Educational Excellence Earns Accolade
Long-time instructor and advocate named for the 2012 alumni award, Mrs. Giardin is one of the longest-serving instructors at the School of Dental Hygiene and has been tapped to receive one of the highest honours in the profession.
Mrs. Diane Girardin has been named to receive the 2012 Alumni of Distinction award for the School of Dental Hygiene at the University of Manitoba. A member of the Class of 1972 Mrs. Girardin has split her time between private practice and teaching at the school. Since joining the school’s staff in 1993, she has been the recipient of 20 teaching awards including three in the Most Inspirational Teacher category.
“Diane’s most notable quality is her infectious enthusiasm towards her profession, her colleagues and her students,” said Prof. Salme Lavigne, who spent over a decade as Director of the School of Dental Hygiene, leaving the post two years ago. “She has a cheerful disposition and truly inspires her students to learn and be the best they can be. Her commitment to the profession is unquestionable, serving in all capacities, from local to provincial to national levels.”
Mrs. Girardin held terms as president for the Manitoba Dental Hygienists Association and the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association and is a founding member of the University of Manitoba School of Dental Hygiene Alumni Association. She has also served on numerous committees, volunteer groups and academic and advisory boards.
“Diane has proven to be one of the school’s most reliable and dedicated instructors,” said Dr. Joanna Asadoorian, current Director of the School of Dental Hygiene. “Her devotion to the profession is infectious and is passed along to all of her students. Her positive attitude and bright outlook make her an ideal role model and mentor for all of her colleagues.”
Dental Hygiene Alumni Reunions
Did you know?
Dental hygiene graduates from Manitoba have always been very active in their professional associations.
In addition to activity in the Manitoba Dental Hygienists Association, they have provided 9 of the 30 presidents of the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association between 1965 and 1987, a record unmatched by any other educational program.