Sharyl Yore Award

Sharyl A. (Shari) Yore took early retirement from the University of Victoria in 2004 where she served as Administrative Assistant to the Provost and Vice-President Academic for 15 years.

Shari began her UVic career in January 1972 as the sessional secretary to the Ceremonies & Special Events Committee, which organized the annual convocation and scholarship/awards ceremonies as well as building openings. Parenting, part-time studies, part- and full-time work occupied the next 7 years. One extended (3+ years) work placement was as secretary to the University Review Committee, which was faculty members’ court of last resort regarding academic units’ reappointment, promotion, and tenure decisions. Other work experiences were with BC Systems Corporation, St. Joseph’s School of Nursing, an accounting firm, and numerous placements with UVic Secretarial Services. In 1985, Shari was asked to apply for the position of secretary to the Dean of the new Faculty of Engineering. This unique opportunity – to be part of a small team of engineers from elsewhere in Canada that was developing a faculty for the 21st century (and the only person with UVic experience!) – was an exciting, interesting period.

Prior to coming to Canada in 1970, Shari had senior secretarial experience at the University of Minnesota, where she was awarded a Regent’s Scholarship to take courses while working. She found the lack of institutional support at UVic for professional development and career advancement opportunities for certain employee groups or positions to be not in keeping with modern business practices. However, she appreciated and considered herself fortunate to work with deans and vice-presidents who supported her professional development activities.

Shari has been active in several professional organizations and local non-profit organizations holding leadership positions, particularly the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) locally, in Western Canada, and internationally as the Canadian representative on the Board for 2 years. During the period 2000–23, Shari collaborated with her husband, Professor Larry Yore, on the International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education’s author-mentoring service. She has edited and project-managed several books and journal special issues as part of her editorial business focus on academic publications. In 2002, the University of Victoria recognized Shari’s contributions by awarding her the first President’s Distinguished Service Award for outstanding service and dedication.