2024 Peak Performance Recipients

Nov. 8, 2024

Congratulations to this year’s Peak Performance Award recipients –Ashley Fossen, Susan Helwig and Sue Nagy. 

At the core of the Mike Petryk School of Dentistry's operations is its support staff; good support staff are the backbone of the business — the strength that links the strategic and tactical activities of the department. They provide day-to-day operational support to faculty members and students, and the school programs. The school values the contributions made by support staff, and through its awards program, officially recognizes the work people do in maintaining the day-to-day operations while striving for excellence.

Ashley Fossen

Ashley Fossen is the Advanced Imaging Coordinator in Radiology and she is the successful recipient of the Peak Performance Award in the Fostering an Environment and Culture of Innovation category.  Ashley has been described as someone who consistently goes above and beyond her daily responsibilities. She is known for developing solutions to optimize the services of the advanced imaging center. In 2021, Ashley proved her ability to think creatively and “outside the box” with the implementation of the in-house CBCT reporting services including incorporating a new scan system.  She took a proactive approach in updating the CBCT protocols from acquisition to quality assessment, ensuring that all users were informed of the new practices.  

Susan Helwig

Susan Helwig is the Supervisor of the Orthodontology Graduate Program and she is the successful recipient of the Peak Performance Award in the Team category. Susan is being recognized for her expertise in clinical practices, patient booking, and treatment coordinating. Over the years she has been with the Mike Petryk School of Dentistry she has served as an invaluable resource for both new staff and students providing them with the support they need to excel. Susan embodies the spirit of collaboration through her ability to be fair and her willingness to work up solutions to work-related issues/challenges. What her colleagues appreciate greatly is when Susan jumps in and rolls up her sleeves to help when they are overloaded. Her calm and pragmatic approach to her work makes her approachable and able to see alternative perspectives to everyday challenges.

Sue Nagy

Sue Nagy is the DDS Year 1 & 2 Program Administrator in the Student and Academic Services Team. Sue is the successful recipient of the Peak Performance Award in the Team category.  Sue consistently demonstrates dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence, in her daily work and interactions with people. She plays a crucial role in supporting course directors in their administrative tasks, including navigating eClass, exam preparations and calendar.med (Cally) entries. What truly sets her apart is her ability to manage heavy workloads with a calm and positive demeanor, creating a supportive atmosphere for everyone around her. According to one course director, her patience and expertise has been the backbone of her course preparation, and her willingness to step in wherever needed has made a significant difference to their work. Not only is Sue well organized and hardworking, but she is also remarkably approachable and always willing to assist with a warm and genuine smile in a timely manner.