As 2025 comes to a close, faculty and staff in Earth and Environmental Sciences are looking back on a year of milestones. Four members are being recognized for their long-time service to the department, and six are also stepping into retirement.
Service awards
Long-time service awards were acknowledged at a celebration to mark the end of the year.
Lorraine Albrecht (45 years), Administrative Assistant
Lorraine is the backbone of the department’s daily operations and keeps everything running smoothly. Whether it’s organizing Farvolden Day, department socials, or managing countless behind-the-scenes tasks, she ensures every event and process is seamless. Her deep institutional knowledge makes her the go-to person for answers and solutions, and she has built community through her genuine connections with current and past department members. Lorraine also received the first-ever Staff Excellence Award in recognition of her exceptional service to the department. She retires next year and will be greatly missed!
Christine Hanton-Fong (30 years), Financial Officer
Chris has an amazing ability to piece together complex details and find proactive solutions that keep us moving forward. Her understanding of both the operating and research sides of finances at Waterloo—which can be incredibly complex—is second to none. She’s always thinking ahead, making sure processes run smoothly and that others succeed. Whether it’s navigating financial procedures or helping us tackle new challenges, Chris does it with confidence and care.
David Rudolph (35 Years), Professor
Dave models Waterloo’s core institutional values of think differently, act with purpose, and work together. He served as Department Chair (2016 to 2021) and Director of the Water Institute (2009 to 2012). His dedication to student supervision was recognized by an Award of Excellence in Graduate Supervision, and his innovative groundwater research program has been highlighted by the prestigious international awards such as the Henry Darcy Distinguished Lecturer in Groundwater Science and Robert N. Farvolden Award.
Richard Elgood (35 Years), Research Coordinator
As the laboratory manager and research coordinator of the large Environmental Geochemistry research program led by Dr. Sherry Schiff, Richard proved to be a tireless and dedicated mentor and supervisor to undergraduate students, graduate students, and research staff. He provided leadership and oversight of a comprehensive analytical facility and challenging field work campaigns that were critical to the establishment of a world-class and award-winning watershed biogeochemistry research program. Richard is retiring this year.
Retirements
Other members of the department also moved into retirement this year. Retiring faculty are Mario Coniglio, who stepped down as Department Chair for the second time in June, and Shaun Frape. Retiring staff are Richard Elgood, Bill Marks and Joy Hu.
A warm congratulations to everyone celebrating milestones in Earth and Environmental Sciences this year!