Alumni establish award in employee's memory

For two College of Medicine alumni, it was a special staff member’s kindness that impacted their lives and led them to establish an award in in her memory.

Dr. Ivan Jen (MD’60) and his wife Dr. Suzanne Yip (MD’60) were students in the College of Medicine where they met Sydney Inskip, the secretary to Dean Wendall McLeod.

“The moment we met Sydney, we felt that there was something special about her,” said Ivan. “She was so warm, so understanding, so helpful, and simply wonderful in so many ways.”

Retired after completing successful medical careers – Ivan as a dermatologist and Suzanne as a radiologist – the couple wanted to show their appreciation for staff members whose contributions make a positive difference in the college.

Ivan and Suzanne established the Sydney Inskip Service Award, presented annually to a College of Medicine employee for outstanding service and commitment. The family’s donation–along with a planned gift through their estate–continues a legacy of giving to their alma mater.

“Suzanne and I felt very strongly that the non-academic administrative staff should also be recognized and honoured for their many remarkable and exceptional contributions to the college and to students,” explained Ivan.

He noted that Sydney was a beloved staff member during her 32-year career in the college, with an impact that reached far beyond the dean’s office.

“Her kindness, generosity, commitment to serve, willingness to help as well as her giving, caring spirit, not only touched many medical students profoundly,” said Ivan. “But also brought respect and gratitude from many other non-academic administrative staff, faculties and co-workers inside and outside the college and the university.”

The 2017 Sydney Inskip Award recipient was Krystyna Schornagel.