous achievements.

“These awards recognize the exceptional contributions of individual staff members and teams whose work strengthens our community and enriches the experiences of students, staff, faculty, and partners,” says Patrick Deane, Principal and Vice-Chancellor. “On behalf of the university, I extend my sincere congratulations to this year’s recipients. Your dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence are evident in the impact you have across campus. Through your important work, you also contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, helping to build a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future. We are deeply grateful for all that you do for Queen’s and the broader community.”

Alana Korczynski, Manager, Undergraduate Programs Office, Health Sciences

headshot of Alana Korczynski Since joining Queen’s in 2011, Alana Korczynski has played a fundamental role in transforming undergraduate education within Queen’s Health Sciences. As a leader in the development and launch of both the online and on-campus Bachelor of Health Sciences programs, she built the administrative systems and processes that enabled enrolment to grow while maintaining a high-quality student experience. Known for her innovation and problem-solving skills, Alana has improved course delivery, enhanced learning management systems, and introduced data-driven approaches to support decision-making and student success. Her leadership also promotes a collaborative and supportive work environment, empowering staff, and strengthening cross-campus partnerships. Through ongoing professional development and a deep commitment to accessibility and inclusion, her work aligns with several UN SDGs, including 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 4 (Quality Education), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Colleen Donahoe, Graduate Program Coordinator, School of Nursing

headshot of Colleen Donahoe Colleen Donahoe plays a central role in the graduate student experience and overall success of graduate Nursing and Health Quality programs at Queen’s, exceeding expectations by serving as both a highly effective administrator and a strategic partner. Drawing on extensive institutional knowledge, she ensures continuity, efficiency, and strong policy alignment, while proactively addressing complex issues and supporting program development. Deeply committed to student success, Colleen provides thoughtful, individualized guidance to help students navigate challenges. Her collaborative approach strengthens coordination across leadership, faculty, and administrative units, improving overall program effectiveness. Colleen’s work advances the UN SDGs, particularly 4 (Quality Education), through her dedication to student-centered learning, and 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), through her continuous improvement of processes and systems. Her professionalism and innovation have had a lasting impact on students, programs, and the broader Queen’s community.

Postgraduate Medical Education Team, School of Medicine

diverse group of Queen's staff members standing in a group and smiling at the camera — L to R: Jeremy Solomatenko, Jordan Sinnett, Lara McKinlay, Leslie Barroso, Amanda Villeneuve, Christine McCallum, Karen Spilchen, Jen Nolan, Isabel Gastelú, Laura McEwen, and Nicholas Snider. Not pictured: Denis Jones.

The Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) team has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and collaboration in advancing postgraduate medical education and institutional excellence. Through the redesign of key systems, including a streamlined trainee registration platform supporting over 600 learners, the team has significantly improved operational efficiency and user experience. Their commitment to supporting program assistants, program and fellowship directors, enhancing internal processes, and fostering a positive hybrid work environment has strengthened both productivity and workplace well-being. The team’s impact extends to learner support, where innovative wellness initiatives, improved communication strategies, and enhanced resources have created a more inclusive and supportive training environment. Their forward-thinking work in accreditation readiness, national engagement, and award-winning communications has elevated Queen’s reputation across the medical education community. The PGME team’s initiatives strongly align with UN SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 4 (Quality Education), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and 13 (Climate Action), reflecting a deep commitment to sustainability, equity, and excellence. Collectively, their contributions have had a profound and lasting impact on learners, employees, faculty, and the broader academic community.

Nominations for the 2026 Special Recognition for Staff Awards will open in the fall. All forms and instructions are available on the HR Intranet.

Read time

2 min

Written by

Queen's Gazette

Recognizing staff achievements and contributions at Queen’s

Alana Korczynski, Manager, Undergraduate Programs Office, Health Sciences

Colleen Donahoe, Graduate Program Coordinator, School of Nursing

Postgraduate Medical Education Team, School of Medicine

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